Vault 244: Albany's Hidden Treasure

     Vault 244 bistro/lounge brings a big city vibe to small-town Albany, Ore.

     Located in downtown Albany at the site of the old Cusick Bank on 244 SW First Ave., Vault 244 offers a unique blend of big city cuisine and atmosphere with small town prices and values.
     For starters, the Tapas, or appetizers if you will, include; Mac and Cheese, Four Cheese Fondue, Fish and Chips, Grilled Halibut Fish Tacos, Zucchini Cakes, Prawn Scampi, SW Chicken Quesadilla, and Spinach and Artichoke Dip. All reasonably priced between 6-12 dollars. The Four Cheese Fondue and Spinach and Artichoke dip are served with bread and tortilla chips.

      Vault 244 includes a wide range of entrees from Stuffed Salmon and Hand Made Ravioli to Dover Sole Piccata and Grilled Pork Tenderloin, as well as three different types of steak including; an 8oz Prime Top Sirloin, a 9oz Hanger Steak, and a "Kobe Style" Waygu Flat Iron Steak. The steak is extremely tender and served with roasted potatoes and asparagus with a balsamic herb butter glaze. Price of entrees vary from 12-27 dollars.

      Desserts include French Flourless Torte, Local Apple and Pear Crumble, White Chocolate Tiramisu, Creme Brulee, and Oregon MarionBerry Crostata. Desserts are all priced at six or seven dollars.
     If your looking for a few drinks at happy hour or a nightcap at the end of a long day, the Vault has plenty of adult beverages mixed with an up-scale yet laid-back environment.
     The wait staff is decked out in traditional black-tie apparel and ready and eager to meet one's needs. Vault 244 doesn't have any loud music blaring, and dim lighting accompanied with beige and black wall tones, make for a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The ceiling is equipped with tiny circular lights that give one the impression of sitting outside looking up at the stars.
     "I like to come here for the drinks and the appetizers," says Barbara Hammond, a regular customer at Vault 244. "It's a great place to get a couple drinks. It has an up-scale vibe, but no one here acts snobby."
     So, if your looking for a big city vibe right here in small town Albany, Vault 244 is the place for you. 
     For more reviews on Vault 244, click here.