sweet red bistro

terrible for what it tries to be. while displaying a few high end alcohols the well drinks are 5.50 and made with monarch, which is among the cheapest of brands. the menu doesn't make sense, for a "bistro." the hours aren't specific on closing times, and the manager is terrible to her employees. she also has a really fake personality, she wears a smile, but you can tell she is judging the crap out of you. the food isn't worth what they charge, the tuna comes from a can, the soup tasted like it had been reheated several times before. the "chicken bruschetta" isn't really a bruschetta, it is mashed potatoes with chicken and some diced tomatoes; bruschetta is kinda like pico de gallo, expect italian style. the tomatoes are there, but the bruschetta is incomplete. the place really needs some work as well as the manager.

love sweet red. this is the best restaurant around! the atmosphere is amazing. it doesn't feel like you're in albany. they recently opened a bar and have bomb martinis. you have to try the tiramisu martini. it is made with real mascarpone cheese!

my favorite for dinner is the the spicy shrimp pasta. app is the asparagus with prosciutto and parmesan cheese. omg pepper jelly and goat cheese is delicious too. i have been there for lunch, and the chicken pesto panini is yummy. they have a pastry chef and pretty desserts :)

it is worth the drive to visit sweet red. you have check them out.

i've been to sweet red a few times and every time i go the cheese platter is my appetizer. moreover, with the addition of the bar a double ipa also comes with every meal i've had there. if you're wanting something just to drink or eat or maybe both check out sweet red.

not bad for albany but definitely is missing the mark.

sweet red is the closest thing to a proper coffee shop in downtown albany. the only other coffee shop options in town are drive thrus and grocery store starbucks. the food menu is simple but fairly decent- the drinks are also fairly good but they suffer the same strange malady that most other coffee shops in the valley suffer from- they put ice in their cream (counter productive?) and think iced coffee entails pouring burning hot coffee over ice (this makes for slightly milky coffee flavored water). the other downside is they don't allow access to their wi-fi so it really is lacking in terms of being a good spot to kill an hour over coffee and a pastry during the otherwise dead times at the establishment.
i know this is trying to be more of a wine bar/ dinner spot- but with a tiny bit of effort on the coffee shop end of things- this could be a place that attracts a much larger crowd during the day as well. and there is truly no other competition of the sort nearby.

awesome food in albany. we visited over labor day weekend and just happened to stop by this place.. we had been to a 'pub' across the street that was out of most of the beer that was on the menu. so we went to sweet red, where we got to taste the great beer from hop valley. we had the wedge salad, and the prime rib special. everything was delicious! prices are well within reason for quality and portion size. service was great, and the owners were both there. we spoke with them a little, and they are very passionate about what they are doing! we had a great experience, and look forward to visiting here again. if you are anywhere near the corvallis/ albany area, check out sweet red!

my favorite place. oh my gosh! i love sweet red! words can not describe my experience of this restaurant. each time my husband and i have eaten there the staff has been knowledgable and helpful. i love the wine pairing dinners. the food is fabulous. i enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. this weekend the pastry chef helped to put a catering order together so i could host a woman's meeting in my home. as one of my guest put it " this is stunning" - with positive accolades from all the women in attendance.
thank you -

not impressed with my last sweet reds visit. i came in to order my wife's usual, the tomato gorgonzola soup and roasted brussels sprouts. by volume, that's 1.5 cups of soup and 2 cups of brussels sprouts (i measured) for $17! i have to say that i left the restaurant feeling disappointed. the cost was for the quality and portion was off the mark. having been a former restaurant manager, a soup portion of that size generally ranged from $3-$5, meaning i would have served twice the portion for this cost. will surely think twice when i consider sweet reds next time.

saturday night my friends and i enjoyed sweet red's 10 course tasting & wine pairing menu. we had put the plans in motion in december and i was eagerly anticipating the 3 hour event! most of us arrived at 8 except one who was running behind. cindy, the owner and our hostess graciously insisted we at least get things flowing with some champagne while we waited. soon enough all were present and everything was put in motion.
i really enjoyed this as it samples a broad spectrum of the menu in petite portions allowing you to finish each course. i have had most the items offered here but new to me was the french onion soup (delicious!) and beef medallions (i am learning to tolerate bleu cheese). the wines i most enjoyed were the edelweiss, merlot & pinot fusion. i learned that all of her wines are from the northwest save the champagen.
the presentation is well paced. as you finish a course the dishes are quickly picked up. the wine on the other hand is left for you until you finish it or don't want it. in which case she placed a large goblet on the table for said wine to be poured into. (a mix that became a topic of many dares to try throughout the night!) she figures in the course of the evening you consume at least a full bottle of wine while you dine and visit. i pretty sure i a few extra ounces as my girlfriend passed me a few of hers. needless to say as things progress you certianly start to feel it. it is recomended/required that you either have a dd, get a cab, or get picked up. one of our party didn't drink and she still had a blast visiting.
everyone had fun and enjoyed the mini-meals and wine. one girl was a strong sceptic salmon but wound up giving it praises! the cheve cheese & pepper jelly was also a big hit. i think this menu has something for everyone. (although i did hear one husband didn't come because it wasn't "manly".) the set up is at the back of the restaurant away from the majority of diners. she requires at least 6 for this offering but could accomadate 8 to 10. at least a weeks notice gives them time to prepare. also note it will set you back $60. we will definitely consider doing this again in the future. it is rumored the menu will get a shake up in the spring/summer time and i am looking forward to it.


-----18 nov, 2011-----

just missed lunch!. i stopped by today with the hope of trying their tomato gorgonzola soup by it was about 8 minutes past two and it was all put away. i was somewhat taken aback when they told me lunch was over at two. dinner didn't start until five! so for three hours they apparently only serve coffee drinks & pastries. this was not noted on their facebook page either. next time i won't be late.
that aside they have done a wonderful job giving this location a face lift! i almost felt out of place in my work jacket and broncos hat. they could easily open this joint in portland on appearance alone. they went with a red and black theme and a classy almost old-timey feel. it is a notable upgrade from the boccherini's era.
after i ordered a latte i had some (too much) time to look around and spotted 4 beers on tap. one in particular caught my eye! hop valley vanilla infused porter brewed in springfield! i'll be back for this. (and perhaps some wine.) i briefly talked to one of the owners and complimented him on the establishment. i left with my just ok latte and walked across the street for and actual sandwich & soup! like i said i will be back for a review on the food but i like what i see so far.

fantastic!. great service, wonderful people, good ambiance and a fantastic menu! it's like a more casual version of the vault.

delicious & relaxing. had dinner at sweet red bistro tonight. what a pleasant surprise, we didn't want to leave. you get the feeling you are in a quaint little bistro in europe. great service(exceptional) even had reader glasses and a nice little flash light to read menu although we could see fine. the steamed clams were the best we've ever had on west coast and hawaii. great wine and a nice variety of loose leaf hot tea. this is a must experience dining experience in albany!!!!

a great find in albany. the sweet red coffee and wine bistro is better than the old boccerini's. an interesting menu, dead on prices and rennovations that feel comfortable and encourage you to stay. try the bagles & lox with smoked salmon, capers etc.
the menues for breakfast, lunch and dinner are healthy and yet interesting. the belgium waffles are worth the trip just on their own.