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Browns Brewing Co.: The Taproom
Categories: Nightlife Bars Pubs Restaurants American (New) Food Breweries Pubs, American (New), Breweries [Edit]
425 River StTroy, NY 12181
(518) 273-2337
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
105 reviews for Browns Brewing Co.: The Taproom
Review Highlights
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"The whiskey porter was pretty awesome." In 8 reviews -
"Their beer-battered fries are very yummy too." In 7 reviews -
"...of the river and great back deck, for those of you who love..." In 5 reviews
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105 reviews in English
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Review from Linda L.
Albany, NY
5/15/2012
I like to come to Brown's from time to time, although it isn't one of my regular spots. I always get the pretzels with the beer mustard when I come. I shouldn't because they fill me up, but they are so good. Just one of those things that shouldn't be hard to find but is. I typically get a burger when I'm here. The menu is a little bar-y I think, which makes sense but it seems a bit pricey for the offerings. The beer isn't necessarily like OMGBESTBEEREVER, but it's pretty good and it's nice to stray from the regular offerings at most places. Overall, I'm a fan.
Oh, and I love sitting on the outdoor deck that looks out over the river. -
Review from laura W.
5/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
Outdoor patio- awesome. Love getting to see the river.
Food- average and overpriced (entrees up to $22 and sandwiches were $11)
Beer- a little underwhelming- EXCEPT for the Whiskey Porter (delicious)
Service- really fantastic
All and all, fairly forgettable. -
Review from Dan R.
5/13/2012 9 photos
What a fabulous lunch experience we had here today. The interior looked kind of dark, so considering the gorgeous weather we jumped at the chance to sit outside on the deck at the back of the restaurant. The deck was beautiful, with a very nice view overlooking the river, Things got off to a great start and never faltered. We were informed that in honor of Mother's Day, a free six-beer sampler was offered as a gift to the Mom in our party. We had fun looking at the list of over a dozen beers to pick the six. It was great that they served the samples with a printout of what they were --other brew pubs haven't done this in our experience. We also ordered 16 oz. glasses of the Whiskey Porter ($5.25) and Pale Ale ($4.75). The Porter was smooth, creamy and delicious. I don't like IPA's, so I didnt try theirs, but my son enjoyed it.
Our food was a pulled pork sandwich ($10.29), an Uncle Sam Burger ($9.99), and I ordered the Mussels Bahama ($11.99). I enjoy mussels, and I was sold by the unusual combination of ingredients in the broth - "Steamed in Coconut Milk, Ginger, Garlic, Scallions, Mango, Jerk Seasoning and Cherry Raspberry Ale." Believe me, it tastes as good as it reads.
Lunch cost $52 and it was one of the most enjoyable meals we have had in a long time. The cool wall mural of Uncle Sam (after all, Troy N.Y. IS the home of Uncle Sam!) waving a beer mug was pretty nifty.. -
Review from Wendy M.
Albany, NY
4/30/2012
I've been going to Brown's at least twice a year since 2005..I've all ready been there at least three times this year and I'm going again this week. I'd give them four stars because I love the atmosphere, I've had nothing but excellent food there and their beer is wonderful. However, they lose a star because of what seems like the ever-changing menu. I'm not happy with the fact they've changed the menu so much in the last few years. I used to get the River Street Salmon and it would be good every single time. Then they changed chefs and the menu. It would kinda be touch and go for a while with that menu. I think they just got another chef because the menu has changed again. I found something I liked last month, it's a salmon dish and well, I was there Friday night and it was not on the menu. I got the black bean burger and it was really good.
I wouldn't hesitate to have a small gathering in the Trojan Room upstairs and I love sitting on the deck The beer is yummy and I've never been disappointed no matter what I've ordered. I've never really had a problem with service there either. They are very good at what they do at Brown's,
Oh, and their ranch dressing is among the best I've ever had! -
Review from Miércoles F.
Albany, NY
4/29/2012
Suppose you've got a friend---a real nice guy, and everyone wants to be around him. And then one day he goes and huffs a whole carton of glue. A real big wiff. He can't really count anymore, and he slurs his words a little, but every once in a while he's got a good story to tell. That's Brown's.
Too bad they forgot how to make nachos, but sometimes you can get a decent hamburger. -
Review from M. L.
