Are you making plans to visit the beautiful Adirondack Mountains? If so, you’ll have decisions to make as to where to stay, what to do, and where to eat. It’s more than likely you have already reserved a room somewhere, but you’ll still need suggestions on the best places to eat. I’ve lived in the Adirondacks for about 12 years and have dined at various restaurants all over the Adirondack region. Here is a list of my top 10 favorite restaurants or eateries in the Adirondacks:
1. Mr. Mikes
Located on Main Street in Lake Placid, Mr. Mike’s is the place to go for the best home-cooked Italian cuisine. The sauce tastes like your grandmother’s, and one can tell it was lovingly prepared from scratch. The meat balls are extremely flavorful and so moist you’ll want to get extra. The food is reasonably priced and the place has a family dining kind of atmosphere. Sit in a comfortable booth and watch the chefs toss dough in the air while you eat. I recommend the chicken parmesan, or if you’re vegetarian, the eggplant parmesan. The spaghetti and meatballs dinner is great, as well as their pizza.
2742 Main St. Lake Placid, NY. (518) 523-9770
2. George’s
This restaurant is usually packed with people, and with good reason. The food is fantastic and if you make it in time for the early bird specials, you can get an awesome meal for an amazing price. In addition to a great meal, you also have access to a plentiful salad bar. I recommend the prime rib, or the surf and turf if you enjoy lobster and come with a big appetite. Try their tiramisu for dessert if you still have room. One thing you’ll notice when you’re there is that above each table is a very unique and gorgeous stained glass ceiling lamp. Look around, and you’ll come to the conclusion that it appears that no two of these lamps are alike.
3857 State Route 9L Lake George, NY. (518) 668-5482
3. Wilderness Inn
Located on Route 86 in Wilmington, this restaurant is surrounded by nature. Close by, the Whiteface ski entrance is a breathtaking sight and the drive over is absolutely beautiful. The atmosphere is classy and elegant, yet the prices are within your budget. I recommend the sliced roast beef.
Route 86, Wilmington, NY. (518) 946-2391
4. Lisa G’s
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, you will feel welcomed when you walk in the door. I highly recommend trying their pizza and fries. The pizza is gourmet style, not your average pizza. For instance, they use different kinds of cheeses on their pizzas and special olives (if you desire to have olives), such as kalamata or green rather than just your basic black olive. Not only is this a great place to eat, they also have a fabulous bar here with very friendly bartenders. It’s one of the best places to go to with a bunch of friends.
444 Main Street, Lake Placid, NY. (518) 523-2093
5. Northern Exposure
Located in the Northwoods Inn on Main Street, Northern Exposure is a great place to go to get the feel of the Adirondacks and the North Country. Sit in a comfy booth and marvel at the beautiful mural before you which covers an entire wall. I recommend the filet mignon, the sizzling rib-eye steak, or the salmon if you like fish (I like mine without the wasabi. It is too spicy for me). They also have a great chicken Caesar salad. For dessert try the chocolate lava cake, a super decadent treat.
This is a great place to try if you desire delicious Italian/American food in elegant surroundings. I recommend any of the parmesan dinners (eggplant, chicken, veal, etc) and they also make a nice spinach salad. To add to the dining experience, ask for a seat overlooking the lake.
2425 Main Street, Lake Placid, NY. (518) 523-2353
7. McKenzie’s Grille
Located in Saranac Lake, this is a wonderful place to go if you fancy a late breakfast. Open for breakfast and lunch only, one can choose to eat breakfast as late as closing time, which is at 2:00. Their Belgian waffles are very good and fluffy, and their omelets are also exceptional. For lunch, I highly recommend the hot open turkey sandwich with gravy and fries.
148 Lake Flower Ave, Saranac Lake, NY. (518) 891-2574
8. Cascade Inn
Located on Route 73 in Lake Placid, this restaurant is worth trying out. The atmosphere is very friendly and the food will not disappoint. I recommend the filet mignon, and if you prefer fish, the trout is delicious and moist. Make sure you watch out for the small bones! From what I’ve heard, the baked onion soup is great too. If you’re a chocolate lover like I am, try the chocolate mousse pie for dessert. Their strawberry shortcake is also a hit. It’s best to make reservations ahead of time.
5023 Cascade Road (Route 73), Lake Placid, NY. (518) 523-2130
9. The View
Feel like indulging or impressing that special someone? If so, then try this classy and upscale restaurant located in the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa. The surroundings are elegant and the food is high quality. What I love about this place is that they are able to make a mixed drink correctly without having to ask me what is in it. For example, when I have ordered a “Lady Luck” at other places, many times the bartenders wouldn’t know how to make it. However, the bartenders at The View always do, and that impresses me. If you love pie, I recommend the banana cream pie for dessert. Make sure you call ahead for reservations.
If you’re ever in the area of Keene, make sure you give this one a try. The atmosphere is very homey and comfortable, and the food is satisfying. They make one of the best chicken Caesar salads I’ve ever had. I’ve never been disappointed with the food at this place, and I always walk away with a smile.
Route 9N, Keene, NY. (518) 576-9990
There you have it! Those are my picks of the ten best places to eat in the Adirondack region. One restaurant I wanted to add to the list but couldn’t, is the Adirondack Blarney Stone in Long Lake, NY. Sadly, this place was destroyed in a fire last year and to my knowledge, they have not rebuilt.
As you travel through the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, I hope you enjoy your visit. Have fun shopping, hiking, or skiing when the weather calls for it… and of course eat, drink and be merry!
Resources:
Baxter Mountain Tavern
North Country Dining Guide Saranac Lake, NY: The Lake Placid News, Fall 2008
