🍸️ The Larkin Hi-Fi comes to a tragic end—for everyone

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Happy Tuesday, Capital Region! Today, we meet up with Nick Warchol to talk about why he’s shutting down the Larkin Hi-Fi Bar, after months of fighting with the powers that be in Albany. It’s yet another Lark Street establishment that’s throwing in the towel, but this one has a much bigger story behind it.

And apologies for our (very) late send tonight for the newsletter. We’re still working out the kinks of this once-a-week thing, and honestly, we’re considering going back to 2x a week (but with some changes). More on that next week!

—Phat X. Chiem & Karley Sullivan

The end of the Larkin Hi-Fi is a massive failure for Albany

Nick Warchol is done fighting.

He’s done fighting the city, the neighborhood association, the NIMBY naysayers of Center Square, the Common Council, and all the bureaucrats that make it impossible to properly run a business in Albany.

And so, the Larkin Hi-Fi Bar that he co-owns is shutting its doors.

This should come as devastating news to everyone in the city—even for the residents who called in noise complaints against the Lark Street establishment.

A Lark Street that’s depressing and dead benefits no one. We all lose when businesses like the Larkin, Ama Concina, and El Loco Cafe say they can’t survive because the conditions are lousy in Albany. We all lose when a major cultural hub like Lark Street goes dim.

We personally love the Larkin Hi-Fi. We were there for their New Year’s Eve party. Now, they’re putting away the vinyl for good, and there’s one less reason to head down to Lark Street, which can’t seem to get out of its post-Covid death spiral.

The city says it’s spent “millions of dollars” investing in Lark Street. Frankly, it’s hard to see. From the looks of it, Albany’s insanely bureaucratic cabaret law is proving itself to be a major roadblock to maintaining a thriving nightlife scene in the city.

Nick and his business partner, Aaron Wilson, say they’ve lost a combined $150,000 on the bar, which opened just last summer. They’ve also lost the will to fight for its survival.

“It's just been an uphill battle every step of the way,” Nick tells us in an interview. “I was not welcomed, and it really seemed like everybody just gave me problems… Now, I just don't have the time or the energy to try anymore.”

Nick is one of the founders of Herbie’s Burger, which is set to open a new location in Brooklyn soon. With his partners, he’s focused on expanding the popular burger chain—rather than losing time, money, and his sanity on a bar that the city seems determined to shut down, tooth and nail.

“Maybe by closing the bar we’ll draw some attention to how inhospitable it is for businesses on Lark Street, and maybe this will open some eyes to the fact that something has to change,” Nick says. “But, I don't have time to lead a revolution to change the laws of Albany and make it conducive to running a business.”

Jesse Sommer, who owns the New Scotland Spirits Tasting Room on Lark, has said that residents who choose to live near the historic entertainment corridor essentially have a civic duty to put up with the noise and traffic for the greater good of the city.

We agree 100%. You can’t have a real city without neighborhoods that are alive with nightlife. And that means loud music, crowds, and traffic. It just does. (Also, crowds chase away panhandlers and make the street safer at night.)

Do we want Albany to be a real city or not?

The Larkin Hi-Fi’s last day will be this Friday, when they’re putting on their Final Party. Be sure to pay your respects with an espresso martini or three. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, we owe something to Nick & Aaron for trying to make Albany less boring, at their own personal expense.

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🗳️ It’s Election Day! Polls will be open until 9 pm tonight. Don’t know your polling place? Click here to find it.

🏆️ Yelp has released its annual list of the Best Places to Eat “in the Albany area.” For starters, a few of these places are in Catskills and Hudson, which is arguably not anywhere near Albany. Still, some of our all-time faves are here, including Mystic Momo, Meat & Company, Iron Gate Cafe, and Bitchin’ Donuts.

🍩 Speaking of Bitchin’ Donuts, the Lark Street shop suffered smoke and water damage from a nearby fire on Monday. Looks like they will be able to reopen though! Jesse Sommer, who’s running as a write-in candidate for Albany Common Council President in today’s election, is hosting a fundraiser tonight at Bar Vegan (100% of proceeds will go toward helping Bitchin’ Donuts get back on their feet).

💰️ Jobs of the rich: See what the highest earning people in the Capital Region and New York State do for a living. Want to be in the 10% of earners in the region? You need to make at least $132,000 a year. [Times Union]

Nestled on a quiet street in friendly Delmar, this well-maintained Colonial comes with lots of extras. Inside, the hardwood floors set the stage for quality spaces with a refreshing open feel. Highlights include the wonderful stretches of hardwood floors, gas fireplace insert, granite countertops, three-season greenhouse, and Trex deck. Upstairs, the fresh feeling continues, while the large (but cozy) finished basement is perfect for a project or workout space. The spacious yard and custom shed will draw you out for a breath of fresh air, while energy-efficient windows keep the indoors comfortable.

The location really does cinch the deal, with an easy walk or bike ride to schools, shops, and parks. Did we mention the top-rated public high school district, and the new Trader Joe’s just down the road in Glenmont? Better make a bid on this baby before its gone.