Albany, NY
4/15/2012
I really wish I could give Brown's better review, but I just cannot. I brought friends from Philly here on a Saturday night after a recommendation from some friends that went to RPI.
It was packed and we were lucky to get a table by the bar, as the seating upstairs was full up with an hour wait. I enjoyed the beer, it was good but nothing special. We had the pretzels and the Asian Calamari to start, which were pretty decent, but not worth the 30 minute wait. For dinner we had the Haddock Po Boy, Pulled Pork and Veggie Black Bean Burger and they were not good. It took almost an hour and half to come out AFTER our apps. The Haddock was bland, the tomatoes were barely red and the fries were completely cold. I was scared to complain cause god know it would have taken 3 hours to get fresh fries out of the kitchen.
Overall I was sorely disappointed and I know for sure we will never be returning! -
Review from Sharon K.
Troy, NY
5/2/2012
I've been here a handful of times over the past 8 yrs, & it is predictably underwhelming, if not just plain awful. The food & service are terrible, & I don't drink beer. Thus, I will never go here again under any circumstances. I will put my foot down, NOPE, not setting foot. There are plenty of good places in Troy with nice service & yummy food.
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Review from Rich R.
Jonesboro, AR
Visited Brown's on a recommendation from Keegan Ales in Kingston.
This is a great place occupying a great space! Finding Brown's was super simple and street parking is available everywhere.
There are some halfhearted reviews for the food, my meal was very good, no complaints. Tried the pasta with shrimp. Everyone looked happy with their meals, so grading on the "I know nothing about Troy so until I find another brewpub with better food" curve; you get the 5 Stars.
The beer in the main attraction here. Friendly servers offer a taste before you commit. They sell by the growler.
Hmmm beer. -
Review from Eugene L.
Mechanicville, NY
Figure I should give a update because I haven't review this place in a while. I had to bump it up to a 5 stars because of the Brown Ale, that stuff is liquid gold!
Met a friend for lunch today and he has never been to Brown's, he likes drinking good beer too so I figured he is going to love this place. We sat at the bar and both ordered burgers. A coworker that he works with comes to Brown's daily for her growler refill and told him to order a burger and try their Hoodoo Voodoo ale. They were out of the Hoodoo Voodoo ale so I told him order a Brown ale. I haven't met anyone that doesn't love that beer yet. I order their old hickory burger and my friend order their Uncle Sam burger. Just as I suspected he loved the brown ale, no surprise to me I knew he would. The burgers were perfect, fresh, tasted great and with brown ale to wash it down how can it get any better.
We hung around for another pint each before checking out. We actually bought a few 22 ounces for later that night to drink. He bought 4 and I bought 1. Needless to say he really liked the beer. He actually texted me later in the night and said brown ale is now his favorite beer. Keep doing what you guys are doing at Brown's...the beer and the food are just perfect!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/13/2011
Came here after grabbing dinner at dino bbq with a couple of friends, one friend was visiting from… Read more »
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Review from Jason J.
1/11/2012
+ The oatmeal stout and whiskey cask porter are some of the best beers I've ever had. Others seem to agree as these two beers have won some prestigious awards in the past.
+ The Old Hickory Burger (bacon, cheddar, smoky cherry raspberry ale BBQ sauce) was and still is my favorite burger of all time.
+ Revolution Hall is right next door!
+ The bar seating is very cozy and the upstairs dining area is very laid back.
+ They sell their own six packs at the bar, as well as growlers. A few local packies are even stocking a few of their beers now!
+ Get the nachos. GET THE NACHOS.
- Not many unique beers, however the ones on tap year round and the seasonals are ALL delicious.
- The service has always been hit or miss. On two separate occasions I have had unpleasant dealings with what seems to be the owner.
I miss Browns. Sigh.Listed in: Breweries!
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Review from Casey P.
Glenmont, NY
3/16/2012
The beer at Brown's is as good as ever, but since they changed chefs a few months ago the food is terrible and overpriced. I've been to Brown's several times since the new chef, and the food is consistently bad. As an example, last night I went with a few others and we got the nachos to share: a middling-sized plate of tri-color chips with cheap nacho cheese sauce, olive slices, a few jalapeno slices, a few chunks of mushy tomato, salsa and sour cream. Those nachos cost $12.49. Absurd.
