CB's Spirits and Restaurant, Warrensburg

If it's friendly staff, loquacious patrons and reasonable prices you're looking for, CB's Spirits on River Street may be just the place when you're in Warrensburg. The two-story frame building of unknown age sits unpretentiously on the edge of the Schroon River. It's not all about the ambiance here, but basic comforts prevail and the clientele are welcoming. We weren't strangers to a few of the customers and were acquainted with Sue, bartender and sister of owner Chuck Bederian. Though the atmosphere in the tavern is no frills, no fuss, we were impressed by the upscale attire and professionalism of the bartender. Maybe you'll catch Sue sporting our Happy Hour in the High Peaks hat on "casual" days.

Warrensburg’s World’s Largest Garage Sale had just about reached its cold, rainy conclusion and we were ready for a drink. We joined the ten or twelve people already seated at the bar. No draft beer, but Kim ordered a Michelob Ultra from the modest selection of mostly domestic bottled beers while Pam tried to figure out what to have. Pear vodka was suggested and Sue and Pam brainstormed, settling finally on the pear vodka, cranberry juice, and 7-Up.

CB’s is a true local bar, though it didn’t take long before we felt like locals ourselves. Oh yeah, we are locals ourselves! Kim was soon immersed in conversation with Gordon, a regular who claims he’s here every day. His wife Cathy joined in as they tried to trace the history of CB’s. Known previously as the Wayside Inn (at least as far back as 1965), we learned very little but were encouraged to contact “Antique Bill”, a gentleman in town who apparently knows everything about every bar that’s ever been in the area. Armed with his phone number, references, and cautionary advice from Gordon and Cathy, we look forward to meeting him. Pam met and interviewed a man who is new in town, there temporarily on a construction job for a few months, who claims that the bartender is "the most fun ever" and that he has felt welcome at CB's since day one. Partial to their hamburgers with bakery fresh rolls, he gets his lunch there daily and visits often after work. The tavern serves a simple menu of pizza, burgers and sandwiches at very reasonable prices. The special listed on the blackboard that day was the Chickentender Sandwich with lettuce, tomato and chips for $5. Not a bad deal.

As is her custom, Pam stepped out to survey the grounds. A bulletin board outside posted several upcoming local music and biker-related events. The handwritten list of October birthdays for CB’s regulars and staff was a nice personal touch. A picnic table offers seating outside by the Schroon River, with a nice view of the new Milton Avenue Bridge and the serenity of flowing water.

The bar seats up to 16 with two booths and a pub table in the main room. A smaller adjacent room has three regular size booths and two over-sized booths for additional seating when needed. Quick Draw is available at CB's and a lottery ticket vending machine entices a little game of chance. Darts, a pool table, and Big Buck hunting games are also on hand for games of skill. Open 365 days a year with no black out dates, the hours are generally Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until midnight or later, and opening on Sunday at noon. Happy Hour is offered Monday through Friday and during Sunday football games with several drink specials. CB’s occasionally features live music, but not on any fixed schedule. The sale of raffle tickets to benefit local cheerleaders is evidence of the establishment’s community involvement.

There’s something difficult about trying to review a bar in one’s own hometown. Preferences, prejudices and habits stand in the way of an unbiased viewpoint. Within minutes of our arrival we were able to shed our preconceptions and enjoy the good-natured surroundings in this somewhat cluttered but tidy bar. Like the temperatures registered on the collection of vintage thermometers displayed throughout the room, the readings varied from -6 to 110 degrees, with most at a comfortable 70 degrees. If you're in the mood to meet some locals, it shouldn't be hard to strike up a conversation that might last throughout your visit.

Cheers & Bottoms Up!
Kim & Pam

Recipe Night! The Garage Sale Martini

Warrensburg's World's Largest Garage Sale is an event of epic proportions; at least to those of us who live, or have to travel through, this little town. Of course, there is no rest for us. We had a bar review to cover (you can read about CB's Spirits Wednesday on The Adirondack Almanack) but also needed to wind down with a Recipe Night. The Garage Sale Martini - a little bit of this, a little bit of that, and at least four ingredients.

The Garage Sale Martini (serves 2)

2 oz. pear vodka
1 oz. apple liqueur
2 oz. triple sec
3 oz. cranberry juice

Shake & pour over ice.

Things will be all tidy in Warrensburg by tomorrow morning. Here's to another World's Largest Garage Sale weekend!

Cheers and Bottoms Up!
Kim Ladd and Pam Ladd

Summer Tour Begins Next Week

I am off to bring my daughter to "Camp Grandma" this weekend.  She will spend three weeks with my mother,  and I need to take advantage of that free time.  That's the official kickoff to our summer tour.  Kim will be reviewing a tavern in Northville, our southernmost venue.  Her husband was most gracious in offering to come along in my absense. 

