Local Craft Ales & Root Beer Traditions Around Lake George

Whether you are searching for a breezy waterfront terrace for a crisp evening pint or a nostalgic village spot famous for its artisanal root beer floats, Lake George has a toast for everyone. The area's craft-beer scene has grown wonderfully, while a few beloved root beer traditions keep the whole family happy. Here is our curated guide to the best family-friendly venues where the locals go to celebrate another perfect day on the lake — complete with a directory of locations at the end.

The Lagoon — waterfront pints in the Village

Tucked into the Village Mall in the heart of Lake George, The Lagoon is the easy answer when you want a crisp pint with a lake breeze. The bar-and-grill rotates a local assortment of craft beers and ciders across 20 taps, and the laid-back, dog-friendly patio is made for a relaxed summer evening.

With wood-fired pizzas and a kids menu alongside the taps, it is genuinely family-friendly — grown-ups can sample a flight while the little ones dig into a slice.

Moose Tooth Grill — the root beer float institution

If there is one nostalgic village spot famous for its root beer, it is Moose Tooth Grill on Canada Street. The house-made Moose Wizz Root Beer comes with free refills, and the root beer float is the stuff of local legend — fans call it "to die for."

Grown-ups are not left out: Moose Tooth also pours one of the largest draft selections around, with a dozen beers from across upstate New York. It is the rare spot where a craft-beer fan and a root-beer-float kid can sit at the same happy table.

Adirondack Pub & Brewery — Lake George's hometown brewery

Right on Canada Street, the Adirondack Pub & Brewery brews award-winning beer in the adjoining brewery and pairs it with hearty American fare. Look for local staples like Bear Naked Ale, Iroquois Pale Ale, and Bobcat Pilsner.

It is a true hometown brewpub — lively, welcoming, and a great place to taste what Lake George itself is brewing.

Bolton Landing Brewing Company — a brewpub with character

A few miles north in Bolton, Bolton Landing Brewing Company pours its craft beer from 6-plus taps inside a beautifully renovated 1890s home across from Rogers Park. Signature brews include the Urban Lumberjack Imperial Stout, Paradise Bay IPA, Pinnacle Sunrise American Light Lager, and First Resort Kolsch.

The historic setting and rotating lineup make it well worth the short drive up the lakeshore.

Directory of locations

The Lagoon

• Address: 204 Canada St, Lake George, NY 12845 (Village Mall)

• Known for: 20 rotating craft beer and cider taps, lakeside-village patio, wood-fired pizza, dog and family friendly

Moose Tooth Grill

• Address: 327 Canada St, Lake George, NY 12845

• Known for: house-made Moose Wizz Root Beer and famous root beer floats, plus 12 upstate NY draft beers

Adirondack Pub & Brewery

• Address: 33 Canada St, Lake George, NY 12845

• Phone: (518) 668-0002

• Known for: award-winning house-brewed beers including Bear Naked Ale, Iroquois Pale Ale, and Bobcat Pilsner

Bolton Landing Brewing Company

• Address: 4933 Lake Shore Dr, Bolton, NY 12814 (across from Rogers Park)

• Known for: craft beer on 6+ taps in a restored 1890s home; brews include Urban Lumberjack Imperial Stout, Paradise Bay IPA, and First Resort Kolsch

A toast to another perfect day

From a waterfront pint to a frothy root beer float, the Lake George area gives every generation a reason to raise a glass. Pick your spot, gather your people, and toast another beautiful day on the lake.

Please drink responsibly, and always arrange a safe ride home.

See you around the lake,

Greetings From Lake George

Cover photo: a root beer float, via Wikimedia Commons.