Are you planning to visit the beautiful Adirondack Mountains? If this is the case, it is permissible to decide where to stay, what to do, where to eat. More than likely, you’ve already reserved a room somewhere, but you still need suggestions on the best places to eat. I have lived in the Adirondacks for about 12 years and have dined at various restaurants throughout the Adirondack region. Here is a list of my top 10 favorite restaurants or eateries in the Adirondacks:
1. Mr. Mikes
In Lake Placid, Mr. Mike’s is the place for the best home cooked Italian cuisine. The sauce tastes just like your grandfather’s, and you can tell it’s made from scratch. The meatballs are so flavorful and moist that you want them out. The food is reasonably priced and the place has a family dining atmosphere. Sit in a comfortable booth and watch the chefs toss the dough in the air while you eat. I recommend chicken parmesan, or if you’re a vegetarian, eggplant parmesan. Spaghetti and meatballs are a great dinner, as are pizza cakes.
2742 Main St. Lake Placid, NY (518) 523-9770
2. George
This restaurant is usually packed with people, and deservedly so. The food is fantastic and if you do it in prime time for early birds, you can get amazing food at an amazing price. In addition to a great dinner, you also have access to a salad bar. I recommend prime rib, or surf and turf if you enjoy lobster and come with a big appetite. Try their tiramisu for the table if there is still room. One thing you will know when you are there is that above each table is a very unique and beautiful stained glass ceiling lamp. Look around, and you will come to the conclusion that no two of these lamps are alike.
3857 State Route 9L Lake George, NY. (518) 668-5482.
3. Desert Inn
Located on Route 86 in Wilmington, this restaurant is surrounded by nature. Along the way, the Whiteface ski entrance has a stunning view and the drive over is absolutely beautiful. The atmosphere is classy and elegant, yet the prices are within your budget. We recommend sliced beef.
Route 86. Ferox, NY. (518) 946-2391.
4. Lisa G’s
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, you’ll feel welcome when you walk in the door. I highly recommend their pizza and fries. The pizza is gourmet style, not your average pizza. For example, they use different types of cheeses in the pizza lagani and special olives (if you want to have olives), such as kalamata or green instead of your basic black olive. Not only is this a great place to eat, but they also have a fabulous friendly staff here. It’s a great place to go with a bunch of friends.
444 Main Street, Lake Placid, NY. (518) 523-2093
5. North exposure
Located in the Northwoods Inn on Main Street, Northern Exposure provides a great location to experience the Adirondacks and the North Country. Sit in the comfort of the booth and marvel at the beautiful mural in front of you that covers the entire wall. I recommend filet mignon, rib-eye steak, or salmon if you like fish (I like mine without i> the wasabi. They also have a great chicken for the table is a taste of chocolate wash the cake, treated by a super decade.
2520 Main Street, Lake Placid, NY. (518) 523-1818.
6. Jimmy’s 21 (aka Jimmy’s Lakeside Restaurant
This is a great place to try if you want delicious Italian/American food in an elegant environment. I recommend any of the parmesan dishes (egg, chicken, veal, etc.) and they also make a nice spinach salad. To be used as a dining room, he asked for a seat overlooking the lake.
2425 Main Street, Lake Placid, NY. (518) 523-2353.
7. McKenzie’s Grille
Located in Saranac Lake, it’s a wonderful place to go if you’re thinking of a late lunch. Open for lunch and dinner can only choose to take breakfast as late as closing time, which is at 2:00. Their happy Belgians are the best and the furries, and the omens are also exceptional. For lunch, a 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 well worth a visit. The air is very friendly and food does not confuse. I recommend the mignon, and if you prefer fish, the delicious and moist trout. Take care of your little bones! I also heard a great from the soup, it is cooked. If you are a chocolate lover, try the chocolate mousse pie for dessert. Their strawberry shortcake is also a hit. It is best to make reservations ahead of time.
5023 Cascade Road (Route 73), Lake Placid, NY. (518) 523-2130
9. View
Want to indulge or impress someone special? If so, try this classy and upscale restaurant located at the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa. The circumstances are elegant and the food is of high quality. What I like about this place is that the drink can be well mixed without having to properly ask what is in it. For example, when I ordered “Lady Fortune” at other places, many times the staff didn’t know how to do it. But the waiter at Prospect always does it, and it impresses me. If you love pie, recommend Muse cream pie for table. Please call me ahead for reservations.
(518) 302-3000
10. Baxter Mountain Tavern
If you’re ever on the Keene campus, make sure to check this one out. The atmosphere is very homey and comfortable, and the food is filling. Jasmine always makes the best chicken caesar salad. I have never been disappointed with the food at this place and always leave with a smile.
Route 9N, Keene, NY. (518) 576-9990
There you have it! Those are my top 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, it was consumed by fire that year and, as far as I know, has not been 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 feast!
Resources:
Baxter Mountain Tavern
North Country Dining Saranac Lake Saranac Lake, NY: Lake Placid News, Fall 2008
