Looking for the Best Restaurants (and drinks!) in Old Forge, NY? Look No Further!
If you’re searching for the finest restaurants and top-notch drinks in Old Forge, NY, your quest ends here! Old Forge, a charming hamlet nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks in Upstate New York, is the ideal place to anchor your Adirondack adventure. This delightful village is central to numerous exciting Things to Do in Old Forge, NY and boasts various outstanding restaurants serving delectable cuisine.
Situated conveniently along New York State Route 28, Old Forge has a cozy population of less than a thousand residents. Accessing this Adirondack gem is a breeze, whether you prefer traveling by train, bus, or even plane, as it has its airport. However, it’s essential to note that this airport is privately owned, so securing tickets is more complex than a quick Google search, given its two runways.
Old Forge is the perfect destination for your Upstate New York vacation, especially if you’re a group of adventure seekers and nature lovers. With activities like snowmobiling, camping, hiking, and access to its 150 lakes, you’ll find yourself in the heart of an incredible adventure!
Now that you’ve arrived in Old Forge and experienced all the excitement, it’s time to satisfy your appetite with some excellent dining options, relaxed ambiance, and delectable food in general. Fortunately, many choices are available to cater to various tastes and preferences.
The Best Local Restaurants in Old Forge, NY
Old Forge Eats: A Culinary Adventure for Every Palate!
Join us on a culinary exploration of Old Forge, featuring diverse flavors, warm hospitality, and the town’s unique charm. From cozy breakfast spots to dinner venues offering delectable options, you’ll encounter a range of delightful dining experiences. Come along for a journey through the culinary treasures of this picturesque corner of Upstate New York.
1. Five Corners Cafe: Eclectic Dining with a Warm Welcome
Five Corners Cafe, conveniently located just off New York Route 28, is a fantastic little spot brimming with eclectic dishes. This small neighborhood restaurant offers warm hospitality and a casually modern dining experience, with a great selection of craft beers and wines.
Notably, Five Corners Cafe has been honored with the Adirondack Life Readers’ Choice Award for Fine Dining from 2016 to 2019.
Their standout dish, the short rib, is a delight for meat lovers, with tender, succulent meat, rich marbling, and exquisite flavor.
The restaurant is a joint venture of Chef Paul Rivet, a 1993 Culinary Institute of America graduate in Hyde Park, NY, and his wife, Kathy.
Remember that their menu changes with the seasons and is always prepared “with love from scratch.” You can find their latest menu on their Facebook Page for planning.
2. Frankie’s Taste of Italy: A Slice of Italy in Old Forge NY
Take advantage of Frankie’s Taste of Italy if you have a penchant for authentic Italian cuisine. This Old Forge institution has been serving delectable Italian dishes for the past 24 years.
With a diverse menu spanning pasta, seafood, chicken, and veal dishes, there’s something to please every member of your party. Be sure to sample their homemade gelato, a treat loved by many.
One of their signature dishes is the Chicken Riggies, a creamy pasta and tender chicken delight with a mild spicy kick. Pair it with a fine bourbon, and you’re in for a delightful Old Forge dining experience.
3. Keen Kitchen: Homemade Delights in a Quaint Setting
For those with a keen taste for excellent food, Keen Kitchen is the place to be. This family-owned restaurant offers many homemade dishes, creating a delightful dining experience.
Keen Kitchen, a newcomer in Old Forge since 2020, is open for lunch and dinner. They feature a variety of dishes, including a daily soup, crab cakes, a pork flat iron, and a mouthwatering Pasta Bolognese. Their New York Strip, known for its intense flavor and satisfying chew, stands out as one of the best dishes.
Additionally, if you prefer to dine outdoors, Keen Kitchen offers a shady outdoor patio to enjoy the fresh air of New York.
4. Brewside Grill & Test Kitchen: Unwind with Craft Beer and Delicious Fare
The Brewside Grill & Test Kitchen is a hidden gem in Old Forge, offering a concise menu filled with delectable items. With a relaxing atmosphere and ice-cold beers, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of adventure.
Attached to the Fulton Chain Craft Brewery, the Brewside Grill & Test Kitchen serves a delicious brunch and fantastic soups. Their crab cakes are a highlight, and if you crave a juicy, authentic American hamburger, theirs is a must-try.