I love Brown's beer, and that's the only reason they get two stars. For the food, I award them no points, and may God have mercy on their souls. -
Review from Janette C.
Nashville, TN
2/5/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I love trying micro brewers out and this one met my expectations for sure. I had a cherry raspberry ale. Great flavor, nice body, no hoppy aftertaste. I also had sweet potatoe fries (dusted with cinnamon suger) and the de luca burger (bacon, Gouda and the same beer used in a BBQ sauce). The food was great. Very full and very satisfied!
Made me a happy traveler for sure. :) -
Review from Nick V.
New York, NY
3/25/2012
pretty good all around. Disappointed Rev Hall is closed (at least for music) though, but I get it... wedding parties make more money than hippie jam band shows!
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Review from Olivia F.
Syracuse, NY
1/17/2012
Browns is very solid. Came here for my friend's 21st birthday dinner (she went to RPI) in August of 2010.
I can't remember what beer I got -- it was either Oatmeal Stout or Cherry Raspberry (a friend got one and I got the other and I think we split them). Both were excellent and I've heard great things about the other brews as well.
Chicken wings were great -- deep-fried, super crispy. I normally prefer non-breaded wings but these were so good I didn't mind. I split a dozen with a friend and we also tried chicken spiedies, which were good.
Overall, I'd come back. I think I'd have to come here more than once to give it more stars. -
Review from Timothy R.
Albany, NY
1/22/2012
Packed, cheerful environment with lots of young to middle aged folks and cuties to keep your eyes darting around.
The bar food wasn't all that good and I was not inspired to return. The beer was OK I guess. The service was OK. The semi-attractive waitress was trying not to look at me too much since I was with a girl, but she couldn't seem to resist.
Considering the hype from an assortment of clowns who never seem to recommend good restaurants/bars, it was a let down. I will say the overall experiences is sort'a enjoyable -- good vibe in the place.
Can a pub call itself a pub if the wings aren't any good?
I only tried 3 dishes and got the beer sampler thing. -
Review from Colleen M.
Latham, NY
11/26/2011 4 Check-ins Here
The only reason they are getting 4 stars is because they actually had the beer I wanted on tap, unlike the usual "sorry we just ran out" or "we've been out of that for a few days". With a whiskey barrel porter raised high, Cheers.
I know they have been trying to beef up their menu from usual pub fare for the last several years, but anything that I have tried has been ho hum. The burgers and other pub fare are excellent. Last evening, with my whiskey barrel porter (which was chocolaty, caramelly, a little smoky whiskey delicious smoothness), I had a burger with guac. I asked for medium rare and I got medium rare (which is a huge improvement from before when burgers were always served a la hockey puck). The sweet potato fries were nice and crisp but could have been served hotter. Almost $10 for a burger and $2 for the sweet potato fries is a little pricy for what it is. Stick to the pub fare and avoid the attempts at entrees which they shouldn't even be trying.
The waitress was okay. It was a TNO friday and they were busy but she was not all that attentive and I don't think we would have had here attention at all if it wasn't for us being an assertive 3 top table. I did not get the extra pickles that I requested and that made me very very very sad.
I'll keep going back because I like the brew but always set my expectations low for service and know to avoid anything on the menu other than the pub fare. -
Review from Mike A.
Albany, NY
3/22/2012 6 Check-ins Here
Troy original. The main attraction is of course the beer they make. Personal favorite is the oatmeal stout. They have had a number of chefs but I think the current iteration is probably the best yet. And the beer is delicious and cheap as hell $3.50 beer of the day!
I love the Haddock Po' Boy!
it can get pretty busy on the weekends, but worth going whenever. -
Review from Chris W.
Burke, VA
3/23/2012
Crowded and awesome. Just imagine TGI's food, better prepared with a cold microbrew.
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Review from Paul I.
Cheshire, CT
12/21/2011
First of all, I don't drink so this is only on the food, service, atmosphere, etc.
The food is excellent. I have never been disappointed. From awsome burgers to pork osso bucco, all the dishes are good.
