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The Alamo Texas BBQ & Tequila Bar, Brookline, NH -VisitingNewEngland partnership- New England Dining Out

The Alamo Texas BBQ & Tequila Bar in Brookline, N.H. Serves Mouthwatering, Authentic Texas-Style Barbecue Cuisine


The Alamo Texas  BBQ and Tequila Bar in Brookline, New HampshireThe Alamo BBQ and Tequila Bar.

Article, photo by Eric Hurwitz -- created for VisitingNewEngland.com on 7/7/2022 @newenglandinfo

Driving the rural back roads of southern New Hampshire reveals something quite remarkable in sparsely-populated Brookline.

It's not another Granite State mountain, lake, hiking trail, family tourist attraction or gift shop.

Instead, this must-visit destination is a slice of Texas in the form of a roadside BBQ restaurant and tequila bar -- to be specific, The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar. No need to arrive in Amarillo by Morning (George Strait song reference) when this southern New Hampshire eatery has you salivating for Texas cooking for lunch, dinner and even breakfast on Sunday, closer to home!

Right away, it's apparent that The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar is the "real thing." Upon arriving at The Alamo parking lot, a smoky aroma greets customers to instantly activate the mouthwatering section of the taste buds.  An American flag, wagon wheel, red barn door, a Texas lone star, food smoker, a fake giant bull on top of the building and a vast outdoor tent seating area with picnic tables set the tone for a long, rambling Texas-style building thankfully ending up misplaced in a small traditional New England town.

Smoker at the Alamo in Brookline, N.H.
Smoker outside The Alamo (there are two smokers indoors, as well).
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"It's like you could take this building and it would fit well in Texas," said Pam Mariano, who owns The Alamo with husband, Al Mariano.

Inside, the raucous, robust roadhouse theme continues with enough personality to seemingly fill the state of Texas, or, in this case, New Hampshire. The vibe is upbeat and fun with a handsome, rustic bar serving as a eye-catching centerpiece.

Bar at The Alamo Texas BBQ in Brookline, NH.
Bar at the Alamo.

"I have a feeling that Toby Keith was writing about The Alamo with his song 'I Love This Bar'," said Al, alluding to The Alamo's classic bar vibe.

That bar area and the dining rooms provide the perfect settings to enjoy big portions of smoked foods and traditional Texas BBQ cuisine like brisket, pulled pork and chicken, burnt ends and baby back ribs, as well as tasty sidekicks like fried green tomatoes (try them in a BLT), corn on the cob, and collard greens at reasonable prices within an inviting, family-friendly setting.

Baby back ribs from The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar in Brookline, NH. Baby back ribs. Photo credit: The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar web site. 

Al and The Alamo's culinary director once traveled to Texas to study the art and science of BBQ food creation, as well as venturing south of the border to become "certified in tequila." Turns out The Alamo earned a reputation as being one of the top sellers of Don Julio Blanco tequila in New Hampshire, first being recognized for that accomplishment in 2020.

From The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar in Brookline, NH: House tequila, triple sec, house made sour mix add watermelon, peach, raspberry, strawberry or mango
House Margarita with tequila, triple sec, house made sour mix (watermelon, peach, raspberry, strawberry or mango). Photo credit: The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar web site.

What's more, The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar transcends the straightforward barbecue and tequila model by offering a Sunday brunch (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), daily live music (5-8 p.m.), catering, Wednesday trivia nights, Thursday open mic night, happy hour (Wed.-Fri., 2-5 p.m.) and salad and vegetarian options.

Dining room at The Alamo Texas BBQ in Brookline NH
Dining room at The Alamo.
 
Wooden floors and tables and post and beam design, that aforementioned spirited bar, rustic dining rooms (one with shuffleboard!), sauces and condiments on the table, southwestern-style hanging lights, barbecue-theme shades, a saddle, the obligatory "Remember the Alamo" sign, and folksy, plaintive sayings on the wall saturate every inch of the restaurant to get you in a Texas state of mind in no time at all.

Saddle in The Alamo Texas BBQ dining room, Brookline, NH.
Saddle in the dining room.

On this particular visit, the Texas-based Sugarland's hit single "Stuck Like Glue" plays through the just-loud-enough speakers. The song resonates with this writer who instantly, and in the best sense, feels stuck like glue to this lively, accommodating place that begs one to stay for a while and take in the spirited environs and the marvelous southern smoked foods and south-of-the-border drinks.

BBQ rules sign at The Alamo Texas BBQ in Brookline, N.H.
A fun and relevant sign on the wall.

"That place is awesome and they treat you like your part of the family, " said customer Belinda Jordan. "They also have really good food!"

Speaking of Really Good Food...