I will be back mid-week only to repack and head up to Lake Placid with Kim and our husbands for a couple of days.  Hope to get my first 2011 golf opportunity in the morning, maybe lunch and then start "work".  Already told the boss that he can call me if he needs anything, but not during "Happy Hour" on Wed. and Thurs.  Got to remember not to answer the phone while I'm "Peaking".  So far, that has been easy, because most of the areas we visit don't have any cell phone reception, but Lake Placid should be different.

Looking forward to the Happy Hour in the High Peaks challenge of eight bars in two days!  At least we won't have drive.  I wonder if the Crowne Plaza has a shuttle we can catch?  If anyone has any suggested sites, always glad to hear them.

Totally missed the boat on the Rhubarb Festival in Warrensburg today.  Imagine if we showed up with our rhubarb margaritas.  No one would have noticed the rain, while sipping our margaritas!

Bottoms Up!

High Peaks Pammie!

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George Henry's - Warrensburg

It's difficult to review an establishment this familiar. With no first impression with which to develop a theme, a last impression will have to do. George Henry's in Warrensburg has come a long way from its heyday as the Warren Inn, where we were occasionally allowed to sit at the bar and have a soda with our mom when we were kids. It's as much a restaurant as a bar now and seems to invite tourists as well as locals. Originally called the Warren Inn, after an actual inn that once occupied the corner of Schroon River Road and Main Street, it changed hands some time in the 1980's and was renamed the Brew & Stew (the Brew & Stew sign now hangs inside), and finally George Henry's, named after the current owners' father and grandfather, George Henry McFarland.

The interior of George Henry's dining room is spacious, with tables comfortably distanced from one another. Wide plank floors and pine walls in the dining area create a somewhat rustic, no-frills appearance. The restaurant area is sufficiently separate to drown out the noise and to protect your children from the barside banter.

The bar seats about 20 people, with ample room for standing too, with a few bar height tables for overflow. Blackboards advertising food and drink specials hang in both the dining and bar areas, and several TV's featured a variety of programming including Jeopardy, news, and a Yankees game. The tavern area was partially filled, maybe 15 people, when we visited on a Wednesday evening. We had expected more bikers because of Warrensburg Bike Week and Americade in Lake George, but a sudden storm, preceded by high winds and an ominous yellow glow in the sky sent them scattering.

Fortunately, we missed the "All-You-Can-Eat" Wings special and believe we were too late for Happy Hour (4:30 to 6:30). We donated some money to NY State by playing Quick Draw and shared the normal portion of their crispy "All-We-Can-Eat" wings. Open seven days a week, starting at 11 a.m., except on Sunday when they open at noon, George Henry's serves food until 9 p.m. in the summer months. The kitchen closes earlier in other seasons, and are known to close the establishment for private parties on rare occasions, but are generally open year round. George Henry's offers live music on Friday and Saturday nights and there is a small, designated area for the band or soloist, but wouldn't expect to do any dancing there.

The beer selection is pretty decent with domestics from the Coors, Budweiser, and Miller brands, and good old Genny as well. Import and premium bottled beers include Corona, Heineken, Labatt, Long Trail, Guinness and Twisted Tea. Six draft beers are available, including choices from Lake Placid Brewery, Adirondack Brewery and Davidson Brothers. Specialty drinks aren't promoted, but George Henry's is equipped to provide the basics and sometimes more elaborate drinks when staffing permits.

George Henry's has been under current ownership for 25 years and seems to want to expand beyond the local pub. Improvements have been made, though nothing lavish or radical, more aptly living within their means while keeping costs down to appeal to the masses. A deck on the side has yet to be seen by us in all of its intended splendor. George Henry's is on Main Street which is sometimes heavily traveled, so the added seclusion of low fencing on the Main Street side of the deck offers privacy and noise reduction, but still allows a nice view of the Schroon River. The deck is accented with flower boxes and beds containing hostas, pansies, and petunias, which Pam deadheaded for them that evening while reviewing the surroundings. Several tables, some with umbrellas, looked inviting, were it not for the rain.

Stop at George Henry's for dinner on your way to points further north and expect a welcoming staff and patrons and good food. When looking for a good burger in the 'Burg, George Henry's is the place to go. Or go on a Friday or Saturday night for live music and an even livelier crowd.

Recipe Day - The Bloody Oscar

We had big plans for that Bakon Vodka all along.  And here it is, named after Warrensburg's own iconic Oscar's Adirondack Smokehouse - The Bloody Oscar.  The garnishments were procured today: Oscar's Hickory Smoked Bacon Cheddar Cheese and Jerry's Jerky.  I stopped in to make the purchases and couldn't resist telling then what we were up to.  They hadn't heard of Bakon Vodka (or Happy Hour in the High Peaks), but I think they're in the smokehouse now, trying to find a recipe for SMOKED bacon vodka.  Or, they might be in there just smoking vodka.  This recipe is destined for the final publication.

The Bloody Oscar

2 oz Bakon Vodka
6 oz tomato juice
1 tsp horseradish
1 tsp lemon juice
1 dash tabasco
1 dash black pepper
1 pinch red pepper flakes

Shake with ice and serve over ice. Garnish with celery and your favorite tidbits from Oscar's Smokehouse.




