Blue Paddle Bistro had some hits and misses, but overall, we had a decent experience…read more Visiting from out of town, we needed a dinner spot and made a same-day reservation, which they kindly accommodated. The restaurant has a cozy, rustic vibe -- think cabin-in-the-mountains charm. The menu was a bit limited, especially with appetizers, but we went with the mussels from Prince Edward Island, and they were incredible. Seriously, some of the best I've had. That said, the portion of bread they served alongside was laughably small, especially for a dish made to share. For our mains, we ordered two different burgers, both medium rare, and unfortunately, they were both overcooked. It was disappointing because the burgers themselves were huge and packed with flavor. The fries, though, were excellent and saved the meal a bit. On the drinks side, the martini I had was fantastic. Overall, I'd rate this a 3.5 but am rounding up to 4 since it was our first visit, and I can see the potential.

This is one of those places where the cliche "I really wanted to like it" fits. But it didn't live…read moreup, confirmed after a second visit. I tried the Veggie Spring Rolls appetizer, with spicy aioli. The veggies were crisp as were the wrappers. There was a flavor that I couldn't place, not disagreeable but strange - or should I say intriguing? Unfortunately it was overpowered by an excess of ginger and way too much salt. The aioli was very disappointing: bland, thin, and blended smooth. It reminded me of thousand island dressing right out of a bottle. Their drinks menu had some interesting cocktails, a very small selection of wines, not just one hard cider but two, and a rotating selection of beers on tap. If you want a bottle you have choices - Bud or Bud Lite! I tried the pineapple daiquiri. It was way too sweet with not great pineapple flavor. I would hope they were using fresh juice but it sure didn't taste like it. For my entree I got the Gorgonzola Encrusted Filet Mignon, with mashed potatoes, caramelized onions, sauteed garlic, grape tomatoes, and balsamic drizzle. I remember really liking this last visit. But it was nowhere as good this time and looked nothing like the beautiful photo on their website. The gorgonzola, which was ample and crispy last time, was scarce and not "encrusted": soft and not even completely melted. Just a slab placed on top of the steak. And first time there was enough that it melted onto the potatoes underneath for more flavor. Not this time. So much for their motto "delicious, unpretentious (and consistent) food." Beware specifying doneness here. Both times, I (and the wife last visit) ordered it medium-rare. All three were somewhat under that level, slightly more than rare but not by much. She sent hers back last time and they corrected it. I probably should have too but didn't as I'm a little more tolerant of underdone steak. But the biggest problem so far in the meal? The entree arrived not more than 5 minutes after my appetizer, which I had only just begun to eat. That's a serious no-no in any restaurant, let alone one that tries to identify as "fine dining". I was having a relaxing meal, nibbling my appetizer, sipping my drink, contemplating life, and out of the blue this plate of steak is plopped onto my table! I expressed my surprise and displeasure to my waitress, whose specific response I don't recall but didn't make any sense, but she did immediately box up the spring rolls for me as I asked. Dessert was a Raspberry Lemon Drop: layered lemon cake with raspberry puree and lemon custard. It was served very cold which I liked. But surprisingly lacking in much lemon flavor, and especially the brighter notes like grated lemon zest of which there was none. The division of the dining area into many small rooms is likely a reflection of its conversion from a house in a prior life. This could make it a problem to find your waiter if you need them, but it didn't impact me personally this visit or last. The biggest problem is noise, especially if a large party is nearby as happened on the first visit. The "Wal-Mart special" air conditioner in the window, complete with dangling power strip to a distant outlet contributed to the noise on the second visit and certainly made the place feel less classy. My waitress in general was polite and adequate but we never did "click" as far as the waiter/diner relationship is concerned. And never once was I asked how things were going, how I liked the food, etc. I did write my comments in the suggestion box on leaving, with my name and contact info, but 2 months later and I haven't heard back. They have a great website with lots of photos by category. Including photos and names of all the staff, bios of the chefs, local info, and lots of dogs. I think they quality as "dog-obsessed" here, even closing their voicemail message with a "Woof!" Good place to bring your dog though, on the outside patio. Worth another visit? Maybe, given the limited choices in the area? But I had hoped for better.

The ambiance and service at this restaurant are terrific. I love the low light setting and…read morewood-focused interior. It combines a log cabin feeling with the aesthetic of a modern feeling restaurant. On top of that, every bite that I ate, from the dinner rolls to my pasta entree, was terrific. You won't find food much better than this. That being said, I do think that the menu is a bit overpriced. Everything was very very expensive. If you do go, I highly recommend getting the shareable pastrami. I had a bite of my friend's and it nearly knocked me out of my chair with flavor. So good!

I wanted to like this place. I really did. But from the…read moremoment we walked in 2 minutes before our reservation time, we felt unwanted. The host - a tall blond woman told us to wait by the bar area for our table. She was unfriendly. I noticed our table was as ready and set up for us. She made us wait 15 minutes past our reservation time to seat us. After sitting, our server took another 5 minutes to greet us and take drink orders. He wasn't friendly either and spent the majority of the time socializing with the table next to us, as well as with his colleagues (including the rude hostess) at what appeared to be a server station. Then the food took over 30 minutes to arrive, and it was wasn't busy. Our food was OK. Just OK. The duck was bland, and the steak overly chewy. For over $300 for dinner without alcohol, it was not acceptable, and to be treated as if we were a bother by just existing was an insult over all else. Do better. Be kinder to your guests. The holier than thou attitude isn't cool, its vile and insulting.