The deets: 3 bd, 2 ba, 1630 sf. Asking: $425,000. Days on market: 6. See the full listing here.

⭐️ 🖼️ First Friday Albany | Now curated by Metroland, the city’s monthly celebration of arts and music returns this week. Two highlights: The opening reception for Opalka Gallery’s PhotoRegional Exhibition, which features artists working within 100 miles of Albany; and the Albany Institute of History & Art’s opening reception for “From the Hudson to the Nile: Dows Dunham and the Archaeology of Egypt and Sudan.” Fri, mostly free events.

⭐️ 🥾 4th Annual Ruck March | Even if you don’t load up a backpack with pounds of canned food and complete the 6.8-mile trek, the Ruck March in Voorheesville is a community-driven affair with a fun finishers’ reception at Northern Barrell. The fundraiser benefits three nonprofits that support vets and first responders. Read our story on the event here. Sat, kicks off at 1:30p. $30 per participant.

⭐️ 🍸️ Drink Albany 2025 | Hosted by the Capital Craft Beverage Trail, this popup craft beverage market and tasting event celebrates the best local breweries and spirit makers in the Capital Region. New this year, the event takes place at the Albany Armory where adult games will be set up among the tasting tables. Sat, 6–9p. Tix: $42.33 for general admission, $76.91 for VIP; and $7.75 for designated drivers.

⭐️ ⛪️ Built 2025 | Historic Albany Foundation puts on a weekend celebrating the art, artists and architecture of the Capital Region. Activities include the annual art exhibit and auction, a cocktail reception, and the Holiday Shop. In keeping with HAF’s effort to highlight the ongoing issue of urban churches being vacated, HAF will be holding the event at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Albany’s Center Square neighborhood. Various times, Thur-Sun. Cocktail reception on Sat, 6–9 pm. Tix: Free–$150.

⭐️ 👩‍🎨 Open Studios at Upstairs Arts Collective | This evening will be a rare opportunity to meet the 20 artists in the building, tour their studios, see the artwork, collaborate on interactive art-making activities, and purchase an array of affordable art. The night will also feature two pop-up events: At 7:30 pm, a drag show hosted by painter Robyn Hemlock. And at 8 pm, in poet/collage artist Matthew Klane’s studio, will be a special edition of the monthly poetry and performance series Salon Salvage (featuring poetry, nonfiction, and music, from both regional and national artists).

MORE NOTABLE EVENTS THIS WEEK

🍤 The 20th anniversary Saratoga County Restaurant Week is underway! Pick from $15 lunches, $25 or $35 dinners.'

🎭️ The Union College Theatre Department presents “Pippin,” a charming and irreverent musical review that tells the story of a young prince's search for meaning in his life.

TUESDAY

🧶 Honor the wonderful work of conceptual fiber artist John McQueen, through Sunday at the Tang Museum.

🧙‍♀️ Grab your flying monkeys and catch “Wicked” at Proctors, through Sunday.

WEDNESDAY

🤔 At the Downtown Albany Strategy Open House, residents will give their input into the development opportunities, policies, and programs that will make the biggest difference for downtown and Albany as a whole.

🥃 Indulge at Whiskey & Chocolate Night in Saratoga, at Putnum Place.

✍️ The New York Writers Institute is putting on a marathon reading of William Kennedy’s 1975 novel, “Legs,” while collecting cash donations to benefit the Sacred Heart Food Pantry, located at Kennedy’s former parish in North Albany. Come raise a toast to Albany’s most celebrated writer!

THURSDAY

🍷 Ten Broeck Mansion Gala 2025: Raise the Roof III is a fundraiser for the historic mansion’s education center.

FRIDAY

🚗 See the latest and greatest on four wheels at the Albany Auto Show. At the MVP Arena through Sunday.

🚨Cap Region Feud tests contestants’ knowledge of the Capital Region for prize money. At Lark Hall.

🔈️ Stroll through the HASS Open Studio 2025 to see installations in progress at EMPAC.

😂 Schenectady’s laugh factory MopCo Improv celebrates its 30th year.

SATURDAY

💀 Zenith Market | The Albany Twilight Market is taking a daytime detour to Troy! Taking over the Arts Center of the Capital Region, vendors will be showing off all kinds of oddities, art and apparel at this fan-favorite market.

🇷🇺 There’s sure to be some pelmeni (Russian dumplings) at the Taste of Russia Festival.

🧵 Weave together with Family Saturday: Woven Wonders at the Tang Museum

🎃 Have a blast recycling your Halloween gourds at the Pumpkin Smash Community Compost at Pitney Meadows Community Farm.

🍁 The Harvest Craft Festival kicks off your holiday shopping in Malta.

SUNDAY

⏺️ The Albany Record Riot is your chance to browse 20,000 LPs in one room!

💃 Swing into Sunday with the Belleville Swing Band at MoJo’s Cafe or hold tight for James Mullen later in the evening.

Our music listings are now published separately on The 518 website. Click here.

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