Pub on 9, Bolton Landing

Having only been open since January of 2012, the Pub on 9 is the youngest pub we have had the privilege to review. So far, they seem to be doing everything right. Located south of the village of Bolton Landing, the Pub on 9 is on Route 9N, or Lake Shore Drive, between Diamond Point and Bolton. Operating as the Wooden Barrel in past years, new owners Bob and Noelle Schwab eagerly wait to see what their first summer will bring. Set back a comfortable distance from Route 9N, with plenty of parking, a large deck offering sunshine or the shade of table umbrellas, the pub is a perfect spot for entertainment, indoors or out.

The bartender, Jon, is an enthusiastic, attentive, personable (and did we mention very handsome) guy with tireless energy and humor. His animated nature and quick wit kept us amused as he exchanged barbs with another patron, who asked that we not divulge his affiliation with the aforementioned bartender. He also told us a little about his participation in the Fire Tower Challenge, suggesting it as a theme for our next book. Hmm... The Firewater Challenge? We chatted with Noelle, who took a break from her daily chores to talk about the pub’s future plans.

Currently open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. until 2 a.m., the Pub on 9 will add Wednesday and Sunday this summer, and plan to continue with Sunday operation through football season. This year they closed for the month of March and anticipate closing on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The generous dance floor rocks with musical entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights, and Noelle hopes to add a Karaoke Night on Wednesday nights for the summer, as well as live music on the deck when weather permits. The deck currently offers picnic table seating, but will have patio tables in the summer season. Suggesting that the cook probably doesn't have much of a social life, the kitchen usually stays open until just before the bar closes, so don't be afraid to stop in for a late-night snack. The restaurant will also be offering delivery to nearby motels this summer, something that is sure to boost their notoriety.

The Pub on 9’s huge (by our standards) three-sided bar seats 24 and is stocked with all of the necessities: an abundant draft beer selection (10 flavors!), coolers full of bottled beers, and much more than the basics on the liquor shelves. Pine predominates, from walls to ceiling. The spacious floor plan flows seamlessly from bar to dining to a large game room, creating separate but inclusive spaces throughout. Three TVs suspended stadium style above the bar allow viewing from all sides and there’s another in the game room. The 70-inch monster flat screen may be best viewed from a comfortable club chair in the dining area, but can be seen from pretty much everywhere. The atmosphere is simple, clean and spacious. Decoration mostly consists of mirrored beer advertisements and a neon Welcome to Bolton sign (which Jon took pains to point out, so we felt we should mention it). Happy Hour is from 5 to 6 p.m. daily with $1.00 PBR drafts, $1 off well drinks and 1/2 off appetizer pricing.

Already known for the hand cut fries and homemade soups, the menu also features signature specialties, the 9 Burger and the 9 Dog. Plenty of options are available on their menu and range from $7.99 to $12.99, but they already expect to expand their summer menu. Hopefully they'll be breaking out the blenders too for margaritas and daiquiris on the deck. Pam suggested adding a nine-shot cocktail (the 9 on 9?) as a signature bar offering.

It’s difficult to describe a bar based merely on having had a good time. From Jon’s greeting as soon as we walked in, to introductions to anyone else who entered or passed through, we were made to feel like invited guests and familiar friends. As the conversation turned to the mild weather and early emergence of mint and rhubarb, we swapped drink recipes (our Rhubarb Margarita) with celebrity bartender Kate (her Summer Squeeze). Kate, of Frederick’s in Bolton Landing, offered her endorsement of the Pub on 9 as a keeper, and a definite contender for the top 46. It’s places like this, where drink recipes are exchanged and rhubarb plants are procured, that remind us that the Adirondack region is just one big neighborhood.

Market Place Steakhouse, Bolton Landing

Now here's a place with curb appeal. Driving through Bolton Landing, we nearly ignored the Market Place Steakhouse & More until we spotted the words Sports Bar etched on the bottom of one of the windows. Stained cedar shake siding, varied rooflines, and simple, understated signage create an inviting façade. The street-front deck is small with turned posts and balusters, finished in rich browns. Double doors to the dining room, in pristine condition, indicate that the premises are well maintained. First impressions enticed us to see more and music playing from outdoor speakers beckoned us in. Stealing a brief glance at the dining room features, we headed straight for the bar.

We continued to drink in the decor while Tami prepared our drinks. Floors of oversized tile in the main bar area, a small green enamel gas stove walled in a far corner with a river stone backdrop, and a copper sidebar on the partition wall, ready to seat eight in backless black and blonde stools, all add to the interior appeal. A small sunny alcove houses four pub tables with seating for 16. Known as the rock and roll room, an impressive collection of autographed guitars and posters is displayed on the walls.

