In the hubbub of last week’s Best of the Capital Region production, we mistakenly left out a two of our winners. Here they are, late, but no less deserving. We also misattributed the fine cuisine at Grappa ’72 [Best Gourmet Italian winner] to an executive chef who has moved on from the restaurant. The cuisine, we assure you, is winning as ever.
Best Barbecue
Capital Q Smokehouse
329 Ontario St., Albany
In a region replete with finger-lickin’ Barbecue goodness, this place beats all the others, hands down. Pitmaster and former executive sous chef Sean Custer has a damn fine way with meat, and with five distinct and delectable sauces and four rubs, their smoked-on-premises pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs, and authentic sides—from hopin’ John to succotash—are genre-definingly delicious. This is their fourth year in business and they’ve taken the title since they fired up their pit. Plus, their website is eatmypork.com, and we take that as a challenge.
Best Bar (new school)
The City Beer Hall
42 Howard St., Albany Ny
Touting the only mechanical bull in Albany, a free personal pizza with every beer or cocktail and a wide selection of craft beers this downtown bar has found its niche. Two full bars, outdoor beer garden, televised sporting events and soon a full menu; it’s too much that might just be enough.
