Photo courtesy of Kacey O’Brien, Lake George Area/Warren County Tourism Department

The Adirondacks region is a true feast for the senses, combining awe-inspiring natural beauty with a vibrant culinary scene. Framed by legendary peaks, pristine lakes, and world-renowned foliage, this destination redefines al fresco dining. Indulge in farm-to-table bistros showcasing award-winning local ingredients, savor globally inspired flavors in a Great Camp setting, or enjoy a meal aboard a historic steamboat cruise. In the Adirondacks, every bite is elevated by spectacular scenery!

Hometown Classics

The Michigan

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Trek to the North Country for an authentic “Michigan” hot dog, where the delicacy is said to have originated. Since 1942, Clare & Carls has been a Plattsburgh staple, known for their steamed all-beef hot dog on a steamed bun topped with homemade meat sauce. Savor even more Michigan meaty madness at Gus’ Red Hots, Ronnie’s Michigan Stand, and McSweeney’s Red Hots.

Fudge Fancy

A treat as tasty as it is nostalgic, the Fudge Fancy has roots in the Lake George area. This Adirondack classic combines a buttery sugar cookie base topped with a huge swirl of richly textured fudge. For an authentic taste of this cherished delicacy, visit Lake George Baking Company.

Must-Try Meals

Basil & Wick’s

Photo courtesy of Lake George Area/Warren County Tourism Department

Local award-winning celebrity chef Billy Trudsoe is bringing his signature “mad flava” to Basil & Wick’s in North Creek. Just minutes from Gore Mountain, this après-ski hotspot is a must-visit led by the talented chef from Hell’s Kitchen Season 21. The restaurant offers a warm Adirondack ambiance and a menu including Chef Trudsoe’s famous Black Forest Chicken, and other crowd-pleasers like filet mignon sliders, venison chili, sweet pea and onion risotto, and carbonara.

The View at Mirror Lake Inn

True to its name, The View boasts stunning vistas of Mirror Lake and the Adirondack High Peaks. As Lake Placid’s only AAA Four-Diamond “Exceptional” rated restaurant, paired with Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for 20 consecutive years, it promises an exceptional fine-dining experience. The seasonally inspired menu showcases the locally-sourced ingredients with dishes like bolognese burrata, romesco sea bass, mushroom and lobster toast, and beef cheek bourguignon.

Nettle Meadow Farm & Artisan Cheese

Photo courtesy of Kacey O’Brien, Lake George Area/Warren County Tourism Department

Say cheese and savor the flavors at Nettle Meadow Farm in Lake Luzerne, home to internationally acclaimed, award-winning cheeses. Their signature Kunik, a creamy goat and cow milk blend, earned a spot among the Top 20 Cheeses in the World at the 2022 World Cheese Championships. At the farm’s Hitching Post restaurant, cheese lovers can indulge in farm-to-table dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Highlights include assorted cheese boards, pulled pork Kunik mac and cheese, artisan grilled cheese, poutine, and more, all perfectly paired with their craft beer and wine offerings.

The Woodshed on Park

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Delight in gourmet dining with a French-Canadian twist at The Woodshed on Park in Tupper Lake. Chef Evan Sloan, a Tupper Lake native, takes pride in crafting dishes from scratch using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Start your meal with pumpkin bisque or a shaved fennel salad, and choose from entrees like skillet chicken and biscuits, or New York strip steak with confit potatoes. Pair your meal with expertly crafted cocktails by bartender Emma Crouse, whose creations, such as the Touk Toddy and Caribou, showcase seasonal ingredients and a nod to Adirondack charm. The restaurant’s ambiance has been described as “cozy Alice in Wonderland” combining woodsy decor with vintage antiques.

The Algonquin

Perched on the shores of Lake George, the “Queen of American Lakes,” The Algonquin in Bolton Landing has been a cherished dining destination for over 20 years. Family-owned and featuring a lodge-style ambiance, guests are treated to lakefront dining, and a menu that highlights fresh, fish-centric items. Famous for signature dishes like “Fish Point” and “Hens and Chicken,” the menu also features horseradish-encrusted salmon, seafood scampi, filet mignon, lobster rolls, and asiago-stuffed gnocchi. Whether you’re savoring your meal on the scenic patio or in the cozy dining room, it’s easy to see why Rachael Ray calls The Algonquin one of her favorite spots in the Adirondacks.

Unique Dining Experiences

Igloo Dining

Photo courtesy of Kacey O’Brien, Lake George Area/Warren County Tourism Department

Indulge in a cozy, one-of-a-kind winter experience in the Lake George area, where igloo dining lets you enjoy gourmet food and drinks while staying warm and snug amidst snowy landscapes. Revel in the enchantment of wintry lakeside scenery and bustling downtowns from the transparent, decorated domes at popular venues like The Barrel, Bolton Landing Brewing Company, the Queensbury Hotel, and The Inn at Erlowest.

