Our cabin in the Adirondack Park has been designed to make it easy for you to enjoy nature. You could quite easily spend an entire weekend hiking, skiing, or ‘rivering,’ followed by simply relaxing at the house with a bottle of wine and a home cooked meal. The river view, wood stove, and fire pit at Warner’s Camp are super inviting. Still, we’re accustomed to a ‘foodie’ city lifestyle, so we tend to go out while we’re in the Adirondacks. Here are our favorite local restaurants, bars, shops and evening activities.
Keene & Keene Valley
We adore the little town of Keene! Craft beer, kombucha, fancy sandwiches, and handcrafted furniture— it’s like Brooklyn meets the ADKs. We purchased Warner’s Camp in part due to its close proximity to Keene, a mere five minute drive.
Forty Six (restaurant), 5 Minute Drive, Keene
One of your closest options for dinner and drinks, and it’s a really good one. Also a lovely place to lunch. Forty Six is a recently opened farm to table restaurant. Known for their burgers. We recommend the salmon, and that you save some room for dessert. Rustic chic interior decor. The outdoor seating area is dog friendly. On busy weekend nights, you might need to call in a reservation. Closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays.
Cedar Run Bakery (shop), 5 Minute Drive, Keene
A lovely shop offering artisanal groceries and baked goods. They sell local cheese from the farm near our house. Most known for their ‘take n’ bake’ meals. Grab a few and heat them up in our double ovens for a delicious home cooked meal minus the effort. We love a good Cedar Run ‘take n’ bake’ after a long day of snowboarding. Try the Chicken Divan and the Butternut Gratin. They also have a wine and spirits shop on the premises.
East Branch Organics (shop), 5 Minute Drive, Keene
Located behind Stewart’s gas station— this garden center also sells alcohol! They have a liquor shop with a great wine selection, and also stock craft beer and cider. The beer and cider selection is on point. Tons of local craft IPAs, plus Nine Pin Rosé Cider, because rosé all day.
Dartbrook Rustic & Dartbrook South (shop), 5 Minute Drive, Keene
Get lost in this high end Adirondack furniture store. They have expanded to two locations in Keene; both are worth exploring. Their speciality is custom made birch furniture, which they craft onsite. The curated, multilevel showrooms create a magical, Wes Anderson-like, camp experience. Taxidermy and kilim pillows galore. They have some high end pieces mixed with more affordable items; well worth a visit.
Ausable Inn (restaurant), 13 Minute Drive, Keene Valley
Great place to eat outside or grab a drink post hike. Located in the center of Keene Valley, near many hiking trail heads. The food is good too, we recommend the burgers. Dogs are permitted on the front porch.
Old Mountain Coffee (shop, restaurant), 13 Minute Drive, Keene Valley
This trendy coffee shop also serves local beer & kombucha on draft. Try the mountain bread! On Wednesday nights, they serve homemade pizza (5 – 7:30pm). Stop by anytime during the day for small baked goods, sandwiches, coffee & beer. Located in Keene Valley, hiking central. Should you need it, they offer WiFi and a place to work remotely.
Noon Mark Diner (restaurant), 13 Minute Drive, Keene Valley
A retro diner serving hearty food and incredible pie. Located near many hiking trailheads. Their front porch has a lovely mountain view and is dog friendly.
The Birch Store (shop), 13 Minute Drive, Keene Valley
A charming shop with a variety of items from local artists: homegoods, art, jewelry, clothes, and more. They have an incredible collection of local paintings as well as an adorable selection of toys for the little ones. So much to explore! Walk here after enjoying food & coffee at Noon Mark or Old Mountain Coffee.
Upper Jay & Nearby Towns
Our town of Upper Jay is a small hamlet conveniently located at the intersection of multiple towns and attractions in the High Peaks. Wilmington (the ski town home to Whiteface Mountain) is only 10 minutes away. Lake Placid is a 25 minute drive. Aside from Keene, here’s what’s under 25 minutes from Warner’s Camp.