It is a bar, so the crowd is rowdy and the restaurant service could be better. There is a mixed crowd. Plenty of RPI students, RPI families, locals, and folks from the greater Capital district. Its always a good time. I was always there with family and or friends so we were never too rushed anyway. I just graduated from RPI and will miss going to Browns.
If you are new to Troy or are passing through, I would defiantly recommend Browns. My brother is a beer nerd and he loved the beer, so I would expect that is another positive attribute. -
Review from Danika A.
7/23/2011 7 Check-ins Here
I'll keep my review simple and to the point.
Beer selection - Good (something for everyone)
Service - Poor (consistently, reliably poor)
Food - Good (not the healthiest, but better than bar food)
Atmosphere - Okay+ (I like the view from the back patio)
They should consider making room for a second bar upstairs or outside. Based on how much seating is dedicated to the restaurant side, it seems as though they're neglecting the reason people come here in the first place (hello! you're a taproom! be a taproom!)
It's a good meet-up spot and someplace I visit at least once a month. -
Review from Michael B.
Poughkeepsie, NY
7/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
I live for places like this. I have friends that would give Brown's a 3, simply because its a "brew-pub" as if that is a disqualifier of some sort - but this place gets all 5 from me.
It's about the beer stupid. And the food dummy.
That being said, this place has both. I tried coming here last winter when I was in town for a friends art opening and the line was out the door. Now I know why. Based out of a historic warehouse building in downtown Troy, and serving great (not good, but Great) homecrafted beers and food, this place blew me away.
I had a Chicken Rustica sandwich and my girlfriend had a Reuben, both exceptional and very, very fairly priced. -
Review from Jeffrey C.
Detroit, MI
10/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you like sub-par breweries, this could be your place. Fairly bland poorly crafted beer and nothing remarkable about the decor. I would love to say more about this place but it is hard to add to the overall descriptor of 'blah.'
That said, the staff was friendly, and if I can remember correctly through a beer induced fog I believe there was a view of the water. -
Review from William G.
Altoona, PA
5/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
I hate to write anything negative about a restaurant that's a local favourite, as the many recommendations I received made this place out to be. That said, I can't recommend Browns.
I visited on a Saturday night in December with a group of friends and found a joint that was hopping. Busy with a wait that wasn't too long. When we were taken to our table, the seating was okay and the menu looked tasty and perhaps even a touch ambitious. Their beer menu looked very tasty and had been recommended by locals I'd asked.
Once seated, service was slow and it took 25 minutes just to get our drinks. The beer was eh - very eh. It was lackluster, not a lot of depth of flavour and a water finish with little aftertaste.
45 minutes later the entrees finally showed up. I had the scallops. The beer based sauce wasn't bad at all. I actually liked that part of it. However, the scallops were overcooked and dry. The veg were overseasoned to the point of inedibility, and the rice accompanying was undercooked with hard centers.
There was no waitstaff interest in us once the meals were served, and I'm sure they'd've gotten an earful if they had shown up. My companions were as disappointed with the food as I was.
When the waitress finally did show up, we asked for the bill and it took her an additional 25 minutes to manage to get it to us.
This restaurant made a poor impression across the board - lackluster drinks, unpleasant food and poor service. Neither I nor my friends will be returning. -
Review from Crystal C.
Albany, NY
Updated - 1/14/2012
We've been back to Browns several times since my last review and I still feel meh about the food, but my opinion of the beer has now changed. I would not go back to Browns to drink their beer. The last few times we've gone we've been totally unimpressed by the quality. Sorry Browns.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/6/2009
had a summer lunch on the patio, food was tasty but nothing special. I must say I am fond of Browns… Read more »
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Review from Ken W.
Clifton Park, NY
7/6/2011
Browns has become one of my staples in Troy when I'm looking for decent food at a reasonable price. I like it because I can come here when I'm not-so-fresh after a softball game or volleyball tournament or come directly from work in my work clothes and it's equally comfortable. The atmosphere is pretty casual but still pretty nice. As a result, I come here very often.
My favorite foods from Browns are their Cherry Raspberry BBQ wings, soft pretzels, steak salad, and even their cheese board. The food in general is pretty good. They have a good variety of beers (though once in a while they'll run out of something, but it's not a big deal since there's usually a comparable substitute). Service is usually pretty good as well. They used to hold trivia here though I'm not sure if they do any longer.