Lake George Dinner Theatre

Photo courtesy of Warren County Tourism

Enjoy dinner and a show, presented by Lake George Dinner Theatre! One of only nine professional dinner theaters in the nation, this one is by far the most intimate. Situated within the Holiday Inn Resort in picturesque Lake George Village, every seat in the house is within 35 feet of the stage, ensuring a close and immersive connection to the performance. Your evening begins with table-side service of a delectable three-course meal. Choose from entrees like bone-in pork chop, faroe island salmon, chicken francaise, or pasta primavera.

Dining Cruises

Set sail on an unforgettable dining adventure with the Lake George Steamboat Company! Cruise some of the 32 miles of serene lake waters surrounded by the majestic Adirondack Mountains, while enjoying a variety of dining experiences. From a champagne brunch cruise to a luncheon cruise to a dinner cruise featuring a full salad bar, soup du jour, fresh-baked rolls, entree, and dessert, each meal is served in the comfort of the historic steamboat’s climate-controlled dining room. After your meal, relax with onboard entertainment or step onto the outer decks to take in breathtaking views and fresh mountain air.

Valcour Restaurant and Brewery

Step back in time at Valcour Brewing Company, a drinking and dining venue steeped in history and flavor, located in Plattsburgh’s historic Old Stone Barracks. Built in 1838 and serving the U.S. Army for nearly a century, this historic structure is the last standing element of a once-proposed quadrangle. Revitalized in 2014, Valcour Brewing Company transformed this landmark into a hub for craft brews, assorted pub food, and warm hospitality. Pick from a menu of soups, salads, wraps, burgers, flatbreads, tacos, and more, all perfectly paired with their rotating selection of seasonal and flagship brews. Make Thursdays extra special with trivia night, or mark your calendar for their popular annual murder mystery dinner. Extend the fun with an overnight stay in one of the cozy rooms right on the property.

Big Mountain Deli and Creperie

The number 46 is iconic in the Adirondacks, symbolizing the region’s legendary High Peaks, and in the heart of Lake Placid on Main Street, Big Mountain Deli and Creperie lets you taste your way through all 46 before or after conquering them! Their menu features 46 creatively crafted sandwiches, each named after one of the High Peaks and made with fresh, homemade bread and the finest ingredients. Try the “Marcy”, a towering combination of roast turkey, cranberry horseradish sauce, cheddar, apple, and cracked pepper mayo, honoring New York’s highest peak. Or savor the “Whiteface” (cracked pepper turkey, provolone, avocado, lettuce, and mayo), inspired by the fifth tallest summit. For a fun twist, “Couchsachraga” (#46), the shortest High Peak, invites you to design your own sandwich. Whether you’re a 46er (hikers who have climbed all 46 of the Adirondack Mountains’ High Peaks) or just hungry for adventure, this menu offers a delicious journey through the Adirondacks.

International Cuisine

Lake Clear Lodge: Taste of Germany Dinner Experience

Immerse yourself in one of the Adirondacks’ most alluring and versatile settings with a German-themed Great Camp dinner at Lake Clear Lodge. Begin your culinary journey in the 1920s-inspired Speakeasy Rathskeller, where you’ll uncover the hidden Beer & Wine Cellar. From there, delight in authentic German cuisine crafted with a farm-to-fork focus and Adirondack flair. Enjoy dishes like potato pancakes, Chicken Schnitzel, and Sauerbraten, all paired with the region’s largest selection of imported and craft German beers.

Aleka’s

Discover a taste of the Mediterranean at Aleka’s, a cozy and down-to-earth eatery in Plattsburgh. Specializing in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, at Aleka’s you’ll find classic items from gyros and souvlaki to falafel and shish kabobs.

Sweet Treats

Barkeater Chocolates

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Just five minutes from Gore Mountain, Barkeater Chocolates in North Creek is a treasure trove for chocolate lovers. Indulge in handmade truffles, rich chocolate bark, creamy and crunchy bars, gourmet cocoa, seasonal goodies, and their signature turtles and oversized peanut butter cups. Fan favorites include Cranberry Coastal Commotion Bark, Grown-Up Peanut Butter Cups, and Citrus Surprise dark chocolate bars. Take your visit to the next level with a hands-on chocolate-making class or a spooky haunted factory session.

Bokie’s Drive-in

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Take a nostalgic journey at Bokie’s Drive-In, a retro hot-pink diner in Malone that perfectly captures the charm and flair of a classic 1950s and 60s ice cream parlor and diner. This local gem offers an extensive lineup of sweet treats, from soft serve in homemade waffle cones to decadent hot fudge and specialty sundaes. Don’t miss unique creations like ice cream nachos, fried ice cream, or the “Malone Snowball”, superfine snow soaked in flavors like piña colada, banana, or watermelon. Pair it with another drinkable dessert like a hand-spun milkshake or a root beer float.

The Washboard Donut Shop

Tupper Lake is home to one of the Adirondacks’ sweetest hidden gems: Washboard Donuts. The space is part donut shop, part laundromat, and part Native American gift and craft store, adding to its charm. Washboard serves up fresh, warm donuts daily, with irresistible flavors like maple, bacon, peanut butter, blueberry, raspberry, and vanilla.

