3.5 stars (but I'm giving them the 4 stars because they are consistent). Â
They are consistently a solid A-OK. Â They serve decent burgers that are cooked to order and don't arrive a la hockey puck (I like my beef still bleeding a little). Â The wings (medium) are rather meh as the sauce is way too buttery for my Buffalo purist preferences (and it is blasphemy that they are even offered breaded); the blue cheese was more like peppercorn ranch with some chunks for blue cheese and it was rather awful (particularly when you're expecting blue cheese) but all in all I can't think of one bad experience that I've had here. Â (Actually the wing experience reminded me of when I lived in Michigan and wings were always breaded and served with ranch...effin' ranch. Â wrong! but at least there is a choice here to get them without that god awful breading) Â Stick to the burgers if you're a Buffalo wing purist like me and you'll be happy. Â They have some interesting looking seasonal salads, which I want to try but never do because I'm drinking margaritas at noon and need something with more substance. Â
They have a full bar and decent beer selection. Â They have tap tables (which just screams dram shop liability to me, but hey...what do I know) that you can reserve.
I'm not really sure why Bootleggers doesn't come up higher on my radar when I go out (other than when I'm looking for somewhere with outdoor seating so I can take my dog), but it has proven to be a consistently decent choice over the last 2 years....and the weekday lunch time bartender mixed a good margarita (I was on vacation don't judge). Â
The waitstaff have always asked if they can bring my dog a bowl of water before they even ask me for my drink order...this actually makes me very happy.
I just had the most terrible experience here. We were not greeted by any staff for five minutes or more. When we were finally greeted our server was very nice, but very slow. Water took 10 minutes. It took them 25 minutes to bring only soup and salads. Also, the pear and Gorgonzola salad was lackluster. Canned pears, limp lettuce, and something sickly sweet masquerading as candied nuts. Maybe the bar is good? Don't go here to  eat.
Review Source:This bar filled up quickly when my friends and I went here Friday night. Thankfully this venue boasts a large dance area (which sometimes has a few pool tables set up) along with a spacious bar area. The bar itself runs through both rooms, which is great when you need another drink. The beer selection was nice, while the prices were reasonable. The bartenders were also very friendly and attentive, but not to the point of be annoying. Definitely a great place for groups to start (and possibly end) the night feeling right.
Review Source:Came here on a Friday night last week. It was Troy Night Out and there was a private Halloween party in the back, so it was pretty packed. We have been here before and always commented on the excellent service from the bar to the restaurant area. This is a pretty fun place to come for Sunday football and we have visited several times before.
We had to wait a while for a table and this process was a bit unorganized (thats why I took 1 star away). The friendly crowd let me in so I could order 2 craft beers while we waited. I had purchased a Groupon for (2) specialty burgers and (2) drinks for $17.00.
OK, so here is where it gets good. I ordered the special Bootleggers burger with bacon cheese and a fried egg. Jayne go another specialty burger (forgot what is was, but she loved it). I have consumed my share of burgers in my day. Without a doubt, this was the finest most delicious hamburger I have ever had. The bun was perfect, the egg was a great addition, the bacon crisp, WOW.........
The owner came over to validate my Groupon with a smile. Many times people try to come up with an excuse not to validate these things. (happened at the german place next door, suddenly the burger special could not be honored and it cost me an extra 6 bucks) Not here, he was happy to honor it, and we left satisfied and eager to return.
With friends, I've made several visits to Bootleggers in the time that it's been open here in Troy. I've by and large found it to be a good casual place to go. It can get a little loud, especially if there's a good game on; but what do you expect from a bar? In terms of food, the burgers and sandwiches are pretty tasty. The pizza in particular exceeded my expectations - especially if you get bacon as the topping! The service has been varied depending on the server, but is usually fine. There are one or two "all-star" wait staff who are always on top of their game, and one or two who have taken awhile to get up to speed. The beer selection tends to be very good, although the big board listing drafts is not always up to date. That being said, you can usually find something else to replace any missing items. They book some great bands on the weekends, too. If you're in Troy, this is a place well worth stopping into.
Review Source:I came here with a bunch of friends during homecoming weekend. It was around 1 am. The bouncer saw a large group and requested a $5 cover.
$5 cover in Troy, NY? lol we're not in NYC.
Luckily one of my friends knew the bouncer and was able to talk the bouncer out of charging us.
Don't get the pineapple margarita, listed on their menu. It's awful. Too tart.
Live band and very spacious.
The promised return was on a Tuesday evening while a DJ was also conducting a trivia contest for customers who were likely regulars since they had group names for the contest and I think were supposed to bring some kind of membership card. Â I point this out only to be able to say it was loud music and loud talk by the DJ during the trivia questions.
A pint of Brooklyn Pennant Ale ($4) and another of Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA ($5) helped us weather the contest until our 10 Wings ($7.95) with garlic & parmesan arrived. Â They were crispy on the outside, meaty, and moist on the inside. Â You could also choose to have them breaded - we didn't.
