Lake House Grille, Wells

First impression: whimsy with a side of humor. We noticed first the patio in front of the Lake House Grille in Wells. Partitioned from the sidewalk by a fence of varying height - lower in front to allow observation of passing cars and pedestrians; higher on the driveway side, the taller fence has windows built in. Might sound odd, but it's actually very quaint; sheltering but not isolating. Within the enclosure, three metal tables with umbrellas to protect from fickle weather, and several Adirondack chairs (the only Adirondack style on the premises, with one other minute detail which we will get to later) for dining, relaxing or listening to the music from within. Signs in the entrance offer fair warning that the Lake House Grille accepts cash only, but that an ATM is on premises. Other posts advertise upcoming music events. 

Pam, her eyes darting nervously, sees no sign of liquor options behind the bar. The bartender, Mike (a.k.a. Guy Incognito), confirms our observation that beer and wine are the only choices, and that suits us both. It certainly relieves Pam of her chronic indecision. Kim, on the other hand, who is by now practically drooling over the beer menu, has to make up her mind.

The Lake House Grille’s wine list starts with the Black Box line of, you guessed it, boxed wines, dispensed through a wine cask mounted on the wall. Now wait. Before wrinkling your nose in snobbish distaste, and in its defense, Black Box wines have garnered gold medals in nationwide competitions and, since air can’t get in, it stays fresher longer. Pam found her Corbet Canyon White Zinfandel quite agreeable. Three California wines are listed at $17 to $20 for a full bottle, and six are available in half bottles for $12 to $16. Admittedly, our wine experience is low end, so you will have to peruse the list on the website and decide for yourself.

A hand printed chalkboard menu lists eight microbrews. This is where we find Kim wrestling with an agonizing decision. Currently on tap (it varies) are Ithaca Beer Company’s Apricot Wheat Ale and CascaZilla Red Ale, Lake Placid UBU, Long Trail IPA, Shipyard Export Ale, Leinenkugel Honey Weiss, Sam Adams Summer Ale, and Miller Lite. In this line of work (yeah, we laughed when we said it), prudence dictates keeping consumption to within the legal limit. Depending on how long we would stay, and the fact that it only comes in pints, Kim would have to keep it to one or two flavors. She chose the CascaZilla. Dark red with a mellow, fruity flavor, this hoppy ale was surprisingly tame in the bitterness department and is highly recommended. Unless you’d prefer the Miller Lite.

The bar, an island situated roughly in the center of the room, is surrounded by twelve Windsor stools painted violet blue. Hand thrown earthenware mugs dangle patiently over the bar, awaiting liberty at their mug club sponsors’ whims. Decidedly (and consciously) not rustic in theme, art, music posters and photographs lend a flavor of funkiness as an eclectic mix of music plays quietly in the background. Walls of a soft, rag-painted sand and ivory with arts and crafts style amber wall lanterns suggest a sense of subtle style. Barely visible, but noticeably out of place among them, hangs a tiny (six inches tiny) mounted deer head. In even more miniscule writing is inscribed: The Lake House not Adirondacky enough for you? Then here’s our Adirondack flair.

Humor is not wasted on us. A glance at the menu informs that separate checks are not provided, but a calculator will be. Further reading reveals the Punch You in the Rye burger, the Tree Hugger, and Holy Cow! Pizzas enlist the backup of musical guests. Starters, salads and sandwiches all promise a fresh and tasty deviation from the norm and are all priced between $5 and $15.

The Lake House Grille has recently added a new stage to better accommodate the lineup of talented musicians and free up space for the expected influx of music enthusiasts. From blues to southern rock, bluegrass to jazz, and back again, entertainment is featured every Saturday night at 8 p.m. and, in August, will expand to include Fridays. 

The Lake House Grille is open from Memorial Day through Columbus Day, Thursday through Saturday, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday during holiday weekends. Don't miss the keg draining on the Sunday of Columbus Day weekend. Happy Hour is not observed but, for an annual fee, patrons will be admitted into the mug club which entitles them to more generous drink portions.

