10 Best Restaurants in the Adirondack Mountains in New York State
My Picks of the Best Places to Eat 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.
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 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.
(518) 302-3000
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:
North Country Dining Guide Saranac Lake, NY: The Lake Placid News, Fall 2008
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.
Published by Kelly VanBuren
I am a college graduate who would very much like a career in the writing field. It is my dream to make a living doing what I love. View profile
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11 Comments
Post a CommentHi Tyler! Thank you for your advice. I appreciate it. I definitely have to try that restaurant at the Handlebar! I hope someday I get the chance; I've been so busy lately. Ooh, creme brulee is one of my favorite desserts! I'll have to force my guy friend to take me there, lol. Maybe in the near future I'll write a review of it! Thanks for the comment :)
Don't get so worked up about people whining from behind their computer, Kelly. Everyone's a critic. Just be proud you're writing!
Had dinner last night at Liquids and Solids at the Handlebar and it was incredible! When we walked in we thought it was a bit of a dive-bar and the outside seating was by the road (a little loud) but it ended up being amazing. I got the jerked pork and the creme brulee.
Something needs to be said here. I can not add to the list or edit it. Associated Content owns it, not me; they have exclusive rights to it. But if anyone would like to list their favorites that are not on my list, then please do so here in the comment area, but do so in a RESPECTFUL manner. I apologize if your favorite is not on here, and also if I did not cover all the areas in the Adirondacks. I have eaten at MANY places all over the Adirondacks, but some were just not memorable enough for me to include. And some I did not have the opportunity to even TRY. Why people are getting so upset over an article I wrote that is just merely my OPINIONS of places that I have dined at and think are great, is mind boggling to me. Surely there are more important things in life to get upset about. Any more disrespectful comments will be deleted, and I also will not tolerate the same person commenting the same things and pretending to be a different user.
a continuation as last post was cut off.
The Cowboy is one of THE best specialty restaurants north of the CITY (and I don't mean Glen's Falls).
Kelly, your view is very narrow. Not to appear too snobby, but you have missed many of the very fine restaurants in the mountains and didn't even consider places with great eateries like Loon Lake, Inlet, Old Forge, North Creek, Big Moose, Caroga Lake, Indian Lake, Sabael, Speculator and there are many more. Your list really would fit mostly the Bar & Grill type list. (in my opinion)
If you really want to create a top ten list, possibly you could poll your followers or those that picked up your blog as a result of a google search to formulate a true list of the Park's finest eateries.
I would add to your list to make 20 or squeeze out a few of your top ten - The Seventh Lake House (Inlet), Frankies Taste of Italy (Old Forge which,by the way, is way better than Mr. Mikes for Red Sauce Italian), The Big Moose Inn (Big Moose Lake), Marty's Chili Nights (Indian Lake), The Tap Room (Raquette Lake) and I would have to agree with Adk Foodie, the Caribbean Cowboy is one of THE bes
Adk Foodie,
Although I welcome your opinions, I have to say that trash talking or insulting the restaurants on my list is going a little far. Have you eaten at Mr. Mike's? If so, I find it hard to believe that you would think the food there is anything but fantastic. Do you not like home-cooked Italian cuisine? They have the best Italian food that I've ever had... MY opinion ofcourse. I have not tried any of the places you have mentioned. Thank you for mentioning them here. Keep in mind we all have our opinions, and my article is just that... MY picks of the best places to eat in the region. I really disagree with your comment that the places I listed serve "boring tourist-trap food". How can food that makes me go "Mmmmmm!" over and over ever be considered boring? It's GOOD FOOD, plain and simple. But hey, to each's own. I will definitely try that place "Liquids and Solids" you mentioned because I find molecular gastronomy very interesting. Thanks for your comment
Kelly, not to sound too snobby, but I feel like you need to expand your horizons. Half of the places you mention here are sub-par at best, serving the kind of boring, tourist-trap food that you can find pretty much anywhere in the U.S. Mr Mike's #1?? You've got to be kidding me. Why no mention of such fine establishments as the Caribbean Cowboy, Eat n' Meet Grill, and the Lake Clear Lodge...all of whom turn out culinary adventures composed of mostly local ingredients. Also, a new gastro pub has opened in LP - Liquids and Solids at the Handlebar - which will blow your mind...and no...they don't serve entrees with a choice of baked potato, fries, or rice pilaf.
Dave, you make a good point however, I included a restaurant in Lake George, Saranac Lake, Wilmington, the Keene area... yes they are not too far from where I live, but so what? These are all MY opinions and MY picks. Also, I mentioned that the Adirondack Blarney Stone would have been on the list if it had not burned down, and that restaurant was located in Long Lake. I have been to some great places in the areas you mentioned, such as North Creek and Old Forge, but they either did not (in my opinion) surpass the quality of the ones I have tried that are on the list, or some are no longer in business, so I couldn't list them. Also, if a particular restaurant is not on my list, it is also probable that I haven't had the opportunity to eat there yet. Thank you for reading though. I guess it is true what they say... can't please everybody! ;)
While I think all these restaurants are good, if an article is titled "10 best restaurants in the adirondack mountains.." it really should cover more than just the Lake Placid/Essex county regions. This article should be titled 10 best places to eat around Lake Placid. Try to remember it is a 6 million acre park and there are a lot of great restaurants all over the park. Only one restaurant in Lake George was mentioned all others were with in a few miles of the writers home area of Lake Placid. Certainly there are other Top 10 restaurants in Lake george, North Creek, Old Forge, Indian Lake, etc....
Thank you Chris. If you like hiking you should definitely try the Adirondacks. Lots of mountains and trails to choose from! I did Owls Head once in Long Lake. Wow, that was something. Whiteface is beautiful too. But I took an elevator for that one, lol. If you want serene surroundings, I really recommend Buttermilk Falls in the Long Lake area too. So amazing!