Man of Kent

Bar, Eatery

4452 State Route 7
Hoosick Falls, New York, 12090-3525
United States

(518) 686-9917 | map
manofkenttavern.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.38
Reviews:
22
Ratings:
27
pDev:
8.45%
View: Place Reviews
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Ratings by vonnegut21:
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Rated by vonnegut21 from New York

4/5  rDev -8.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4

Oct 21, 2014
More User Ratings:
Photo of KP7
Reviewed by KP7 from Massachusetts

4.81/5  rDev +9.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.5
I haven't been since there was a change in ownership, but under John this was as close to an English-style pub as you'd find in the States. Many puts that go for this style miss that it isn't about the furnishing or tap list. It's the vibe and proprietor that make it.
Jan 21, 2023
Photo of fps_dean
Reviewed by fps_dean from Massachusetts

4.69/5  rDev +7.1%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4 | food: 5
The Man of Kent is the best example of an American English pub at its finest. It hasn't changed much since it's opened minus the addition of some new pennants or other sports memorabilia on the ceiling or walls and that's all for the better. If you sit towards the back, you get a nice view overlooking the river and in the summer you can sit outside.

The beer selection on tap is primarily English beers, with some German and Belgian beers and they usually have a rotating IPA tap, usually from a semi-local brewery, as well as a wide variety of bottles -- I usually get a Guinness or another English beer, as I'm usually the one driving anyway.

But the food is exceptional. I rarely eat meat anymore, but they have some of the best burgers anywhere (the Man of Kent burger with mushroom s was always my personal favorite) but they have plenty of vegetarian or pescatarian options as well. I have had the Chilean Sea Bass special and that's exceptional, as is the Creole Salmon or various fried fish options -- you can choose between beer battered cod or haddock (I usually prefer cod myself but I do prefer the haddock the way they prepare it) or panko encrusted flounder, shrimp or scallops -- which are also quite excellent. The portabella sandwich is also quite good, as is the Baked Brie appetizer. I've had some other menu items, and I have yet to be let down.

The biggest downside is that it's popular and there is often a wait, especially at busy lunch or dinner hours, but it's always been worth it.
Mar 12, 2020
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Reviewed by sosbombs from Vermont

4.7/5  rDev +7.3%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.75
Not only worth stopping at on the way by, but worth going out of your way for. The Man of Kent is an English Pub almost literally in the middle of nowhere. If the parking lot is full, don't worry- they will find room. The beer selection could be a little more modern, as it sticks with mainly traditional English and German beers- but what they do have will not disappoint. The people, employees and customers alike are as friendly as can be. Though pub food, the food is fantastic. One of my favorite places ever.
May 08, 2016
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Reviewed by N17shelfside from California

3.89/5  rDev -11.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.75 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3
This place is one of those that was really something special years ago, but with the proliferation of beer in New England has fallen off a bit. The vibe certainly hasn't changed in years, just added new flags from the Masters over past 5 years or so. Still a great stop if you are driving by and need a bite to eat and one of the few places that really is devoted to English bitters. That actually might deserve a notch on its belt just for sticking with its English Pub theme.
Jun 20, 2015
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Reviewed by Himself from Massachusetts

3.03/5  rDev -30.8%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 3.5 | service: 2 | selection: 3 | food: 3
I had heard so much about this place that I had to go. It's located in a cool area and the ambience is nice but that's about where it ended. The waitstaff was slow and pretty much forgot we existed. It took 20 minutes after we were seated to place an order for beer and 20 minutes after that the beer came. So 40 minutes after we sat down we got menus. Long story short, it was 2 hours after we sat down before we got our food and this was after repeated attempts to speak to our waitress. I don't get the fuss. I'll never go back.
Apr 28, 2015
 
Rated: 4.25 by tubeman from New York

Jun 10, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by smccann from New Hampshire

Apr 09, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by InspectorBob from New Jersey

Feb 28, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Bikeboy1 from Pennsylvania

Dec 24, 2013
Photo of shueyy
Reviewed by shueyy from New York

4.31/5  rDev -1.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.25 | food: 4.5
It doesn't appear that much has changed from the previous reviews. Lots of soccer and golf memorabilia on the wall and lots of English beers on tap mixed in with Smuttynose and Southern Tier. Decent selection of taps 10 in total I believe and a great bottle selection. The bottle selection runs from some great Belgium, Germany, English, and domestic craft beers at least 100 bottles to choose from.
The service was great as soon as I sat down at the bar the bartender said I have a great English Ale as he poured me a sample before I could say anything. I decided on a Young's Double Chocolate Stout which was good.
The food menu was great I went with Ahi tuna with sesame seeds and a szechuan sauce. Ahi tuna and chocolate stout might not go well together but I was done with the beer when the food arrived. The place was packed for lunch on a Wednesday so they must be doing something right.
If you happen to be traveling on RT. 7 going to Vermont from Troy NY it's definitely worth a stop great food great beer selection in a friendly English style pub.
Jun 14, 2012
Photo of daktruckie99
Reviewed by daktruckie99 from Massachusetts