Owned for the past six years by Frank Mesiti, whose dad bought the building when it was a convenience store, the Lake House Grille has established itself as a notable restaurant and music venue. His taste for music and flair for food diverge from the typical offerings of the local bar scene. Frank has created a unique and simple, yet inspired, little niche in Wells. His personable, easy personality and his attention and interest in his business and customers have helped Frank to nurture an enthusiastic following and dedicated fans. He now has two more.

Sport Island Pub, Northville

Looking to expand our research to the outer reaches of the Adirondack Park, we set the GPS for Northville and opted for the scenic route through Stony Creek to Sacandaga Lake.  Low speed limits and even slower drivers allowed us a leisurely opportunity to observe the views around the Sacandaga and glimpses of the lakefront homes.  Sport Island Pub, our targeted destination, proved to be easy to find. The lakefront location, barely off the beaten path, is surrounded by summer homes, Decks on two levels visible from the parking area, wood sided with three dormers poking through the roof, the textured cinder block building left us curious about what we would find inside.

Greeted by a hostess upon entering, we waved her off and headed straight to the bar. The partially occupied horseshoe-shaped bar, of gleaming pine, with overhead custom oak cabinetry, glasses suspended in decorative archways, is the focal point of the room. With an unfinished hardwood floor, wide rough pine walls, a two-tone post and beam ceiling, and a stone fireplace, the interior exhibits a simple but striking rusticity while natural toned arrow-backed Windsor chairs soften the edges.

Admiring the nautical appeal of the circular brass draft beer pours which stand center stage at the end of an island within the bar, Kim made her selection immediately - a Saranac Blueberry Blonde – from among ten choices. Pam, as usual, needed more time. With no signature drinks offered, the bartender happily volunteering to make whatever Pam wanted. Pam pulled out her cell phone, searching the Happy Hour in the High Peaks help desk (our blog) for an appropriate recipe, finally settling on the Boreas Pond, a melon-based beverage she felt befitted her mood. She passed the recipe on to the bartender.

Raising the curiosity of bystanders, the bright green concoction prompted questions. Soon we were explaining our mission, sharing recipes, and receiving a rather extensive list of other places we should visit in the park. Wraeann is an avid snowmobiler, has covered most of the Park on her trips, and seems to know a lot about the bars we have visited and many we have not. Mark (aka Stormcat), an attorney with a degree in molecular biology, is fairly new to the region, but seems to know a little something about the underground bar scene in the area. We look forward to being enlightened.

A capacious open floor plan in the bar and restaurant area offers a variety of seating with booths along the walls and several large tables in the center seating up to eight each, with plenty of space in between them. A little wandering reveals a continuation of the bar into the fully windowed sunroom overlooking the lake. The bar in the sunroom seats 12 while the main bar accommodates another 16 patrons on comfortable padded stools. The sunroom offers a variety of table options, all with a view.  Off the sunroom is an outdoor deck with six more tables for dining or drinking with companions.  A word of caution: the Sport Island Pub’s deck has a live webcam, with viewing from its website. If you prefer not to have your whereabouts public, choose seating away from the carved bear. Though not immediately noticed, we learned there were also six beachfront picnic tables for less formal seating by the lake. An additional room is located upstairs for private parties and includes its own deck as well.

An ATM is on site, as well as several electronic games in the sunroom.  We counted four TVs and two Quick Draw monitors, strategically placed. WiFi is available as is fully functional cell phone service. Another turn around the exterior revealed a sign reading Lions Meet Here Wed. Gotta trust the Lions to know where to gather. Though parking in the immediate vicinity wasn't proportionate to the capacity within, the owner, Anthony Lanzi, pointed out that there were several public parking areas nearby.

Anthony, owner of the Sport Island Pub for the past 16 years, is a gracious host. He also owns another club, Lanzi’s on the Lake, in nearby Mayfield and still within the Park. Looks like we'll have to get back to the Northville area to continue our quest. The bar and restaurant are open Wednesday through Sunday between Labor Day and Memorial Day, and daily at 11 a.m. for the summer season.  The Sport Island Pub is both a summer and winter destination with plenty of activities for any season.  A Mexican Night special, Coors Lite drink specials, radio station hostings, motorcycle races, and ice fishing are just a few of the attractions offered throughout the year. Musical entertainment is featured regularly throughout the summer.

