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Dec 2, 2024 - Mon
Bolton United States
Wind 3 m/s, WNW
Pressure 764.32 mmHg
35°F
overcast clouds
Humidity 63%
Clouds 100%
mon12/02 tue12/03 wed12/04 thu12/05 fri12/06
32/21°F
32/21°F
29/29°F
36/26°F
24/20°F
Dec 2, 2024 - Mon
Bolton United States
Wind 3 m/s, WNW
Pressure 764.32 mmHg
35°F
overcast clouds
Humidity 63%
Clouds 100%
mon12/02 tue12/03 wed12/04 thu12/05 fri12/06
32/21°F
32/21°F
29/29°F
36/26°F
24/20°F

George’s Steakhouse

The long awaited reopening of George’s Steakhouse is here!

Damaged by fire in April of 2014, this popular east side dining destination is back and better than ever!

Opening under new ownership and with almost an entirely new staff, the Adirondack atmosphere exudes warmth and energy under the leadership of Ted Bearor, a former food and beverage manager at the famed Sagamore Resort.

Originally owned by Charlie Wade in the 50s and 60s, the site prospered as The Airport Inn. An actual tiny Piper Cub hung from the ceiling and sounds of Otis and the Elevators drifted nightly, entertaining the throngs that made “The East Side” famous.  Route 9L drew thousands of revelers weekly to Walt Barnes’ Canteen Inn, Nick Spagna’s “Spagna’s Crosstrails,” Jim Usher’s “Ushers,” and the Garrison, as well as the Orchard House and Wade’s Airport.

All of the nightclubs fell victim to the state’s raising of the drinking age to 21, the so-called riots of the 60s and the town’s open container ordinance. Pete and Debbie Smith came along and purchased the Colonel’s Table, now the East Cove and rescued The Garrison as well. The Luzerne Road suffered the same demise with the Silver Dollar, Potash Inn, Cabin in the Pines, and Totem Inn amongst others.

The nightclubs on the East Side were transformed into condos or private homes.  Ushers became the Town of Lake George’s beautiful park. The Airport lived on when George Patrick decided to move George’s Place for Steaks from downtown Glens Falls to Lake George.

He packed up his huge collection of Tiffany lamps, his staff, restaurant expertise and his love of rescuing cats and George’s in Lake George was born. Every morning George would jog along the highway and be there at night to greet you at the door.

Today the beat goes on! The Adirondack theme provides customers with a cozy, casual atmosphere. Huge trophy heads of moose, deer and buffalo stare down at a bar located on a lower level below the main dining area.

Ted Bearor has placed a beautiful painting of Lake George behind the bar to separate the main dining area. He’s also moved the grand salad bar to the middle of the restaurant, and of course built an entirely new kitchen space. Outside, a tiny deck will accommodate the expected diners-in-waiting.

New chef, Mickey Hopkins, has joined Ted from Six Flags and the Sagamore to create a menu that offers traditional American fare featuring steaks, chops and seafood.  Many of George’s most popular items return for an encore as well.

Companion and I decided to visit within five days of their soft opening and were pleased to be greeted by longtime hostess Faith Best. Americaders had most tables occupied so we chose to stop at the bar while a table for two became available. We requested a young friend of ours, Alyssa, as our waitress.

The Tiffany lamps are all there! I am impressed at the number of round tables throughout the dining room, conducive to conversation, spacing and service.  Equally impressive is the new elongated, lighted salad bar with a personal attendant station.

We ordered a bottle of Stags Leap chardonnay to bring to the table and were seated promptly as promised. Our next request for Alyssa was also fulfilled as she arrived beaming at finding us at her table while handing us menus and delivering glasses of ice water.

Chef Hopkins’ menu begins with a great looking raw bar consisting of shrimp, oysters, clams, crab claws and lobster claws.  There are also steamed littlenecks, fried calamari, Ahi tuna and chicken brochette.

Early diners (4:30 – 6pm) can enjoy shrimp scampi, eggplant and chicken parm, prime rib and a top butt sirloin. All offered at only $19.95.

Steak lovers can rejoice with a 24, 16 or 12 oz. prime rib of beef. Also offered are 12 and 16 oz. N.Y. Strips, 24 oz. Porterhouse and baby back ribs.

Out of the sea and fresh come a salmon filet, seafood cioppino, sea scallops, halibut Oscar and a seafood platter with the whole ocean included!

Diners also can choose from chicken or eggplant parm, duck two ways, grilled veggies and goat cheese or just the salad bar with soup du jour choices.

Companion and I had ample selections at the bountiful, fresh salad bar with two soups, an abundance of condiments, romaine and iceberg lettuce and fresh cut bread.  Also on the line were potato, macaroni, coleslaw, black bean and pasta salad, and my favorite, sliced green and red peppers. No skimping here!

I settled in with a huge, yes huge, bowl of chicken penne ala vodka. Two generous medallions of breast meat lightly breaded and smothered with fresh spinach, roasted red peppers, mozzarella and a creamy tomato vodka sauce. The soft mozzarella and roasted red peppers boosted the flavors and was a very creative touch to the ordinary.

Companion has craved king crab legs since our Alaska sojourn, and here she chose to make the leap of faith. Along with a side of steamed broccoli came four huge legs and two enormous claws perfectly steamed with drawn butter and lemon wedges.

There were smiles and expressions of joy between bits of succulent, sweet and tender crab in a plentiful portion. My miniscule permitted sample affirmed her joy. Memories of Alaska right here on Route 9L in Lake George.

Diners from near and far rejoice! The long list of really good restaurants in the Lake George region has added another, the newly reopened George’s Steakhouse.

A not to be missed dining experience!!

 

George’s Steakhouse

3857 State Rt. 9L, Lake George, (518)668-5482, open 4:30pm – 9pm,