They also have outdoor seating when it's warm out which is always nice. The one thing I will say is that since it's in a popular area (for Troy), they're prone to long waits on a Friday or Saturday night. But that's normal for a lot of places so I just factor that in when I make plans.
It's nothing fancy but if you're looking for good food at a resonable price with good service and a casual atmosphere, Browns is a good place if you're in the Troy area. -
Review from Tee D.
Tacoma, WA
5/24/2011
I went here last time I was in new york. This was about a year ago. I hope to return this year and update my review.
I had the beer sampler which had a good variety of diverse beer tastes. a very nice wheat beer, the porter was alright and the IPA, well, im not an ipa fan but it was still ok.
The fish and chips where definatly good, not too soggy, or too crispy but also no super outstanding flavors.
all in all 4 stars for service taste and atmosphere. -
Review from Nick H.
Troy, NY
9/10/2011 9 Check-ins Here
Brown's has always provided a reliable dining experience. The food is good & simple; offering traditional pub fare such as sandwiches, burgers and wings along with a selection of entrees. The wait staff and bartenders are pleasant, but sometimes overwhelmed leading some reviewers to complain about service at Brown's. The best features about Brown's are the atmosphere and the beer. Brown's is a great place to meet up with friends or coworkers for a few beers or a social meal. At any time, Brown's offers between 10 and 12 of their beers on tap. My personal favorites (in no particular order) are: Tomhannock Pilsner, Cherry Raspberry Ale, and Pumpkin Ale (seasonal).
I wouldn't say Brown's is as good as it gets, but I am certainly a fan. -
Review from Josh K.
Albany, NY
11/26/2011
"Brewing Brown Ale is to Believe"
by Josh K.
Heaven can best described as sitting out on a deck on the Hudson River with a pint of Brown Ale in hand.
You may be mad that I equate a Troy brewery with our eternal resting spot in the clouds.
At first glance, you would be justified.
Browns Brewing Company does not have great food...it is very average.
When it is crowded, the service is horrible.
When there is a live band, it is too loud...and crowded.
But take a sip of any of their beers brewed on premises, and you are an instant believer.
The Smoked Whiskey Barrel Porter, the Oatmeal Stout, the fresh and fruity Cherry Raspberry Ale, or their signature Brown Ale, all are extremely delicious.
If you need a little relief from the crowd, the deck out back overlooking the Hudson River is a great place to hangout.
The cheap sliders on NFL Sunday are also a nice snack to go along with the homemade beer.
But what it really comes down to is the simple fact that because I love their beer, I can't help but to love this place.
With Jose Malone's, River Street Cafe, Revolution Hall, Ryan's Wake, and Dinosaur Barbeque all on the same little strip on the Hudson, the River Street neighborhood of Troy is easily my favorite section of the Capital Region.
And the Brown Ale is Holier than thou. -
Review from Tanya T.
3/7/2011
My parents drag me here every time I come home for a visit. They call it "their place." (Cute, but kind of lame).
Their beer deserves 5 stars, with the stouts and pale ales being the best.
The menu sometimes makes me laugh and I still have yet to have a satisfying meal here. The bar food is obviously good, but order anything else from the rest of the menu and it's pretty hit or miss. And for some dang reason, I'm always in the mood for fish when I come, and I stupidly order fish thinking "oh, maybe this time it will be good." It never is. The worst menu item of all is the bbq pork chops. Thin slices of pork with a stingy portion of bbq sauce. Probably one of the worst meals I've ever had, ever.
The one thing the entrees have going for them is the red cabbage side dish.
Long story short, this is clearly a pub. If you just stick with ordering from the appetizers menu or anything else that can be labled as "pub food" (i.e, anything that comes fried or in sandwich form) you won't be disappointed. -
Review from Scott A.
Ramsey, NJ
1/22/2012
My favorite beer can be found at Brown's in Troy. Large selection of their own microbrewed beers. Such a large variety, there's something for everyone. Most are $4-5 for a pint. The paddle of 6 is great if you don't know what to get. My favorites are the oatmeal stout, the porter, and the whiskey porter, but it's all a matter of personal preference. Seasonals are good too.
The food is great too. Good burgers, wings, sandwiches, etc. Never really had a bad meal there, and been there many times.
