Tipsy Moose Tap & Tavern

After a wonderful morning saying goodbye to my time with Matt and Ray in Rochester, it was time for the short drive to Albany. Once I checked into Hotel Trilogy Albany Airport, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, I briefly entertained the idea of driving the three hours to Montreal just to get authentic Quebec style poutine. But work called - and I had several lingering tasks for an upcoming Bespoke Art Society event that needed my attention.

My timeline shifted, and so did my plans.

Still, the craving for poutine – essentially loaded fries elevated to art when cheese curds are involved – lingered hard. So I searched for a local option in Albany and quickly found Tipsy Moose Tap & Tavern. I chose the Latham location since it was closest to my hotel.

After navigating their small parking lot, I walked inside and away from the cold, snowy air. Inside, Tipsy Moose Tap & Tavern was cozy small and warm. And there was a seat at the bar with my name on it. 

The atmosphere was full of local charm. With the hockey game on one of the televisions, I felt myself settled in.

I ordered the Equilibrium + Evil Twin NYC Straight Outta The Double Marshmallow Laboratory, a collaboration from Equilibrium Brewery in Middletown, NY and Evil Twin Brewing NYC in Ridgewood, NY (Double IPA – 8.5% ABV) from Sean the bartender. This brew was cold and hit my desired taste profile perfectly. It was smooth and hit well.

But the real star of the night?
The poutine.

As I scanned the menu, my eyes locked instantly on the BUFFALO CHICKEN FRIES (everything sauce, crispy chicken, cheese curds, blue cheese crumbles, parsley).

And when Sean set the poutine in front of me, my eyes lit up. I literally said, “Yes!” out loud. It was pure, carnal happiness served in a cast iron skillet.

Sean poured me a small cup of Wolf Hollow Tipsy Wolf from Wolf Hollow Brewing Company in Schenectady, NY (IPA – 5.5% ABV) to go with it.

As I ate, I found myself listening to a second date happening right beside me. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched two people relax into the possibility of something new.

Dinner at Tipsy Moose Tap & Tavern was everything I wanted. Sipping my beer, eating a great meal and watching the hockey game gave me exactly the relaxed, low-key energy I wanted for my last night in upstate New York.

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