Ice Jam Inn (restaurant), 1 Minute Drive, Upper Jay
A delicious new restaurant located inside a historic building in Upper Jay. Serving elevated, eclectic comfort food. Try the brussels sprouts. You won’t regret it. Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays. Offering take out and dine in by reservation.
Sugar House Creamery (farm shop), 2 Minute Drive, Upper Jay
Makers of artisanal cheese. Yes. You’ll probably notice their staple, Dutch Knuckle, listed as an ingredient in dishes at local restaurants. So good. Our favorite cheese of theirs is the Little Dickens. Stop by their farm store for cheese and groceries. Very cool to see cows grazing in the Adirondack mountains; makes you feel like you’re in Switzerland.
Adirondack Mountain Coffee (restaurant), 2 Minute Drive, Upper Jay
Offering coffee, breakfast and lunch. Low key spot in our tiny town of Upper Jay. Good, affordable food. Order the sourdough french toast. We challenge you to find better french toast. Walk or bike over in warm weather. Open until 2pm, closed on Mondays.
Recovery Lounge (performance venue), 2 Minute Drive, Upper Jay
A local arts venue, just up the road from our house, with a very cool artistic vibe. Lounge on vintage armchairs and sofas as you enjoy the art and/or music. Check the website to see if there’s a production going on during your stay. If so, you’re in for a real treat.
New Vida Preserve (bar, restaurant, wellness), 7 Minute drive, Jay
This former ski lodge has been transformed into a farm to table restaurant, craft bar, and wellness center offering yoga, massage and more. The restaurant is open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights (reservations recommended) and the craft bar, serving cocktails and tapas, is open Thursday-Sunday. It’s a gorgeous building with a comfortable lounge and billiards area. Worth a visit.
Monday Tuesday Grill (restaurant), 1 Minute Drive, Upper Jay
Many restaurants here are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, as such, Monday Tuesday Grill has you covered! Open for dinner on Mondays and Tuesdays during peak tourist months. Fresh affordable take out and limited indoor seating. Order on their site and drive (or walk) over to grab your food.
Jay Craft Center (shop), 6 Minute drive, Jay
Stylish pottery from local artists. This friendly shop is open summer, spring, and fall. Check their site for hours. You might even spot a few of their lovely pieces in circulation at our homes.
Rudy’s Scar Bar & Grille (bar, restaurant), 7 Minute Drive, Wilmington
A cozy spot with great vibes and good pub fare. Enjoy your lobster bisque in a bread bowl, just what you need after a long day on the mountain. Unwind here after skiing or hiking with board games and a cocktail, or stop by for the occasional live music.
Hungry Trout Restaurant / RF Mcdougall’s Pub (restaurant, bar), 10 Minute Drive, Wilmington
The Hungry Trout, a fishing resort located on our Ausable river, offers two dining options with charming ambience and good food. The Hungry Trout Restaurant and Bar looks just like you would image a rustic club lounge did 50 years ago. The pub down downstairs is more casual. It’s worth taking a look at both to see what’s more your scene. We recommend the local campfire trout, which you can order at either restaurant. Oh and enjoy the river views!
Hint: Take a short hike to the Wilmington Flumes, located across the road from the Hungry Trout, before or after dinner.
Baxter Mountain Tavern (restaurant), 12 Minute Drive, Keene/Elizabethtown
Super cozy restaurant with cabin decor. The fireplace lounge in the center makes you feel like you’re dining in someone’s living room. The food is quality and nostalgic. We recommend the pork chop. Close to the house and many hiking trails.
The Deer’s Head Inn (restaurant), 23 Minute Drive, Elizabethtown
Adorable inn with farm to table food. Eating here makes us feel like we’re back in Brooklyn (while keeping with the ADK theme). Well worth the short drive. They also have a pool table.
