Mets Legend Mookie Wilson Revitalizes Historic Albany Political Haunt
Former baseball star Mookie Wilson is breathing new life into The War Room Tavern, a beloved Albany establishment, rebranding it as Mookie Wilson's Legacy BBQ at The War Room.
New York Mets Hall of Famer Mookie Wilson is set to reopen The War Room Tavern, a historic Albany establishment known for its patronage by state politicians and lobbyists. The venue, which closed its doors in March, will be reborn as Mookie Wilson's Legacy BBQ at The War Room, with plans to open in November.
Wilson, who has been operating a mobile catering service called Legacy BBQ for three years, partnered with political consultant Todd Shapiro to bring his family's Southern Carolina recipes to the capital city. The new establishment aims to blend the political atmosphere of The War Room with Wilson's baseball background and barbecue offerings.
"The War Room basically has been about politics," Wilson told The Post. "We have no intentions of trying to change in that. But we want to bring a baseball flavor around, so it will be politics and baseball and barbecue."
The menu will feature slow-smoked brisket, pork spareribs, chicken wings, smoked sausage, baked beans, potato salad, banana pudding, and pineapple cake. The reopening is slated to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the 1986 New York Mets World Series championship, a significant event in Wilson's career.
Shapiro described the venture as "a real save for Albany," emphasizing that the tavern's unique character will be preserved. "The War Room is not closing down. Mookie Wilson and his family are giving it a new life while keeping what people love about it: the politics, the people, the conversations and the feeling that anyone can walk in and be part of Albany."
The War Room is known for its political decor, including a large bull-moose head symbolizing Theodore Roosevelt's Bull Moose Party. Wilson plans to add baseball memorabilia, including mitts and Mets items, to the establishment's existing ambiance.
"Cooking is something that’s in our family," Wilson stated. "Just like baseball. It’s in our family."
The establishment is scheduled to open its doors during the first week of November.