I really respect places that do things well and don't try to do too much. Which do you prefer: a diner menu that has EVERYTHING or a place that that three options that they have done extraordinarily well?

The Real McCoy Beer Company in Delmar, NY does the latter.

When we visited they had three beers of their creation and three guest taps. (Two of Chatham Brewing in Columbia County, NY and one from Nine Pin, a cidery in Albany, NY.) Perfect. We did ask if they did flights, which they do not but they were more than happy to offer tastes of everything they had up which is always a great sign that the establishment really cares. It helped that it was early in the day and business was consistent but not busy.

They have food trucks and a collection of menus to order from, because they make beer, not food. They know their strengths. While we were there, the food truck was Heisenburgers, which if that is your thing I am sure you would be happy. They are not my thing.

Their beer was delicious. We had the Noname Hefeweizen and the Hopped Upstate Hazy IPA. Both were outstanding.

As you can see from the photos below, they have a nice set of picnic tables to the back of the taproom. A perfect place to have a beverage (they have water and the six draught lines) after a nice run, walk, or cycle on the nearby Helderberg to Hudson Rail Trail. It is very dog friendly, and there was a young child there but I am assuming there is less for them to enjoy. Parents, forewarned is forearmed. Parking is ample and easy.

If you are looking for a place for a beer or two, a picnic table, and space for you to relax with your dog or your friend after a sweaty (and it is the warm part of the year as I am writing this), look for The Real McCoy.

-EWA

The Real McCoy Beer Co