Flanagan's - Schroon Lake

Tucked amid a small group of Main Street storefronts in Schroon Lake, Flanagan's quietly sits. Its hand-painted signs promising a family restaurant atmosphere, we accepted its invitation. One of only two bars in a small community just stirring from its winter sleep, we arrived with modest expectations and hearty appetites, noting their boast of famous wings.

Entry to the bar involves passing through the front of the restaurant, gleaming wide-plank pine floors beneath our feet; mine so boldly clad in sandals on this warm, sunny day. With only front and rear windows in the long, narrow building, it was surprisingly well-lit. (We were not.) We had heard about Flanagan's complicated seating hierarchy and headed toward the back, near the jukebox and small collection of arcade games, in order to assume a proper location. Finding all those seats occupied, we moved closer to the front (locals) section. We're not tourists or flatlanders (clearly not) or weekenders, summer residents, nor even just passing through. But we're definitely NOT locals (I think that was made silently but abundantly clear), but we sat there anyway, sensing (or imagining) sidelong glances from those patrons rightfully classified as such.

The bartender, reluctant to share his identity, muttering something about witness protection, took our orders. We later learned, through the process of elimination, that his name was Josh. I ordered a Long Trail Seasonal (Harvest), a dark wheat from Flanagan's well-selected draft choices: Coors Light, Yuengling, Guinness, Lake Placid Ubu, Long Trail Seasonal and Davidson Brothers IPA and Brown. The Long Trail was delightful. Lightly flavored, subtly sweet for a dark beer, the color of a cola and nearly as bubbly, somewhat thin and clear without being watery. I would buy a six-pack of this if I came across it. Pam ordered her usual fallback: vodka and grapefruit. I think she needs to perfect it with perhaps a vodka preference.

I'm sure Pam will discuss the barstools - Amish-made natural oak seats with rustic stick legs and padded backs. They were gorgeous. The dining room also had the same matching chairs. I tried to do the math at probably a couple of hundred per chair, but thought better of it. I was especially appreciative of the heater that ran the length of the bar and served as the footrest. I despise the cold and, despite the warm day, my exposed toes were chilly.

Some thought had obviously gone into this place, though I don't know if it was recent (the chairs were, we were told) or all at once, or an evolving process since we had never been there before.

I ordered a buffalo chicken wrap with bleu cheese, medium hot, from the standard but varied menu. If the deliciousness of the buffalo chicken in the wrap was any indication of the quality of their wings, then I can probably safely assume Flanagan's claim to famous wings is accurate. Delicately crisp and tender, the tangy, spicy sauce wafting into my nostrils, filled my sinuses with flavor that continued on my taste buds. The bleu cheese gave the chicken a creamy complement, all rolled into the fresh wrap. Pam's heaping plate of supreme nachos (with chili) was impressive, fresh and quite tasty. The prices were pretty reasonable with most items $7 to $10. Drink pricess were pretty standard.

I'm curious whether the locals disappear during the summer months when most of the clientele are visitors, or are just absorbed. With the homey comforts of Flanagan's in their backyard, I doubt they can stay away.

Flanagan's Bar & Grill, Schroon Lake

The trip to Schroon Lake was much shorter than I expected, even though we took the scenic route.  It was the first really nice spring day of the season.  Schroon Lake was bustling, for April.  People were out walking.  Just seeing people on the streets is as much a sign of Spring as the crocus' blooming.
We found a parking spot right outside Flanagan's and ventured toward the entrance.  It was well-kept and very attractive with a stone facade.  I reviewed their menu posted outside and noted that they are open at noon and are closed on Tuesday.  The bartender, Joshua, later clarified that they are only closed on Tuesday during the winter months.
Flanagan's has been in business for 50-60 years but, upon entering, I immediately noticed it has been well-maintained.  The floor shined with extra coats of polyurethane.  As we passed through the dining area heading toward the bar, I took in the surroundings.  Bright copper lights sparkled over the booths; a bear, a deer and a moose head adorned one wall over those booths.  Clever placards hung here and there touting the virtues of drinkers and their wives.
As we found 2 seats at the bar, Kim quickly surveyed the beer offerings and selected one like a woman who knows what she wants.  In what is becoming the norm, I wrestled with the liquor choices like a kid in a candy store.  No drink specials in the off-season, no suggestions forthcoming from Joshua, so I was on my own.  I made rash decision for vodka and grapefruit.  In an effort to lighten the mood, I specified "plain vodka, no Bakon vodka for me, please!"
Again, taking in the scenery, I noticed the barstools were of padded fabric and rustic wood, and very heavy when trying to get out of them.  We ordered food from the extensive menu of yummy treats and chatted with the gentleman at the end of the bar.   He was a local by the name of Greyling, which we thought was a very cool name.  Off-season, Flanagan's is mostly locals, but changes to about 90% tourists in the summer months.  I checked out the deck in the back and found that to be small, but comfortable, and overlooking a brook.  It started to rain, so I returned to the bar.
The bathroom was clean and nicely finished in Adirondack woods.  Hot water, paper towels and toilet paper - what more could a woman ask for!  Speaking of woman, even though I didn't see one, I had the distinct feeling that a woman is behind the decor and overseeing the maintenance of Flanagan's Bar & Grill.  Men just don't seem to pay that much attention to the details.

Is it Wednesday Yet?

Tune into the Adirondack Almanack tomorrow afternoon for our latest review on Flanagan's Pub & Grill in Schroon Lake.  Tune in later tonight to see if Kim will play "bar" with me.

Bottoms Up!
High Peaks Pammie