20 Main Tavern (bar), 14 Minute Drive, Au Sable Forks
Local bar with a cool rustic vibe, pool table, shuffleboard and regular live music. They have a great backyard patio where bands play. Typically a welcoming and fun environment. Just a short drive from our house, straight up 9N. Great place to have a beer.
A&W (restaurant), 11 Minute Drive, Wilmington
A retro classic! Step back in time and visit one of the last remaining A&W restaurants. Currently open May-October only. You can eat outside underneath the old drive-thru area, or dine in the original retro diner. Order the cheese curds, corndog nuggets, and a root beer float, duh. Maybe squeeze some hiking in after this meal.
Ausable Brewing Co (beer garden), 30 Minute Drive, Keeseville
This one is a slightly longer drive than the other locations on this list, but it’s worth it. The brewery has amazing beer and a lovely beer garden that’s open during weekends in the warmer months. Try the crepes from the Northern Feast Food truck while you’re there! They often have live music. A great place to stop if you plan to visit Ausable Chasm.
Lake Placid, 25 Minute Drive
Shouldn’t need much of an introduction. For those unfamiliar with Lake Placid, it’s charming. A quaint Olympic Village with lakeside shops and restaurants. The entire town has a very nostalgic feel to it. Built up for the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Winter Games. You can drive through either Keene or Wilmington to reach Lake Placid from Warner’s Camp. There’s plenty to do in Lake Placid, more options than we’ll list. Below are our favorites.
Big Slide Brewery (restaurant)
We love Big Slide. Located off the main strip, this craft brewery offers farm to table food. We highly recommend the artisanal pizzas. The restaurant has a modern industrial interior. There’s also patio you can enjoy during the warmer months with your dog. Big Slide IPA is a really good beer. Order a flight and check out what else they have to offer as well. Add yourself to the online waitlist before arriving for a table.
The Cottage (restaurant)
Super charming lakefront restaurant. The Cottage is directly adjacent to Mirror Lake, with a couple patios located on the beach. The most adorable place to eat in Lake Placid. Offering casual food (burgers, fancy sandwiches) as well as creative bunch cocktails, wine and beer. Part of Mirror Lake Inn.
Top of the Park (bar, restaurant)
A rooftop bar overlooking Mirror Lake. Known for their custom cocktails, they also stock an impressive beer and wine selection. Last time we were there, they had kombucha cocktails on the menu. Yes. One of our favorite spots in the area. Offering high quality artisanal small plates; great as appetizers or you could easily make an entire meal out of them. Open until midnight, serving food until 10pm.
Salt of the Earth Bistro (restaurant)
A very cool restaurant inside an old house, off the main strip. You’ll notice the big red sign on your right as you drive into town. Interesting decor and an even more interesting menu. Fun, trendy, fancy. You might need a reservation on busy weekend nights. Closed on Tuesdays.
Lisa G’s(restaurant)
A charming local favorite! Known for their wings, as well as their eclectic dinner menu and cocktails. Enjoy views of the Chubb River as you dine. Located off Main Street. You’ll need a reservation during busy nights. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Purple Sage Bistro (restaurant)
Delicious French fare off Main St. Arrive hungry so that you can indulge in some freshly baked bread and Oysters Rockefeller prior to your entree. You might need a reservation here as well.
Lake Placid Brewery & Pub (bar, restaurant)
Because beer tastes better when it’s local, right? Big Slide’s ‘mother’ brew house. Come sip on Lake Placid’s famous Ubu Ale. Good pub food as well. We recommend the maple melt or the shepherd’s pie. In warmer months, you can sit out on their front patio which is located directly across from Lake Placid Public Beach.
The Breakfast Club (restaurant)
Impressive views of Mirror Lake. This place is the the spot for, you guessed it, breakfast. Order the Apple, Sausage & Brie Rösti. True to its name, the interior has a super 80’s vibe. They offer a variety of brunch cocktails. We especially love this spot in the winter— sit here and watch the dogs pull sleds across the frozen lake. Feels like you’re inside a snow globe.
