Open year round, the Saratoga Rose is a romantic restaurant that offers a seasonal menu with Mediterranean and Asian influences in a spectacular Victorian Mansion. According to co-owner Claude Belanger, in addition to the staple heart healthy options, the restaurant is also able to cater to specific dietary restrictions with notice, such as celiac disease, vegan and vegetarian. This is due to the fact, that they have a chef who is skilled in the artistry of fine cuisine. Chef Richard Ferrugio was one of the top caterers in NYC, who left the city in 1992 to pursue his painting career, and with Claude has lived in Toronto, Rochester, MN, and Denver. They acquired Saratoga Rose Inn in June, 2004, so that they could be closer to their families who live in Québec City and just outside of Princeton, NJ.

As is the tradition at the Saratoga Rose Restaurant, we were seated promptly upon arrival, it’s one of the many little details that make the 12 minute drive from Lake George Village worth it. The main reason to come is to enjoy an amazing culinary experience in a romantic setting. Saratoga Rose is half way between Saratoga Springs and Lake George making it a convenient trip from either destination. Located in the Adirondack town of Hadley, by Lake Luzerne which is worth the trip alone, for the sheer natural beauty, the Hudson River waters run through narrow gorge and tumble over Rockwell Falls, a 2 minute walk from the Inn, all are surrounded by forests and the Adirondack Mountains.

Under new ownership since 2005, the changes are obvious; the Inn is now painted bright sunny yellow, where it used to be a pale rose color. The menu has changed from a more Italian focused menu to a menu with Asian and Mediterranean influences.

I love to try things that I would not make at home; I love to discover restaurants off the beaten path which take pride in every dish as a masterpiece. Saratoga Rose is a restaurant where you will find dishes that delight the senses that are original like Richard’s Apricot & Ginger Glazed Chicken, and his Cajun Loin of Pork with Bourbon & Molasses.

We were seated in the hat room, a cozy private room, an ideal location for a marriage proposal. In addition to the main dining room, there is the Library Dining Room, which is ideal for a small gathering of up to 25 guests.

The waitress brought Richard’s homemade liver pate which was absolutely delicious. My dinner companion started with the heart healthy smoked trout with horseradish and caper cream and I started with the scallops. The Thai Scallops sautéed in a coconut & red curry sauce with juliennes of scallions & red peppers, and has a magnificent blend of spices. The trout was unbelievable, truly addictive. This was followed by the baby spinach salad with pears, walnuts, blue cheese and homemade Dijon mustard, lemon and fresh thyme vinaigrette, this too was delightful. My husband (as he does at every restaurant) ordered rack of lamb which was pan roasted & served with Merlot, fresh rosemary & garlic sauce, when asked how it was he replied with true eloquence “excellent”. I tried one of their signature dishes, Beef Wellington, which shocked my husband as I have not yet had a beef Wellington that I liked. However, knowing it was their signature dish, I decided to risk it and it’s a risk worth taking, the home made pate melted into the Beef making this an incredibly sinfully rich dish, the Madeira & cracked peppercorn sauce was a perfect compliment to the filet mignon. Richard knows his spices and it’s evident by the dancing of flavors that he used fresh spices and local produce. Due to the generous portions, we could not try the amazing array of desserts, but you can be assured, I will return to this restaurant.

The Meeting Place Restaurant ---- DELICIOUS and a great price… family friendly… FUN

 Appropriately named, it’s the perfect meeting place when you are going to the outlet malls or on your way to Lake George… with great atmosphere, affordable and delicious food, it’s a great place to meet or bring your family.  There is a comfortable bar in the center, option for booths or tables with a view of the outlet fun!  I went with my mother-in-law and wished I’d brought my daughter, it’s just a fun atmosphere and kids are welcome.  Oddly, it was not loud – you could easily enjoy a quiet lunch or dinner with a friend.  With such a variety on the menu, I asked the chef, what was good… he replied, everything, you can’t go wrong with anything on this menu… and he was right. It’s not “upscale gourmet” – it’s fun, great portions and delicious!  I started with the spinach dip, which was garlicky and cheesy, Marge and I loved it! That was followed with the vegetarian wrap… generous portions! I wasn’t complaining – I just took some home and had dinner as well. Not bad for a lunch under $30 with two people!  They have a great beer selection.  If you’re tired of shopping, this is where I would go! www.themeetingplacerestaurant.com

