Want to enjoy some epic nightlife in Lake Placid? Then check out this guide to the best bars in Lake Placid.
I mean, I have been visiting this charming New York town since before I could walk. And that’s mainly because my family owns a house in nearby Westport.
Plus, I adore wine, beer, and cocktails aplenty. Therefore, I am the perfect person to share with you my expert picks for the best bars Lake Placid has to offer.
So, whether you want to drink a beer with a game of darts, swirl decadent glasses of wine with friends, or enjoy an artisinal cocktail made by an expert mixologist, Lake Placid is the perfect place for you.
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Table of Contents
Best Bars in Lake Placid
1. Zig Zags Pub
Zig Zags is a laid-back Lake Placid bar with a chill vibe. They are also one of the best bars in Lake Placid that serves 18 craft beers on tap, over 40 beers in bottles or cans, and premium spirits.
Sadly, there’s no food menu. But, this is a great spot for drinks before or after dinner.
Plus, the staff at Zig Zags are friendly, the drinks are well-priced, and you can play pool, darts, or foosball while you enjoy a casual drink with friends.
They are also open until 3:00 am every night, making Zig Zags one of the best Lake Placid bars for late-night drinks. Also, avoid the crowds and visit Lake Placid at the best time of year.
Address: 2528 Main St, Lake Placid, NY 12946, United States
Hours: Open daily from 3:00 pm to 3:00 am.
Price: Varies
2. Lake Placid Pub and Brewery
One of the best breweries in Lake Placid, the Lake Placid Pub and Brewery first opened in P.J. O’Neill’s Irish pub in 1996.
Today, the pub stays open until 2:00 am each evening and offers three different experiences that are spread out across three floors.
So, you can visit the cozy Irish pub on the ground floor, the second-floor brewpub, or the top-floor Hop Loft with its outdoor deck and Mirror Lake views.
You’ll also find 12 of this Lake Placid brewery’s beers on tap, including the award-winning Ubu Ale and seasonal favorites like Leaping Cow ESB.
Plus, the delicious menu at the Lake Placid Pub and Brewery includes Detroit-style deep-dish pizzas, wings, and other pub favorites like Shepherd’s Pie and Fish and Chips.
Yeah, you’ll need some hearty grub to soak up all that epic Ubu Ale. At least, I know I do every time I come here.
Address: 813 Mirror Lake Dr, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Hours: Open Monday and Wednesday through Saturday from 11:30 am to 2:00 am. Also open Tuesday from 11:00 am to 2:00 am and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 2:00 am.
Price: Entrees start at $18.00 each.
3. Wiseguys Sports Bar & Grill
If you like to watch your favorite sports team play while you enjoy wings, burgers, and a cold brew, Wiseguys Sports Bar & Grill is one of the best sports bars in Lake Placid.
It’s a great lunch spot and the ideal destination for a fun night with friends.
After all, Wiseguys Sports Bar & Grill has plenty of TVs for sports fans, foosball tables, darts boards, pool tables, and entertainment from DJs and live bands.
But, the most important thing? The full-service bar keeps the cold brews and craft cocktails flowing while the kitchen serves up burgers, wraps, and their famous wings.
However, don’t miss out on their pulled pork sandwich or the Jalapeño cheddar soup, made using the owner’s personal recipe! Yeah, I order both every time I come here and have ZERO regrets.
Plus, happy hour at Wiseguys Sports Bar & Grill is from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and features some pretty rad deals.
Address: 11 School Street, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Hours: Open Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 2:00 am, Sunday from 11:00 am to 12:00 am, and Monday from 2:00 pm to 12:00 am.
Price: Sandwiches are around $14.00 each.
4. Top of the Park
You’ll find Top of the Park in the center of town on Main Street, Lake Placid, NY.
Therefore, the great location of one of the best bars in Lake Placid means that you can enjoy your drink with amazing views of Mirror Lake and the Adirondack Mountains from the bar’s large deck.
This also means that Top of the Park is ideal for a date night or for a relaxed evening spent enjoying drinks with friends.
The well-stocked bar serves cold beers, wines, spirits, and signature cocktails, and the friendly bartenders are happy to go off-menu or explain how your cocktail is made.
There’s also a small food menu featuring tapas-style dishes ranging from familiar favorites like Lobster Rolls and Chicken Wings to venison or kangaroo.
They even have cheese boards that pair beautifully with a glass of fine wine. You’ll also love that happy hour at Top of the Park is held from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Monday through Thursday.
Address: 2407 Main St, Lake Placid, NY 12946
5. The Great Hall Bar at Hotel Saranac
You’ll find Hotel Saranac around 10 miles northwest of Lake Placid. It originally opened at the height of the Roaring Twenties and underwent a complete restoration a few years ago.
Now, visitors to this hotel in Saranac Lake can eat at the Campfire Adirondack Grill, one of the best restaurants in Lake Placid, or enjoy drinks and small plates in the Great Hall Bar at Hotel Saranac.
This luxurious bar serves a range of Lake Placid beers, including a rotating selection of draft brews, together with fine wines and signature cocktails.
So, sit by the cozy fire with your drink during winter in Lake Placid. Or, head out onto the deck, which has fire pits to keep you warm on cooler evenings.
Additionally, happy hour at the Great Hall Bar runs from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm daily, with great deals on draft beers, wines, hand-crafted cocktails, and selected shareables.
Local Tip: Stop by on Friday nights for some live music at enjoy one of the coolest things to do in Lake Placid, NY.
Address: 100 Main St, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, United States
Hours: Open daily from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm, except on Fridays/Saturdays when they are open until 11:00 pm.
Price: Cocktails are around $14.00. I always get the Espresso Martini with hints of Nutmeg and Vanilla.