Artisans (restaurant)
If you’re looking to splurge on a fancy meal, try Artisans at Lake Placid Lodge. Breathtakingly gorgeous views of Lake Placid. This farm to table food is to die for, and the lodge is fun to explore. Easy on your stomach, hard on your wallet.
Twigs (shop)
A very cool antique shop that you’ll hit right before arriving in downtown Lake Placid with a large selection of rustic old things. A few of the Warner’s Camp goodies came from this spot. Worth a wander.
Big Mountain Deli & Crêperie (deli)
46 sandwiches + sweet and savory crepes! Order a local masterpiece to go and enjoy enjoy it on a summit or by the lake at Mid’s Park. Our favorites are Marcy and Rocky Peak.
Marcy (bar, restaurant)
A charming restaurant on Main St. in a recently renovated hotel. The space is inviting and the food at the restaurant is traditional. In addition to the restaurant, they also have a bar with cocktails and snacks at street level, as well as an impressive rooftop area that’s open during good weather. Find the entrance to Cloudsplitter Rooftop Bar on the street, just to the right of Marcy Bar. The views out over Mirror Lake are unparalleled.
The Boat Tasting Room (bar)
Made in NY. The Boat features a selection of craft beverages from Wood Boat Brewery of Clayton, NY. Located on Main St. They offer complimentary popcorn and an up-cycled vintage wooden boat anchors the room. A fun spot.
Smoke Signals (restaurant)
Located on the main strip, Smoke Signals has an amazing porch that overlooks Mirror Lake. You might need to wait up to an hour for a table near the Lake, but it’s worth it. Put your name down and then explore the shops and bars in the area as you wait, or add yourself to the online waitlist before arriving for a table. Quality smoked meats! Order their mac & cheese as a side.
Zig Zags (bar)
Drink where the Olympic team drinks. A local, Olympic themed dive bar. They keep their fireball on ice. Pool, foosball, darts. If dive bars are at all your thing, go here. Craft beer and cider on draft. Open until 3am. The party is at Zig Zags.
Big Z’s (bar, bowling)
A recently renovated bowling alley that offers fun for the entire family with games, food, a separate bar and restaurant, as well as a new music venue! Check the site to see if there is a band playing during your stay. In the summer, they open up the garage doors near the band, creating a fun beer garden like experience.
Late Night
We’re in the country. Most of the area shuts down pretty early. Prepare accordingly. If you’re driving in late and looking for a meal, or if you’re just used to city living and like to stay out late, here’s what we recommend:
20 Main Tavern (bar), Open until 1:30am, Au Sable Forks
You’re closest option for late night fun and one of our favorite bars. See above description. For food, you can order pizza from the nearby Mad River Pizza (open until 2am on weekend nights) and enjoy it at 20 Main, or take it back to Warner’s Camp.
Pickled Pig (restaurant, bar), Open until 2am, Lake Placid
A popular spot with excellent pulled pork, ribs, poutine, etc. They also have a good draft beer selection. It’s a fun place to hang out at night, as well as during the day. They have a fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs out front. The outside is dog friendly.
Wiseguys (bar), Open until 3am, Lake Placid
Sports bar and grill. Large pub with plenty of seating, pool, and occasional live music. Decent late night food.
Zig Zags (bar), Open until 3am, Lake Placid
Local Olympic themed dive bar. See above description!
Roomer’s (club), Open until 3am, Lake Placid
If you absolutely must… Roomer’s Night Club is located on the main strip, across from Zig Zags. This local, small-town dance club is a popular drinking spot for young people. Enough said.
Please, drive responsibly. If you’re planning to go out without a DD, we recommend reserving a taxi well in advance (24 hours or earlier). Try ADK Express or message us on Instagram for tips on how to get rides in the area (Uber & Lyft services are limited here). Another option: stay in and hang by the fire pit at Warner’s Camp (pictured above)!