We’re reaching the end of our family road trip 2016, and just as I always do on that last leg, I’m feeling a mix of emotions. A little sad reality is kicking in, a little happy for my own home and bed, and a little overwhelmed that “the real world” awaits. You know those feelings, right?
We usually like to center stops around foodie discoveries but this family road trip was planned before we knew we would be buying a house, much less buying a house just a few shorts weeks before. Just a little side note here, but there’s a huge difference in coming home to a house you rent versus a house you buy. This homecoming was so much sweeter knowing it’s OUR house.
We knew the rest of our trip home was going to be long and a little tiring since we didn’t have time to make many more stops so I scouted out restaurants along the way and came across the Nail Creek Pub and Brewery. I enjoy trying craft beer from small breweries and after a quick look at their menu, I knew it was just the place to stop.
When you stop at restaurants “blindly” you don’t always know what the parking situation will be so we keep quarters handy just in case. We pulled up and discovered the on-street parking was free and there was a small parking lot right beside the restaurant, which is located in an old Victorian house. That’s pretty sweet. I’m a sucker for old Victorian houses.
The dining area is small and dimly lit but has that old Victorian charm with wooden floors that are to die for (not literally). However, since it was such a beautiful September day we decided to eat at the picnic style tables on the patio instead.
I felt like our service was a bit slow for the fact we visited mid-afternoon and we waited for everything, including the check when we were clearly finished, but the food was good and we would go back for the poutine alone. The poutine…people, my husband refuses to order poutine anywhere else because he’s worried it won’t be up to Nail Creek Pub and Brewery standards. For real.
They didn’t have a printed beer list and I was directed that the list was on the chalkboard inside. I found it a little strange that I had to go back inside to see the list rather than them having a printed list to make it easy for outside diners. I asked what they had on tap from their own brewery and I don’t believe they had ANY of their own at the time, so I chose a dark beer from another craft brewery. Regrettably I can’t remember the name of it but it was quite good.
Next, we ordered poutine with smoked pork butt. I already told you we’d go back for that alone. Just look at this scrumptiousness. I could have eaten it all by myself and licked the plate. It was good.
Poutine with Smoked Pork Butt
As is our custom when we try a new restaurant, we ordered several dishes for the family to share. This allows us to try a wider variety and makes our foodie kids happy to have real people food rather than the kids’ menu, which is often laden with boxed mac and cheese and plain old grilled cheese. We did not request a kids’ menu so I’m not sure what they serve kids.
Spanish Chicken and Dumplings
A spin on the classic chicken and dumplings, this dish was infused with Spanish flavors. We all agreed it needed a bit more spice and a bit less salt. It was a beautiful dish and tasty, just needed a little more perfecting.
Shrimp Po’Boy
The shrimp po’ boy was delicious. We were all huge fans. The shrimp were plump and perfectly cooked and the ciabatta was fresh and had the perfect crustiness.
Cheddar Cheeseburger
We almost always get a burger of some sort. After all, if a pub can’t make a good burger, can they truly turn out a good meal? We ordered the double Cheddar Cheeseburger and the tangy red onion jam and bacon… oh, hello, my pretty. It was divine. Who’s going to make me a burger now? I NEED one!
We didn’t order dessert because we already had one very important stop left – Lindsey’s Country Store for the best apple cider and apple cider donuts in the Albany area. Yes, we think so. Do you seriously think we would add an extra 30 – 45 minutes to our trip for mediocre cider and donuts?
We did NOT have time to stop at other Clifton Park, NY favorites like Hot Dog Charlie’s (I don’t even LIKE hot dogs, but THEIR hot dogs with sauerkraut and relish? Yes, please!) and coccadots, winner of Cupcake Wars, but we hit the road for the last leg of our journey through the southern part of Vermont and New Hampshire. Look how beautiful New England is.
Once we got home we immediately put the laundry from our trip into the washing machine so we could start the week off with clean clothes and put in a movie to wind down and start fresh for the week ahead.
Where do you think we should go on our RTKB Travels 2017 family road trip (or 2)?
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