Celebrate a Special Occasion
Lake Placid Lodge
I see lots of people asking about where to go for a special occasion. Well, it depends on the occasion and the type of atmosphere you want, budget, and if it’s a couple or a group. Here are some ideas for each type of celebration.
Romantic: Artisans at Lake Placid Lodge. Gorgeous views and great food. Excellent service without the attitude of some other fine dining establishments. Spend some extra time with a cocktail or after dinner drink on one of their balconies by an outdoor fireplace. If you’re not up for the fine dining prices, it can be equally romantic to eat at the hotel’s Maggie’s Pub. Same views, and you can still enjoy the outdoor balconies. Advanced reservations required if you’re not staying at the hotel.
Another for a romantic dinner is Caffe Rustica. While it doesn’t have the “wow” factor of the views of lakes and mountains (Caffe Rustica is literally in a strip center by the Price Chopper), it makes up for it with a cozy interior and an excellent meal. In fact, Caffe Rustics made the I Love NY list for best pasta places in the state!
Groups: For an evening out with friends and family, celebrating a birthday or other milestone as a group, you might want a place that’s casual and can accommodate large groups. River Trail Beerworks in Saranac Lake is great for groups, they have a cool golf simulator for some entertainment while you wait, and even have a private space you can book for the whole ganag. In Lake Placid, Smoke Signals takes online reservations for groups of up to 8. They have delicious smoked meats and a solid drink menu. But if you have any vegetarians or vegans in your group, this probably isn’t the best pick.
Family friendly: It’s a drive to Lake Clear, but might be worth it if you have kids at the right age. The Lake Clear Lodge has a old-time speakeasy dinner experience, and sleigh rides in winter. When you make reservations, you get a password to enter. They offer a three course meal and kid’s menu, but it’s pricey. There’s also trivia and add-on activities. However, they caution that the evening is not suitable for infants or very young children. I’m guessing probably somewhere around age 8 and up.