Soon after informing us that the pub is known for its Mojitos, Anthony surprised us each with a sample, complete with his homegrown mint sprigs. Pam has professed to dislike Mojitos, but quickly changed her mind after trying these. Thank you, Anthony, for expanding her drink horizons and Tucker, for the expert preparation! Be sure to try one when you visit Sport Island Pub, particularly if you think you don't like Mojitos. 

Sometimes a forgotten or overlooked region of the Adirondack Park, the Great Sacandaga Lake patiently waits to be noticed. Unlike many of the resort towns of the park, this area is not overrun with great throngs of people and heavy traffic. The pace seems to be more in line with what a vacation is supposed to be.

The Lemon Peel Lounge, Lake George

We were pressed for time, forced to conduct our business locally, so we took a short drive to Lake George on a Monday night. Not expecting much excitement, we opted for a bar out of the tourist loop, figuring that it would be a fair representation of a typical weeknight in a deserted resort town.

For local flavor in Lake George, one need step back just one street from Canada Street to the Lemon Peel Lounge, located on Dieskau Street. Though there was no crowd to escape on a Monday night in February, we could sense the appeal of both the bar interior and the outdoor deck area for locals and tourists.

Jen, the bartender, was ready to prepare whatever drink we desired, and Pam found something new with a caramel vodka and Coke. Though beer is currently unavailable on tap due to basement flooding courtesy of Hurricane Irene, Kim found the selection of bottled beers sufficient. A modest variety of wine is offered, and drink prices are very reasonable at any time of year; even better during Happy Hour, daily from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Owned and operated by John and Terri Case since the late ‘80s, the Lemon Peel was originally located on Canada Street where Smokey Joe’s Barbecue is now. John and Terri moved to the present location six years ago. Once part of the Woodbine Hotel, the lounge occupies an old Victorian with a square tower, shingled Mansard roof, and round-top windows. Various sheds and additions have been added through the years, pieced together like an architectural crazy quilt.

The interior is just as interesting. Our seats at the bar gave us an opportunity to observe the intricate craftsmanship of the ornately carved wooden liquor shelf, obviously original to the first bar established at that location, and the centerpiece of the room. One stained glass panel depicts an urn with vines and flowers. The ceiling above the bar is inset with colorful glass bottle bottoms, backlit from above. The bar seats about 12 patrons and features new black leather-cushioned barstools.

A pool table, protected from bystanders by half-walls, is used by the Lemon Peel pool league during winter months. Two tables are available behind the pool table for players, observers, or perhaps anti-socialites. Jukebox music and electronic darts and two TVs offer additional entertainment. Our proximity to a television also engaged our attention to Jeopardy, unable to resist participation with staff and patrons. A cigarette machine is on site, a relic from the past and a very rare sight, but still functional.

The deck in front and on the side, though put away for winter, has table seating, some with shade umbrellas and some for sun worship and retreat from the summer hordes and noise of Canada Street. A tent canopy is erected each summer for protection on rainy days. The Lemon Peel does not have musical entertainment, but performances emanating from another nearby bar frequently filter over, providing relaxing ambient music while allowing conversation.

This is a cash only bar, but ATMs are available nearby. The only food you will find here are a variety of chips and a frozen pizza that comes highly recommended by Jason, one of the patrons that night.

The Lemon Peel is open daily from 3 p.m. until 11 p.m. or midnight off-season and until 3 a.m. during the summer. Barring any unforeseen catastrophe, it’s open 365 days a year with no blackout dates. Free WiFi is fully accessible. On-street metered parking is free and plentiful off-season, but expect to pay and to walk during busy summer months.

This is a year-round bar that caters to locals and seasonal workers, but welcomes all. Jen was attentive and forthcoming with information about the Lemon Peel and what she knew of its history, the Lake George area and other taverns in the area. For a good, old-fashioned bar experience, the Lemon Peel is a must.

