Hey beer buddies and camp life lovers! Wherever my husband and I camp we make sure to scope out the local breweries. We had the chance to find some really great spots while camping at Lake George RV Park. Today, we’ll take you on a hoppy adventure through the best breweries near Lake George.
Who says the perfect lakeside day can’t include a cold brew in hand? From crisp ales with a view to lagers that perfectly complement a sunset by the lake. We’re about to uncap the hidden gems of the craft beer scene in Lake George. So, grab your pint glasses and sit back – it’s time for a sip and savor kind of adventure!
Northway Brewing Co.
Northway Brewing Co. was started in 2016, originally contracting out their brews but founding their own brand in 2018. The location is industrial and very spacious, using raw materials like corrugated metal and wood planks. A large mural of their name surrounded by Adirondack peaks sets the mood for adventure. Keep reading to see why this is one of the best breweries near Lake George!
The beers on tap in early fall were incredibly varied, but each more delicious than the next. Flights were offered so we ordered a few to taste and find out favorites. They have plenty of staple lagers and and IPAs but what really got us was their more experimental beers!
Northway Brewing had some flavor combinations that we had never seen before. One that I particularly loved was their “Berry Berry Hard Tea”. It’s in collaboration with Saratoga Tea & Honey Co and the only hard tea I’ve ever come across. It is a Crimson berry flavor with an infusion of currants, hibiscus, rose hips, cranberries, and elderberries. It was so light and refreshing I bought a growler to bring back to the campsite with us! You can check out their full tap list on their website here.
The brewery also has an outdoor seating area if the weather is nice. Parked out front is the Streaking Moose BBQ food truck. You can order at the truck or from the bar and the food is delicious. The wings absolutely melted off the bones and were so flavorful. We also had the smash burger which came on a brioche roll and an aioli that was – *chef’s kiss*. We got to wrap up our visit with a jaw dropping sunset!
The Algonquin
I have to admit, this one is not technically a brewery. BUT they had a great local beer list and still make it on this list for being a great place to stop for a pint and lunch. The Algonquin is situated right on Lake George and operates seasonally from April through October.
The place was packed even for an early lunch. They don’t take reservations but we didn’t have trouble getting an outdoor table after a few minutes. And let me tell you it is worth waiting for an outdoor table if you have to because the view is out of this world!
While you take in the breathtaking vista of the Adirondacks looming over Lake George you can indulge in some of the Algonquin specialties. I highly recommend the Ahi Tuna Skiffs, served on thing crispy wontons and so good. Their flagship dish is the Fish Points, a tender fillet of sole, pan seared and topped with a rich lemon butter. Make sure you save room for dessert because they had the best pumpkin cheesecake I have ever had!
Whitman Brewing Co.
Whitman Brewing Co. is a vibrant hub for craft beer enthusiasts. This local gem offers a laid-back yet spirited atmosphere, where the clinking of glasses and the hum of lively conversations create a soundtrack for an unforgettable evening.
With their ever-changing lineup of handcrafted brews, Whitman Brewing Co. prides itself on it’s award winning flavors. From wheat & farmhouse beers, to dark beers, and even some surprising sours, there is a beer for every palette here.
The decor is industrial chic and welcoming. There are large communal tables and plenty of games to play with friends! While we did not get to experience this they often plan live music and events. And did I mention they have pizza?
That’s right, Detroit Style pizza! Now if you’re from New England like me, this may not be your favorite style of pizza. (New Haven I’m lookin’ at you). But I can promise it’s worth the trip! The pizza had a nice, crispy crust and the perfect topping ratio! Think focaccia texture with a flavor bomb of toppings.
With flavors like their “CBR” (Hickory Smoked Chicken / Crispy Bacon / Banana Peppers / House Made Buttermilk Ranch) and “My Italian Grandpa” (House Made D.O.P. San Marzano Sauce / Mozzarella / Hot + Sweet Italian Sausage / Calabrian Chiles / Gremolata / Parmesan) you can’t go wrong.
Whitman Brewing also offers a cafe style menu with breakfast sandwiches. These are accompanied by smoothies, a full coffee menu and other delicious breakfast items. It is definitely on our list to come back for breakfast next time we are in town!
Druthers Brewing Co.
Winner of multiple World Beer Cup Awards, Druthers prides themselves in making high quality craft beers. Their philosophy is to never cut corners and always use the highest quality ingredients!
When you come across Druthers in downtown Saratoga you will immediately be drawn in. The iron gates welcome you in to a beautifully decorated alley that leads to an open air dining space, then the brewery. I was obsessed with the hanging plants that created a canopy across the exterior space.
Druthers has a handful of beers they brew all year long. These include a scottish ale, an indian pale ale, a blonde and a DDH neipa. They also brew a ton of rotating seasonal beers that offer a little bit of everything. If you are a fan of sour beers like I am you are in luck because Druthers has some excellent gose beers! You can view their full current tap list on their website. They do also have a full restaurant menu that we didn’t get to try, but looked excellent.
One of our favorite parts of this brewery was their beer flights. Since there are so many amazing beers to try here the flight makes it easy to sample a lot. The size of the flight beers were larger than a typical brewery where you only get a few sips of each beer. This let us really enjoy each beer!
So let’s raise a final glasses to the best breweries near Lake George. From the bold creativity of the local brewers to the laid-back vibes of lakeside tasting rooms, Lake George’s craft beer scene has proven itself a destination within a destination. Whether you’ve found your favorite IPA or simply savored the richness of a stout against the backdrop of the Adirondacks, these breweries are worth the trip. They weave another layer into the fabric of Lake George’s charm.
Here’s to the cheers, the clinks, and the delightful discoveries that make sipping your way through the breweries of Lake George a truly refreshing experience. Until next time, may your beers be cold, your company be stellar, and your lakeside views be endlessly breathtaking. Happy camping!
