Albany’s Larkin Hi-Fi Announces It Is Closing With Final Days Schedule

It goes without saying that the bar business is a tough one to get into. Many of them fail, and not for lack of trying. However when the community that surrounds you doesn't come out and support you, that's an entirely different issue.

On Sunday afternoon fans of Albany's Larkin Hi-Fi were greeted with an unexpected post on their Instagram page. It simply read "Albany, You Win." It then proceeded to go on and announce that November 7th would be their final day and they'd go out with a big party.

The bar business in 2025 is tough as it is without all of these other outside factors fighting against us and we just can’t do it anymore.

Final Week Schedule

I will say this - Albany's Cabaret Law is outdated and needs to go away. It is hurting not only local businesses but also local artists from being able to preform in a city that once had a vibrant nightlife for everyone to enjoy. Lark Street has forever been a place for those who enjoy arts and entertainment to gather. Whether it's for a drink, dinner, or a festival, Lark Street was always a special place. So what happened?

Center Square has become more residential over the years. Those folks who have moved into the area that they always enjoyed going to have seemingly made it tough for new businesses to remain open and operate in the way that they did years ago. The Larkin Hi-Fi is just another casualty in this long battle with the City of Albany - who is killing local business.

Read More: Albany Firefighters Battle Blaze on Lark Street

Larkin even went as far in their post to call out several who they blame for this.

So, if you’re happy to see us go you can thank the residents of 355 State Street, our neighbors on Spring Street, the Washington Park Neighborhood Association, Albany Codes, Mayor Kathy Sheehan, and all of the other municipalities complicit in making Center Square a terrible place to have a bar.

This is for all of you who complain that there is nothing to do in Albany - yes there is. Go out and support these places in the city that you love to bash. I am really tired of having to write about Albany businesses closing because no one goes out to support them.