4.4/5  rDev +0.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Spent a Saturday afternoon here after a co-worker recommended the place. It was a nice fall day for a drive so I loaded the wife into our car and we headed up for some beer and perhaps some food if we drank enough.

Beer selection was great. I had 2 draft beers and a bottle. Wife had an Old Speckled Hen and 2 bottles. We had the wings and a dinner special.

Very reasonable price, incredibly friendly bartender (owner I think). He threw in two pint glasses for us on our way out. We will be back! Thanks again.
Sep 26, 2010
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Reviewed by nopucophop from New York

4.2/5  rDev -4.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
This is one of my favorite places to go. If considering how close it is to where I live, it is my favorite place. You will find this place to be very warm and friendly. The type of place you always leave feeling like you made a friend. It is located in the middle of nowhere. Many people probably drive by and never know what they are missing. The decor is influenced by the former owner who is from England. Hence a lot of futball(soccer) items. There beer selection is outstanding. They have many offerings from DFH, Stone, Sam Smiths, Troeggs( at one point they had nugget nectar on tap) and many many more. They have a whole shelf of Belgian beers. They even carry some of the BMC's to appeal to everyone. For the most part there taps are British but they will sprinkle in some other things here and there. The menu has really improved with the new owners. If they are serving the wild wings when you visit I would suggest getting them. All and all you won't be disappointed with your visit.
Oct 09, 2009
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Reviewed by aerozeppl from New York

4.58/5  rDev +4.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
I go to Mahar's fairly often and they have a Man of Kent sign in their bar. Had to finally stop by on the way to Vermont. It is in the middle of nowhere as previous people have stated. One thing of note when we went is they are now open 7 days a week. The bar itself is fairly nice. Tons of windows looking out over the river. Reminded me of a home bar in quite a few ways. Tons of crap on the walls focusing on Soccer. The taps were all British ales with one Clipper City beer offered. The gentleman tending bar the day we went was the former owner. I walked over and was looking at the handles. He recommended something to me and asked me if I was into beer. I told him I live next to Mahar's and that I was told to come here. Nice people over there was his reply and said he didnt think I needed help. Ordered a Fullers ESB and got it served right in an Imperial Pint. The food was standard pub fare with very reasonable prices. I would like to come by early on a weekend and check this place out again.
Jul 28, 2009
Photo of rixport
Reviewed by rixport from New Hampshire

4.95/5  rDev +13%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
This place is great. I usually pass by in the wee hours of the morning and had for years. Finally, last fall, I had a chance to go by when they were actually open. I stopped in, unfortunately had already had lunch. After seeing the burger on a guys plate next to me.. well, I was bummed that I'd already eaten. I had 2 1/2 pints of great English beers that were on tap. Sorry, I don't recall what they were, other than they were good. This past Thursday, a friend and I stopped in and were treated like royalty by John, who is the bartender and former owner. I finally got to try one of those burgers.. holy cow! What a great burger! I had a pint of Wells Bombardier English Premium. Great beer, properly served. After that, I had an Abbot Ale which was nitrogen dispensed. Not my favorite, but it was good (not real fond of nitro beers). All in all, John, Mike, burger and beer.. don't get much better. Kinda glad it's a 4 1/2 hour drive away.. good stuff..
Jul 05, 2009
Photo of deanhead
Reviewed by deanhead from Vermont

4.33/5  rDev -1.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
This place is the perfect excuse for me to stop for a beer anytime I'm headed to Albany or passing through on Route 9 in the Western part of Vermont. It's just minutes over the border from VT. A true beer oasis.

MOK has a great selection of classic English beers on tap, and a cooler full of bottles that will make your head spin. There are the regular standard hand craft beers as well as an assortment of gems that we don't have access to here in VT.

The service is friendly, the crowd is mostly local, and the ambiance is reminiscent of an English pub, although you might find baseball on instead of soccer if the Yankees are playing.

