The owners say the inside has been completely gutted

One of Albany's most famous bars, especially among college students, plans on reopening its doors in June. The Washington Tavern at 250 Western Avenue has been closed for about a year. 

Previous owner Michael Byron owned Washington Tavern for 47 years. He sold the bar in 2018. When the pandemic hit, the venue fell on hard times and never recovered. The tavern closed in 2023. 

The new owners, Justin Schmiemann and John Corallo of J&J Investment properties, bought the building in March of 2023 and have spent the last year giving the inside a complete overhaul. Schmiemann tells News 10 customers can expect a whole new interior, with new floors, new decor, new lighting and a new bar. 

It’s going to be a place you can come with your friends or family and sit down and have a good meal and also watch different sporting events on TV and have a fun time

The owners plan to keep the bar's iconic name when they reopen in early June. Specific hours have not been announced, but they plan to be open for lunch, dinner and late night.