Only complaint is it often gets crowded. Especially after RPI hockey games. If you have a large group you may wait a bit. Worth the wait though. -
Review from David B.
Sunnyvale, CA
1/16/2012
I don't drink beer, but Brown's does serve its own root beer, so I was content. The highlight of the food was the chicken wings appetizer. Good burger, too.
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Review from Megan E.
2/2/2011
Alright, so to start off this is my favorite nacho place in the entire world (thus far). I love nachos, and I love browns nachos. Whatever else your ordering is wrong. Although if you have to order something else the french onion soup, and beer pretzels are pretty sweet too.
The beer is amazing. The first time I went I tried all of their beers on a flight cause I can never figure out what I like from name alone. I'm in love with the Cherry Raspberry Ale, my only complaint is sometimes I go and they don't have it :-( wahh. anyways, all of the beers are delicious. I'm sure you could drink something else besides a brown's beer there but why would you?
The service has been really hit or miss for me. Mostly the waitresses don't come by often enough, and it takes a hot minute for the food, but I usually forget that and go back again because I love nachos and beer.
Although last time I went and sat at the bar, that was a win, win, win. Great Service, Quick food, Quick beers. It may have been because we walked there in an Ice Storm and they just appreciated our business, or cause we were girls, but the bar tenders gave us great service. -
Review from Tarah T.
1/5/2011
I was meeting a friend and Browns happened to be convenient. I got there and there was ample parking (a huge relief after the snow storm) and went right inside. I had been looking at the menu earlier in the day... because I do indeed research my food options beforehand, and was disappointed with what was listed. Considering Browns is mostly restaurant and only 1/8 of the space is actually bar you'd think their menu would reflect that. I wasn't in the mood for a burger (this is indeed very rare... no pun intended) and everything else just looked eh.
I ended up just choosing the Southwest wrap because it was the least offensive and I thought that it'd be difficult to screw up a wrap... I was wrong. I asked for no cheese, which they did properly, but the wrap was kind of empty and open on each end (huge pet peeve) so everything was falling out and I had dressing all down my arm. Real attractive when you're eating with another human being. I ended up not even attempting the other half, and crunched on the over-fried fries.
If I weren't driving home, then perhaps a draft would have made everything ok, but if you're going to serve food, make sure it's good. Browns, I will not be back. -
Review from Stephanie S.
Rensselaer, NY
9/29/2011
While I'm not a frequent drinker, I admire that Browns brews their own beer and I think it goes great with their menu. I really dig pub food and enjoyed "Troy's best wings" during my first visit. Everyone else in my party enjoyed their food and drinks as well. A cool, laid back atmosphere, spacious, great place to kick it with friends for a bit.
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Review from Willie W.
Albany, NY
10/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
I have such a love/hate relationship with this place.
The first time I was here, probably about 8-9 years ago, it was under a different name but everything was still pretty much the same. The bar was the last leg of a booze cruise celebrating the last day of the best job I ever had. We had three or four bus loads of co-workers traveling through Albany, Saratoga and Troy to some of the favorite bars. As it was the last stop, and so long ago, I can honestly say my memory of the place is pretty unreliable at best.
But I do remember being left behind! The bus driver who had shepherded all of the drunks of his bus all night long must have decided he had enough of me and took off while I was in the men's room. With no way to get home and left to my own devices I did the only logical thing... I continued to drink until someone offered to take me home.
Last evening a few of us from the old days met up again at Browns. This time I was a bit older, brought a designated driver, and a fixed budget.
The place was crazy packed. Standing room only, as loud as Wolff's Beirgarten but without the long cozy seating. They were actually calling out names for seating, apparently there is a dining area now too and people were waiting for tables. I could not imagine trying to have a dining experience in that environment, but, I guess someone enjoys it if they were willing to wait for a table.
The crowd was pretty mixed. I guess the PSINet group helped boost the older numbers, but there were plenty others too. There was some music earlier in the evening, replaced later with a live performer somewhere. I heard them playing, but never saw them. Acoustic guitar versions of your favorites, was not bad.