It's been a long time since I've had Fried Mozzarella Sticks ($6.95) and especially with the option of choosing a raspberry dipping sauce. Â There were at least 6 or 8 of them to the serving and because we focused most of our enjoyment on the hot wings first, once the cheese started to cool I wasn't as pleased with them. Â They need to be finished while still nice and not.
These two apps and the beer pretty much satisfied our cravings and hunger. Â But we had been intrigued at the notice of a Garbage Bread on the menu. Â I don't recall the base price, but we had added sausage, mushrooms, peppers and onions for a total of $14.95. Â I must warn you that their garbage bread is so large that it can easily serve 4 people. Â There had to be almost 20 pieces of which 18 came home and provided 2 more days of meals.
I've already pointed out the large selection of beers on tap, and with two enjoyable meals under (over?) our belt, we look forward to returning and trying more of the menu.
NOTE: Â An encounter I've NEVER, EVER experienced before...
Check your bill for "Rounding." Â That's right, they will round the total of your bill to an amount that, I believe, is easier to make change from. Â Ours was rounded UP 4 cents to $42. Â We weren't complaining, but curious enough to inquire of our server how it worked. Â What was the rounding point? Â Fifty cents? Â She said she didn't know the actual process, but thought it could be to the next closer nickel or dime. Â She also said there have been some people who complain about any amount that is rounded up, no matter how small the amount is.
I came here with a group of folks on a Saturday night after my sister-in-laws wedding reception. Â We arrived later in the evening and the band was already going. Â The place was super loud and impossible to talk in most areas of the bar. Â The patio was packed which wasn't surprising since it was a bit hot inside. Â I think they were having some sort of event, so it may have been more crowded than normal.
They had a pretty long tap list.  It was June so most beers were lagers or summer beers, which was a bit disappointing for variety, but they had some other options too.  My  husband and I waited nearly 15 minutes in line to get a beer.  When we finally got up to order I was told they were out of my choice and the bartender didn't come back for 5 minutes while she was "waiting for me to choose."  Had she not just walked away when I ordered, she would have known I easily could have ordered something else within a few seconds.  We decided to each order 2 beers since we knew waiting in the line would be pointless again.
Overall, it was a disappointing experience. However, judging from the other reviews it could have just been that there was an event going on that messed up the atmosphere and service. Â I'll likely give it another try when I'm in town.
So, its momma's day and I'm out grabbing a bite before dinner. I'm just a jerk like that. We went in, and it was dead, 2 tables outside and us inside. The bartender/waitress was super sweet and attentive, and the game was on and she made sure I could see it from every angle, I appreciated that.
The beers on tap are extensive and the tap is clean, no headache or skunky taste. The beer was cold and fresh and the food was good pub food. Rivals the old Brown's for burgers, the Brown's that I miss. Fries were seasoned and good and we shared the fried mushrooms. What a taste, brings me back, they were old school delicious.
Overall service and food was good, I'll be back, hopefully to expirience the fun that goes on there too. Refrigerators June 2nd I think, should be a good time!!!
Came here on a Friday after work for a few pints. Â I rarely go to Troy to hang out but my friend wanted to go here so we went. Â I can see parking being a problem at "prime time" at night because is it all street parking. Â I didn't have a problem because it was 4:30. Â
Upon entering I was quite surprise how clean the outside of the bar was, they have tables outside so you can eat and hang out on a nice day.  It was a nice day but we decided to sit inside at the bar.  This place is ENORMOUS and spotless.  There wasn't alot of people at the bar so we didn't problem getting a spot at the bar.  The bartenders that work here are all sweethearts, very nice and always smiling.  They have a vast variety of your not so common beers on tap, which I am a fan of.  I am always looking for bars that have different beers on tap.  This place has to have at least 20 different beers on tap.  After sampling 2 different brown ales, (smutty dog ale and  I don't remember the second one) I went with a Brooklyn brown ale.  I've had it before and it is a good tasting brown ale.  My buddy settled for one of the "red" ales, he seemed to like it.  Prices for beers are crazy cheap here, 5 bucks for 2 pints!  Where the hell are you going to get that for good quality beer? Â
I would definitely come back here, to chill and have a few, maybe try the food next time too.
Popped in for a Sunday lunch- the place was dead empty. We ordered a variety of dishes- a cup  of chili (served on a platter ringed by tortilla chips so it became a communal snack), a Greek salad, a chicken parmigiana grinder, and a turkey wrap. Everything was good/average. Nothing wowed us -but the food was solid. Three soft drinks brought the bill to $41. Not a bad choice for food if you are downtown. By the way, check out the politically incorrect sign I saw in the men's room.....
Review Source:This is one of those places in Troy that I'll never think to go to on my own but shrug and agree if anyone suggests it.
Food-wise, it's middle of the road bar fare. Nothing ever really shouts at me, although portions seem ginormous whenever I go (if that's your thing)
Went last night to play some pool. One table was in use, and the other table was shoved in the back and had cleaning products on top of it. But there were a bunch of dart boards open, so that was cool.