It's got good eats. Basic pub grub, English style. It' also family friendly which is a plus. It really a great place to stop if you are passing through. So next time you find your way on the way to OR from Vermont pop in. You won't be disappointed
May 21, 2009
Photo of Avryle
Reviewed by Avryle from Vermont

4.28/5  rDev -2.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
After a scenic drive through the woods, there's the Man of Kent. Situated alongside a little river, the location is nice & scenic especially during the warmer months when you can sit out in the garden area.

Enter the pub & it's, well, it's a pub. Low ceiling, dark, lots of bar towels, soccer memorabilia, etc. I was here around 11am on a monday so things were a bit quiet with retired four locals hanging out at the bar shooting the shit. Lunch was a notch above the standard pub fare and at reasonable prices.

On tap was good ole English ales including Charles Wells & Abbot, as well as more common Newcastle & Smithwicks. There appears to be a really diesel bottle selection of British beers as well, but did not get an oportunity (or was not provided) with a listing.
May 21, 2009
Photo of williamherbert
Reviewed by williamherbert from New York

4/5  rDev -8.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
A few quick thoughts on my trip to Man of Kent:

* The prices are very reasonable
* Several good English taps
* The feed is pretty good, though not mind-blowing
* The interior is a cool mix of English and European decor, lots of soccer (futbol) jerseys and Euro banners. Things hanging from the walls and ceiling all over the place.
* The water had a sulfur flavor to it. Not the tavern's fault, but they should offer either filtered or bottled water.
* Our server was terrific.
* Nice crowd; cozy and middle-aged.
* First there was no music, then some soft, unobtrusive music.

This is a cool, cozy bar that feels like a great place to go on a Sunday afternoon.
Feb 11, 2009
Photo of madmanjf
Reviewed by madmanjf from New York

4.38/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
A great little place in the middle of no-where ... and I mean that in a nice way.

The place is LOADED with memorabilia on the walls and ceiling... mostly beer towels with some sports equipment mixed in.

There's a decent amount of taps with a focus on English Beers and Browns from Troy.

The bartender that I had was knowlegable about beer and very nice.

The food menu is diverse and inexpensive with some tastey dishes coming out.

I had a Tetley's Ale which can be difficult to find. It's an awesome sessions beer.

A great little place to hit.
Oct 19, 2008
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Reviewed by BeerTruth from Connecticut

4.26/5  rDev -2.7%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
Two of my college buddies and I were on our way to Albany for the ECAC hockey tournament when all of a sudden we got a flat on Rt. 22 just outside the village of Hoosick Falls. Oh shit. After taking care of that I felt the need to stop at the Man of Kent for a nice brew. Hockey can wait, Adam needs a beer. You really need to pay attention while on Rt. 7 for this place or you'll miss it. It's almost a small house, but trust me, there's beer in there. Bar on the left, seating on the right and in back. Walls are plastered with soccer jerseys, hats, bar towels, t-shirts, and pennants. HD tv hanging above the glass windows in the back of the dinning area. Luckily it was the first round of the NCAA men's bball tournament so were able to watch some of that. They have about 10-12 taps, all of which are english styles. I got the Brown's Oatmeal Stout and my friends ordered some Samuel Smith beers in bottles, after all, it is an English pub. They have a pretty decent selection of bottles. Highlights include Rogue, Dogfish Head, and Stone. We didn't order any food as we were planning to get something to eat at the Pump Station, but it looked like basic pub fare. The atmosphere or this place is one of a kind, especially in the area that it's in. Definitely worth the stop if you're traveling down/up Rt. 7. Small in size, but big in heart.
Mar 24, 2008
Photo of oberon
Reviewed by oberon from North Carolina

4.05/5  rDev -7.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
A place I seeked out on my trip to New England last weekend and I am glad I found it.On route 7 not far from the VT border it comes up on ya pretty quick coming from the west so you really have to look for it, a smaller parking area out front with a sign of an English fox hunter on horseback out front.Its a charming looking place blue with some fall decorations adorning the outside of the place almost like a charming little cottage,small on the inside as soon as walked in the old owner of the place a very nice Englishmen greeted us and and told us to sit wherever we liked a nice long bar takes up a good bit of room there was a few tables on the rustic patio as well to sit.There were about 14 or so taps didnt count about 80% UK offerings including:Old Speckled Hen,Tetleys,Fullers ESB,Belhaven,Green King Abbot,and Smithwicks.Local micros came from Troy's Brown's Brewing with their pale,oatmeal stout,and whiskey porter,they also had an extesive bottle list of around 40 bottles.A wide variety of sandwiches on the luch menu and the food was sustaining and quite good,great comfy feeling in the bar a few locals were in there and it just seemed homey, if ever heading to VT from Albany you should hit this place up.
Oct 09, 2007
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Reviewed by Shiredave from New York

