Not your average après

In Saranac Lake, après doesn’t follow a script and that’s exactly the point. This is a town where the post-adventure ritual is just as likely to involve live music, a stroll through local art galleries, or a pastry and a hot coffee as it is a beer at the bar. Around here, après is less about where you skied and more about how you want to wind down.

And because no two days outside look the same, neither does the après. If you’re looking for an après scene that’s a little artsier, a little quirkier, and unmistakably local, Saranac Lake delivers.

Activities worth après-ing from

Before you settle into your après plans, you’ve got options, lots of them, and many start right in town. Being decidedly different is part of Saranac Lake’s DNA, and that means après looks a little different every time. Around here, it might be après-snowshoe, après-nordic ski, or even après ice fishing. Whatever your chosen outdoor hobby, Saranac Lake has you covered.

• Alpine skiing is an obvious draw, with Whiteface Mountain just a short drive away and Mt. Pisgah offering classic small-town turns thanks to its beloved T-bar. Big mountain laps or local hill nostalgia, both earn a solid après.
• Cross-country skiing feels especially at home here. Ski the Adirondack Rail Trail directly from downtown for an easy and scenic outing, glide over to Dewey Mountain Recreation Center community trails with classic Saranac Lake views, head to the Paul Smith’s College VIC for expertly groomed trails and a quieter backcountry feel, or explore the Jackrabbit Trail for a more backcountry-style experience through classic Adirondack terrain.
• Snowshoeing opens up even more terrain, from low-elevation trails perfect for easy winter exploring to hikes that reward a little extra effort. Baker Mountain offers a doable option right from town at 1.6 miles round trip with 884 feet of elevation gain, while Ampersand Mountain delivers a bigger adventure at 5.4 miles round trip with 1,780 feet of elevation gain. For a classic fire tower hike, head to St. Regis Mountain, a 6.8-mile round trip climb with 1,650 feet of elevation and sweeping winter views. No matter the route, a warm drink or hearty meal afterward feels well earned.
• Ice fishing is a winter tradition that feels right at home here. Drop a line on Lake Colby or Lake Clear, or head out to Floodwood Pond for a day on the ice. Early mornings, cold hands, and hours spent waiting for a bite pair perfectly with the village’s après scene afterward.

Dive bars and local favorites

If you’re looking for a more typical après experience, you’ll find Saranac Lake’s own version in Adirondack-inspired bars and restaurants that strike just the right balance of cozy, classic, and undeniably local.

• Grizle T’s is equal parts dive bar and community hub. It’s the kind of place where conversations start easily, the beer is affordable, and nobody blinks if you show up still rosy-cheeked from the cold. If après means unwinding without pretense, this is your spot.
• Bitters & Bones brings a slightly elevated yet still relaxed energy to the table. Known for its in-house beers, strong cocktails, and a cozy, industrial feel, it’s perfect for refueling after a long day outside. This is après with intention.
• RiverTrail Beerworks is a natural next stop after a day spent outdoors (especially if that day involved the Rail Trail). House-brewed beers, a laid-back taproom, and a menu that hits the comfort-food sweet spot make this a go-to for both visitors and locals looking to settle in.
• Berkeley Dive sits right on the river and offers a curated selection of wines, small plates, and a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for slowing down, especially for those who prefer wine over brews (though they have some of those, too).

Live music and late nights

The Waterhole Music Lounge is Saranac Lake’s go-to spot for high-energy shows and unforgettable nights. Local bands and regional favorites pack the stage, and “just one drink” can easily turn into dancing until last call.

For a more intimate or varied experience, Hotel Saranac hosts live performances in its lobby bar, combining cozy vibes with quality acts. The Garagery keeps the lineup eclectic, featuring live music, open mics, and events that highlight local talent throughout the winter season.

Perform, spectate, or simply soak in the music with friends. Saranac Lake’s live scene proves that après can run late while staying distinctly local.

Arts, culture, and après with a creative twist

Saranac Lake’s gallery scene offers an inviting way to warm up in winter. NorthWind Fine Arts Gallery showcases rotating work by regional artists across a wide range of media, while The Small Fortune Studio highlights Adirondack-inspired paintings by local artist Tim Fortune. Just down the street, the Adirondack Artists Guild Gallery features diverse fine art, photography, ceramics, and jewelry from its cooperative of local artists, making it easy to explore the village’s creative side after a day outdoors.

Stay the night

If you’re turning après into an overnight affair, Saranac Lake offers plenty of places to settle in and stay awhile. Hotel Saranac remains the crown jewel, meticulously restored and rich with history, anchoring downtown with timeless style. Its Great Hall Bar makes an ideal final stop of the night, serving classic cocktails in a refined, story-filled setting. And yes, Hotel Saranac is famously haunted. Whether you believe the tales or not, there’s something undeniably atmospheric about sipping a drink in a space with more than a century of stories tucked into its walls.

Beyond the hotel, the village is dotted with inviting bed and breakfasts and nearby cabin stays that lean into a quieter, cozier Adirondack experience, perfect for unwinding after a day outside. 

Bakeries and coffee (yes, this counts as après)

Not all après requires alcohol—sometimes it just requires warmth and something baked. In Saranac Lake, these spots are perfect for taking your après into the morning or grabbing a little fuel before heading back outside. Nori’s serves up hearty pastries and comforting coffee that hit the spot, Origin Coffee offers expertly crafted espresso drinks and fresh-baked goods for a quick pick-me-up, and Early Dawn Confections delights with sweets and treats that feel like a celebration in every bite.

A sweet treat, a strong coffee, or both will help wake you up after a long night in town and get you ready for another round of adventures, giving you yet another reason to après into the night.

More than one way to après

That’s the thing about Saranac Lake: après isn’t a checklist, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure. Loud or quiet. Sweet or savory. Onstage or fireside. However you spent the day, there’s a version of après waiting that fits just right and probably surprises you a little, too.