St. Drogo’s Coffee & Bake House

Only in Lowville can you enjoy a treat inside a restored jail. St. Drogo’s Coffee and Bakehouse has transformed the historic Old Jail and sheriff’s residence into a cozy destination for artisan coffee and baked goods. Indulge in cruffins, croissants, scones, danish, challah, and specialty cookies. For a truly unforgettable experience, book an overnight stay in the former jail and wake up to the irresistible aroma of fresh coffee and pastries.

Adirondack Chocolates

Delight in decadent treats at Adirondack Chocolates in Wilmington, where the enticing scent of their open-flame, copper kettle-cooked fudge fills the air. Inside the charming, rustic chocolate shop you’ll be tempted by fudge favorites like maple walnut, chocolate walnut, and chocolate peanut butter. Be sure to try their hand-dipped mint and coconut patties, milk and dark chocolate nonpareils, and sea salt caramel truffles. Walk off your sugar rush with jaw-dropping views and trails at the nearby High Falls Gorge.

Noon Mark Diner

Finding a reason to visit the Noon Mark Diner in Keene Valley is as easy as pie. A cherished Adirondack destination since 1981, it’s renowned for its fresh-baked pies, featuring seasonal favorites like apple and berry. Beyond the pies, this cozy spot delights with homemade breads and irresistible oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Grab your treat to go and set out to hike the nearby Noonmark Mountain, where sweeping summit views await!

Food-Centric Events

Thurman Maple Days

For three weekends in March, the Lake George Area comes alive with the sticky-sweet charm of Thurman Maple Days, a beloved tradition perfect for family fun. The region’s top maple syrup producers and nearby farms open their doors for free tours, tastings, and sugaring demonstrations. Indulge in maple candy, maple cream, and other treats while discovering how syrup goes from tree to table. Beyond the maple, enjoy handmade cheeses, meet farm animals, watch a sawmill in action, and browse for maple-inspired goodies to take home. The celebration doesn’t stop there, New York State’s Maple Weekends continue statewide on March 22–23 and March 29–30.

Lake George Oktoberfest

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Every October, Lake George Village transforms its main streets into a lively Bavarian-style festival for its three-day Oktoberfest celebration. This free event is a culinary delight, showcasing authentic German classics like bratwurst, knackwurst, weisswurst, and potato pancakes, alongside a variety of sweet and savory vendors. Raise a stein in the Bier Garden, where you can sip handcrafted German-inspired ales and lagers, including Adirondack Brewery’s signature Marzen-style Oktoberfest Lager brewed with New York State hops. Dance to spirited German polka bands, enjoy carnival rides, and try your hand at festive competitions like keg tossing and stein hoisting. Lake George; October 10-12, 2025.

Oktoberfest at Whiteface

Dust off your lederhosen, fire up the oompah band and enjoy a tall mug of German beer at Whiteface Mountain’s Oktoberfest, a weekend-long celebration of authentic German food, beer, and culture. Feast on bratwurst, pretzels, and hearty Bavarian dishes while raising a stein of German beer to live music and dancing. Named one of the “5 Must-Visit Oktoberfests in North America” by SKI Magazine, this family-friendly festival also features craft vendors, pumpkin painting, kids’ entertainment, and scenic gondola rides. Lake Placid.

Wing Fest

Photo courtesy of Jaynie Ellis, Lake George Area/Warren County Tourism Department

Get ready for a finger lickin’ good time at the annual Glens Falls Wing Fest! Sample the city’s best chicken wings as local restaurants compete for your vote. Enjoy three hours of delicious wing tasting, leading up to an awards ceremony featuring live music. Things get even spicier with the festival’s popular inferno wing eating contest! Glens Falls; April 26, 2025.

I Love BBQ Festival

Fire up your appetite for the I Love BBQ Festival in Lake Placid, an-end-of-summer celebration of mouthwatering barbecue, live music, BMX stunt shows, and tons of family fun. Watch chefs battle it out in high-stakes cooking competitions for BBQ glory while savoring wings, ribs, pizza, mac & cheese, and more from local restaurants. Lake Placid.

Adirondack Wine & Food Festival

The Adirondack Wine & Food Festival is set against the stunning backdrop of Lake George and showcases 140 of New York’s finest wineries, breweries, distilleries, artisan food vendors, and food trucks. Sip and savor craft beverages from Adirondack Winery, Adirondack Brewery, Bull & Nee Meadery, Extreme Heights Cidery, and many more. Sample gourmet treats including cheese, chocolate, maple products, and hot sauces at this farmer’s market-style event. Enjoy cooking and cocktail demos in the Culinary Tent and relax and sip on more local libations in the new Biergarten Tent. Lake George; June 28-29, 2025.

Cream Cheese Festival

Each September, Lowville celebrates its claim to fame as home to the world’s largest cream cheese plant with the annual Cream Cheese Festival. This free event delights attendees with a children’s discovery park, live entertainment, local vendors, crafts, and of course, incredible cream cheese creations. Last year’s festival made history when Kraft Heinz unveiled a record-breaking 15,008-pound cheesecake, earning a spot in the Guinness World Records! Lowville; September 20, 2025.