Skip to main content
Be prepared with helpful travel tips!
  • See & Do
    • See & Do
    • See all
    • Seasons
    • See all
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Fall
    • Winter
    • Accessibility
    • Arts
    • Attractions
    • Downtown
    • Health & Wellness
    • History
    • Live Music
    • Parks
    • Shopping
    • Stories
    • Weddings
  • Outdoors
    • Outdoors
    • See all
    • Hiking
    • Nature Walks
    • ADK Guides & Tours
    • Birding
    • Boating
    • Camping
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Cycling
    • Downhill Skiing
    • Fishing
    • Golfing
    • Ice Fishing
    • Mountain Biking
    • Paddling
    • Snowmobiling
    • Snowshoeing
  • Eat & Drink
    • Eat & Drink
    • See all
    • Cafés & Coffee Shops
    • Craft Beer & Cocktails
    • Restaurants
  • Events
    • Events
    • See all
    • ArtWorks ArtMarkets
    • Can-Am Rugby Tournament
    • Celebrate Paddling ADK
    • North Country New Year
    • Northern Current
    • Plein Air Festival
    • Winter Carnival
    • 3rd Thursday Art Walks
  • Stay
    • Stay
    • See all
    • Cabins & Cottages
    • Camping
    • Inns, Lodges, Bed & Breakfasts
    • Packages
    • Resorts, Hotels, Motels
    • Vacation Rentals
  • First Time Visitors
    • First Time Visitors
    • See all
    • Accessibility
    • Downtown
    • Getting Here
    • Greater Region
    • Guide
    • Stories
    • Seasons
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Fall
    • Winter
  • Local
    • Local
    • See all
    • Live Here
    • Meet the Locals
    • Real Estate
    • Town of Harrietstown
    • Town of North Elba
    • Town of St. Armand
    • Village of Saranac Lake
    • Do Business Here
    • Chamber Job Board
    • Essex County IDA
    • Franklin County Economic Development Co.
    • Professional Services
    • Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
    • Community Initiatives
    • Arts & Culture Master Plan
    • Downtown Revitalization Initiative
    • Saranac Lake Brand
    • Village Community Development Department

Celebrate Paddling ADK

Homepage Story Best Places To Get A Drink
What can we help you find?
  • See & Do
      1. See & Do
      2. See all
      3. Seasons
      4. See all
      5. Spring
      6. Summer
      7. Fall
      8. Winter
      9. Accessibility
      10. Arts
      11. Attractions
      12. Downtown
      13. Health & Wellness
      14. History
      15. Live Music
      16. Parks
      17. Shopping
      18. Stories
      19. Weddings
  • Outdoors
      1. Outdoors
      2. See all
      3. Hiking
      4. Nature Walks
      5. ADK Guides & Tours
      6. Birding
      7. Boating
      8. Camping
      9. Cross-Country Skiing
      10. Cycling
      11. Downhill Skiing
      12. Fishing
      13. Golfing
      14. Ice Fishing
      15. Mountain Biking
      16. Paddling
      17. Snowmobiling
      18. Snowshoeing
  • Eat & Drink
      1. Eat & Drink
      2. See all
      3. Cafés & Coffee Shops
      4. Craft Beer & Cocktails
      5. Restaurants
  • Events
      1. Events
      2. See all
      3. ArtWorks ArtMarkets
      4. Can-Am Rugby Tournament
      5. Celebrate Paddling ADK
      6. North Country New Year
      7. Northern Current
      8. Plein Air Festival
      9. Winter Carnival
      10. 3rd Thursday Art Walks
  • Stay
      1. Stay
      2. See all
      3. Cabins & Cottages
      4. Camping
      5. Inns, Lodges, Bed & Breakfasts
      6. Packages
      7. Resorts, Hotels, Motels
      8. Vacation Rentals
  • First Time Visitors
      1. First Time Visitors
      2. See all
      3. Accessibility
      4. Downtown
      5. Getting Here
      6. Greater Region
      7. Guide
      8. Stories
      9. Seasons
      10. Spring
      11. Summer
      12. Fall
      13. Winter
  • Local
      1. Local
      2. See all
      3. Live Here
      4. Meet the Locals
      5. Real Estate
      6. Town of Harrietstown
      7. Town of North Elba
      8. Town of St. Armand
      9. Village of Saranac Lake
      10. Do Business Here
      11. Chamber Job Board
      12. Essex County IDA
      13. Franklin County Economic Development Co.
      14. Professional Services
      15. Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
      16. Community Initiatives
      17. Arts & Culture Master Plan
      18. Downtown Revitalization Initiative
      19. Saranac Lake Brand
      20. Village Community Development Department

Best Places To Get A Drink

Watch Video
Be prepared with helpful travel tips!

