The Alamo Texas BBQ & Tequila Bar — Restaurant in Laconia

During our recent visit to the area, my family and I experienced a ride on the Mount Washington. Subsequently, we chose to dine at The Alamo Texas BBQ, based on a colleague's recommendation. As an avid barbecue enthusiast with 14 years of experience in meat smoking, I was particularly eager to evaluate their offerings. While the ambiance of the restaurant is commendable, the overall dining experience was negatively impacted by excessive ambient noise from the radio and conversations. The "Pick 3" selection, comprising burnt ends, homemade sausage, and dry ribs, along with cornbread, fries, and street corn, was priced at $42. Upon consumption, the burnt ends, coated in sauce, exhibited a dry texture. The ribs, although acceptable, were marred by an excessive and caked-on rub, contributing to dryness. The homemade sausage was deemed unsatisfactory, presenting a dry, crumbly texture reminiscent of an overcooked burger, rendering it inedible. I have been to Texas a number of times and hit up all the usual BBQ spots like Terry Blacks, Louie Mueller, and Cooper Abercrombie at Bar A BBQ, (some of the best I know) and this did not taste like Texas BBQ at all which is good because we are not in Texas. While the presentation of the street corn was visually appealing, the dish could benefit from enhanced seasoning and a more generous application of cheese. Although the server provided amiable service, drink refills were not consistently offered. We had to get BBQ Sauce and paper towel from the next tabke over as ours did not have any. Regrettably, based on the culinary experience of this visit, a return visit is not warranted. I hope they do better and see this as a learning experience and not someone trying to trash them. These are my opinions as well as my 6...

Had lunch with my mom at Alamo near the Weirs for the first time on Saturday. It exceeded my expectations. I had burnt ends with the fabulous cornbread and we shared the jalapeno poppers. Also sampled Mom's coleslaw. All very VERY good. The quartet of BBQ sauces in plastic squeeze bottles were...wait for it...CLEAN AND NOT STICKY! :) As though someone took care to wipe them down, which I ADORED! It's those little things that make a dining experience better. And the sauces were yummy...House and St Louis tasted similar to me, and I liked them both. The Ghost Pepper was, as expected, too hot for me but it was fun to try it. But the Carolina Mustard was not what my Carolina heart wanted. I think there's chipotle in it, which I did not care for, but then again I'm a purist. I had two other sauces to enjoy. Plus, the burnt ends were so tasty on their own they hardly needed a sauce.

Decor is fun. Bathrooms spacious and clean.They have a few items for sale in the case, which is good to know for future "I don't want to make dinner tonight" nights. Seating ranges from regular tables to half booths to high tops...so something for everyone to be comfortable. I'm sure it gets loud when the place is full, but on a Saturday afternoon for lunch is was a perfect noise level even with a solo musician (who was very good) at the front door with a guitar and amp. And our server was terrific (thanks, Christiana!). We don't have food allergies, but I asked about how they handle them for a friend who does, and Christiana explained that the Alamo is very careful with allergens...they have a strict protocol, which is great to know.

I look forward to going back and hope the Alamo is remembered (heh heh, get it?) by many patrons so it has a long,...

The Lake’s Region has long needed; better BBQ, and more large destination restaurants. Alamo fits the bill for both - taking up a great spot right off The Weir’s in Laconia. The ribs, brisket, wings, burnt ends, and sides are all top notch. The beer list is lengthy and the tequila options are exhaustive. They’ve got a great approach to food allergies with a dedicated gluten free gf menu and fryer.

I’m writing this review less than a week after this, the Alamo’s 2nd location, opened at The Weir’s off of Lake Winnipesaukee in Laconia, New Hampshire. Came to get take out on a slow afternoon, spoke with the manager and even met one of the owners of Mariano Restaurant Group (“MRG”), Domenic Mariano. I hung around and tried everything fresh at the bar, then headed home to share the meal with my family.

Ribs (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) - the ribs were the highlight. I got the dry rub. They fell off the bone. Wings (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) - they’ve got gluten free wings. Also got the dry rub. Delicious and meaty. Brisket (⭐⭐⭐⭐) - I asked for it wet, as the fat adds flavor. It was a little dry, but that’s understandable as they’re still working on the kitchen. Burnt Ends (⭐⭐⭐) - the burnt ends were a dipped in sauce version of the brisket. There was a little less bark than I would’ve liked. Sauces (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) - they’ve got four sauce options, I tried the house version ‘Whiskey’ and the Tennessee molasses. I did not try the NC or the ghost pepper - I’m not a fan of over spicy sauces. Bake Beans (⭐⭐) - the beans were a little over cooked, almost refried. Collard Greens (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) - the collards were pretty good,

I got a margarita sitting at the bar. Their list...