Outdoor seating is also available, making it a top choice restaurant for those seeking a memorable culinary experience in Old Forge NY.
5. Billy’s Restaurant: Italian-American Fusion for All Tastes
If you’re looking for a fusion of Italian and American cuisine, Billy’s Restaurant is the ideal destination. Despite being one of the most popular restaurants in Old Forge, there’s no need to worry about crowding, given the hamlet’s small population of under 1,000 residents.
Billy’s Restaurant provides a casual dining experience with a relaxing atmosphere. Everything on their menu is made to order, offering various dishes to cater to various tastes.
While their dinner options are appealing, take advantage of their delectable desserts, including cannolis and a hot chocolate lava cake served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
6. Keyes Pancake House & Restaurant: Hearty Breakfast in Old Forge, NY
Okay, we’ve covered enough dinner and lunch places to cover most of your trip – so let’s talk about the best meal of the day: breakfast! Keyes Pancake House & Restaurant is one of the best breakfast restaurants in Old Forge, NY.
If pancakes aren’t you’re thing they also have delicious breakfast burritos and fantastic desserts to soothe your sweet tooth.
Keyes is open 6 days a week from 7am to 2pm with outdoor seating available. They offer a cozy setting with great staff and great food. They’re often quite busy and lively in the mornings but it is well worth the lively atmosphere.
7. Tony Harper’s Pizza and Clam Shack: A Taste of Classic American Comfort
Tony Harper’s Pizza & Clam Shack, established in 1992, offers a wide selection of classic American lunch specials. Open year-round in the heart of Old Forge, their original location in Raquette Lake, which features the region’s only roadside Tiki Bar, operates exclusively during the summer.
The restaurant boasts homemade pizza, both traditional and extra-thin crust, along with 100% Angus Beef Burgers, Whiskey Wings, and steamers.
Their extensive offerings include a full liquor bar and microbrews to complement your meal.
A standout dish at Tony’s is their signature BBQ wings, known for their satisfying crunch, juiciness, and rich flavor.
Tony’s presents fantastic prices for daily, in-house-prepared meals, making it the go-to spot for American cuisine in Old Forge.
8. Ozzie’s Coffee Bar: Fresh Bites and Comfort
Ozzie’s Coffee Bar, nestled in the heart of Old Forge, is more than just a coffee spot. It offers irresistible coffee, breakfast sandwiches, Brooklyn bagels, and fresh-baked goods.
Open daily from 7 am to 4 pm, Ozzie’s menu features a lox sandwich, paninis, homemade soups, and salads to please your palate.
The welcoming atmosphere in a quaint red building resembling an old barn house provides a homey ambiance perfect for starting your day, especially during the colder winter months.
9. Mountainside Smokehouse & Grill: Savor Smokehouse Goodness
If you’re seeking delicious food in a casual, homey setting, Mountainside Smokehouse & Grill is the place to be. Located on Route 28, this restaurant is renowned for its smokehouse offerings and homemade barbecue sauces.
The moment you walk through the doors, you’ll be enveloped in the delightful aroma of their smoked meats.
Open from Wednesday to Monday, 4 pm to 9 pm, with special brunch hours on Sunday. Mountainside Smokehouse & Grill caters to various dietary preferences with vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Families and larger groups will appreciate the Fulton Chain combo, featuring smoked turkey, brisket, and ribs that practically melt off the bone.
The menu includes delectable sandwiches, salads, catfish, and even a smoked vegetable burger. Mountainside Smokehouse & Grill ensures a satisfying dining experience in Old Forge.
10. Adirondack Dog House: Hot Dogs and More in a Charming Spot
No, no, no not a dog house like Snoopy’s…dog house like hot dogs. This delicious little spot sits right along Route 28 right next to the water park and is well known and loved for their desserts, delicious flavors and wonderful ambiance. Adirondack Dog House is a great place for mouth-watering hot dogs!
Open seven days a week, Adirondack Dog House offers Texas-style hotdogs with various mouthwatering toppings, including homemade chili, coleslaw, cheese, sauerkraut, peppers and onions.
Picnic tables are available, allowing you to soak up the sun, and there’s even a water bowl on the gazebo for any canine companions you may have with you.
The menu includes fresh burgers prepared daily, nachos, mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, sweet potato fries, and more for those who aren’t hot dog enthusiasts.