Captain Cook's Bar and Grill, Saranac Lake

It could have been November (or early spring) for all we knew. Dead grass lay matted in pale straw hues awaiting a blanket of snow. The calendar indicated late January, but nearly 40 degree temperatures and an almost complete lack of snow said otherwise. A little late with her instructions, Pam's GPS rerouted us down Limekiln Road on a "shortcut" back to Route 73. Not one to turn around (or ever ask for directions), Pam took us four-wheeling down a dirt road that would have been impassible under normal winter conditions. Ice sculptures clung like blobs of celeste blue glass to rock ledges along 73 while hikers and climbers wandered to their patiently waiting cars as dusk approached.

Finally arriving in Saranac Lake, noticing the half-constructed ice castle, we made our way to Captain Cook's. It looked pretty dead from the outside as Kim stood across the street covertly snapping a few pics of the exterior. We were unprepared for the large crowd as we entered Captain Cook's Bar and Grill on that Saturday afternoon. Surprise must have registered on our faces as we were raucously greeted at the door by a man who informed us it was Ladies' Night - no cover! Having broken the ice, we found a seat in a far corner of the bar where we could observe and take notes. With one bartender serving the 30 or more patrons, we knew we would have to be patient in getting information from her. Staci readily took our drink orders and answered our questions as opportunity permitted.

Though not easily discernible in the dimmer light, the top of the P-shaped bar is an inlaid topographical map. High pine ceilings and walls accent the rustic birch slab shelves. An old canoe hanging on a far wall rounds out the Adirondack appeal. Several flags are tacked to the ceiling and a large bright yellow model seaplane floats over the bar. Three flat-screen TVs are scattered about. We were a little confused by the San Francisco 49ers pennants behind the bar until Pat's comment about Captain Cook's being proud Giants supporters was intercepted by a companion who set the record straight.

Wanting to mix with the locals, Kim approached a group to ask questions. Eyeing her notebook suspiciously at first, they quickly warmed up once the purpose of our visit was established. We spoke at length with a woman named Pat who was willing and eager to share insights about Captain Cook's, the local bars, and the community in general. Though not a standard question from our repertoire, our foremost curiousity was whether this was a typical crowd for a Saturday afternoon in January. Turns out that it is. Captain Cook's is the headquarters for the Saranac Lake IPW - the Ice Palace Workers. That explained both the diversity of the patrons and the community spirit that pervaded the barroom. They had finished working on the ice palace for the day and seemed to be reveling in their accomplishments, undaunted perhaps by the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival deadline looming just one short week away. We had an opportunity to speak with several IPW members and learned that most of them have been members for years, are about 30 percent women, and are somewhat disappointed by the lack of new, younger recruits. We even managed to convince a few of the volunteers to pose for a photo.

Capt. Cook's has been owned by Scott Cook for the past four years. In the summer it is headquarters for the local rugby team. It certainly had the feel of being a community place to meet, but welcoming to strangers as well. Though the bar can seat 14 to 16 people, the room easily accommodated the current gathering. A rustic table near the front window was empty, perhaps just a little too far away from the action. Captain Cook's features Happy Hour drink specials Monday through Friday, but the Saturday prices were very reasonable. They are open year round, seven days a week from noon until 3 a.m. Chicken wings are the specialty here and, as observed from our station at the bar, take-out seems to be very popular. The standard pool table and electronic darts remained dormant this day. An ATM machine is on site and Quick Draw is available too. Additional seating is available upstairs and on an outside patio tucked away from the street. Musical entertainment is featured during Winter Carnival. A small public parking area is adjacent to the bar and on-street parking is just up the road and across the street.

The menu at Captain Cook's features sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs and several flavors of wings (including peanut butter). Eight draft beers include Davidson Brothers "Captain Cook's IPA", Long Trail, Blue Light, and a Samuel Adams seasonal. Assorted flavored vodkas and Jagermeister suggest the bartenders may possess some creativity.

