Taste the High Peaks, one pint at a time

Lake Placid may be known for its Olympic history and mountain views, but in recent years, a craft beer scene has quietly taken root between the ski jumps and the mirror-still lake. What began with a legendary brewpub in 1996 has blossomed into a full-fledged beer destination, with a cluster of in-town stops and, for those willing to saddle up, a remarkable bike-to-brew corridor along the Adirondack Rail Trail stretching all the way from Lake Placid through Saranac Lake to Tupper Lake.

Exploring downtown on foot or hopping on a bike along the Adirondack Rail Trail, this brewery tour highlights every pour, offering a flavorful way to experience the High Peaks region.

Lake Placid Pub & Brewery

A cornerstone of the local craft beer scene, Lake Placid Pub & Brewery is often considered the grandfather of brewing in the region. Open since 1996, it’s where it all started for many visitors discovering craft beer in the region. Spread across three floors overlooking Mirror Lake, with a stone fireplace upstairs, the beloved P.J. O'Neill's Irish pub downstairs, and the Hop Loft on the third floor.

The flagship Ubu Ale, a deep garnet English Strong Ale, is a non-negotiable first pour. Beyond it, 12 taps rotate through everything from seasonal lagers and barleywines to hazy IPAs and rich stouts. The menu holds its own too, with wings, cheeseburgers, Detroit-style deep dish, and pub classics that hit the spot after a day on the mountain.

Tasting Notes: Wood-paneled walls, a crackling fireplace, and that just-right pub buzz. Malty, easy-drinking beers, a lineup that covers all the bases, and comfort food that pairs with pretty much everything. Equal parts après-ski, post-hike hangout, and classic local favorite.

Big Slide Brewery & Public House

Opened in 2016 by the same family behind the Lake Placid Pub & Brewery, Big Slide has always done things a little differently. The industrial-chic space, with a brewhouse right behind the concrete-topped bar and a dedicated "Funk Room" for wild and sour fermentation, signals creative ambition from the moment you walk in. A wall of wooden barrels aging beer in bourbon, whiskey, and wine casks is the centerpiece; the conversation-starting focal point of the whole room.

Ten rotating taps explore everything from crisp cream ales to tart Berliner Weisse and barrel-aged heavyweights. But the big news for 2026 is that Big Slide is evolving its kitchen into a Mexican-inspired restaurant concept. After years of acclaimed farm-to-table pub fare, the team is bringing the same commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients to a menu of tacos, birria pizza, and bold, seasonal flavors. The beer and the food are growing together, and the result is shaping up to be one of the most exciting dining rooms in the Adirondacks.

Tasting Notes: Balanced IPAs, rotating specialties, and beers that lean a little adventurous. Vibrant, welcoming, and just the right mix of polished and playful. Expect a few surprises, both in the glass and on the plate.

Prison City Brewing

There’s a love story woven into this taproom. Prison City Brewing was founded in Auburn, NY by Dawn and Marc Schulz, who first crossed paths in Lake Placid in the 1990s. Their journey eventually led them back to the Adirondacks with a 710-square-foot Main Street tasting room that feels like a true homecoming.

Prison City earned its national reputation through meticulous, award-winning brewing. The Mass Riot hazy IPA quickly drew widespread demand, and the Wham Whams imperial coconut vanilla stout was named best in New York State. The ADK location brings that same beer to the heart of the Adirondacks, poured in a compact, focused space perfect for a curated flight and a real conversation about what’s in the glass.

Tasting Notes: Juicy IPAs, rotating small-batch experiments, and a lineup that changes just enough to keep you guessing. Located on Main Street, you'll get those easy downtown vibes rolling in with every visit. Small space, serious beer energy, and a setting that rewards slowing down for a proper flight.

The Boat Tasting Room

The Boat offers something genuinely different from the rest of the lineup. Wood Boat Brewery out of Clayton, NY (located along the St. Lawrence River in the Thousand Islands) has set up a satellite tasting room right across from the Olympic Center, and the concept is exactly as charming as it sounds. The centerpiece of the tasting room is indeed a restored 30-foot 1960 Chris-Craft boat that has been converted into a serving bar.

On tap you’ll find Wood Boat’s flagship beers (including the citrusy Channel Marker IPA and smooth River Rye pale ale), plus spirits from Saint Lawrence Spirits and wines from Coyote Moon and Northern Flow Vineyards, all made in Clayton. It’s a collaborative love letter to New York’s North Country, with River Rat Cheese and Adirondack Summer Sausage rounding out the retail offerings. Dog-friendly, low-key, and staffed by folks who can walk you through every product behind the bar.

