ADIRONDACKS REGION
The Adirondack Region spans 6 million+ acres of gorgeous communities, mountains and lakes. It is the largest protected natural area in the lower 48 of the United States. The restaurants here are beloved for their stick-to-your-ribs farm-to-table dishes.
Bon appetit!
Yelp’s Price Range Key:
$ Inexpensive
$$ Moderate
$$$ Pricey
$$$$ Ultra High-End
2837 NY-73, Keene
Forty Six is like a Disney-in-the-Adirondacks-themed restaurant -- and we mean that in the best way possible. It’s tasteful, both decor and food, and that shouldn’t come as a surprise since the owners are the folks behind nearby Dartbrook Rustic Goods and Dartbrook Lodge (if you don’t know, now you know!). Their menu is small but well-rounded so there’s something for everyone, the setting is modern but ADK-inspired (you will feel like you are dining in the woods), and the staff makes you feel at home, even if you are just passing through. Go with the “Just Climbed a Mountain” Cheeseburger with maple bacon. $$
Photo: Forty Six
1770 NY-73, Keene Valley
The Noon Mark is an iconic part of any Adirondack experience. It serves basic diner food at reasonable prices, but the real draws are the baked goods -- in particular, the pies. Folks who spend time in the Adirondacks put in their pie orders early online and pick them up on the drive to their camps or else have them shipped. The Cinnamon Buns and other sweet breads, such as Zucchini or Banana Nut, as well as regular breads and rolls, are also delicious. $
7552 Court Street, Elizabethtown
Deer’s Head Inn, which lays claim to housing the oldest tavern (1808) in the Adirondacks (reopened August 2016), brings what it calls a “high-low” philosophy to its food, meaning “we'll always have a two buck can of beer to chase your meticulously crafted Hudson Valley bourbon...[and] you can accompany our rotating creative features with comfort food staples all prepared with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients — and everything's served up with a distinct lack of pretense.” That was certainly our experience at this Essex County establishment. A cheeseboard, buffalo cauliflower, and poutine -- the Canadian dish popular in upstate New York that consists of French fries and cheese curds smothered in brown gravy -- was filling and delicious. $$
Photo: Deer's Head Inn
Three additional places on our radar for upcoming trips:
Five Corners Cafe in Old Forge at 3067 State Route 28 and Paul Smith’s The Ganzi Restaurant, open for lunch only with its unique farm-to-table menu.