Grizle-T's, Saranac Lake

We had been watching the door at Grizle-T's from outside the Waterhole for quite some time, trying to decide if it was worthy of a review. Pam reported that people had gone in, but no one ever came out. A small sign hung over the door, barely visible from across the street. Not much of a conclusion to draw from a door and a beer sign in the window. Piqued, Kim started across the street. Pam insisted she not go in there alone, and we giggled our way over, leaving our companions unattended while wondering where our nerve had gone.

Instinctively scanning the interior as we crossed the wide plank wood floor, we spotted the bartender playing a board game with a patron. We took a seat at the relatively empty bar, which seats about ten, and started looking around. No particular style of décor exists in the long, fairly narrow interior, but Grizle-T’s has a homey, “lived-in” feel to it like a family rec. room, complete with two TV’s and a pool table. Various columns support the low, beamed ceiling and beer art and photo collages plaster the walls.

Michelle, the bartender, was at our side immediately. Earthenware beer mugs hung over the bar and Kim couldn't resist the inquiry. Pam began her interrogation. Gettin’ the facts, ma’am - Joe Friday style. Mug Club members are treated to 50 cents off drafts every day from 4 to 7 p.m. Michelle launched into the specials formula consisting of Micro Monday, 2fer Tuesday, Whisky Wednesday and Thirsty Thursday. On Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, various drink specials are featured all day long. This week’s “Shots for Shark Week” were the Shark Bite and the Dead Sailor. We were surprised to learn later that Michelle was relatively new to Grizle-T’s and to Saranac Lake, given her knowledge of their specials.

Kim wandered off to look around and talk to the patrons while she decided which of the many drafts she’d like to try. On tap this day were some she had not yet tasted so started with an agave wheat - perfect for a hot summer day. John, a regular and one of Grizle T’s best promoters, recommended a Moo Thunder Stout, produced by Butternuts Beer and Ale in Garrattsville, NY. That would be next.

Games are available on loan to patrons and include backgammon, Connect 4, Guess Who, Scattergories and Phase 10. There is something about playing a game while you're out at a bar that helps keep you focused and alert, not to mention just how much fun it is, and a great way to meet people. We couldn't resist a stop in the photo booth to commemorate our visit. Don't those Happy Hour in the High Peaks hats look smashing? We didn’t test it, but WiFi is available at Grizle-Ts and an ATM was found on the premises. In an effort to appease the graffiti artist in most of us, the bathroom walls are covered in chalkboard wallpaper. We left our URL, but were sure to wash our hands afterward.

Open 7 days per week, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m., Grizle-T’s has no blackout dates. They offer microwave fare and the pizza shop next door actually has a window into the bar where they take and deliver orders. Several different seating areas offer additional seating separate from the bar, with pub tables at the front and another separate area at the rear. A deck off the back features outdoor seating with built-in benches and several picnic tables and allows smoking. Grizle-T’s hosts D.J. Karaoke on Friday and live music on Monday.

As we were considering leaving, Pam noticed and commented on the Fish Bowl sign offering a drink by that name for $25.00 all day, every day. The deal is a rum based drink mix served in a large fish bowl, intended to be shared. Typically it comes with straws, but glasses are available for the feeble drinkers.

Owned by Adam Harris since 2007, Grizle-Ts seems to be on the right track as an entertaining and welcoming place to go with plenty to do, a variety of drink specials and a pleasant staff and friendly patrons. This, along with the comfortable atmosphere, made Grizle-Ts our favorite spot in Saranac Lake.