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Scenic Sips: Discover 10 Great Places to Enjoy Lakeside Drinks In & Near Lake George

Looking to enjoy a drink along the spectacular shores of Lake George? These 10 hotspots are perfect places for lakeside drinks in and near Lake George, NY, offering refreshing beverages and good food, too.

Tavern on the Lake at Blue Water Manor

Drink on a table overlooking a lake

For a casual atmosphere with gorgeous scenery both inside and out, Tavern on the Lake at Blue Water Manor is a great stop for chill, lake-side relaxation.

The Tavern is built as a castle-like stone manor that is almost as pretty as the view. With an indoor/outdoor wrap-around bar, there is plenty of room to enjoy your drink. If you're looking for good eats, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all available to turn your trip into a nice meal.

Whether you come to look at the lake or the beautiful manor, you are sure to get a drink with a view!

The Algonquin Restaurant 

two story restaurant by boat docks

Located on the shores of Huddle Bay and accessible by both boat and car, The Algonquin Restaurant is a convenient stop for a lakeside drink. Sip a cold beverage on their covered patio, lakeside by the docks, on the cocktail deck, or if the weather isn't in your favor, you can take advantage of their indoor seating.

They also offer a full menu of food, drinks, and snacks, so whether you get hungry for a steak dinner or a light salad, The Algonquin has you covered.

"Classic Lake George experience," said one visitor. "Located directly on the water with beautiful views, plenty of docks for people who want to boat there."

The Erlowest

Patio with couches and a firepit with a lake in the background

With such a cozy patio, it's hard to not want a drink to go with it! The Erlowest's outdoor space invites you to take in the natural scenery with your favorite beverage in hand.

Order a glass of wine, a beer, or a craft cocktail, and enjoy it with the warmth of the stone fireplace and the gorgeous view.

The Erlowest is revered by customers for having high-quality food and drinks that will never disappoint! Look forward to a luxury experience at this turn-of-the-century stone castle.

Rooftop Cabana Bar at Surfside at the Lake

colorful deck chairs with lakeside view

This hidden gem offers panoramic views of Lake George, a variety of food from charbroiled steaks to house burgers, and a number of specialty drinks, martinis, and "island oasis frozen drinks."

You'll definitely want to make a stop at The Rooftop Cabana Bar if you're in the Lake George Village area. Bonus: The retractable roof allows for lakeside dining in all weather.

This bar is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, 12pm to 8pm; food is not served after 8pm. The bar is subject to close without notice - call ahead to inquire at 518.668.2442.

Lakeside Restaurant & Lounge

Outdoor patio with people sitting around a fire and others playing cornhole

Whether you are facing the scorching heat of summer or the chilling cold of winter, Lakeside Restaurant & Lounge is the place to be. Their outside patio is open year-round with an outdoor fire pit to help you warm up on chilly days or evenings.

No matter the season, you will find a lovely view of the Fort William Henry Resort property, where the restaurant is located, as well as the lake in the background. There is also an extensive list of appetizers that can pair well with your craft beer, wine, or cocktail.

Boardwalk Restaurant & Marina

two cocktails outdoors

The Boardwalk Restaurant is the only restaurant in Lake George that offers over-the-lake lakeside seating! They have both formal and casual dining options, and the largest public boathouse deck on the entire lake.

"We always stop here for a meal while traveling through Lake George," said one reviewer. "Great place for a sandwich or burger. Right on the water with covered open dining for the view."

Swing by for a casual waterfront meal featuring seafood baskets, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and more. This family-friendly spot offers a perfect view of the boats on the water, too.

Lake George Beach Club

Lake George Beach Club beer

Savor great food and drinks right on the waterfront at the Lake George Beach Club! This lively restaurant is the perfect place to eat, drink, and have a fun-filled night on their massive deck overlooking the lake.

In the summer, they have a variety of cocktail specials, a rotating selection of craft beer and domestic options, wine by the glass, and more. They're also known for live music performances that are nice to watch while sipping on a drink.

The Boathouse Restaurant

boathouse restaurant cocktail with lake in the background

The Boathouse Restaurant, located at The Lodges at Cresthaven, believes that great food must be accompanied by an even better view. Try one of their amazing appetizers, like the to-die-for Dutch Pretzel sticks, along with your lakeside beverage.

The indoor and outdoor bars feature a large selection of draft and craft beer, specialty cocktails, frozen treats, and thoughtfully selected wines.

"Perfect location to eat, drink, hang out, meet with friends, and overlook Lake George," said one satisfied visitor.

Lighthouse Grill

lighthouse grill

See breathtaking views of the lake at the Lighthouse Grill as you enjoy a refreshing drink with a scrumptious meal.

They are committed to using locally sourced ingredients in their food, and the menu caters to everyone with spicy, vegan, and gluten-sensitive options all noted. Seared halibut, ribeye, fried chicken, and Lighthouse Tacos are just some of the delicious items you can expect.

The views are best cherished from their covered deck or the glass-enclosed lounge. If fireworks are your thing, the Lighthouse Grill is a great place to watch them during the summer.

Christie's on the Lake

lakeside view from deck

Christie's on the Lake in Lake George Village has two outdoor heated patios, a fantastic view of the lake, and an extensive wine list and daily drink specials to choose from.

Pair one of their many specialty cocktails or an ice cold beer with a burger. Christie's is highly recommended for a summer day, with one reviewer commenting, "A fun and really cool place on the shoreline Lake George. The atmosphere is light-hearted and jovial and the food is absolutely SUPERB!!!"

The restaurant is open April through October - call for the latest hours at 518.668.2515.

See where you can find great patio dining in Lake George »

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About the Author: Dylan Marx Dylan is a passionate writer from Castleton-on-Hudson, NY, who enjoys hiking in local state parks, kayaking on different lakes within the area, and listening to live music. His favorite local places to visit in the area include The Docksider in Lake George and Martha's Dandee Creme in Queensbury.