Eating Your Way through The Sagamore Resort

We hope you packed your appetite. Because The Sagamore Resort boasts eight seasonal Lake George restaurants (yes, eight!) on property, each with their own unique flavor.

 

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There’s no hunger quite like the hunger that builds after a day spent hiking, swimming, and outright exploring the unending wilderness of Adirondacks. Luckily, when you stay at The Sagamore Resort, perched on its own private 70-acre island in Bolton Landing, fuel comes in the form of eight Lake George restaurants all located on property, from a New York-style steakhouse to a surf and turf restaurant that is set on stilts over the lake. So the hardest part won’t be finding somewhere to eat, but in which one to eat first. We help you make up your mind depending on, well, what suits your taste.

 

Lakeside Italian

The upscale-casual La Bella Vita is a cornerstone of the dining scene at the resort. Serving fresh, authentic Italian cuisine (think stone-hearth pizza, hand-rolled meatballs, pasta dishes, chicken piccata, and more) since 2008, the restaurant offers one of the most memorable views on the property with a warmly decorated dining room that overlooks the resort’s iconic terraces cascading down to the water and the southern exposure of Lake George.

Suggested Dish Italian Sirloin “Piedmontese,” a heritage breed beef sirloin served beside parmesan gnocchi, pancetta, mushroom, and spinach

 

Raising the Bar

As the bar portion of La Bella Vita – and therefore possessing much of the same Italian flair – Caldwell’s is known for its lighter fare of specialty sandwiches and fresh soup and salads. But we suggest one of their signature pizzas with dough that is hand-stretched and then cooked to a perfect light and crispy crust in the 600-degree stone oven.

Suggested Dish Smokey Bleu, where pecorino cream sauce comes topped with caramelized onions, applewood smoked bacon, gorgonzola dolce

 

Out on the Water

Diners are often impressed by The Pavilion before they even step foot inside. That’s because half of the restaurant is on land, while the other half is positioned on stilts over the lake. They won’t be disappointed when they enter, either: The open-air venue cycles through the freshest catches flown in to serve only the finest seafood. Because of that and the gorgeous lake views, it can be a tough place to get a table, so try to schedule a reservation far in advance.

Suggested Dish Chilled Seafood Tower, a smorgasbord of ever-changing seafood depending on the season, likely oysters, colossal shrimp, half lobster, and king crab

An Adirondack Steakhouse

Housed in an old Tudor-style building set near the first tee of the Sagamore, the Club Grill Steakhouse embodies Old World charm thanks to a brick-lined fireplace, wooden beams, iron chandeliers, and a gentlemen’s club-like atmosphere. Premium steaks cuts – like ribeye, filet mignon, and New York strip – are the headlining act of the menu here, while hearty sides (loaded baked potatoes, mac and cheese, creamed spinach) prove to be the perfect companions.

Suggested Dish Porterhouse for Two, a 36-ounce T-shaped steak cut from cattle raised by Northeast Family Farm

 

Dining that Descends

Open for lunch, dinner, and beverage service, the Veranda Terraces are a series of stone terraces that descend from the hotel veranda and lobby into a waterfront area sprinkled with Adirondack tables and chairs. Guests can dine while enjoying the view up close, but we suggest it as the perfect place to enjoy a drink or two as day turns to night.

Suggested Dish Salumi E Formaggi Board, a board of the resort’s handmade formaggi and salumi with all the house-made accompaniments

 

Pub Food, Please

Named after the first general manager of the Sagamore, Myron O. Brown, Mr. Brown’s Pub specializes in comfort food, like roast turkey with stuffing, baby back ribs, and burgers. Resembling an Adirondack Great Camp, the restaurant is filled with antler chandeliers, twiggy rough-hewn chairs, dark wood, and details like old snowshoes and paddles.

Suggested Dish The Short Rib, slow cooked for 24 hours and served on a bed of pub-style mashed potatoes, baby root veggies, mushrooms, and drizzled in stout gravy and horseradish sauce

 

Open-Air Eats

If you’re seeking high-quality poolside dining, look no further than The LakeHouse. Here, diners can drink and eat at the open-air bar lounge, which resembles a boathouse and features a wrap-around deck, or order from the comfort of their poolside chair. Parents love the barista-made boozy coffee drinks (think frothy cappuccinos with sambuca and chocolate liqueur) and wine by the glass, while the Little Sailors Menu offers something for the kids, including finger food favorites and shakes.

Suggested Dish Lobster Roll, with fresh-picked Maine lobster, seasoned mayonnaise, and lettuce on a toasted brioche roll

 

Poolside Fare

Located across the 95,000-gallon outdoor pool from The Lakehouse, Splash Pool Bar is frequented mostly – no surprise – by bathing suit–clad diners. The food is a step above your limited pool bar menu, however, thanks to a focus on healthy options, like harissa-spiced cauliflower hummus, salads and bowls, and fresh sandwiches.

Suggested Dish Salty Sea Lobster Salad, where the chunks of the crustacean are served on a bed of mixed greens, arugula, kalamata olives, cucumber, tomato, pickled red onion, avocado, feta cheese and drizzled in house vinaigrette

Where to Stay The Sagamore Resort