By Kat Fitzpatrick
The Garrison, a long-time haunt for Lake
George locals, has re-opened. The local eatery,
closed in 2012, was purchased by Beach
Road Properties LLC in December of last
year and underwent extensive renovations.
The restaurant at 220 Beach Road, Lake
George, officially opened with little fanfare.
“We didn’t advertise or anything,” said general
manager Mark French. “We had a soft
opening the night before for the people who
helped in the renovation. There were 100
people that sat down and ordered. It was a
‘stress test’ on the place.”
The menu, though revitalized, is not much
changed from what it was before the sale and
renovation. There are still the same sweet
potato fries customers came to know and
the same pub fare.
“We tried to keep it somewhat similar,”
said French. “A lot of burgers, fish and chips,
seven different salads.”
Burger names such as Prospect Mountain,
Buck Mountain, and Log Jam give a
local flare to the selections, as do the Koom
Sandwich, and the Great Camp BLT. There’s
also the Adirondack Lumber jack, a double
burger with smoked bacon, pepperjack
cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion with a
garlic and herb aioli.
Sandwiches include the Calves Pen, a
toasted hoagie with warm roast beef, sauteed
onions and mushrooms, and horseradish dill
cream, topped with melted provolone cheese.
Wraps include the Asparagian, which
has grilled asparagus and spinach, roasted
red peppers, ham, Swiss cheese and honey
mustard dressing.
New to the restaurant is the extensive
outdoor seating that includes room for 30
people at four tables, plus three high-tops.
The Garrison will be open year-round
and while the patio may not always be comfortable
for enjoying a meal, there is some
consideration into making the outdoor area
a welcome place in all seasons.
“We might get a fireplace for the deck,”
said French.
The restaurant is still family friendly with
a kid’s menu and an art station to help keep
children busy while waiting for food.
“The kids love the chalk boards,” French
said. “They can just run up and draw on
them,”
While the restaurant boasts new owners
and a new look, the old sign still hangs by the
road. “We can’t change the sign,” said French.
“You can’t really because you’ll be changing
the look and that requires a long process. So
we just resurfaced it and painted it.”
“A lot of people that used to come here are
coming back,” said French. “Hopefully, we’ll
keep all the locals coming back.”
Live music is planned for the winter season.
Updates and information can be found
at their website, www.thegarrisonlakegeorge.com or on their Facebook page or by calling
685-3013. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to close.
Photo by Lisa Balschunat