Take advantage of their Southern Dog, topped with slaw and barbecue pulled pork, which is easily a top choice.
11. Walt’s Diner: Cozy Restaurant in Old Forge, NY
We’ve come full circle back to breakfast! Walt’s Diner is renowned for its oversized homemade pancakes and omelets, a tradition they’ve upheld for over 30 years.
Walt’s opens every day except Tuesdays at 6 am. They serve breakfast until noon, offer lunch until 3 pm, and have a special dinner service on Fridays from 4 pm to 8 pm.
The extensive menu caters to all your breakfast favorites, along with salads and sandwiches for lunch.
The cozy and homey atmosphere at Walt’s Diner has earned it the title of the best breakfast and diner in the area for three consecutive years. This recognition comes from Adirondack Life Magazine, despite the setting not being the most upscale. Be sure to savor their giant, buttery pancakes.
12. Slickers: Live Entertainment and Classic Flavors
Slickers, established in 1984, offers a lively atmosphere and delightful food. This tavern is beloved by locals and tourists alike, with its French Dip Sandwiches and classic American cuisine.
Slickers offers not only food but also live entertainment and a craft beer selection, creating a fantastic spot for drinks and appetizers.
Their renowned French Dip sandwich, topped with fresh-sliced round roast and melted provolone on garlic-grilled French bread, is a truly unforgettable dish.
While you might not actually “die” for it, the delicious, high-quality ingredients have kept Slickers thriving for nearly 40 years. It’s a must-visit for an enjoyable dining experience in Old Forge.
Explore the restaurants in Old Forge, NY, where every meal is an adventure for your taste buds. Enjoy the Old Forge culinary journey and savor the flavors of this charming destination.
Okay, We Found All Your Eats, Now Let’s Talk Drinks!
In the heart of Old Forge, NY, where Finger Lakes and Long Island’s wine regions often take the spotlight, there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered. So, let’s raise a glass and dive into the vibrant restaurants and beverage scene of Old Forge, NY!
1. Montezuma Winery – Old Forge
While Finger Lakes and Long Island often dominate as New York’s wine regions, there’s a hidden wine gem in the Adirondacks. Montezuma Winery in Old Forge opens daily from 10 am to 6 pm, inviting visitors to indulge in wine and spirit tastings.
Situated just off Route 28, Montezuma Winery proudly showcases the artistic creations of Sandra Hildreth, vividly capturing the essence of Old Forge.
The Martin family, beekeepers for over 30 years, began with honey production and pollination services across Maine, New York, South Carolina, and Florida.
The winemaking journey began when one of the Martin sons, Bill, delved into home brewing and mead crafting. In 1999, they began producing honey wine and in 2001, ventured into crafting fruit wines, giving birth to Montezuma Winery.
Montezuma Winery, Martin’s Honey Farm, Meadery, and Hidden Marsh Distillery have collectively earned numerous accolades. They’ve been recognized as Best Fruit Wine and Commercial Mead Champion, among other honors.
During your visit, you can sample a wide range of wines, from dry to sweet. It includes Riesling, Blueberry, Rhubarb, and the famous Cranberry Bog.
2. Fulton Chain Craft Brewery
While we’ve already mentioned Fulton Chain Craft Brewery in connection with Brewside Grill & Test Kitchen, visiting the brewery is a must!
FCC Brewery is open daily from 11 am to 11 pm and promises an exceptional experience. Founded in 2014 by Justin Staskiewicz and Richard Mathy, this brewery is dedicated to using locally sourced ingredients. They aim to provide the Adirondacks with an exceptional beer-tasting experience.
With ten beers on tap, you’re bound to find one that suits your taste. Furthermore, they proudly use 100% New York Hops and 85% New York Grain to craft their brews in Old Forge.
Make it a point to drop by for a fantastic atmosphere, an unforgettable experience, and a great selection of beers.
At The End of the Line – Looking For A Place to Stay in Old Forge, NY?
We’ve found all of the best restaurants and drinks right here in Old Forge, NY. In this adventure-filled small town, you’ll be surprised by the wealth of delicious choices for your Adirondack vacation!
Make sure to check out New York Rental by Owner’s Old Forge Rentals such as this cozy Adirondack cabin in Old Forge or this large Adirondack Lodge. Come be in the center of adventure!