Schenectady’s Backstage Pub has been serving up excellent food and a serious craft beer selection in their comfortable, welcoming environment since 2018. Located at 501 Smith Street, literally right behind Proctors (hence the name Backstage Pub), they have become well know in the local craft beer scene as one of the Capital Regions finest places to try new beers, support local breweries, and to run into brewers and staffers from various breweries on a regular basis. We wanted to learn more about Backstage and what makes them tic, so I shot down to the pub, cozied up to the bar with Owner, Terry Aldrich, sipped on some brews, and asked him – 7 QUESTIONS….
TBM: What made you decide to open a pub/better-beer-bar in Schenectady?
TERRY: I have worked in various bars for most of my adult life. I had just moved back from NYC and was tired of doing it for someone else. I saw that Backstage Pub was available and jumped at the chance to take it over.
TBM: Post-COVID-19-we are heading out for a 3-hour road-trip to a beer and music festival. You’re driving. What are we driving and what 3 albums are we listening to on the trip?
TERRY: I love my 2008 5.7ltr hemi Jeep Commander with big-ass tires. We are definitely taking that! We’d likely be blaring some Linkin’ Park, or maybe some Kill ROB Bailey. Or – we’ll just jam out to 90’s Hip Hop Radio for the whole trip!
TBM: Outside of running Backstage Pub, what other hobbies/interests do you enjoy?
TERRY: I really enjoy being outdoors. Camping, snowmobiling, biking, roller-blading…I’m down with all of it. I also enjoy going to the gym and trying to stay (somewhat) fit. I also enjoy spending time with my girlfriend, Laura.
TBM: What local/national beers are in your fridge on the regular?
TERRY: Anything from Wolf Hollow Brewing. I also enjoy Dutchess Ales and beers from Treehouse. Hamm’s is always in the fridge. Besides those, there is a wide array of samples that breweries and distributors give me to try.
TBM: If you could sit down and share a beer with 3 historical or iconic characters, who would they be, and why?
TERRY: 1. Chester Bennington from Linkin’ Park – I’d love to pick his brain about everything he has ever written.
2. Roy Choi – a famous chef that went on to open an LA Food Truck
3. Nick Offerman (Ron Swanson)
TBM: What is your decision making process for what you carry on your draft system?
TERRY: We have 3-4 beers on tap that stay on for our regulars. Outside of that, we try to feature as much local beer as possible. We also hunt for rare beers that few others can get their hands on. We are well known in Schenectady for our diverse beer selection.
TBM: If you had one message that you’d like to get across Capital Region Craft Beer Enthusiasts about Backstage Pub, what would that message be?
TERRY: Come check us out. We have something for everyone. We’ll make you feel right at home.