Chicken and waffles from The Alamo Texas BBQ in Brookline, NH.
Mini Fried Chicken & Waffles: Deep fried chicken and waffles topped with maple butter and sriracha maple syrup. Photo credit: The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar web site.

The Alamo might have a northern United States geographical setting but, as mentioned, succeeds in achieving outstanding Texas-type cuisine.

"People coming here who have lived in Texas have told us that although we do not specialize in one type of BBQ, what we have done here is phenomenal," said "Chef Leo" who heads The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar kitchen. "That's the ultimate compliment."

Pam added, "That's my favorite thing. when people say all these nice things. Like, someone told us we hit it out of the park with our collard greens."

Collard greens from The Alamo Texas BBQ in Brookline, New Hampshire
Collard greens. Photo credit: The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar web site.

Let's take a mini-tour of some of the best dishes served at the Alamo...

Although several different offerings could stand on their own as signature dishes, we start off with the Davey Crockett -- clearly, one of the most delicious comfort food dishes on the planet. This mouthwatering blend of brisket, short rib and ground chuck burger on Texas toast is topped with pulled pork, pork belly and cheese sauce. It is essentially culinary heaven created between two pieces of bread.

Davey Crockett brisket sandwich from The Alamo Texas BBQ in Brookline, NH.
The Davey Crockett.

The smoked brisket -- a specialty of the house -- cooks several hours for the most tender version imaginable of this meat. Advice: Do not leave the premises before trying this amazing Texas-meets-Brookline-New Hampshire dish. If you do, however, leave the Alamo without trying the smoked brisket, make sure to return as soon as possible!

Smoked brisket from The Alamo Texas BBQ in Brookline, NH.
Smoked brisket. Photo credit: The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar web site.

The Loaded Nachos -- another Alamo favorite -- are topped with prime rib, cheddar cheese, onions, peppers, corn, black beans and jalapeños...

Loaded nachos from The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar in Brookline, NH.
Loaded nachos. Photo credit: The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar web site.

The Prime Rib Tacos -- a novel and most delicious variation of typical tacos -- consist of soft shell tacos, filled with prime rib, lettuce, and cheese.

Prime rib tacos from The Alamo Texas BBQ in Brookline, NH.
Prime rib tacos. Photo credit: The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar web site.

While many restaurants do a great job with wings, The Alamo amps up the taste better than most with flavors that seem to jump right off the dish. Wing choices include smoked, dry rub or buffalo.

Smoked wings from The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar in Brookline, NH.
Chicken wings. Photo credit: The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar web site.

The Brisket Chili comes with a a slice of brisket and a choice of traditional or candied jalapeño cornbread. Far from your basic cup or bowl of chili, no doubt!

Brisket chili from The Alamo Texas BBQ in Brookline, NH.
Brisket Chili. Photo credit: The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar web site.

The homemade mac n' cheese is topped with pulled pork and BBQ Sauce and served with a piece of cornbread...

Pulled pork mac and cheese from The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar in Brookline, NH.
Mac n' Cheese with pulled pork and BBQ sauce. Photo credit: Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar web site.

The BBQ combo plates are offered with either one, two or three choices of meats and served with two sides and a choice of house-made traditional or candied jalapeño cornbread. The meat choices: baby back ribs (dry or BBQ slathered), brisket, burnt ends, pulled pork, pulled chicken, half-roasted chicken.

Combo plate from The Alamo Texas BBQ in Brookline, NH.
Combo plate. Photo credit: The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar web site.

And, of course, there are the many tequila, cocktail and beer-on-tap offerings. Pictured below: the Don Julio Fresh Squeezed Margarita.

Tequila specialty drink from The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar in Brookline, NH.
Don Julio Fresh Squeezed Margarita. Photo credit: The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar web site.

For those who do not seek barbecue foods, the Alamo does not disappoint with many other menu options.  Cases-in-point: the colossal, Maine lobster roll...

Maine lobster roll from The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar in Brookline, NH.
Maine lobster roll. Photo credit: The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar web site.
 

And the veggie blackened burger, topped with avocado, salsa and onion.

Veggie burger from The Alamo Texas BBQ in Brookline, N.H.
Veggie burger. Photo credit: The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar web site.

If you have room for dessert, The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar will not disappoint. Photos coming soon, but here is a sampling of the sweeter side of Alamo BBQ...

Dessert menu at The Alamo Texas BBQ in Brookline, N.H.

For the complete The Alamo Texass BBQ menu, click here.

Behind-the-Scenes at The Alamo


Pam and Al Mariano, owners of The Alamo. in Brookline, N.H.
Pam and Al Mariano, owners of The Alamo.