Had some coupon a while back for buy-one-get-one drinks. Bartender said it was good only for the day it was issued, even though it didn't say so on it. Minor annoyance, but I'd rather they own up to it being a card they shouldn't have been given out in the first place instead of basically saying that it was good, but not any more.
Taps are usually clean - never had an issue with a ganky beer. Cocktails are also decent. They've got a pretty decent selection behind the bar for whatever you'd like.
I've never been out late enough to see how wild it may get it at night.
On the positive side, this is a great meet up for groups - huge space, lots of tables and seating. If you go on an off time (basically, before 9 pm) you'll have no issue with tables or space.
The appetizers were good and came quick. that was the good part.
We were there later in the evening on a weekend. Â The bar (inside, not the location) was very difficult to get to. The Music was so loud that even at a yell it was hard to hear the people right next to me.
there was also a lovely fight that ended with someone knocking out a plate glass window.
Bottom line- too many drunk college kids, There are more peaceful bars for responsible adults looking for a good evening.
Please note that this rating in ONLY for a slice of pie. We were on our way to Bacchus, when I notcied the pleasant side walk seating and chalk board menu advertising peach pie. So I vowed to pick up a piece after dinner. The bartender was not terribly friendly or knowledgable. The slice of pie to go cost a whopping $6.95 and was smothered in fake whipped cream. I wish it had occured to someone to ask me if i wanted whipped cream. Â The pie crust was completely soggy when we got home. The filling was average at best- and it was home made.
We may give this place a chance for lunch or dinner, and I sure hope to have better entree food. It is a very typical bar-type menu. Great beer selection. They do not have a blender so you can't have a frozen drink.
I would not trust the bartender to know how to make a decent margerita, so we will stick with beer.
I overheard her asking the customers how to make their drinks!
We are happy to support local businesses and wish Bootleggers Good Luck!
Food was nothing special (better pub food around), but the atmosphere in the front was pretty cool. They have a pretty good beer selection and several tables outside. They have two TINY pool tables in the back in a cavernous room where live bands play. Lots of wasted space in that area. Some of the cleanest bar bathrooms I've ever encountered(weird thing to mention, but that's how clean they were!)
Review Source:I LOVE this place. Â I was super excited to see it when they were putting on the final touches. Needless to say I was not disappointed. Â They have a reasonably good selection of tap beer (which makes or break a bar for me.) Â I had a sampling of their veggie burger and was impressed. Â The real reason I love this place so much was the pulled pork torpedo. Â To say this sandwich was good is not remotely doing it justice. Â To put it ever so delicately, this sandwich massacred all local BBQ. To quote Aristotle "That sandwich teabags Dinosaur then fist fights everyone that disagrees." Â Needless to say I will be back here often. Oh, the service is awesome too!
Review Source:For a brand new establishment this place is well on its way to becoming a local hot spot. I enjoyed drinks and nachos, with fast friendly, attentive service. Â The outside seating was really great. This place is big enough to have a mid-day work meeting or a birthday celebration.
  The manager came over to check on my meal and I was pleasantly surprised by the huge portions of food. I do hope that they start to include local and organic options on the menu, especially with the farmers market so close by.
 I played darts and used the jukebox which was full of fun songs. I have yet to be here for the late night or weekend scene, but I see the place as comfortable and classy.
 I am going to come back and see how things are after they have been open a few more weeks. I also want to check out what the bands are like, i saw they have a stage and pool tables.
Yes! Â Â I have high hopes for this place.
I'm so glad one of the new places on this street worked out.
After debating where to go for dinner, Frannie Panties C.(I beat you to the review, BOO YAH!) Â and I decided to walk by this place and check out the menu.
When we saw veggie burger was on the menu, it was decided.
The service was borderline slow but pretty fast considering there was one bartender and one server for a full bar area and maybe 10 tables.
However, they were both cheerful and helpful.
They both aided us in the effort to sit outside. Â The bartender sat us by the window so we could watch when someone left and the server ran us outside when a table was free. Â
We both ordered the veggie burgers.
I opted for the sweet potato fries  and chipotle sauce instead of regular but sadly I didn't receive them.  I decided not to make a fuss about it since the server was already running around like crazy and I like fries in all shapes and sizes.
The veggie burger made up for it.
So many places take the veggie burger eaters for granted.
"Oh, they don't eat beef? Â They must not have taste buds! Â Serve them some slop between some bread!"
Not this place! Â The buns we toasted and the whole thing was just yummy.
The fries were well, fries. Â Nothing special but not too bad. Â
The beer selection wasn't amazing but it was admirable. Â
The bill! Â
(2) veggie burgers with fries
(3) Beers
(1) Soda
$32.50 Â Â Not bad, not bad at all!
What? Â What was that? Â Wrap it up b? Â Fine.
Yummy veggie burgers, Good beer selection, great price and great service and it just had a nice vibe to it. Â Â I'll be back! Â Oh yes, I'll be back.
(I hope this place stays like this, Â there's always a chance things can get weird. Â I'll cross my fingers)