It looks as though I'm going to be the odd man out (not nearly so on Trip Advisor)
First, the positives------
Great old building, very nicely done, rustic dinning room and laid back vibe, very well prepared food, family style.
The negatives-------------
Long wait for the food to arrive (1.25 Hours)
Very small portions at quite elevated prices
Overpriced wine list-----a generic white burgundy (in fairness, quite tasty) cost $70
Bottled beer at $7-8
Nothing for young kids to eat---maybe that's what they desire!
The bill was presented as a cash register tape; just a series of numbers with a total. Our host asked for a breakdown of each number----$26 steak, $26 sea bass, $70 wine, etc.. When presented the detailed bill, he discovered it had been padded by $50! Honest mistake????----see Trip Advisor for similar complaint.
We all returned home hungry, upset and feeling fleeced! No apologies or excuses from the management.
So, in short, the Uptown offers downtown Hague a welcome fine dining concept with fresh, interesting and well prepared food. Â However, be prepared for small portions at steep prices. Check the bill also. I cant imagine returning, which is a shame.
This place is a true find. Â Farm to table theme prepared by passionate Chef's trained at some of NYC's top restaurants. Fabulous non kitchy Adirondack ambience, spectacular preparation of extremely fresh produce and top quality meats and fish. Start with the mixed Crostini's and prepare to be blown away by one of the best salads of your life then dig into your entre with vegtable sides just 24-36 hours out of the earth. This place is foodie heaven and is a tremendous spot worth multiple visits. Nice wine list and knowledgable servers will make it easy. Â Took a flyer on 2 deserts last Saturday and was blown away... Old school slabs of delicious cakes, impossible to not take home. Loved sitting at the dining bar with the view into the bustling kitchen.
Review Source:We drove all the way up to Lake George for the weekend, just to go to this restaurant (hehe) this past weekend...
We went last year back in the summer, somehow finding it by luck (it's hard to find for someone who's never been there) and we were so stoked on the food and the atmosphere that we had to go back. And we did!!! One year later... haha.
We went for dinner and then on Sunday, for brunch. The dinner was pretty good. Last year they had options of the sharing plates or prix fixe menu. We did the prix fixe menu. This year, it was only sharing plates type of menu. Like a family dinner style of serving (at least it reminds me of it) Nicely cooked meal, we had the cheddar cheese balls with stuffed mushrooms, it was so little that you just pop it into your mouth and the cheese and the saltiness flavour just melts in your mouth. We also got the salad, it was so simple and very delightful! The dressing was good but I think a bit too salty... Wanted to get the sea scallops but it was sold out already. We did the platters (which is the sharing plates for 2 - 3 people). We got the whole rabbit roasted with chanterelle mushrooms. It was my first time eating rabbit, so I was a bit skeptical at first but the meat was very tender and the juice was delicious. Overall, it was nicely done. We also go the cherry cobbler with almond shortbread top with whipped cream. One of our server was the one who made it. It was a really nice touch to end the evening meal.
We decided to go back for brunch because who knows when we will make the trip up here again! Plus, it beats all the other restaurants in Lake George! You can also get the platters to share or individual plates. I got the scrambled eggs with bacon and toast (sliced baguette) and he got the pancakes. It was okay... not spectacular compared to the dinner. Was a bit disappointed but overall, this place is still pretty awesome for dinner. Love the exterior and the interior of the building, very rustic feel. It's a definitely must dine place if you're in Lake George!
The Uptown is a real find. Â
It's been a puzzle to me that the Adirondacks is so dependent on tourism, yet has so few good restaurants. Â That is as true in the eastern Adirondacks as anywhere, and particularly in northern Lake George (the late Craigs Farm restaurant is still lamented among those who visited it in the 80s).
Along comes The Uptown to the rescue.
It has a small menu which changes, I gather, based on what they are able to source (locally as much as possible). The kitchen really knows what it is doing. Â We had a scallop and risotto dish that was excellent -- delicious and first-rate.
What really sets Uptown apart is 1) the setting -- a lovely relaxed wooden storefront building that's been used for several purposes in Hague over the years and 2) the owner, Lauren, who is lovely and welcoming. Â She and her husband sat down at our table with us at the end of the evening; they couldn't have been friendlier, warmer, or more engaging; they introduced us to a good number of the Hague summer crowd who stopped by. Â It made us feel more like guests than customers, and it made what would have been a very good meal into an exceptional restaurant experience.
Highly recommended.
You would be forgiven if you walked by The Uptown and simply thought a local was having large and happy dinner party in their house. Â The exterior is simple, unadorned, and looks much like it probably did 100 years ago. Â Once inside, you'll find yourself in a rustic, warm, and welcoming. Â
While the restaurant is appealing and welcoming, it's the food that keeps people coming back summer after summer. Â And man is the food at this place special. Â The quality of ingredients used are unmatched barring a handful of restaurants in major cities that often have one or more Michelin stars adorning their facade. Â
The preparations are simple but exquisite. Â There's nothing precious about the presentation either, which I love. Â You're not going to find your meal in a towering pile. Â Things are generally served family style, which is refreshing and lends itself well to the rustic atmosphere. Â
The wine list is interesting, full of unusual wine's that you're unlikely to find in most New York or Boston restaurants, that tend to only stock easily recognizable vintages that they can easily sell. Â I've never had anything but great wine recommendations here.
Finally, the atmosphere is unmatched. Â Even if you're just visiting the area for the first time, hang around for a while and you will almost always be engaged by a friendly local, a fellow vacationer, or even the owners (this free flowing and happy conversation may in part be a side effect of having such a great wine list). Â The owners have been eating dinner there every single time I've been to the Uptown. Â A good sign that the owners want to eat their own food every night I'd say.
So if you're in the Hague area, and you're looking for a special meal that you will remember, and you're ok with thinking after every meal thereafter "I should really go back to The Uptown," you MUST go here. Â I am based in New York City, and I've had meals that cost 2 and 3 times as much as a meal that, while remarkable in their own way, still leave me yearning for another trip north for that simple, exquisitely prepared food at The Uptown.
The Uptown Store is a magical place. Â The ambiance is wonderful and woody.
Lighting is terrific.....great old creaky floors and mismatches chairs. Â The menu is family style, always starting with a handpicked lettuce salad and great beets, herbs and other seasonal vegetables. Â Next course is chicken, steak, lamb or fish in very generous portions. Â Sides are expertly done potatoes and veggies. Â And dessert is always the best part of this feast. Â Outstanding wine list. Â Personal, concerned service and Lauren the owner puts her heart and soul to this little gem. Â Worth the drive.
Uptown is an exceptional restuarant in the Lake George area. Â While the menu is limited that helps maintain the quality and ability to use fresh ingredients for a relatively small restuarant. Â The entrees are served family style and there is normally a good selection. Â The small bar ( perfect for couples to dine at) has an additional menu. Â the menu varies often and the talented kitchen and attentive owner and staff keep the smiles on your face. Â
Wine selection are the best in the area by far with interesting choices at all price ranges.