4.63/5  rDev +5.7%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
The Man of Kent. Im told by several people who have been to the UK, that this really is as close as you will get to a traditional British Pub here in the US. If you find yourself driving east of Troy NY on Rt 7, or driving north of nowhere on Rt 22 you will and should find this gem on Rt.7 just west of the Rt. 7/ 22 intersection.
Welcoming regulars and curious travelers for nearly 20 years,
Publican John has been the only man, EVER, behind the bar, 5 days a week - Thurs. - Mon. A more gracious and friendly owner would be very difficult to find - anywhere. Staff is equally friendly and accommodating and the patrons are quick to chat and recommend beers or menu items, discuss the talk of the day or just BS.
If you are a Football (soccer ) fan, all the World Cup and important international matches are usually on the big screen - no matter what time they air.
Beer selection is as stated in previous reviews - Fullers ESB, Youngs SLA, Bellhaven Twisted Thistle(new!), Green King Abbot, Speckled Hen, Weihenstephan Lager and Hefe, Smithwicks, and 2 Browns Brewing ( Oat stout and pale) are available as well as 40-60 rotating bottle choices including some surprising Belgian, US and UK specialty items.
There is wine, and a fully stocked bar, but the beer lover will have no interest in that. All pints are 20oz Imperial size and under $5. Bottles are equally good bargains as is the food. Food is made to order, fresh and in generous portions in every case. Lunch only till 3pm or 4, depending on how busy it is. Limited sandwich menu after that in evenings.
This is a destination. Not many are lucky enough to live within a comfortable drive of this wonderfull place, but anyone who enjoys good beer and good people should make the effort to stop by.
Travelers who discovered MOK 10 -15 years ago come back every chance they get. Ive spoken at the bar with over a dozen patrons who told me this on various occasions. There is a very good reason for that. Make the trip and find out why.
Sep 05, 2005
Photo of slander
Reviewed by slander from New York

4.28/5  rDev -2.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Man, talk about a lazy Sunday. We've been on the road from Burlington now for at least 3 hours and change. We're to meet Rapopoda at Albany Pump Station for lunch but he got a late start heading North from Cooperstown so we've got a little time on our hands, not a lot of time, but a little time, just enough time, to stop, in Hoosick Falls, for a beer...
Vlad & Mary always go on about this place. Hoosick Hoosick Hoosick. I'm not sure about this address numbering scheme out there on Rte 7, I thought we were well out of the range of where it was supposed to be, but then suddenly there it was, a stand alone structure on the side of the road.
On entering, they've got a 12 seat "C" shaped bar to the left, a small greeting area to the right with benches and a coffee table, and 7 tables of various sizes and shapes to the rear. There's also an exterior side garden with 8 tables, some in nooks amidst the flora and trees. It's not a terribly large place, but surely sufficient. A small arch ceiling, flags, shirts & tapestries overhead, framed cricket and horses pictures, stuffed animals, figurines, mugs, bar towels, hats, bric-a-brac, a display of hanging ladles & spoons, and a large wine rack in the corner. There's a TV above the large glass windows to the rear of the room, overlooking a babbling brook down below, with geese, doing whatever the hell it is that geese do.
13 taps across a couple of towers, mostly imports (Abbot Ale, Youngs Special London Ale, Old Speckled Hen, Fullers ESB, Trojan Pale Ale, Belhaven, Whitbread, Weinhenstephan Lager & Hefe, Stella, Smithwicks), a local micro (Brown's Oatmeal Stout), and Michelob Light. Also coolers holding some 70 bottles, imports and micros.
Man of Kent's been here for 20 years now, bartender John, attentative, knowledgeable, chatty, for probably just as long. With lunch less than an hour out, we didn't eat, but they do traditional English pub fare. I think they're pretty much as real a deal as you're going to get if you're looking for a traditional English pub.
Aug 14, 2005
Photo of vladtheimpaler
Reviewed by vladtheimpaler from New Jersey

4.43/5  rDev +1.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 5
This is one of the coolest Non US-micorbrew beer bars you will ever visit in the US. The owner and Barkeep is from the UK and all the beer on tap is from the UK (with the rare German selection). Taps include Fullers, Bluebird, Einbecker, Whitbread, Youngs and a host of other hard to find English bitters, Pale Ales, etc. Last time I was there, I had a Youngs Old Nick, a Fullers ESB, and an Einbecker Pils, all fresh. The food is all of home made quality and generally of English origin. My favoite has been the Stew. The atmosphere is rather neat, being on the sid of the mountain heading down toward Bennington Vermont on Route 7 from Troy, but before Route 22. This place is a gem and deserves a visit from us all!
Apr 28, 2004
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Reviewed by MTMugs from New York

