The food scene in the Adirondacks is on it's way up, and Saranac Lake is leading the charge. We take our food seriously here and have a growing community of local and regional producers providing great products you can find all over town, both on restaurant menus and store shelves. So whether you're someone like me who loves to cook, even on vacation, or prefer someone else to make it for you, you'll have no problem eating fresh and local on your next trip to Saranac Lake. Here's a rundown of some of my favorite spots.
Nori’s Village Market and Riverside Cafe
Nori’s Village Market prides themselves on being the Adirondacks' largest purveyor of local, natural, and organic provisions. As a local who loves to cook I find myself at Nori’s on almost a nightly basis. Nowhere else in town can you find as wide a variety of local meats, cheeses, and produce any night of the week. If you’re planning on cooking for yourself during your stay, a trip to Nori’s is a must!
And if you don’t want to do the work yourself, they’ve got you covered with the attached Riverside Cafe. Offering a coffee/smoothie bar as well as a full menu of local favorites for take out or a socially distanced dining in experience. If you catch them on a ‘creamy tomato soup’ day don’t pass it up, it’s one of my all time favs!
Origin Coffee
If you’ve been to Saranac Lake in the last few years I’m guessing Origin is already on your ‘to do’ list, but if this is your first time in town, or they are not, let’s add them right now. Go ahead. Take out your phone. And make yourself a note....I’ll wait…
Origin takes their coffee very seriously. Their latte has single handedly ruined me for all other coffee drinks. But they also put just as much attention into their food. They provide an ever-changing variety of baked goods and small plates (Jam Toast with local Chevre and lime juice pictured above), updated with the season and ingredients that they can source locally. Check their website for the latest menu and online ordering the next time you’re in town!
Saranac Lake Farmers Market
The biggest and best farmers market for miles around in my estimation. The Saranac Lake Farmers Market brings everyone downtown on Saturday mornings and provides the largest selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, breads, cheeses, and other locally made artisan products you’ll find in the area. The popular market has done a fantastic job making it as safe and efficient as possible. Be sure to check in with the volunteers at the entrance for guidance if you have not been before. The market will be running Saturdays through October 10th from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., with the first hour reserved for seniors. You’ll want to check in for the winter market if you’re in town after the 10th, which will be running as ‘Farmers Park-it’ offering pre-orders you can swing by and pick up on Saturday mornings without ever having to get out of your car!
Hex and Hop - NEW Broadway Location
Hex and Hop, the area's newest Brewery, opened its doors last year just a few miles down the road in Bloomingdale. But, new this summer is their downtown farmstand/brewery location. Where, in addition to offering up crowlers, they’re working with local farmers and purveyors to bring honey (which comes from their own hives), maple syrup, fresh noodles, and a selection of produce to their small but mighty downtown location. My beer choices? Their Honey DIPA or Bob Ross Pale Ale. Currently open select days. Check ahead for hours.
Adirondack Alps Restaurant and Experiences at the Lake Clear Lodge
If a fine dinner served in a beautiful and secluded atmosphere (or prepared to pick up) is more your speed, the Adirondack Alps Restaurant is your ticket. Chef/Owner Cathy prides herself in a 100 mile food philosophy, sourcing as many ingredients as possible from the immediate area. You’ll find hints of the owner's German heritage on the menu as well as some local ‘pioneer’ favorites. The Lake Clear Lodge prides itself on making dinner more than just a meal. Choose from several options to make your dinner a true ‘experience’. And if you’d rather take your food to-go, they can arrange that too! Be sure to book ahead of time, as dinners and experiences have limited capacity and are only offered select evenings.
These are just a few of the great spots in town. So be sure to explore when you're in town and find your very own foodie gem.