If you're planning to be in Saranac Lake for the Winter Carnival, or any time at all, Captain Cook's is a great place to warm up, have a drink and grab something to eat. Visit their website and Facebook page for up-to-date drink specials and events. The atmosphere is friendly and festive and the people are some of the nicest we've met.

Tail O the Pup, Ray Brook

On our way to Saranac Lake for a day of reviews, Pam was whining from the backseat that she was hungry. As we drove through Ray Brook, Tail O’ the Pup appeared like a mirage on the horizon. The giant lobster in front created a bit of confusion, and we hadn’t even started drinking yet! We stopped just to check it out and decided to stay, mostly out of curiosity, but also to grab a bite to eat before hitting the Saranac bars. Technically not a bar, Tail O' the Pup does offer beer and drink specials, so we let this one squeak by.

Red-and-white striped tents sheltered 50 or so picnic tables, only a handful of which were occupied, but it was only mid-afternoon. A collection of small brown buildings, trimmed in red, stood along the edges of the property. Former cabins labeled with hand-painted signs, they now serve as camp store (with ATM), ice cream shoppe, and arcade for guests of the dozen or so housekeeping cottages. The tap room was empty, but supported the wait staff with their drink orders. A small sign over the door to the tap room identified it as Charley Mazzara's Bar, but the bartender on duty didn't know who Charley was and admitted she had never noticed the sign. The tap room is a tiny, open air bar, seating less than ten people inside and a few more just outside. A blues trio performed on the small outdoor stage.

We selected a picnic table and browsed the menu, Pam paying particular attention to the drink specialties. There they were - frozen margaritas of raspberry, blueberry, melon and strawberry. She chose the raspberry and didn't look the least bit disappointed, the $6.75 charge slightly less than what we’ve typically found. At least 10 draft beers are offered at $5 a pint or you can choose from layered versions of the Black and Tan for $5.50.

Tail O’ the Pup has been in business since 1927. A main structure offers a bar and dining, but there was no one in there on this early August afternoon. The establishment is open from May to October from 11am to 9 or 10pm. When we passed by on our way back from Saranac around 9pm, they were packed with cars parked all along the road.

Tail O’ the Pup, like an elaborate Texas roadhouse, is a playground for both children and adults. An interesting place to stop for drinks and eats, a weekend spent here could be a lot of fun, but a week would require a serious workout when you got home.

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.

Wayback Inn, Eagle Bay

The open, grassy grounds of the Wayback Inn in Eagle Bay projected a very different image from many of the bars we had visited. Having just left the Big Moose Inn, with its lake views and massive deck, the Wayback Inn sparked an image of biker parties sprawled on both sides of the remote road. An outdoor bar was visible in the large, open barn in the distance.

After watching a turkey with her chicks cross the road, we entered the bar and were immediately greeted by the bartender and owner, Laurie Herzstein. When asked if they had any drinks unique to the Wayback Inn, she entrusted the help of a patron and off-duty bartender who mixed up a recent creation she called the Lemon Slushie for Pam while Kim snooped around.

Laurie proudly presented us with a menu, but we had already eaten, and had to turn down the very appealing Crabby Fries. As we took in the surroundings, Laurie gave us more information about the use of their outdoor amenities. They have a big movie screen that they erect in the lot across the street for movie nights. The Wayback Inn hosts the Snow Rats Snowmobile Club, the Fireman's Banquet, and have the occasional chicken barbecue. Clientele includes locals, snowmobilers, firefighters, hunters, bikers and now even bloggers who stop by on their quest for knowledge and cocktails. Football regulars can partake of various games of chance involving spinning the wheel for the Bills or Giants. Nascar enthusiasts can play The Wheel of Caution for drink specials during their favorite season.

As we scribbled away in our notebooks, Laurie's husband, John, joined us and treated us to the Golden Cherry, cherries soaked in Goldschlagers. Very delicious and easy to make at home even for the beginner bartender.

The Wayback Inn is open seven days a week, but occasionally closes in April. The restaurant serves food from 8:30 am until 10 pm or later. They have been in business since 2007 and offer seven rooms for overnight accommodations. Though they claim winter is their best season, summer seemed the best time for us. An ATM machine is available for cash-starved customers.