Brunswick Barbecue & Brew
3925 State Hwy 2
Troy, NY 12180
(518) 279-9993

Like Capital Q Smokehouse, Brunswick was another Albany area joint we wanted to try at the Troy Pig Out but ran out of appetite & energy. We actually had tried to hit Brunswick prior to the Pig Out, but went on a Tuesday – the only day they are closed.

We ended up here on the same day we visited Capital Q Smokehouse. Decided as we were in the area – though still a bit full from lunch – we’d drop by & have some beer & check out the menu. Brunswick not so much a Q joint as it is a restaurant that serves some BBQ. It also serves a lot of of “not BBQ.” The BBQ side of the menu is pulled pork, three styles of ribs & chicken. I’m always a little disappointed when a BBQ place does not serve brisket or at least some sort of beef.

The beer selection here is outstanding. A great variety of craft beers with several on tap. I forgot to note what we were drinking but I do remember it was delicious. Following our general philosophy of “If you’re going to drink – you must eat”, we decided to check out Brunswick’s appetizers. The only BBQ for a starter is what we have currently become obsessed with: pulled pork sliders. We ordered that & chicken wings with garlic parmesan sauce.

The sliders came five to an order – not the easiest number to share but still a nice quantity. They use a Brunswick house roll – slightly larger & crustier than your standard slider roll. Cherie was a bit put off by the crustiness. I thought it helps stand up against the pork & sauce. The pork was not overly smokey & had a nice pulled texture. it does come slightly sauced but nothing so overwhelming you could not clearly taste the pork. An extra serving of house sauce – nice thick ketchup based with a hint of spice – for those who feel BBQ is just a vehicle for sauce.

The wings had quite a kick. We’re garlic lovers, but this might just be a bit over the top. We were glad we both ate the wings as it would have been an uncomfortable night for the one who did not. Garlic parmesan is definitely not the sauce you want to have before that big important meeting! Good crispy skin on the wings & fairly juicy & meaty. Talking with the owner he said they often cater with smoked chicken wings & it made me wish those were being served in the restaurant.

All in all a nice little joint. It is a bit too far out of the way for our usual travels in the region. We’ll likely make some future trips but when is definitely up in the air. Certainly worth checking out if you find yourself at the beginning (or end depending on which way you’re coming) of State Highway 2 in the Troy area.