In keeping with the Sports Bar designation, TVs are placed throughout the establishment, the majority located in the bar area. Tami informed us that there were, in fact, 14 in all, including the outdoor dining area in fair weather months. And yet, it wasn't overdone. The pub area was tastefully finished with a variety of sports memorabilia, again in perfect moderation.

The Market Place Steakhouse was originally an A&P supermarket and was known more recently as Michael Arthur’s Steakhouse. Steve McCranels and Amy Ullrich opened the current version in July of 2011. Open every day in the summer, The Market Place is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday in the off season. The sports bar is open at 4 p.m. and the restaurant opens at 5 p.m. Happy Hour is daily from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with $1 baby (7 oz.) beers and $2 beer or well drinks. Closing times vary, but around 11 p.m. is fairly standard. Three-course dinner specials make the Market Place a popular dining venue, but Open Mic Night on Monday nights and live musical entertainment on Saturday nights fill in where sports leave off.

On street parking is easily available in the winter months, but harder to find in the summer. A small parking area behind the Market Place offers limited parking, with an entrance to the bar from the back. Bolton Landing has several public parking areas as well.

The Market Place was not our intended destination. We had heard of a new bar in Bolton Landing and were looking for it when we found the Market Place. Perfectly content to stay put, we found the service was as pleasing as the décor. Tami was pleasant, attentive and professional. Once engaged in conversation, she kept one eye on the other patrons, while she imparted information to us. At her suggestion, we couldn’t resist sharing their signature drink, a Pear Martini, made with pear vodka and elderberry liqueur.

The Market Place is the perfect place for a break from the beach, or as a rest for wanderers. The slower months offer a perfect opportunity for locals to get a taste of summer's popular venues without having to deal with crowds. Family-friendly, food and drink prices are reasonable. The ambiance is free.

Frederick's in Bolton Landing

It was a cold, sunny Winter day in early Spring as we made the short drive to Bolton Landing. Along the way, we decided that if the bartender didn't know how to make the Lady's Slipper drink we alluded to in earlier blogs, we would order something else instead. As we approached the entrance to Frederick's, we passed by the expansive deck, longing for the days when we will be able to sit outside.

The smell of popcorn greeted us as soon as we entered. The warmth of the fire from the fireplace stretched across the massive, cozy room. We sat at the end of the large, L-shaped bar, affording ourselves the best view of the establishment. The bar appeared to seat about 14 people comfortably. I deduced that by counting the barstools, in case you want to try this on your own. The room was adorned in classic Adirondack style with ceiling beams, rich wood and bear spattered fabric, but we detected a nautical sub-theme in keeping with classic Lake George style.

We ordered the Lady's Slipper and proceeded to tell Pam, the bartender, how to make it. She searched the extensively well-stocked bar and we offered a few substitutions for the ingredients she didn't find.
After trying Frederick's version of our version of the Lady's Slipper, I reviewed their Drink Specials menu and decided to try one, consisting of ruby red vodka, lemonade, club soda and a splash of cranberry, garnished with a slice of lime. It was tasty and summery and just didn't fit my mood. I would proceed to try their high-end margarita, again delicious and not suited to my mood, which was becoming adaptable by the time I finished it.
I didn't drink very much, but as Kim drove home, it occurred to me that I drank too much. Maybe there's some truth to not mixing a variety of drinks. Perhaps I should have accepted Pam's offer of complimentary homemade veggie soup that was warming by the fire. But, as I sipped my margarita, I just couldn't embrace the idea of vegetable soup. The day was riddled with oxymorons - I should have had the soup.

Bottoms Up!

High Peaks Pammie

Where to Next?

We've done our research and decided to go to Frederick's Restaurant in Bolton Landing next weekend (Saturday around 3, if you're stalking us).  According to our research, same people own Frederick's that own Grace's? Correct us if we're wrong. Frederick's sounds (on Google anyway) like a place that meets our very loosely-defined criteria. Food. Drinks. People. What else is there? Pam's thinkin' that if we order a Lady's Slipper (today's creation, by the way) at Frederick's, and they know how to make it, then we will automatically select them as one of our 46 "high" peaks (and be out $7.00). Sound fair?

Lady's Slipper

1 1/2 oz white chocolate cream liqueur

1 1/2 oz. vanilla vodka

Raspberry syrup (or liqueur)

4 oz. milk (skim preferred)