*Originally Written by Eric Pfau - Sep. 10, 2018
**Edited by Kyle Frenette - Sep. 19, 2024
Fall is the most colorful season of the year! The display of blazing red, yellow, and orange leaves covering miles of mountains is a marvel that cannot be replicated. Visitors flock to the Lake George Area every year to experience a vibrant Adirondack autumn before the leaves drop, and gathering at a waterfront restaurant to gaze at the fall foliage and its reflection on the surface just so happens to be a local cherished pastime.
The Algonquin
The view of Lake George from The Algonquin’s long wooden bar may be the most treasured restaurant lookout in the Lake George Area. The striking views of Sweetbriar Island, Huddle Bay, and the mountains beyond become only more beautiful when foliage is at its peak. This waterfront hangout is a popular lunch and happy hour destination frequented by boaters well into the fall season.
The Algonquin specializes in sandwiches, pasta, and seafood, among other appetizing entrees. There is no better way to beat the chill of a cool fall evening than with a cup of their famous clam chowder, pairing nicely with those views.
*The Algonquin is open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week, from April – October.
Tavern on the Lake at Blue Water Manor
The Tavern on the Lake at Blue Water Manor in Bolton Landing offers outdoor seating in a historic, castle-like structure originally built in 1923 (and renovated recently). Perched on a jagged bluff tucked in Basin Bay overlooking Lake George, this restaurant offers idyllic foliage views of Buck Mountain.
Guests love sitting at the open-air bar, enjoying lunch, lake views, and the sounds of live music. Boaters are welcome to escape the water’s autumn chill by using the restaurant’s public docks. Tavern on the Lake specializes in pasta dishes, seafood, and bar fare.
*Tavern on the Lake is open for lunch & dinner from May – October.
The Lighthouse Grill
The Lighthouse Grill is a perfect way to experience the beauty of Lake George in autumn from their covered high-rise deck or inside their glass-enclosed lounge. Gaze at the changing fall colors of the Adirondack Mountains, combined with the pristine waters of Lake George. Plus, with close proximity to both the Lake George Steamboat Company and Lake George Waterfront Cruises, you can witness these majestic ships sail off.
The Lighthouse Grill offers classic American and seafood fare, while using only the freshest ingredients. There's also a full-service bar serving cocktails and fine wines to complete your dining experience.
*The Lighthouse Grill is open from Thursday-Sunday during the off-season.
The Docksider
The Docksider on Glen Lake is a lesser-known waterfront gem boasting beautiful views of the Adirondack Mountains, the lakeside, and yes, the fall foliage. The entire forested shoreline of hushed Glen Lake changes from a lush summer green to a fierce autumn blend as the weather gets colder.
Their heated outdoor deck ensures that the chill won’t put a damper on your leaf peeping. The Docksider’s focus is on casual comfort food, specializing in burgers, sandwiches, pizza, soup, steaks, seafood, and more.
*The Docksider is open year-round.
The Lagoon
Enjoy some of the best autumn views from The Lagoon’s lakeside deck, overlooking the southern end of Lake George.
Leaf peep across the lake while dining on a wood-fired brick oven pizza, an amazing seafood dish, or a juicy burger. In addition, The Lagoon has an assortment of rotating craft beers and ciders on tap. Or, you can always pair your meal with a specialty cocktail drink, beer flight, or fine glass of wine.
*The Lagoon is pet-friendly, family-friendly, and open year-round.
Lake George Beach Club
Join the club this fall! The Lake George Beach Club is a popular establishment that sits in the heart of the Lake George Village – a beautiful autumn scene. The fun begins on the Beach Club’s two-story deck, where guests can see the entirety of the southern basin, along with miles of flaming foliage to the north.
The Lake George Beach Club is another restaurant that has a lively local music scene throughout the season. Guests searching for a diverse menu, festive atmosphere, and breathtaking autumn vistas will be quite content.
*The Lake George Beach Club is open year-round. Thursday through Sunday during the Fall Season.
Chateau on the Lake
The Chateau on the Lake is an exquisite, contemporary European-style restaurant with a back lawn that slopes down to the banks of Lake George. It’s hidden at the end of a narrow stone driveway, offering quiet solitude throughout the fall months.
Once guests are inside the unassuming old home, they’ll be treated to delectable dishes like Graham Cracker Encrusted Calamari, Pan Seared Red Snapper, and Truffled Wild Mushroom Ravioli. One of the best places in the house to enjoy these dishes is at a table on their heated back porch. Add a glass of wine to pair with the meal and lake view, and it becomes an experience guests never forget.
*Menu items and hours may vary throughout the fall months.