Tasting Notes: Unhurried and unexpectedly delightful, like stumbling onto a little corner of the St. Lawrence while miles from it. Chill and low-key, with a pace that invites you to slow down, sample a few pours, and enjoy a quieter side of the Lake Placid beer scene.

Raquette River Brewery Tasting Room

Raquette River Brewing has been a Tupper Lake institution since 2013, built from a garage homebrew setup into one of the most beloved small-batch breweries in the Adirondacks. In 2023, the owners brought their beers to Main Street Lake Placid with a compact tasting room tucked inside the Alpine Mall, and it quickly became a go-to pitstop for beer-minded visitors strolling the village.

The selection rotates through their core and seasonal ales, with staff who know the lineup deeply. It’s an ideal spot for a flight to round out your day or to grab something to take back to the cabin. Non-beer drinkers aren’t left out either, as the room offers options beyond beer, including canned cocktails and New York State wines and ciders.

Tasting Notes: Crisp lagers, easygoing ales, and no fuss in the best way. Cozy, neighborhood taproom energy with real local loyalty behind it. Laid-back pours in a relaxed space that makes it easy to slow things down a bit.

Bike-to-brew: exploring the Adirondack Rail Trail

The Adirondack Rail Trail now runs a full 34 miles from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake on a converted, vehicle-free railbed with no more than a 2% grade, making it one of the most accessible and scenic cycling routes in the Northeast. It also happens to pass within easy reach of four more fantastic breweries between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake. Whether you ride it solo or with others, this approximately 10-mile one-way run to Saranac Lake is a genuinely memorable way to earn your pints.

If you’re planning to stop at breweries along the way, make sure to drink responsibly and plan ahead for transportation. Never drink and ride, and avoid cycling if you’ve been drinking. Stick with water and food breaks between stops, and save the tastings for when you’ve safely finished your ride or have a designated plan to get back.

Ray Brook Brewhouse

Located between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, Ray Brook Brewhouse offers a convenient and comfortable stop for travelers exploring the region. It is located approximately 4 to 5 miles from Lake Placid on the Adirondack Rail Trail, along the stretch between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, making it an easy and accessible stop for cyclists passing through Ray Brook. You can bike out from Lake Placid and turn back here for a shorter ride, or use it as a pitstop as you continue along the Rail Trail toward Saranac Lake.

Tasting Notes: Balanced, sessionable beers in a relaxed, rustic setting, with food options to fuel your ride. A solid mid-route break for any Rail Trail journey.

RiverTrail Beerworks

A welcoming stop along the trail, RiverTrail Beerworks is built for cyclists, hikers, and anyone looking to refuel in a relaxed setting. It’s roughly a 10-mile ride from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake, making it a natural stop along the way. Inside, you’ll find a full brewery alongside a food menu designed for easy, satisfying fuel, plus golf simulators for a fun break off the bike. Outside, the patio offers a relaxed place to unwind and grab a drink before continuing your ride.

Tasting Notes: Smooth, easy-drinking beers with a focus on refreshment, with a menu that’s sure to impress any appetite. Think crisp lagers and approachable ales that hit the spot mid-ride.

Bitters & Bones

Part brewery, part restaurant, Bitters & Bones is a great stop that leans into local vibes and a lively atmosphere. It also features a rooftop patio overlooking the village, making it a prime spot to take in the downtown energy. In the summer, expect frequent events like live music that keep the space buzzing well into the evening.

Tasting Notes: Robust, flavorful beers paired with a substantial food menu. A great “reward stop” after a longer ride.

Blueline Brewery

Blueline Brewery embraces Adirondack identity with a friendly taproom atmosphere and a rotating selection of craft beers that reflect the seasons. From here, you can turn back toward Lake Placid or continue down the Rail Trail to take in lake views along the causeway and the woodsy stretches near Floodwood Road through Lake Clear.

Tasting Notes: Local character in every pour, with creative seasonal brews alongside familiar favorites that feel distinctly Adirondack.

Where the rails meet the ales

What makes a Lake Placid brewery tour special isn’t just the beer, but the pace of it all. A dedicated weekend or committed bar crawl can comfortably cover in-town Lake Placid stops in a day and the Rail Trail route the next morning. The trail is open year-round, though summer and fall offer the best cycling conditions. Be sure to check individual brewery hours before you head out.

The Adirondacks have always been a place people come to do something extraordinary. These days, that increasingly includes drinking extraordinarily well.