I see lots of people asking about where to go for a special occasion. Well, it depends on the occasion and the type of atmosphere you want, budget, and if it’s a couple or a group. Here are some ideas for each type of celebration.

Romantic: Artisans at Lake Placid Lodge. Gorgeous views and great food. Excellent service without the attitude of some other fine dining establishments. Spend some extra time with a cocktail or after dinner drink on one of their balconies by an outdoor fireplace. If you’re not up for the fine dining prices, it can be equally romantic to eat at the hotel’s Maggie’s Pub. Same views, and you can still enjoy the outdoor balconies. ***Unfortunately, when we were in Lake Placid in January 2023, the Lodge still wasn’t accepting reservations for dining if you aren’t staying at the hotel. It’s very unfortunate that they haven’t dropped their pandemic restrictions yet, and I can only assume that they may be dealing with staffing shortages. Be sure to call to get the latest.

Two more options for a romantic dinner, and these are slightly more budget friendly. While these don’t have the “wow” factor of the views of lakes and mountains (Caffe Rustica is literally in a strip center by the Price Chopper), they both have cozy interiors and will serve you an excellent meal. Salt of the Earth Bistro and Caffe Rustica. In fact, Caffe Rustics made the I Love NY list for best pasta places in the state!

Groups: For an evening out with friends and family, celebrating a birthday or other milestone as a group, you might want a place that’s casual and can accommodate large groups. Smoke Signals takes online reservations for groups of up to 8. They have delicious smoked meats and a solid drink menu. But if you have any vegetarians or vegans in your group, this probably isn’t the best pick. Jimmy’s 21 takes reservations, including for groups of 10 or more. Their menu includes Italian, steaks and seafood, and they even offer gluten free pasta. The Lake Placid Pub and Big Slide are both fun for groups with a fairly wide menu, but they don’t take reservations. Check their online waitlist to get a sense of availability. If you want something extra special for a large group, the Lake Placid Lodge has private dining options. You can book their wine cellar (up to 14 people) or larger event spaces that can seat many more.

Family friendly: It’s a drive to Lake Clear, but might be worth it if you have kids at the right age. The Lake Clear Lodge has a old-time speakeasy dinner experience in a stagecoach dining room. When you make reservations, you get a password to enter. In addition to a three course meal and kid’s menu, there’s a potential chance to participate in a "surprise raid" by a 1920s Copper. There’s also trivia and add-on activities. However, they caution that the evening is not suitable for infants or very young children. I’m guessing probably somewhere around age 8 and up.