The only constant connection The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar owners Al and Pam Mariano have to the south is growing up in Billerica, Mass., which is south of the Alamo's Brookline, N.H. location. While they have no Texas in their blood, Al and Pam possess determination, belief in a higher ground and a strong will to succeed embedded in their collective DNA.

"God is our CEO, " said Pam. "We look to him, we pray and have plenty of perseverance and faith."

Al and Pam married in 1986 after several years of dating. During their blessed time as a couple, Al and Pam worked several different jobs, which eventually led to a desire to enter the restaurant business. They first opened two restaurants, Bailey's Bar & Grille (2008) in Townsend, Mass. and Mariano's Ristorante (2014) in Pepperell, Mass. -- and then, The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar in 2018.

Mariano's offers authentic Italian-inspired cuisine, artisan pizzas, a carefully selected wine list and specialty cocktails within a casual yet intimate setting. Bailey's is inspired by the lead character, George Bailey, in the movie classic, "It's a Wonderful Life," and features decorative elements of that film in their comfortable, welcoming restaurant featuring traditional and contemporary American cuisine.

This excerpt from Bailey's web site shares an interesting background regarding the name of the restaurant...

This is the true story! Al had been running his family's business for ten or so years and Linda, one of Al's four sisters, always called him George Bailey, referring to the lead character from the movie, "It's a Wonderful Life." In the movie, George would always sacrifice his own dreams and ambitions to help his family and friends. Al's sister always felt that in some way Al was doing the same thing. Thus, the name Bailey's Bar & Grille was born.

Regarding Al and Pam's dedication to serving great food and drink and connecting with customers, we reference a quote from Clarence the Angel in "It's a Wonderful Life"...

"Each man’s life touches so many other lives."


Al and Pam, have three children who are all involved with restaurant operations. Jillian is general manager at The Alamo and can frequently be seen working the bar. Alie focuses on marketing and Domenic serves as the beverage director at all three restaurants.

They have a knack for hiring the right people. For example, a staff of six remained faithful to their employer and helped get The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar through the worst business times during Covid.

Then there's "Chef Leo." Working at The Alamo is not just a job, it is a lifestyle for him. Chef Leo first honed his culinary skills in the food industry for several years before earning a job at the Alamo.

Chef Leo and Pam Mariano at The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar in Mason, NH.
Chef Leo and Pam Mariano.

"It's great," said Chef Leo, of working at the Alamo. "You hang out with fire and meats. You start the day barbecuing. It's a lot of fun and you get to know the customers and keep everyone happy by turning out the best food possible. We pretty much keep the base stuff the same but have tweaked things here and there."


Conclusion: The Alamo Is A Restaurant For All Walks Of Life


Family-friendly dining at The Alamo Texas BBQ in Brookline, NH>
Family-friendly dining. Photo credit:The Alamo Texas BBQ Instagram page.

If images of Bad Bart, Josey Wales and Rooster Cogburn come up when picturing The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar restaurant experience, think twice. All walks of life frequent the place in unison and camaraderie including families.

"We take pride in serving the community by treating customers as if they were in our own home," said Pam.

Customer Jenn Collins certainly feels right at home when dining at the Alamo.


"I’m so happy we stumbled upon The Alamo Texas BBQ & Tequila Bar in our travels, said Jenn. "It has become one of our go to places. Everything we have had there is phenomenal, but I always crave their chicken and waffles and, of course, their margaritas. The Alamo not only has fantastic food but their service has always been impeccable. As a mom of two under three years old, going out for dinner is intimidating as we have very little time before someone inevitably acts up. We all know toddlers are pretty energetic, so we love sitting on the patio since it’s spacious enough to walk around without being in the way and they often have live music which keeps our little guy entertained. Our last experience was our first time dining inside with two kids and despite being short staffed (from what I overheard!) our server Kaydee never seemed rushed, was prompt, and helped get our two year old to eat his dinner! We don’t go out often but when we do The Alamo is always our go to!"

Fake bull on top of The Alamo Texas BBQ building, Brookline NH.
An eye-catching sight at the top of The Alamo building.

Customer Jim Ceurveis said of The Alamo, "The Alamo is an authentic Texas BBQ that is a family-oriented and community drive establishment. Friendly, knowledgeable staff with a lot of good energy. Everything from your appetizer to your dessert is authentic. From live outdoor/indoor music to corn hole tournaments, there is never a dull moment."

"It's fun, it's upbeat and the food is yummy," said Pam. of The Alamo. "Yes, we had a vision with The Alamo but we couldn't have done this without our amazing staff. We've got the right people working for us. It has worked out very well. People love this place!"

The Alamo Texas BBQ and Tequila Bar is located at 99 Route 13 in Brookline, NH. Tel. 603-721-5500.
Web site: https://www.alamobarbecue.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheAlamoBarbecue/
Instagram page: @alamobarbecue


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