I went in last night and sat at the bar to have a glass of wine while I ordered to go. The…read morebartender with the funky ponytail hair could have cared less that I was there. She was talking to other customers when I arrived so I gave it a few and then she just walked away. Came back and slid over a glass of water for me and left. When she came back, I motioned for her to come over - she saw me and left again. When she came back, I motioned again and she finally came over and acted like she's already asked me 10 times what I wanted. I was annoyed. I ordered a glass of wine and she comes back and says they don't have any wine glasses. I settle for a rocks glass. When my food came she just put it on the bar and turned around. She never acknowledged me, or talked to me and was lacking any type of customer service. I like my routine of going in while I wait for my order and our order at Pho Dang, but I won't go in if she's the bartender. Send her to a class and maybe she'll learn how to deal with customers.

I'd give a 5 star but the way the owner interacts with others deserves a star taken away. Food was…read moregreat, atmosphere was good but the management running around like everyone was a bother didn't sit right. I understand trying to turn a profit in an ongoing road construction project that lasted for years must put a toll on one's attitude but please take the two minutes out of your day to recognize when a regular is thanking you for inviting them into your establishment for a delicious meal!! I will be back.

I have a bit of a story about Generations. Seven years ago,…read moremy family stopped in while visiting Lake Placid and, unfortunately, it was a pretty rough experience. After waiting over an hour for our food with no updates in sight, we finally left hungry and declared we'd never return. (We've all made dramatic vacation proclamations before!) When we got home, I wrote to the restaurant, and Natasha, the manager, personally responded with a sincere apology. She explained they had been incredibly short-staffed and invited us to come back if we were ever in Lake Placid again, promising a better experience. Well, seven years later, my sons found themselves in Lake Placid with friends and decided to give Generations another chance. They asked if Natasha was still there, and amazingly, she was! Not only that, but she remembered my email from all those years ago. This time, everything was wonderful. Great food, attentive service, a relaxing outdoor table, and happy young men!--which is review enough! To top it all off, when they asked for the check, they were told the meal was on the house. Natasha's kindness, grace, and commitment to making things right left a lasting impression. Thank you for turning a not-so-great memory into a great one. Cheers to Natasha and the team at Generations!

Just got to town for a conference, wanted to try BBQ at the Pickled Pig, but they were closed, even…read morethough the site said they were open, so I came here instead. This place is just OK, it's sort of touristy with the basic menu, but pretty dining room. I asked the server if they had good, fresh iced tea, he said yes and then brought me a bottle of ice tea, not at all what I requested. Next up was to try a cup of their onion soup. The soup came out looking beautiful, the flavor was very nice, the temperature was moderate, I would have expected it to be server hotter, since it's soup. Then I ordered their Ruben. About 10 minutes later the server came back advising the chef said he didn't have anymore of the meat for it, so they offered to make it with turkey instead and since I love a Rachel (the turkey version of a Ruben) even more, I went for it. It came out looking pretty good and tasted quite nice. The fries were warm; again, not hot, but they had a decent flavor. Overall, I can see why the reviews are mediocre at best here.

They have come a long way and are ready to rock it this summer!!!!…read moreSandbar will be open more this summer as things pick up. 7 days a week

Good: beautiful restaurant on the lake. What's not to like…read morebeing at a lake side restaurant having a meal? Food - Mid I think it could have been much better. We got the chicken sandwiches and questioned for a good 30 seconds if we were going to send them back. It had a hot honey drizzle which in theory is great, however it seemed like it was put on before frying vs after and those sugars just burnt the chicken. Overall - maybe give something else a go regarding your meal, but it is great for a snack and a drink.

The best Smish Burger we have ever had. I plan on having a Lobster Roll when we go up in a few…read moreweeks, Jalapeno Poppers are yummy

View & service was all excellent! I love coming here when I visit my bestie in Vermont!read more

