Author: Eileen Mowrey

Walk the streets of Saranac Lake during the day and you’ll find local art galleries, charming coffee shops, and a wide variety of eclectic boutiques. It’s the scene you expect in a picturesque mountain town. Step out downtown at night, however, and you will find an active nightlife, especially in warm summer months when the party spreads to outdoor spaces. 

From the laid-back to the refined and everything in between, discover what Saranac Lake’s nightlife has to offer. Whereas some destinations become stale after a few days, Saranac Lake has options to keep you busy all week.

Monday Margaritas

Start your week off right with one of Casa Del Sol’s refreshing margaritas. Keep things simple and sip a house marg while you munch on chips and salsa, or shake things up and try one of the specialties, like the spicy jalapeno version. Post up at the outdoor bar and your evening will effortlessly transition into a night full of tequila and laughter as the setting suns warms the orange stucco walls and strangers quickly become new friends. 

Two-for Tuesdays

Stop by Grizle T’s on Tuesdays and enjoy two drinks for the price of one! Thanks to their diverse beer list you’ll have no trouble picking two to try. Complete with giant versions of classic games like Jenga and lit with mood-setting string lights, their new outdoor patio is an ideal summer hang out. Pair your libations with a delicious burger and fries from the Scullery for a well-rounded meal and experience.

Wine Wednesdays

Whether you’re looking to relax following an adventure-filled day or get your vacation party started, Bitters & Bones is the place to be on a Wednesday night, especially if you’re a wine drinker! Wine bottles are half price on Wednesdays, and their expertly cultivated collection is bound to have a bold red or a refreshing white you’ll fall in love with. Share a bottle with your special someone or gather the girls and take some quality time to catch up. A hot spot for locals, Bitters is well known for making visitors feel right at home.

Live Music Thursdays

Free live music, a full bar, and a fun atmosphere – what more could you ask for? Party on the Patio at the Waterhole is a Thursday tradition for Saranac Lake locals, and a must-see for visitors seeking the full local experience. With a different band playing each week, every “Partio” experience is unique. Held rain or shine, the music can be moved inside to the two-story concert hall if mother nature doesn’t cooperate. The Waterhole is a gathering place for people of all ages and walks of life, with a love of music and community serving as the common thread.

Friday Brew-Day

Rolling into town on a Friday? Drive right up to Blue Line Brewery, a former car wash turned brew pub. A sliding garage door connects the bar and restaurant to an outdoor seating area where you can lounge in the evening light while you sample a flight of their signature beers and dig into homemade pizza and creatively flavored wings. You won’t walk away with a clean car, but you will leave full and happy.

Hot Sara Saturdays

The Hotel Saranac has been a staple of Saranac Lake nightlife since the Roaring Twenties. Between the rustic-inspired Campfire Adirondack Grill & Bar downstairs and the elegant Great Hall Bar upstairs, Hotel Saranac is the perfect fit for whatever your Saturday night plans hold. Known for their modern twists on classic cocktails, the sweet, gin-based Hot Sara pairs perfectly with a warm evening on the terrace. Lounge by a warm fireplace with friends as the late summer sun slips behind Main Street.

Sunday Fun-Day

Sundays are for good old-fashioned fun, and the Belvedere provides exactly that. A full-service bar and restaurant, with no-nonsense food and service — this is where the locals go. It’s a great place to connect with friends and family before the week begins again.

Saranac Lake’s hopping nightlife might not be your reason for visiting, but it will be one of the reasons you won’t want to leave. Spend your days exploring the other wonders of the region, including hiking, paddling, and biking, but be sure to take advantage of the fun that happens after the sun sets.

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