Though
only a few tables remained on the Mediterranean style raised terrace at JC Montana’s in early November, it was
obvious that this would be a great place to sit and relax on a summer day.
Located in the center of Lake George on Canada Street, just across from Shepard
Park, JC Montana’s affords an opportunity to enjoy food and drinks with
friends, watch passersby or listen to music either on site or from the nearby
park.
The
sandwich board outside boasted a plentiful array of seafood specials and the
smells from the kitchen as we entered the restaurant and bar made it difficult
to pass up. Instantly greeted by the bartender, Chris, we were immediately
introduced to every person in the place. We met Katie the waitress and spoke at
length with local patrons (and bar “enthusiasts”) Bear and Suzanne who shared
their opinions of some of their favorite bars in the Adirondacks, past and
present. The warmth from the gas fireplace was outdone by the welcome we
received. If that type of atmosphere carries throughout the busiest days of
summer, JC Montana’s would be a welcome rarity in Lake George.
Colors
are warm and soft, as is the lighting, with an overall sparse and well-kept
appeal. A chandelier of pumpkin-like glass orbs hangs over the bar,
complemented with frosted pendant lights gently illuminating the blonde bar
top. A large fish tank between the bar and dining area is a calm and pleasant
distraction. Though the bar, rather standard in size, seats 12 to 14 in the
cozy confines of the small bar area, three nearby tables offer bar-side dining
with a view of Canada Street. Three additional dining rooms occupy further
recesses of the restaurant.
Chris
Montana (not to be confused with Chris the bartender or Chris the chef) has
owned JC Montana’s for the past eight years. The building formerly housed the
Trattoria Siciliana Restaurant and, before that, a sidewalk café converted from
a classic summer home in Lake George Village. JC Montana’s is renowned for its
seafood, particularly the steamers. The appetizers and lighter fare menu
has a few “land-based” items in a modest price range.
JC
Montana’s is open year-round, daily for lunch and dinner in the summer. During
the fall they are open Thursday through Sunday for lunch and dinner and scale
back to weekends, dinner only, during the winter. Happy Hour is offered daily
from 4 to 7 p.m. A basic variety of liquors, a few flavored vodkas and more
than a dozen mostly domestic bottled beers comprise the modest but adequate
drink options. They feature a variety of drink specials including chocolate
raspberry martinis, various flavored margaritas, huckleberry lemonade and
frozen mojitos made from their own home grown mint. Chris seems to be a
bartender willing and able to make whatever drink comes his way. Quite
entertaining himself, he’s garrulous, outgoing, and full of little quips and
quotable quotes as well. He’s entertainment enough off-season. Musical
entertainment is featured outside during the summer and four televisions are
more than sufficient for sports enthusiasts.
For
the true appeal of Montana’s as a bar, visit them a little off the summer
season so you can meet some locals (especially on Sundays) and take the time to
enjoy the atmosphere in the quiet respite from the summer crowds. As Chris (the
bartender) puts it, “The quality of the drink is only outdone by the quality of
your company.”
