Brown's Brewing Company's Troy Taproom

If you don't like Brown's, you have deeper issues that should be addressed with the help of a psychiatrist. This has been a beloved gathering place for Trojans and local university students and their visiting families for a couple decades now. The beer and food have continued to evolve. The menu offers a full array from small starters to accompany your beer sessions to hearty entrees. The menu offers both healthy and indulgent options. And while the fresh beer made by Brown's should not be missed or dissed, the full bar offers wine and cocktails for those who just aren't into great beer for some reason. The inside is roomy and relaxed and showcases the industrial roots of Troy and extra event space is available private parties. And in the warmer months the deck overlooking the Hudson is the place to be. This place is very kid and family friendly as well.

Perfect location for the brewer of my personal favorite stout, stopped by to get a growler after a Saturday morning at the Troy Farmer's Market (wow!). Interior is a bit dark and woody, mostly in a good way, but its a bit close to feeling inauthentic, a feeling that dissipates as you settle into the substantial-but-nook-filled bar, hard by the tanks, and beyond them, the river. Beware, the growlers are pretty baroque, with a big metal handle that makes it look kind of cartoonish. Wasn't too noisy when we were there but I imagine it could be so at peak times.

I went here on graduation Saturday. Brown's was packed with people which I thought contributed to the slower service, but still not too bad. Nice warm atmosphere that makes you feel relaxed. I had the fish tacos which were very good. Brown's has this jalapeno sauce that adds the perfect amount of zing. Others in my group had the cheese burger and they all were very satisfied with the quality and quantity. Very nice place with great food fare.

I do like this place. There's ample parking, the outdoor setup is really nice, and the beer is excellent. But I do have a few gripes:
1. Tight space inside - this place can get somewhat crowded and there aren't enough tables or bar space to accommodate so you end up awkwardly standing trying to to be in anyone's way.
2. If you try to sit in the front area at a table there, you're told you may not do so unless you're ordering food. I was there with a party of ten once, we all had drinks while waiting and by the time we all got there, some of us were already on round two so we were spending plenty. We tried to sit down in the completely empty area and were told to move to the bar area. Not altogether damning but annoying and senseless.
3. It is very difficult to get a drink if you aren't directly adjacent to the bar. The bartenders are trying but I've often been stuck standing for quite some time and even just given up and left a couple times out of frustration.

All that said, I do like the place but I pretty much only go alone and only on typically uncrowded days.