When you stay in a location as gorgeous as the Adirondacks, you definitely want to take in the scenery every chance you can get. Restaurants can often be dark and dreary. Thankfully, many restaurants in our area have taken advantage of their surroundings by offering great views and outdoor seating options. Below is a list of restaurants with great outdoor seating (or indoor seating with excellent views) and fantastic food.
Top of the Park, Lake Placid
Google Rating: 4.6 Stars
Known For: Seasonal Small Plates, Excellent Cocktails, Gorgeous Patio
Located right on Main Street in Lake Placid, enjoy stunning views of Mirror Lake and the High Peaks from the second floor, covered outdoor patio. Top of the Park features reasonably priced small plates and excellent cocktails. I frequent this restaurant year around (even when I have to sit inside). It's my favorite restaurant on Main Street, hands down. Great service, awesome food, incredible views! Tip: Check to see if the patio is still open in the off season. It's one of the few locations that heats the patio and keeps in open during the cooler months.
Smoke Signals, Lake Placid
Google Rating: 4.7
Known For: BBQ, Fun Cocktails, Large Seasonal Outdoor Bar, Live Music
I grew up in the south, so I'd like to think that I know a thing or two about good BBQ. Smoke Signals exceeds my expectations every time! They have fantastic food at reasonable prices. They also just recently opened a huge open patio and outdoor bar right on Mirror Lake. Probably the best deck in town! They occasionally offer live music from their bar or upstairs event hall. Smoke Signals can be pretty popular with the tourists, so make a reservation or prepare to wait for a table for a sit down meal. Great happy hour specials too, so get there early.
Lisa G's, lake Placid
Google Rating: 4.6
Known For: Local Favorite, Great (Potent!) Cocktails, Wing Night
Lisa G's is a local favorite year around. Because it's not on Main Street, it's super easy to find free street parking along Station Street. While the views aren't expansive, the outdoor patio sits right along a beautiful river and dam. On a nice day, it's one of my favorite spots in town. Their drinks are large and very strong (so have a designated driver) There are no surprises here. Their food is consistent and great, with a menu that changes a bit seasonally while keeping the staples that bring locals back on a regular basis. Like wings? Try their famous Monday night Wing Night!
Artisans at the Lake Placid Lodge, Lake Placid
Google Rating: 4.2
Known For: High End Food, Gorgeous Ambiance, Great for a Special Occassion
The Lake Placid Lodge is probably one of the most beautiful high-end lodges and restaurants in the area. I grew up going there for dessert all of the time (because a full meal is a bit pricey) just to enjoy the gorgeous patio and rustic decor. It holds a special place in my heart for that reason but also because it has great food & excellent service! Not interested in a fancy three course meal? Try Maggie's Pub at the Lake Placid Lodge for more casual fare and the same great view.
Moose Lodge Boathouse Restaurant , Lake Placid
Google Rating: 4.4
Known For: Lakeside Dining, Wedding Destination
The Moose Lodge Boathouse Restaurant at the Whiteface Club & Resort is situated right on Lake Placid. Watch the boats leave from the dock as you eat casual American fare and sip on delicious cocktails. With panoramic views of Whiteface Mountain and Lake Placid, the views can't be beat! Tip: Call to make sure they are open to the public. They host many private events during the high season and are often closed to the public at popular times.
The Cottage, Lake Placid
Google Rating: 4.3
Known For: Lakeside Dining, Local Hangout, Cozy Atmosphere
The cottage is a favorite hangout for many locals throughout the year. They have two open air patios with seating during the summer months. During cooler months, they place heaters and fireplaces on their main patio for enjoyment all year! The Cottage features casual fare and great cocktails, wine, and beer on tap. Enjoy being right on the water on Mirror Lake at this cozy spot right in town!
Baxter Mountain Tavern, Elizabethtown
Google Rating: 4.2
Known For: Casual Pub Fare, Local Hangout
Baxter Mountain Tavern makes the list as the only restaurant I've chosen outside of Lake Placid. There are so many fantastic restaurants outside of Lake Placid (featured in other posts), but none that really take the cake for outdoor seating with great views. Baxter Mountain has a great outdoor patio with plenty of sun in the summer months. Views of the surrounding mountains make it a great open air space to enjoy a meal. The food is consistently good. I often come to Baxter Mountain Tavern for a post-hike burger and beer. It's also only a short 10 minute drive from Dartbrook Lodge.
Comments