6. Maggie’s Pub at the Lake Placid Lodge
If you’re looking for a Lake Placid bar for a special evening, Maggie’s Pub is one of the best bars in Lake Placid, NY.
As soon as you arrive, the wood-topped bar, roaring fire, and wood paneling tell you that Maggie’s Pub is the ideal location for a cozy evening drink.
The special atmosphere at Maggie’s is also reflected in the high-quality food and drinks served here.
In fact, the bar serves local brews, fine wines, and rare spirits that are complimented by an elegant menu serving elevated pub favorites like PEI Oysters, BBQ Chicken Sandwich, and the Maggie’s Pub burger.
A visit to Maggie’s Pub is so welcoming, you’ll feel like you’ve visited a friend’s beautifully decorated home for the evening!
Address: 144 Lodge Way, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Hours: Open daily from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Price: Entrees start at $25.00 each.
7. The Cottage at the Mirror Lake Inn
The Cottage Restaurant and Cafe has a stunning location overlooking Mirror Lake, with the Great Range of the Adirondack High Peaks in the distance.
Now, this is a relaxed Lake Placid bar serving premium bottled beers and wines alongside a great selection of non-alcoholic drinks.
They also offer a delicious range of dessert martinis, while their hot toddy, mulled wine, and Irish coffee – drinks that are the perfect way to warm up on a chilly evening.
Similarly, The Cottage Cafe’s menu showcases local produce in imaginative versions of classic American comfort food like Chicken Tacos and BBQ Pulled Pork.
Plus, the chill vibe at this scenic Lake Placid bar makes it perfect for lunch with the family or a fun night out with friends.
Local Tip: Love love love ordering the Peanut Butter Old Fashioned when I come here. Such a well-balanced drink.
Address: 77 Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, except on Monday when they are closed.
Price: Cocktails are $14.00 each.
8. Players Sports Bar
Players Sports Bar is one of the best bars Lake Placid has to offer for casual grill dining or watching sports over drinks with friends.
This laid-back Lake Placid bar has a central location overlooking Mirror Lake with a stunning view from the terrace.
The well-stocked bar at Players Sports Bar also features a wide range of draft and bottled beers, wines, and other drinks, with daily specials available.
There are also several TVs showing different sports and a menu filled with classic pub fare that includes burgers, sandwiches, and more.
Address: 2405 Main St, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Hours: Open daily from 12:00 pm to 9:30 pm.
Price: Entrees start at $19.00 with the chicken parm being pretty good.
9. Bitters and Bones
Bitters and Bones is an Adirondack bar and restaurant in Saranac Lake. Therefore, this rad spots sits just 10 miles outside of Lake Placid.
The rustic-industrial-style bar serves a selection of beers, including their own craft beers brewed on-site, together with a signature range of seasonal cocktails.
You can also enjoy homemade cuisine featuring local produce.
Just be sure to stop by in the summer months when the rooftop deck opens up and makes Bitters and Bones one of the best Adirondack bars for outdoor dining with a view of the Adirondack High Peaks.
Now, the Bitters and Bones menu features classic pub fare that includes sandwiches, burgers, and nachos, plus their inventive twist on dishes like Fish and Chips and Fried Chicken.
Vegan burgers and gluten-free options are also available for you to enjoy.
Address: 65 Broadway, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Hours: Open daily from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am
Price: Entrees are $18.00 and up.
10. Big Slide Brewery & Public House
The Big Slide Brewery and Public House is one of two bars run by the Lake Placid Pub and Brewery, one of the best Lake Placid breweries.
This Lake Placid brewpub is a low-key taphouse and restaurant with a chilled vibe and a modern, industrial setting.
Additionally, Big Slide Brewery produces their own craft beers on-site, and you’ll always find a choice of 10 craft beers on tap, ranging from light ales to dark stouts.
Plus, the bar serves a seasonal range of hand-crafted cocktails.
Now, the bar’s food menu features farm-to-table cuisine and showcases local produce.
You can also expect to see a mix of small plates and entrees, steaks, and brick-oven pizzas that can also be ordered with vegan or gluten-free crusts.
Address: 5686 Cascade Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Hours: Open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm, Friday/Saturday from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Price: Beers are around $6.00 each.
11. The Waterhole & Upstairs Music Lounge
If you like your drinks with a side of live music then you should head to The Waterhole in Saranac Lake.
This street-level bar at the Waterhole serves a fantastic selection of canned craft beers, including local brews, along with seasonal cocktails, and a good choice of alcohol-free beverages too.
You can even play ping pong, enjoy a drink on the split-level outdoor patio, or head up to the Music Lounge for live musical performances.
The second story of this Lake Placid live music venue features performances from a wide variety of bands, a dance floor, and a fully stocked bar with local beers on tap.
Keep going upstairs, and you’ll reach the third-story balcony where you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the dance floor and stage.
Also, stop by between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm since that means $1 off everything during their daily Happy Hour.
Address: 48 Main St, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Hours: Open Monday through Wednesday from 2:00 pm to 2:00 am, Thursday/Friday from 2:00 pm to 3:00 am, Saturday from 12:00 am to 3:00 am, and Sunday from 12:00 am to 2:00 am.
Price: Cocktails are $10.00-$12.00 each.
Map of the Best Bars in Lake Placid
Best Bars in Lake Placid FAQs
Does Lake Placid Have Good Nightlife?
Yes! Lake Placid has a vibrant nightlife scene where you can enjoy a wine tasting, listen to live music, watch a game at a sports bar, or do a craft beer tasting at a local brewery.
There you have it! That wraps up this guide to the best bars in Lake Placid.
Tell me, did your picks for the best bars Lake Placid has to offer make the list? If not then let me know in the comments below.
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