It's just average but there are reasons I keep coming back, the main one being that it's pretty…read moremuch the only sit-down casual dining place nearby. But I like the atmosphere too, always filled with locals: workers on lunch break, people gathered to play trivia in the evening (sadly not in summer though). Service is always good, people are friendly, and the outdoors-themed decor is quirky and dominated by an oversized model rifle over the bar. The open room with the bar in the center means you can enjoy the ambience wherever you sit. The place feels clean, including the bathrooms which are single-use, gender-neutral with changing tables. The pub-style menu is heavy on burgers, wings, and pizzas. Also nachos, salads, fish&chips, shepherd's pie, pastas, and more. A large selection of burgers, and always a monthly burger special. This month it was the Apple Fest: with cheddar, bacon, maple cinnamon aioli, and apple slices. Interesting enough but the apples didn't really add anything. Points for creativity though. The bacon was nicely crisp. The burgers are large (8 oz) and served on a brioche bun, butter-brushed - a bit too heavily in my opinion. Cooked to your requested doneness - unusual at this level of restaurant - and correctly. Served with a side of fries: decent enough but not outstanding, with a very light cornmeal batter. What the burger entrees lack is a third item: a pickle, small side of coleslaw, etc. At least throw in a pickle wedge please. I also like the Rodeo Burger: jalapenos, french-fried onions, lettuce, cheddar, and barbecue sauce. The French Connection is interesting too. On other occasions I've tried the pizza. Good but not memorable. Definitely better than the other pizza place in town though. It's a thick crust with generous amount of cheese, ample toppings, and a sauce that tastes like more than just tomatoes. The crust isn't made in-house (I asked) but it's better than many. The french onion soup, which has been on the specials board for as long as I've been coming, is a big disappointment. Thin, metallic-tasting broth, onions cut too small, and cheese topping that isn't properly browned under the broiler. I can't understand why it's popular but I see it ordered frequently. As for drinks, it's about the beers here. There's a large selection including many drafts. Including locals from the island, nearby Stowe, and elsewhere in Vermont. As for ciders of which I'm a fan, sadly only one: Citizens United, a fairly boring choice but at least it's local. A few wines by the glass are available for the wine drinkers. Mixed drinks like margaritas are a waste: Weak on alcohol and made from overly sweet mixes. Avoid. The desserts: brownie sundaes, cheesecake, peanut butter pie, bread pudding. I've never tried them, except once: churros. Unexpected: typically found in Mexican restaurants. Definitely not recommended. Little cinnamon flavor, and a strange filling that reminded me more of a thin cannoli. One more thing before I go: They ALWAYS have help-wanted signs up and their Facebook page also mentions it frequently. And more than once I saw on their Facebook that they had to open late or close early due to to lack of staffing. I have to wonder: why do they have trouble finding and keeping staff? Is it a problem with morale or bad management? I don't know. But the staff is always pleasant and seem unstressed so if so they're doing a good job hiding it. Whatever the reason, I hope they can fix it. Short staffing and frequent turnaround is not a good thing.

We were in town for this weekend and decided to stop by the local restaurant to not go too far from…read morethe island. The service was very good in terms of getting our food quickly for our takeout. Taste wise the poutine and wings were delicious! Unfortunately the pizza was a little too much bread for our liking but still was a good meal all in all. UPDATE: We ended up looking at the bill and the prices were not at all the same as the menu provided, so we ended up spending much more than anticipated which was a pretty rough way to end the night.

Two Heroes is an excellent family friendly brewery with great music and food. The kids absolutely…read moreloved the outdoor space and played with other kids on the large rocks. We even got to sit down and enjoy our beers for a few minutes! For food, we enjoyed the chicken tenders and fries for the kids and all of us devoured the pretzel bites with cheese. The seasonal asparagus salad was delicious, as was the grilled chicken sandwich with onion rings. Overall, a great spot to come enjoy a beer and was very appreciative that it is so dog and kid friendly!

Food was absolutely delicious! Beer was crisp and thirst quenching and the service was great!…read more Highly recommend if you're around the Islands and want a tasty bite. We'll definitely be back!

VERY doggie and kid friendly. They gave our doggies treat cups. They were in heaven!…read more We both got burgers, one with fries, one with a side salad. They were very good and generous. The fries were very good and I'm really picky about my fries. Usually don't get them (hence the side salad), but I ate almost half of the hubbies. We are camping at north beach. What a treat this was to just walk from the campsite with the dogs. Great view of the water too. The wait staff was very friendly and attentive. Thanks for the great experience Beach house.

Our favorite beach side bar! Yes, The Beach House VT ranks…read moreat the top beating out those establishments along the ocean. This high rating is due mainly to the atmosphere, service, and quality of items being served. The location is right at North Beach on Lake Champlain near the North Beach Campground, has about 8 tables and a small tiki bar. It is located right beside the beach's snack bar, but has a very different vibe than a typical snack bar atmosphere. The BH gets busy during the weekends, but at no point are you felt rushed while hanging out. This was amazing, being able to sit back, enjoy the lake view with a beverage, and have not a care in the world. The servers are great and work hard, especially when someone calls off at the last minute. Personable and friendly every single time we visit. Now to the food and drink. They have a nice mixed drink selection along with a well-stocked top shelf bar. The beer menu goes well beyond the mass-produced national brands. A good variety of quality VT craft brews and ciders make up the most of the list (Citizen Cider-the best & 14th Star Tribute-amazing and veteran owned, to name a couple). The food was kicked up versions of typical snack/bar food. The salads were amazing along with the hummus plate. We loved the fresh cut fries and the Margarita Pizza really hit the spot. Portion sizes matched the price and location. My only regret is that the Beach House VT is so far from PA and we only get to Burlington once a year. But when we are in town camping at the North Beach Campground we love to frequent this place and let the stress flow away.

Outstanding staff and great food that's reasonably priced. Plenty of seating in a comfortable pub…read moreatmosphere.

I discovered this place the first time I came to Vermont and visited St Albans. This is a great pub…read morethe food was delicious fast and friendly service.