5 Great Restaurants Near Harding Mazzotti Arena in Glens Falls
Looking for restaurants near Harding Mazzotti Arena before an Adirondack Thunder game, concert, or family show? Downtown Glens Falls is home to a variety of excellent dining options, all within a short walk of the arena. From authentic Texas-style barbecue and local craft breweries to upscale American cuisine and neighborhood taverns, it's easy to turn event night into a complete downtown experience.
For most 7:00 PM events, plan to be seated for dinner between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy your meal, walk to the arena, and find your seats before the action begins. On sold-out Thunder games and major concerts, arriving early is even more important.
Here are five of the best restaurants near Harding Mazzotti Arena.
Fire Mission Smokehouse & Taproom: Authentic Texas-Style BBQ Near Harding Mazzotti Arena
Distance to Arena: About a 5-minute walk
Vibe: Casual, lively, wood-fired barbecue and craft beer
If you're craving authentic Texas-style barbecue before puck drop, Fire Mission Smokehouse & Taproom is one of downtown's top choices. Known for its low-and-slow smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, wings, and hearty comfort food, it's an easy place to satisfy a hungry group before heading to the arena.
The spacious dining room and relaxed atmosphere make it especially popular with families, hockey fans, and groups meeting before a game. Service is typically quick enough to comfortably enjoy dinner before making the short walk to Harding Mazzotti Arena.
"Definitely the place to go for great bbq, brisket and ribs! Craft beers. Veteran owned and operated. One of the best things to happen to Glens Falls."- adk cruise, Google Review
Davidson Brothers Restaurant & Brewery: A Glens Falls Tradition for Pre-Game Brews
Distance to Arena: About a 6-minute walk
Vibe: Local brewery, classic American fare, family-friendly
A longtime downtown favorite, Davidson Brothers Restaurant & Brewery has been welcoming locals and visitors for decades. The menu features burgers, sandwiches, steaks, seafood, salads, and house-brewed beers that appeal to just about everyone.
Its large dining room makes it one of the easiest places to accommodate larger parties before Adirondack Thunder games or concerts. If you're meeting friends before the game, this is one of the most dependable options within walking distance.
Pair dinner with one of Davidson Brothers’ house-brewed beers, like Fiddlehead IPA or Wolf Hollow Red Ale, before making the short walk to the arena. Their menu of burgers, sandwiches, steaks, seafood, salads, and brewery favorites makes it a dependable choice for groups.
"Great place for food, drinks and a very chill environment! We ate here before the Thunder hockey game"- Colin B., Google Review
Mint: Elevated Downtown Dining Before Concerts & Special Events
Distance to Arena: About a 6-minute walk
Vibe: Contemporary American dining, date night, cocktails
For a more elevated dinner before a concert or special event, Mint offers contemporary American cuisine in an inviting downtown setting. Seasonal ingredients, thoughtfully prepared entrees, and handcrafted cocktails make it a favorite for date nights and celebrations.
Although the atmosphere feels upscale, service is attentive and efficient, making it possible to enjoy a quality meal before a 7:00 PM event when you arrive around 5:00 PM.
If you're attending a comedy show, concert, or special performance at Harding Mazzotti Arena, Mint is an excellent way to begin the evening.
"Incredible and can’t wait to come back! Food was phenomenal and the service was great. " - Erin D., Google Review
Park & Elm: Seasonal American Cuisine Just Steps from the Arena
Distance to Arena: About a 5-minute walk
Vibe: Modern American, craft cocktails, upscale casual
For something more elevated, Park & Elm offers seasonal plates and craft cocktails in a polished downtown setting. Menu highlights may include dishes like seared tuna tacos, house-made ravioli, miso glazed black cod, or the Whiskey River Burger with bacon, gouda, crispy onions, and whiskey BBQ.
Its downtown location also makes it convenient if you're exploring shops or grabbing dessert after the game.
"Everything at Park & Elm is outstanding, from the food to the ambiance to the service. The meal was one of the best, if not THE best, that I have had in my entire life." - Shannon B., Google Review
Downtown City Tavern: Artisan Pizza & Casual Dining Near Harding Mazzotti Arena
Distance to Arena: About an 8-minute walk
Vibe: Neighborhood tavern, casual, sports-friendly
If convenience is your priority, Downtown City Tavern is one of the closest restaurants to Harding Mazzotti Arena. The casual setting, approachable menu, and welcoming atmosphere make it an easy choice before hockey games and concerts.
You'll find pub favorites, sandwiches, burgers, wings, and rotating specials that pair well with a quick pre-game meal. It's especially popular with locals looking for a relaxed place to gather before heading across downtown.
Along with burgers, sandwiches, and pub favorites, Downtown City Tavern is especially known for its artisan pizzas, making it a popular stop before hockey games and concerts.
Because of its proximity, it's one of the easiest restaurants to fit into your game-day schedule.
"Great place to grab a bite before a hockey game!" - Annie, Google Review
Tips for Planning Your Pre-Game Dinner
- Plan to arrive downtown around 5:00 PM for most 7:00 PM events.
- Make reservations when possible on Adirondack Thunder game nights or during major concerts.
- Most downtown restaurants are within a 2 to 6-minute walk of Harding Mazzotti Arena.
- Leave yourself extra time for parking and getting through arena security.
- If you're attending with a larger group, breweries and taverns often have the most flexible seating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurants Near Harding Mazzotti Arena
How early should I arrive for dinner before a 7:00 PM event?
For most evening events, plan to arrive at your restaurant between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM. This allows plenty of time to enjoy your meal, walk to Harding Mazzotti Arena, and get through security before the event begins.
Is there parking near these restaurants and Harding Mazzotti Arena?
Yes. Downtown Glens Falls offers several public parking lots, garages, and on-street parking options within walking distance of both the restaurants and Harding Mazzotti Arena. During sold-out Adirondack Thunder games and major concerts, it's a good idea to arrive early to secure a convenient parking spot.
Visit https://hardingmazzottiarena.com/arena-info/parking/ for more information.
Are these downtown Glens Falls restaurants family-friendly?
Absolutely. Restaurants like Davidson Brothers Restaurant & Brewery and Fire Mission Smokehouse & Taproom are especially popular with families thanks to their casual atmosphere, generous menus, and spacious dining areas. Other featured restaurants offer options ranging from casual tavern fare to upscale dining for date nights and special occasions.
Make It a Full Night in Downtown Glens Falls
One of the biggest advantages of attending an event at Harding Mazzotti Arena is that your evening doesn't have to begin and end with the game. Enjoy dinner before the event, explore downtown shops, grab dessert afterward, or stop in for a drink with friends.
Attending an event at Harding Mazzotti Arena is the perfect excuse to spend an evening exploring downtown Glens Falls. Enjoy dinner before the show, browse local shops, grab dessert afterward, or meet friends for drinks after the final buzzer.
Want to explore even more options? Browse our complete directory of Downtown Glens Falls restaurants to find the perfect place for your next night out.
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