You may be surprised to know that the Adirondacks is home to many local small farms located in the valleys of our beautiful mountains. We are lucky to have many restaurants nearby that feature produce, dairy, and/or meat products from around the Adirondacks. These same restaurants also happen to have delicious food with incredible seasonal menus. Add in excellent local wine, beer, or creative craft cocktails, and you've got a recipe for some of the best, budget friendly, restaurants in the Adirondacks:
Deer's Head Inn - Elizabethtown, NY (12 Miles From The Lodge)
The Deer's Head Inn is one of the oldest taverns in the Adirondacks. It was completely renovated and reopened in 2016 and is now one of my favorite places to enjoy locally & sustainably produced foods. The atmosphere is light and airy, with both indoor and outdoor seating, and features a nice bar serving craft cocktails, wine, and beer. They have a "high-low" philosophy - meaning they will always have something for every budget. They support so many local farmers and producers - from Asgaard Farm and Sugar House Creamery to Gristmill Distillers. They even have a Local Farmer's Night, where farmers can dine at a discount. Enjoy live music from local artists as well! Deer's Head Inn serves incredible food while truly supporting the local community. Definitely give them a try while you are in the area! You'll be glad you did! Reservations are recommended.
Fiddlehead Bistro - Saranac Lake, NY (23 Miles From The Lodge)
Fiddlehead Bistro is situated right along the Saranac River in downtown Saranac Lake. They feature one of the most creative and delicious, ever-changing seasonal menus in the area and pride themselves on sourcing as much local, quality ingredients as possible. The restaurant is small and inviting, with a recently opened outdoor patio for the warmer months. Enjoy their small bar, serving incredible craft cocktails, wine, and beer. They are Vegan & Gluten Free friendly, with great options for everyone. Entrées can range from $15 - $35. Check their website or Facebook for their menu, as it changes daily. Reservations are recommended.
Liquids & Solids At The Handlebar - Lake Placid, NY (14 Miles From The Lodge)
If you are looking for an excellent cocktail in the area, Liquids and Solids has got you covered. Hands down the BEST drink menu in the area, in my opinion. In addition to their delicious beverages, they also serve a great selection of small and medium plates at moderate price points, sourcing local ingredients from farms around the Adirondacks. They opened in 2010, making them the longest standing restaurant on this list for good reason. It's not easing keeping a restaurant off Main Street going in Lake Placid. It requires a dedicated following during the slow season, and Liquids and Solids manages to keep the locals coming back year around! Keep an eye out for their food cart. You might find them around town and at special events in the area. *Kindly note that they do not take reservations, so large parties should arrive early.
Salt of the Earth Bistro - Lake Placid, NY (14 Miles From The Lodge)
Salt of the Earth Bistro opened in 2017 and has been a welcomed addition to the Lake Placid restaurant scene. They are located away from Main Street, making it easy to park and avoid the crowds during the high season. Their menu is earthy and eclectic, serving traditional dishes with a unique twist - using many locally sourced ingredients. While they do not have a full liquor bar, they do have an excellent wine and beer list and serve a daily seasonal cocktail. The atmosphere is cozy and a little bit funky, with fun and unexpected decor. Limited outdoor seating is available during the summer months. Reservations are recommended.
Top of the Park - Lake Placid, NY (15 Miles From The Lodge)
Top of the Park was featured on our list of restaurants with great views, and if you take a peak at their outdoor deck, you will see why! Situated on the second floor overlooking Lake Mirror and the High Peaks on Main Street, Lake Placid - Top of the Park has the best location and ambiance on this list. In addition to the incredible views, Top of the Park also offers fantastic small plates and some of the best craft cocktails on Main Street. Like all the restaurants listed, they offer locally sourced ingredients from some of my favorites farms in the area. They also have a large bar and are a great first stop to commence a night out on the town in Lake Placid.
The Essex Inn - Essex, New York (29 Miles From The Lodge)
The Essex Inn is located in Essex, New York along Lake Champlain. If you're staying at the Lodge, you might find their decor to look rather familiar! Many of their rooms are furnished by Dartbrook Rustic Goods. The atmosphere is rustic and cozy, exactly what you want from an Adirondack tavern. The food at The Essex Inn is a work of art! With several farms in the Essex/Westport area, The Essex Inn uses locally sourced, seasonal ingredients whenever possible. Take a scenic drive to Lake Champlain and enjoy their wonderful menu during your stay!
Forty Six - Keene, NY (On Dartbrook Lodge Property)
Our very own farm-to-table restaurant now open for lunch and dinner! Our seasonal menu offers a a great selection of dishes inspired by the Adirondacks. We proudly serve ingredients from local farms from around the Adirondack park in many of our dishes. Learn more by visiting our website or by stopping in. Reservations accepted and walk-ins welcome!
*This list features restaurants that choose to promote local farms by featuring local ingredients in some, if not many, of their dishes. Not all ingredients are locally sourced. This would be very difficult to do in the Adirondacks!