Bogey's Bar & Grill offers new entertainment options in old First Round location

ALBANY - Many things have changed in the historic district of Albany over the past year.

New restaurants, new businesses and growth have altered the interior landscapes of buildings that have stood for more than a hundred years.

Those changes are hidden behind a seldom-altered facade that fools the average passerby into thinking everything is the same.

One such shift in business is Bogey's Bar & Grill at 129 First Ave. W.

The former First Round not only got a change in ownership last March, but a change in services and entertainment to appeal to a variety of customers.

The expansion from simple bar food to a full menu is a highlight of this establishment.

"It used to be a night club, but that's not what we are," Manager Auzenda Smith said. "We wanted to cater to breakfast, lunch and dinner."

With that in mind, Bogey's opens every morning at 7 a.m. to offer breakfast to the early risers.

Primary menu items for lunch and dinner include sandwiches, hamburgers, steaks, salads and wraps.

Menu specials change monthly, and there's the weekly Taco Tuesday, from 4 to 7 p.m., with tacos two for $2.

Minors are allowed on the premises until 8 p.m., making it a restaurant the entire family can enjoy.

On-site service isn't the only way to enjoy Bogey's menu. Orders are accepted via phone, and the bar and grill offers delivery primarily in the downtown area (you can call 926-8900 to ask about additional areas).

Bogey's prepares lunches for business meetings, and eventually Smith hopes the bar and grill will be able to offer catering on more than a limited basis.

A great menu isn't the only thing Bogey's has cooked up.

Every Monday, the restaurant hosts games, trivia and specials while customers enjoy the Monday night football games on any of the three flat-screen televisions. Audio is routed through the sound system so the games can be heard no matter where you sit.

Activities start about 5:30 p.m. and run until the end of the games.

Later in the week, Bogey's adds live music to its slate.

Thursday nights are an invitational jam with Neal Grandstaff.

The jams are typically a mix of professional players and music students. Although it isn't an open jam, other musicians are welcome to check with Grandstaff as to whether they can join in.

Friday and Saturday nights offer live music. The bands change weekly in order to provide a varying sound that appeals to different age groups.

Smith chooses bands primarily in the rock and country genres, but keeps a mainstream sound that ranges from the 1970s to modern.

The Kronikles play at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 12 and 13. The Salem band plays a mix of original songs and covers the rock and blues genres.

For those who enjoy Latin music, Bogey's caps its week at 9 p.m. Sundays with a DJ, who spins primarily Latin and Spanish language music.

Since the shift to Bogey's Bar & Grill, Smith and owner Cherie Bagaro have made changes to the interior of the building, including painting, to make it more hospitable. Booths and carpet are on the list of renovations they hope to make in the near future so the business will be more inviting to patrons.