George Henry's - Warrensburg

It's difficult to review an establishment this familiar. With no first impression with which to develop a theme, a last impression will have to do. George Henry's in Warrensburg has come a long way from its heyday as the Warren Inn, where we were occasionally allowed to sit at the bar and have a soda with our mom when we were kids. It's as much a restaurant as a bar now and seems to invite tourists as well as locals. Originally called the Warren Inn, after an actual inn that once occupied the corner of Schroon River Road and Main Street, it changed hands some time in the 1980's and was renamed the Brew & Stew (the Brew & Stew sign now hangs inside), and finally George Henry's, named after the current owners' father and grandfather, George Henry McFarland.

The interior of George Henry's dining room is spacious, with tables comfortably distanced from one another. Wide plank floors and pine walls in the dining area create a somewhat rustic, no-frills appearance. The restaurant area is sufficiently separate to drown out the noise and to protect your children from the barside banter.

The bar seats about 20 people, with ample room for standing too, with a few bar height tables for overflow. Blackboards advertising food and drink specials hang in both the dining and bar areas, and several TV's featured a variety of programming including Jeopardy, news, and a Yankees game. The tavern area was partially filled, maybe 15 people, when we visited on a Wednesday evening. We had expected more bikers because of Warrensburg Bike Week and Americade in Lake George, but a sudden storm, preceded by high winds and an ominous yellow glow in the sky sent them scattering.

Fortunately, we missed the "All-You-Can-Eat" Wings special and believe we were too late for Happy Hour (4:30 to 6:30). We donated some money to NY State by playing Quick Draw and shared the normal portion of their crispy "All-We-Can-Eat" wings. Open seven days a week, starting at 11 a.m., except on Sunday when they open at noon, George Henry's serves food until 9 p.m. in the summer months. The kitchen closes earlier in other seasons, and are known to close the establishment for private parties on rare occasions, but are generally open year round. George Henry's offers live music on Friday and Saturday nights and there is a small, designated area for the band or soloist, but wouldn't expect to do any dancing there.

The beer selection is pretty decent with domestics from the Coors, Budweiser, and Miller brands, and good old Genny as well. Import and premium bottled beers include Corona, Heineken, Labatt, Long Trail, Guinness and Twisted Tea. Six draft beers are available, including choices from Lake Placid Brewery, Adirondack Brewery and Davidson Brothers. Specialty drinks aren't promoted, but George Henry's is equipped to provide the basics and sometimes more elaborate drinks when staffing permits.

George Henry's has been under current ownership for 25 years and seems to want to expand beyond the local pub. Improvements have been made, though nothing lavish or radical, more aptly living within their means while keeping costs down to appeal to the masses. A deck on the side has yet to be seen by us in all of its intended splendor. George Henry's is on Main Street which is sometimes heavily traveled, so the added seclusion of low fencing on the Main Street side of the deck offers privacy and noise reduction, but still allows a nice view of the Schroon River. The deck is accented with flower boxes and beds containing hostas, pansies, and petunias, which Pam deadheaded for them that evening while reviewing the surroundings. Several tables, some with umbrellas, looked inviting, were it not for the rain.

Stop at George Henry's for dinner on your way to points further north and expect a welcoming staff and patrons and good food. When looking for a good burger in the 'Burg, George Henry's is the place to go. Or go on a Friday or Saturday night for live music and an even livelier crowd.