Let's face it though, the only reason people chose Browns over other places is the beer. And they certainly do that correctly. I have had their beer many times, they are available at lots of local places. I was disappointed they were not serving the Imperial Stout, but I enjoyed the Oatmeal Stout and had a taste of the whisky stout. I was disappointed at the prices, what they asked for my wife's Woodchuck cider was just short of insulting. I am a sucker for a good beer though, and Brown's does a great stout.
I want to compare Brown's with the Albany Pump Station, which is a place I really enjoy, but it is a lot harder to do so than I first thought. The Pump Station feels more like a restaurant these days. In the end, Brown's is less comfortable and more expensive than the Pump Station.
Or, perhaps, I am still bitter about being left there so many years ago. -
Review from Ryan M.
Castleton-on-Hudson, NY
Updated - 9/3/2010 1 photo
Came here for happy hour a few weeks ago and it was O-K. Very loud lot's of 26-35 y/o's drinking to start the weekend. There's no dart board or games or anything to keep yourself occupied and being that it's soo loud it's hard to hold a conversation.
We ordered food and it took about 35 minutes to arrive. We were literally going to cancel the food and then "presto!" it appeared. The lettuce wraps were pretty good but the wings were breaded (which I hate) and were also kinda cold. We ate because we were starving but I don't think I would order food here again.
The saving grace was the beer. Delicious beer. The brown ale and oatmeal stout are exploding with flavor. I liked them sooo much I went over to my local beverage place and picked up a few 6ers of it! It's best on tap however, so a trip to Browns is still worth while even if the food and service might be lacking.Listed in: Upstate New York Breweries
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/29/2010
Brown's is good not great. Think of it as a slightly downgraded version of it's similar themed… Read more »
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Review from Rich D.
Watertown, MA
8/23/2010
I have always been 110% satisfied after visiting Brown's. Their Oatmeal Stout was literally the first beer that I've ever had, and even now that I've moved 200 miles away, I make it a point to visit Brown's when I'm back in town. I usually end up buying a few six packs of the Oatmeal Stout to have at home!
Their Nachos can not be beaten. I've tried to find better Nachos, literally all over the country, but for the price, quantity, and glorious taste/texture, Brown's is the reigning champion of my nacho seeking stomach.
The chip to salsa/chili ratio really is spot on. Its literally a MOUNTAIN of nachos.
Oh, and the beer battered fries are something I miss every time I have a burger here in Boston. Beyond that, the BBQ sauce, which is made using their cherry raspberry ale, if I'm not mistaken, is good enough to eat on it's own.
I wish I could take Brown's with me wherever I live. -
Review from Michelle C.
Bergen County, NJ
9/18/2011
Good, solid pub food and drinks. Some upscale options and a great socializing atmosphere. Parking sucks, and it's a bit loud. Otherwise, I've always had really good food and service, and wouldn't hesitate to go back.
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Review from Ashley S.
Panama City, FL
The beer here was GREAT! Try the whiskey porter...it is fabulous!
I enjoyed the house burger and my mother had the grilled chicken sandwich. The BBQ sauce on the chicken sandwich was great. It was marinated in the cherry raspberry beer.
The service was great and the atmosphere was even better. Try out this beer! -
Review from Paul G.
Troy, NY
9/22/2009 2 photos
I'm not really a huge beer drinker -- I mean, I like beer, but I'm much happier with a good martini or a glass of wine. So take it with a grain of salt when I say I have never been that impressed with the beer they make there - everything I try seems a little unbalanced and well, hard to drink. Give me a good Yueng Ling, Heineken, or even Tsing Tao any day. If that makes me a beer lightweight, well, I can live with that.
Fortunately, they have an OK wine selection. Last visit I tried a margarita -- let's just say I won't be making that mistake again -- it was bland and blase -- a dim reflection of the greatness an accomplished bartender can achieve with that cocktail.
On the other hand, I think the food is great. We've eaten there maybe a dozen times, sampling everything from burgers to the mussels and clams, to salads and wings -- all great. Service has been uniformly good - always fast, attentive, and courteous. I'm honestly surprised by the many negative comments on service there -- I've never had the slightest problem, whether indoors or on the patio.
If i had to find something to complain about, I would say many dishes tend towards the salty side. A little more attention to subtle alternatives to gobs of salt would be appreciated, at least by me.
All in all, Brown's is my current "go-to" spot in Troy when I need decent food but don't want to spend a fortune.