Janelle Jones

October 15, 2021

Share

No matter the season, grabbing a bite to eat and a drink after a day outdoors is, like, the best thing ever. I’d say it’s probably a close second to actually being outdoors. Saranac Lake, with its abundance of recreation opportunities, is also home to a variety of bars, cafes, and restaurants that are serving up some of the most delicious, most refreshing cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages. Of course, it’s not all about hiking and being outdoorsy here. Even after a day shopping or exploring art galleries, there’s a drink waiting for you in Saranac Lake!

A couple cheers'ing at the restored and historic Great Hall Bar at Hotel Saranac.

The craft brew crew

If you’re a beer drinker, I know you look forward to that post-hike beer. Thankfully, there are a few craft breweries around Saranac Lake that can help you scratch that itch! Ray Brook Brewhouse, Hex & Hop, and Blue Line Brewery are all different and unique. Just climbed Baker Mountain in town and don’t want to leave town limits? Head to Blue Line Brewery for a variety of beers named after regional features and landmarks (don't forget to get a pizza, too). Neighboring the trailhead for Haystack and McKenzie, Ray Brook Brewhouse has a lot brewing, from craftier brews to the simple yet refreshing Beer (yes, it’s just a smooth, light lager for those who want just a regular beer). After a mellow walk to Moose Pond or the Bloomingdale Bog on the other side of town, Hex & Hop is serving creative and inspired beers that are certainly creating a buzz. At the end of the day, there isn’t a right or wrong way to enjoy a craft beverage in Saranac Lake!

A flight of craft beer, ranging from dark to light, at Hex & Hop.

Warm drinks for cool days and nights

Beer, wine, and cocktails are not for everyone. And that is perfectly alright, because Saranac Lake does not discriminate! From coffee to tea to specialty sodas, you’ll find a wide variety of drinks to warm you up on cool mornings or quench your thirst around lunchtime. Blue Line Brewery and Ray Brook Brewhouse both offer craft sodas. (Pro tip: don’t sleep on the Ginger Beer with ice and lime at Ray Brook Brewhouse.) For something warmer, Origin Coffee is an absolute must. The butternut squash chai latte is seriously the best thing I’ve ever tasted. I even had to move out of the village so I wouldn’t drink so many. (Absence makes the heart grow fonder.) But even beyond the squash lattes, Origin has become a regional favorite, serving hot drinks with tasty twists. Nori’s Village Market is another hot drink hot spot in town. The cafe here is filled with art and wonderful aromas. Seriously, who doesn’t love the combo of coffee and sweet desserts? If coffee doesn't sound like it will hit the spot, try a smoothie! If you want a sit down meal with your morning cup o’ joe, Blue Moon Cafe has (in my opinion) the best breakfast in town and serves coffee in a range of blends, flavors, and strengths. Everything is so good you’ll probably want to stay for lunch, too!

A barista making an orange colored smoothie at Nori's.

A hiker, an artist, and a traveler walk into a bar ….

Just kidding, there’s no punch line here. All you need to know is that no matter your taste, there’s a bar in Saranac Lake where everybody knows your name. The Waterhole is known for live music, so if you’re looking for some dancing to partner with your drink, I’d go here. To really get in the authentically Adirondack spirit, Bitters & Bones has embraced the rustic decor of the mountains and paired it with modern industrial looks to create a one-of-a-kind bar! Just writing this makes me want a Ginger & Apple Hot Toddy. For a hometown feel, stop by Romano’s Sports Bar & Grill or Grizle T’s to grab a pint while you watch your favorite sports team play (#GoBills). If the chill in the fall air isn’t your style, head to Casa del Sol for a sunny taste of Mexico, complete with margaritas!

A pink cocktail with an orange slice at a bar.

Want to drink and stay in the same building, well, then Saranac Lake has you covered! The stunning and historic Hotel Saranac has not one, but two bars guests and visitors can visit. Gather round at Campfire Adirondack Grill + Bar or head up to the grand Great Hall Bar to admire the restored hotel while you sip on their signature cocktail, the Hot Sara. One of Saranac Lake’s newest additions to the scene, the Saranac Waterfront Lodge, is fitted with a special bar shaped like a boat at Boathouse: Saranac Lake Pub. If you want to unwind at the end of the day next to the water, this is the spot; it’s literally lakeside!

