Since opening its doors three years ago, The Grateful Den in Glens Falls, NY, has grown into a neighborhood restaurant where customers feel like part of a family. From their eclectic twist on traditional pub fare to the rotating selection of craft beers, this locally-owned establishment offers a memorable dining experience for families, friends, and of course, Deadheads.
To make The Grateful Den even more welcoming and accessible for the future, owner Jeremy Carner will temporarily close the restaurant in July and August 2019 as it undergoes several upgrades.
Meet Jeremy Carner: The Man Behind the Restaurant
On New Year’s Eve in 2015, Carner and members of the Glens Falls community celebrated both the start of a new year and the grand opening of The Grateful Den. Carner dreamed of operating his own restaurant in the city, and The Grateful Den is that project finally coming to fruition.
A Corinth native, Carner moved to Glens Falls in 1993 to play high school ice hockey, and then graduated in 1996. “I’m fortunate that life got me to Glens Falls,” he told us.
In 1994, he began working at Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne, a non-profit organization that provides specialized programs and support for children and their families dealing with life-threatening illnesses. His time there helped motivate him to start his own business around 2008 called Carner’s Custom Catering, which now handles food services at Double H.
Years later, after gaining experience operating The Longhorn Restaurant & Pub in Lake Luzerne, he moved forward with his original plan and opened The Grateful Den in Glens Falls. The name of the restaurant was inspired by a former local eatery called The Den, and his own love for The Grateful Dead.
Enjoy the Amazing Flavors and Warm Atmosphere
Not only is The Grateful Den close to home for Carner, but he wanted it to feel like home for locals and other visitors. The restaurant serves up familiar pub fare, but many dishes have been given a unique take, like their signature burgers and sandwiches.
“From the burgers to the sandwiches, we do everything in house,” said Carner. “We slow cook the corned beef and pulled pork, and everything is fresh and cooked to order. We take pride in our pub fare.”
To complement their comfort food, the bar has 12 taps and a rotating selection of quality brews. While they feature local breweries, such as Common Roots, Mean Max, and Bolton Landing Brewing Co., you’ll always find a mixture of seasonal beers and ones popular with customers.
The combination of delicious food, drinks, and a warm atmosphere has made The Grateful Den into a place where families and friends can hang out together, and everyone is a “Denhead.”
Look Forward to The Grateful Den’s Fresh New Look
Over the past few years, The Grateful Den has worked to perfect its menu and keep customers satisfied. One thing Carner loves most about operating the restaurant is “communicating with the people he meets and have them feel like they’re in their own den at home.”
In response to customer suggestions, Carner will close The Grateful Den for most of July and August this year to complete a renovation project. His goal is to give the restaurant a fresh look and make it more comfortable and inviting to customers new and old.
A focus of the project is the dining room, which currently has high top tables. To better accommodate senior citizens and kids, there are plans to rearrange the layout and add some booth seating and standard-height tables. Changes in lighting will help improve the overall comfort level.
Besides the main dining area, the restaurant will receive a new back roof, parking upgrades, and other small touches like a refaced bar. Most of the renovations will be physical and aesthetic.
The project will start on June 30 this year, and Carner aims to reopen The Grateful Den on Saturday, August 31, just in time for Labor Day Weekend.
Become Part of the Grateful Den Family
If you’re worried about losing your favorite dish when The Grateful Den closes for a couple of months, you’ll be happy to hear they’ll continue to offer the same great menu items and specials upon reopening.
“We offer $3.95 per dozen clams every Saturday, a Fish Fry Friday with beer battered fish, Burger and a Pint Monday, and other specials,” Carner explained. The restaurant also hosts weekly bingo, trivia, and local and regional musicians to keep everyone entertained during their visit.
Neighborhood restaurants are an important part of a community, and here in Glens Falls, it’s exciting to hear about the changes happening at The Grateful Den. Be sure to stop by before they close at the end of June, and welcome them back after the renovations are complete.