This is how we celebrated our first published interview on The Free George. 

Our review of the Long Horn Restaurant and Pub is posted on the Adirondack Almanack.

Bottoms Up!

High Peaks Pammie

George Henry's Tavern of Warrensburg

It was "date night" with our husbands last night.  Kim went to Duffy's with her husband and I went to George Henry's with mine.  They've both been neglected lately, so we did our "wifely duty".  Needless to say, even though we weren't out "working" on the book last night, looks like we both are taking advantage of the opportunity and writing about it.

George Henry's was pretty busy for early Saturday night.  Most were there to watch a wrestling tournament, but didn't seem to protest when another tv was tuned to BYU when the game started.  We played some Quick Draw and enjoyed some appetizers.  I sneaked a couple of Bob's chicken wings and have to say, they make good wings at George Henry's!  I even won some money on Quick Draw for a change.  The bartender was very busy but attentive to all of his patrons.  The wrestling group kept him busy wiping their spilled beers.

In the spirit of the wrestling tournament, Mark and his niece had a brief wrestling scrimmage on the floor of the bar - she probably would have won except for some technical foul involving arms (or Mark just cheated, not sure which).  I saw several people I know and chatted with whomever I could.  I learned from Mark that he and his wife are going to New Orleans soon and I think he offered to do some reviews for us down there .  (We're still scouting for our next Happy Hour location - and I don't think TN made the grade).   Mark, if you find some good places in "N'orleans", make sure you take some notes and tell us all about it when you get home. 

Might need to have to start wearing a disguise soon when I go out - not ready for the celebrity just yet.  I passed a girl in the ladies room who asked if I was there to write about George Henry's.  I've never seen her before and was surprised by the question.  I told her I was "off duty", but it was fun to be recognized (or more likely just mistaken for Kim). 

It's nice to go out and see familiar faces and talk to people I haven't seen in awhile. Always something comfortable about the hometown taverns. A good tavern is one that makes strangers feel they are in their own hometown.

Bottoms Up!

Grace's Restaurant at the Griffin House in Warrensburg

This was an impromptu review.  We had an hour to kill, and Kim will be out of town for the rest of the weekend, so we decided to try something more local.  I had no expectations and didn't even bring a "fact sheet", no paper at all.  Kim, however, knew better and at least brought a tiny notebook.

I had no idea!  I haven't been to that location since it was the Merrill Magee House.  The bar back then, though attractive, was very small.  Now it's large and inviting!  I was pleasantly surprised and, at the same time, disappointed in myself for not having checked it out sooner.  The barstools caught my eye first.  Wooden stools with leather/suede padding on back and seats.  Very comfortable, and a LOT of them.  I have been searching for the perfect barstools for home for a few years now, and have seen stools like this in my search.  I started calculating the cost in my head! 

In addition to the bar, there is an adjacent room with a leather loveseat with a game board on the coffee table.  That brought me back to the nights in Lake George playing backgammon upstairs at the Delevan - those were good times!  There's something about drinking and playing games that keeps you sharp.  In that adjacent room, there were also a few bar height tables for additional seating (again, more of those attractive barstools).  To me, barstools are like shoes - no matter how well-dressed you are, if your shoes are shabby, the whole look is shabby.  Remember that the next time you go out!  Grace's is impeccably dressed, head to toe.

After admiring the plentiful hanging light fixtures over the bar, my attention turned to the Daily Drink Specials menu on the bar.  Good thing Kim brought her little notebook - she jotted them down for future review.  One drink featured "ruby red vodka".  Wasn't sure what that was, but I wished I hadn't already ordered a drink.  I Googled it and found that Absolut makes are Ruby Red Vodka.  Who knew?!  Looks like I have to make another trip to Mohan's Liquor Store.  Or, it's an excuse to return to Grace's.  Does that mean the grapefruit juice is optional - will have to try some alternative mixers.  Some of the drinks were what I would call "summer drinks", but that's just my opinion.  There was also a list of hot drink specials ("winter drinks"?) worthy of review.

Speaking of vodka, after checking out at a liquor store in Tennessee (remember that liquor store in a dry county?), I saw a bottle of Peanut Butter vodka.  I assumed I could buy it at home, but haven't found it yet.  It might be a nice addition to the "Squirrel Bait" drink we've been working on.  I will have it "exported" to me if I don't find it here. 

Speaking of Whisky Sours, what ever happened to the Whisky Sour?  I used to drink those and always found them tasty, but I haven't heard anything about them lately.  You can see where I'm going with this - I'll bring back the whisky sour myself.  I have often bought sour mix, but for use in my margaritas, not sours.  I think I have some mix in my cupboard.  Maybe I don't need the mix - make my own from scratch.  I have company coming tonight, think I'd better buy some cherries and see what happens...

As always, looking forward to Kim's eloquent review of Grace's at the Griffin House...

Bottoms Up!