Brindisi's Restaurant - Downtown Saratoga Springs
1930's style Italian Bistro

Every review I've read has Brindisi's rated as a 4 star of 4 stars, so needless to say my expectations were quite high when we went to dine at Brindisi's and Brindisi's exceeded my expectations.  As soon as you enter Brindisi's the warm woods, the rich reds, 1930's decor and music creates a relaxed and warm atmosphere that is a rarity in restaurants today.  Mark started with the escargot which was amazing.  At David, our waiter's suggestion, I started with the calamari and it was excellent, so tender and the portions like the escargot were extremely generous.  Dinner was an easy choice tornadoes of beef encrusted with Brie. Cooked to perfection.  The food, atmosphere and service was wonderful!  You absolutely have to try Brindisi's when in Saratoga!  www.brindisis.com   Other Reviews: Times Union 

Christie's on the Lake and the Steak and Steamhouse Lounge (Exit 21 -Lake George Village - on the Lake)
Fun, great views of lake, pub food, entertainment

Open May - October, Christie's is a bar atmosphere with a partially covered outdoor deck. Perfect for a summer day. They often have an outdoor singer, islands type atmosphere. Beautiful views of the lake abound. Enjoy burgers, sandwiches and casual food in the downstairs "Christies". Fine for families as well as adults of all ages. Lunch or dinner.

Steak and Steamhouse Lounge (Exit 21 - Lake George Village - on the Lake)
Excellent wine, fine dining, views of lake

Though the menu is limited the food is excellent. Great views of the lake. Eat indoors or outdoors. Great wine list. This is a very comfortable, casual atmosphere. You can often hear the entertainment from Christies (which is below) adding to the enjoyment of dining experience. Open for dinner only.

Garcia's Mexican Restaurant (Lake George)
Affordable, great margaritas

Affordable Mexican food, this restaurant is located on the street level above Christie's on the Lake and The Steak and Steamhouse Lounge. No view of the Lake, but very good Margarita's, an outdoor sitting area and good food at a decent price.

The Harvest Restaurant (Queensbury)
Family restaurant, good service


Best known for their pizza and for good reason. Out of the eight of us 4 opted for a pizza - all were pleased, fish fry and lasagna were both rated as good.  The restaurant does not offer draft beer, which disappointed our crew and the rest of the food is good but ordinary - by that I mean, that the salad was nothing special - your typical bowl of iceberg lettuce with two slices of tomato and two slices of cucumber, appetizers were the same list you find on most bar menus  - chicken fingers, wings, fried mozzarella sticks...   

The Flower Drum Song (Queensbury)
Our best bet for Chinese food

Offering Chinese, Japanese and Thai recipes.  This place offers a great atmosphere for both families and couples.  The food is very good - we particularly recommend the Moo Goo Gai Pan paired with the General Tso's Chicken, and the House Special Wor Bar.  You can order with NO MSG if you prefer, we did...  Friends from NYC were not impressed with the vegetable stuffed dumplings... but other than that rated the restaurant food as excellent.

The Barnsider BBQ Restaurant (Lake George)
EXCELLENT BBQ, often offers live entertainment (Jazz), spacious, family run

Food is very reasonably priced and if you are looking for BBQ - it is the best place in the area for BBQ.  Spare ribs are "finger licking good".  Service is fast, atmosphere is nice - air conditioned inside on the lower floor... covered open air dining on the second floor. www.barnsider.com