Bar crawl through Saranac Lake

Saranac Lake may look like an innocent little mountain town that closes up shop around 9 p.m. even on the weekends (ok, maybe some of us need some shut eye). However, take a closer look at main street for example, and you’ll find cozy corners and booming bars filled with mountaineers, hikers, bikers, and everyone in between! Our nightlife is where locals and visitors blend and mingle, rock bands can jam out into the early hours, and you might even be able to snag a late night slice of pizza (you’ll want to save that info for later, trust). 

Whether you're a craft beer connoisseur, a cocktail enthusiast, or simply seeking a memorable night out, Saranac Lake has something special in store for every palate and preference. So, before summer really gets roaring, here’s your guide to bar crawling across Saranac Lake. 

Great Hall Bar at Hotel Saranac 

A little more refined, but just as delicious and convivial, consider starting the night here at the Great Hall Bar at Hotel Saranac. The bar is luxurious to say the least, with ample seating for groups to gather ‘round under the warm lighting with comfy seats. According to them, the Great Hall is “purposefully organized for you to find a spot that fits your moment,” and we couldn’t agree more. Even the bar seats are plush with armrests; meaning you might find yourself accidentally overstaying long after you’ve had your last sip. 

Speaking of sips… onto the drinks! Choose from their Select House Wine, draft beer, or the Hot Sara Cocktail and El Nac Manhattan. Pair your drinks with some light snacks like their cheese board, chips and dip, or the pickle plate, (if you’re me you’re choosing the pickle plate). The Great Hall is the perfect place to get the night rolling. 

Grizle T’s 

Grizle T’s is a mainstay of Saranac Lake’s nightlife; it would feel a whole lot emptier without them! Attached to the Garagery – home to the Monday night Hootenanny – Grizle T’s sparks life into the night with their great drinks and great food. Enjoy one of the largest craft beer selections in the Adirondacks, 14 ever changing taps for you to taste and try each weekend. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, you’ll want to stay just a while here. If you’re getting hungry, head over to the Scullery window for a burger, salad, wings, and more. 

Romano’s Sports Bar at Saranac Lake Lanes

Romano’s Sports Bar is the gift that keeps on giving. At Romano's Saranac Lake Lanes, take a seat at the Sports Bar and order a round while you knock down pins, or simply come for the drinks and food! Craft cocktails are mixing and brewing behind the scenes while you mix the fun of bowling with drinks to match. The perfect mid-night stop during your crawl. 

Bitters and Bones

Located right downtown, another can't-miss spot is Bitters and Bones. The rustic restaurant may look simply like a charming local joint, but Bitters and Bones quickly blows all assumptions out of the water with a top-notch menu and incredible drink selection. A favorite among locals and visitors passing through alike, Bitters and Bones has exploded into action in recent years, transforming from a small restaurant and bar into a craft brewery, event space, and local staple. With their location right in the heart of town, you’ll be able to hop on over in your travels, and sip on some craft beer. While you’re there, indulge in their lively menu, with creations like the Korean flatbread, Bitter’s burger, or the Moroccan Shepherd’s Pie bowl. 

The Rusty Nail

The Rusty Nail is a favorite 'dive bar' among locals, and soon it’ll become yours too! Located right downtown and among its neighbors Grizle T’s and Romano's, this rustic and convivial bar is home to live music throughout the year, no matter the season! This bar is near and dear to pool fanatics as well, so if you're looking for a place to play, stop in here. The street opens up in summer with live music from various bars and restaurants, you can count The Rusty Nail on your list of venues to visit. When you’re not jamming, play darts, pool, or just sit at the bar and visit with locals. 

The Waterhole

If you're an avid live music enjoyer, you already know what the Waterhole is. For those who don't, welcome to the party! A premiere live music lounge right in the downtown of Saranac Lake, the Waterhole boasts their beloved signature series "Party on the Patio;" a FREE outdoor concert series, every Thursday from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m., May-October! You can catch a rock band concert, slam poetry, jazz music, even standup specials on any given night. What's more, you can pair the experience with amazing drinks. Their street-level bar is open late night every day of the week & provides the largest selection of craft beer, a seasonal cocktail list, as well as several non-alcoholic beverage options. You'll easily be able to build your night around a stop to the Waterhole.

The Boathouse Saranac Lake Pub

Another spot to start up the night, the Boathouse Saranac Lake Pub offers a bright and open space right along Saranac Lake’s Lake Flower. Nested on the side of the Saranac Lake Waterfront Lodge, you can walk down right from your hotel room to the bar for some late night cocktails, or choose from their menu of entrees and apps while you sip! Indulge in the bourbon mac and cheese, the lobster chopped salad, or the NY Strip. In summer, enjoy their patio with views of the lake while you sip on a cocktail, or reconvene inside with your party for a nightcap. 

Nonna Fina’s Pizzeria 

For the most delicious pizza just a short walking distance from your favorite bars, Nonna Fina’s Pizzaria is a God-send for late night snackers. The pies aside, Nonna Fina’s is stacked with an expansive menu selection, from wings and Bruschetta, to Fettuccini Basil Pesto Alfredo. Pick up your order on the way home, or take your pizza to the park and find a bench for some nighttime views of the water. On weekends, Nonna Fina's closes at 10 p.m.

Closing time 

In Saranac Lake, map out your dream crawl, grab a few buddies, and hit the town! There's no shortage of restaurants and bars to explore, cultivating a thriving nightlife in a charming downtown.