4.58/5  rDev +4.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
This is a pretty drive during nice weather from the Albany/Troy area - out route 7 toward Vt. Nice, small, homey pub offering about 12 drafts and lots of bottles! Food is good solid sammiches and fries. Service is excellent! It was packed that night and we were going to just have a few at the bar while waiting for a table but we ended up eating at the bar - John, the owner, was our bartender and quite chatty and attentive - even with the crowd. It's about a half hour drive on a country windy highway so I've only been twice in the past few years - maybe I can get John to open a second one closer to home?
Feb 17, 2004
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Reviewed by Flashy from Vermont

4.83/5  rDev +10.3%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
I list the Man of Kent amongst the top drinking establishments I've been to (along with McNeills in Brattleboro, VT; Awful Arthurs in Kill Devils Hills; the Hofbrauhaus, Munchen and The Blind Tiger in NYC). You are treated like family by an owner and staff that give attention to every detail re: food and beer. It is family friendly with a beer garden that could be from England or Germany- populated by a pack of farm animals that keep any kid happy (and let mom and dad eat in peace for once). The MOK's one shortcoming, a plain built in place bar, is being replaced by a 120 year old mahogany masterpiece out of Troy, NY. I can't add anything to the excellent review by sponberg so I won't try.
Stopped by over and over the last few years and have never been let down.
6/20/08: New owners have only tweaked a couple of things that needed tweeking: they improved the hamburger and nachos and now accept credit cards. John (the Man of Kent) is still tending bar during the weekdays. Same great place.

10/18/08: Same old place, John was even sitting at the bar. Great place go visit on a nice Fall day, or Summer night for that matter.

10/27/14: Same old place. Love it, love it, love it!
Nov 08, 2003
Photo of sponberg
Reviewed by sponberg from New York

4.53/5  rDev +3.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Located on Route 7 between Troy and Bennington VT in Hoosick Falls, a little more than a mile west of the intersection of Routes 7 and 22, 20 miles east of Troy, 9 miles west of Bennington give or take. Look for the blue cottage on the south side of the road in the middle of nowhere, and be prepared to drive past it the first time. Parking available. Closed Tues/Wed, open 11-11 (or so), kitchen closes at 9 (10 on Fridays).

I've never been to England, but this is what I imagine a quintessential English countryside tavern must be like. A very, very welcoming "sit where ye like" atmosphere. Well spaced tables beyond a 12-14 person bar, with an impressive collection of bar towels and sports jerseys adorning the ceiling. Bright and sunny inside (mid-afternoon), very friendly and knowledgeable waitstaff, and the owner (John, who IS from Kent, England) is great, treats visitors like regulars. One TV, muted, vies for attention with the bird feeders outside the window.

Fourteen taps, emphasizing English pale ales and session beers - Bluebird, Old Speckled Hen, GK Abbot, Ruddles... properly served in 20 oz. pints for $4.50. They also have Guinness, Spaten, Stella, and Coors Light to cater to all tastes, and two local brews. Taps rotate in & out on a semiregular basis. 70 bottles, with the emphasis on bottle conditioned English brews and a good selection of Belgians and German to go along with more mainstream offerings. Beer menus are at each table. The owner & waitstaff know the beers well, and actively encourage visitors to try some of the English taps when they're unsure of what they want.

The food is simply delicious - a large number of sandwiches ($5-$8)are based around grilled tomato & cheddar on local Rock Hill bakery bread with turkey (house roasted), roast beef, chicken, mushrooms, etc. in the sandwich as well. The roast beef & grilled onion sandwich is outstanding, as was the grilled turkey on rye with cheddar, tomato, onions, peppers. A crock of Colman's mustard is on each table. The fries are cooked in a convection oven as opposed to deep fried, but are nonetheless very tasty.

Aside: First came here 7 years ago at the end of a pub crawl. The owner, when he heard of what we were doing, said "I love it, that's great!" and popped open a Saison DuPont for us to sample alongside our Old Speckled Hen. I wish this place were closer to home, as it's simply a wonderful place to have a drinking session.
Jul 13, 2003
Man of Kent in Hoosick Falls, NY
Place rating: 4.38 out of 5 with 27 ratings