The Bears is by Reservation Only (in advance) from my understanding. Like a week or two in advance.
Originally Posted by AlbanyBlonde
You are correct. The Bears does require reservations one or two weeks in advance. Only open 4 or 5 evenings per week. Only two seatings each night - 530pm and 8pm. Only about 50 seats total.. You can order in advance - Prime Rib or Chateau Briand ( sp ? ). You tell them how many in your party and if for example you say 6, there is enough food for 8 or 9. . Served on large platters family style. Mother makes soups, breads, and deserts, one son is chef ( father used to be chef, but no longer there ) , other son - John- is waiter along with wife of the chef. Ask for John as your waiter- he is fantastic.Appetizers are great .
Warning- don't fill up on appetizers, soups, and bread because the meat, veggies and potatoes will fill you up. And leave a little room for the desserts.
We have been going there for over 25 years now and it is our " special occasion " restaurant. Prices are high, but well worth it. A few years ago, I had a college friend from NYC come to Albany and we took them to the Bears. This man and his wife traveled all over the world in his capacity as a CFO for a big metal company. And he said that this was the best steak he has ever had and they both loved the atmosphere.
Our last visit was a celebration when my daughter got engaged 3 years ago- My family and my son in laws family. Great time.
And a bonus is that the restaurant is next door to a skydiving club and you can watch people jumping out of the planes .