User Reviews for A J's Seafood & Oyster Bar

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Jul 26, 2005 by Bill Lightfoot from Wmsburg, Va.
Overall Rating: 10
Food:[10] • Service:[10] • Atmosphere:[10]

“The first time I went to A.J.'s in Albany, I hadn't been in the city for some 18 years. A.J.'s wasn't even there when I lived there. I happened to visit A.J.'s because a girl I dated worked there as a waitress. Upon my first impression, I thought "oh boy, this place looks like some sort of redneck bar." I couldn't have been more wrong. Although the atmosphere is "casual" to say the least, it is probably one of the most comfortable places I have ever been. All questions about quality are resolved when the food arrives. My friend and I ordered the shrimp special: Your choice of steamed or fried shrimp. Having worked as a chef for the past 30 years, there is a formula I use for grading a restaurants food. If they do the fried food well, then they can do it all. The people at A.J.'s probably don't even realize how well they prepare fried shrimp there. My criteria is simple: Is it overbreaded? No. Is it overcooked? No. Is it hot? Yes, and served fresh, not having sat under a heat lamp for half an hour or so. The steamed shrimp was equally as good. Not overcooked, served at the proper temperature, etc.

Now, when you first walk into A.J.'s you might get the impression that all is not right there, but all you need to do is order from one of thier friendly waitresses and the proof is in the service and on the plate. A.J.'s is perfect proof that you don't need white linen to serve good, quality food. Have a beer with that shrimp; it is just as cold as the food is hot.”

6 of 7 people found this review helpful.