HOPS n DOGS

For the casual craft-brewery drinker, a new brewery has entered the Capital Region. Where the cities of Colonie and Albany meet, on the freshly renovated property known as Yonder Farms, is Broken Loop Brewing. A community brewery focusing on serving up good food, great beer, and a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Aptly named after the traffic light just outside the brewery, Broken Loop's mission is to stand out from the other breweries and offer a unique experience for the surrounding community. The brewery’s official slogan, “The Loop Was Made to Be Broken,” is intentional because their goal is to get people to stop their daily grind and come in for dinner, have a drink, or meet up with friends and family over a pint or two, and based on our experience, they are doing just that!

Broken Loop sits nicely nestled just off a major traffic artery between Colonie and Albany. The area around the brewery is somewhat developed, but a good chunk of the surrounding properties are protected woodlands known as the Pine Bush. The property itself is still a bit rough, but they have done a great job with the initial renovations. The original nursery and greenhouses have been removed, and the bakery has been converted into a small but powerful brewing facility and indoor space. One of the key upgrades to this location was the addition of a massive patio just off the roadway, easily able to accommodate large parties and families, and of course dogs!

On the inside, as you walk in the front door, the brewery has one of the larger wraparound bars we have seen for a brewery of its size. Just to the right is the fully operational brewing facility, and just behind the bar is the kitchen. The rest of the inside is an open floor plan with random seating throughout.

But the outside is really the best space to be when visiting. Not because it's dog friendly, but because they installed one of the nicest patios for a brewery we have seen. Part of the renovation includes a gorgeous patio right next to the brewery's entrance. There is also a nice, shaded, grassy section just behind the patio and the taproom, with a handful of picnic tables and a mulch play area for the kids.

Regardless of where you sit, the kitchen is always putting out some good food. During our first few visits, we have had the opportunity to try a variety of meals. All of them have been worth the wait. The menu does tend to rotate a bit, but there are always a handful of burgers or sandwiches, along with other standard pub fare.

Broken Loop has an amazing patio experience for Ein and other dogs. It wasn't the hottest day when we visited, but to our surprise, given how the patio and taproom are laid out, the trees in the back and around the patio provide the patio with just about full shade coverage come midday. Definitely a benefit, since the inside is not dog-friendly. There isn't much space to walk dogs at this particular brewery, but just down the road is the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, which has many dog-friendly trails. It is also important to note that the brewery does not have water bowls, or at least didn't at this particular visit.