Local picks

I asked some locals their favorite places and drinks in Saranac Lake. Here’s what everyone had to say:

  • Brooke: "A lavender latte at Origin is my favorite!"
  • Jasen: "The absolute best sour beer I've ever had is 'Moose Jam' from Hex and Hop. It is really a great beer."
  • Savannah: "A beer from Grizle T's!"
  • Kenzie: "I especially love grabbing a drink on the new patio at Bitters & Bones, which has new heaters to keep you warm in the chillier temps."
  • Nick: "Origin's menu changes a lot, but all the Ethiopian and Kenyan coffee I've had are very good. As for cocktails, I like the Humblebee and the Campfire 21 at Fiddlehead Bistro."
  • Rhiannon: "A vanilla latte from Nori's or the Waterhole for live music, especially during summer months for Party on the Patio!"
  • Patrick: "The bar at the Downhill Grill is one of my go-tos. The bartenders are friendly and it's just a relaxing atmosphere."
  • Brandon: "No matter the season, it's got to be a margarita at Casa del Sol."
  • Jen: "The 'Starlight' cocktail at Left Bank Cafe is always a perfect pairing with a perfect meal there. I very highly recommend."

An artful cup of coffee at Origin Coffee.

I’m all for having a beer (or two) after time spent exploring. Or drinking a ton of great coffee. But please remember to always drink responsibly. There are plenty of places to stay in Saranac Lake and there’s always room for a new adventure.

Cheers!

Share

Packages and Promotions

range

Valid Apr. 1

- Oct. 31

Valid Apr. 15

- Oct. 31

Bike & Stay

Voco Saranac Lake

Voco Saranac Lake

Explore the beauty of Saranac Lake and the newly developed Adirondack Rail Trail.

package
Activities and Attractions
range

Valid Apr. 1

- Jan. 30

Valid Jan. 21

- Jan. 21

Pet Getaway

Voco Saranac Lake

Voco Saranac Lake

Your dog deserves an Adirondack getaway too. Book our pet friendly hotel near Lake Placid welcomes every member of your crew. Book our Pet Package...

package
range

Valid Apr. 1

- Oct. 31

Valid Apr. 15

- Oct. 31

Golf & Stay

Voco Saranac Lake

Voco Saranac Lake

Tee off at one of the Adirondacks' historic golf courses, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.

package
Golf

Valid

-

Valid Apr. 1

- Apr. 1

The Wild Center Family Getaway

Voco Saranac Lake

Voco Saranac Lake

Enjoy 2 adult and 1 child admission tickets to The Wild Center, where nature meets discovery.

package
Activities and Attractions
range

Valid Aug. 1

- Aug. 3

Valid Apr. 1

- May. 31

BikeADK Loves Canada - Weekender

BikeADK

BikeADK

Canadian Residents receive 15% off Registration!

package
Other
range

Valid Apr. 1

- Oct. 31

Valid Apr. 15

- Oct. 31

Fish & Stay

Voco Saranac Lake

Voco Saranac Lake

Enjoy a 2-hour fishing session on Lake Flower for two, guided by expert anglers.

package
Activities and Attractions
range

Valid Apr. 1

- Oct. 31

Valid Apr. 15

- Oct. 31

Paddle & Stay

Voco Saranac Lake

Voco Saranac Lake

Escape to the serene beauty of the Adirondacks and immerse yourself in nature as you paddle the tranquil waters of Lake Flower in a kayak, canoe,...

package
Activities and Attractions
Load More
What can we help you find?
Sign up to receive more information.
Enter Email
Do•Stay•Eat•Shop•Events
Work Here•Contact Us•All Are Welcome•Media Kit•Privacy Policy
39 Main Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Powered by the Regional Office of
Sustainable Tourism
THERE’S MORE TO EXPLORE
We’ve got the best ideas for things to do on your next Adirondack adventure, and we will deliver them right to your inbox! THANKS FOR SUBSCRIBING! Your next adventure awaits you in your inbox! Tell us more about what interests you, and we can help you plan your next trip.
MANAGE YOUR PREFERENCES

Success!

You have successfully entered this contest. Be sure to check your inbox for your customized travel inspiration.

Thank you!

Thanks for updating your information. Be sure to check your inbox for your customized travel inspiration.

Thank you!

Thanks for being awesome by subscribing to our newsletter. Be sure to check your inbox for your customized travel inspiration.

Success! Message Sent.

Thanks for being awesome. We have received your message and look forward to talking with you soon.

Thank you!

Thanks for being awesome. You can now download the guide.

Thank you!

You have successfully completed the Snowmobile Map Request form. You should receive a physical copy by mail in 1-2 weeks.

Share to: