Four Seasons of Flavor: Dining at The Cottage at Mirror Lake Inn
Enjoy an unforgettable experience at this popular year-round lakeside destination in Lake Placid.
Mirror Lake Inn’s charming casual restaurant, The Cottage, in Lake Placid. All photos courtesy of the Mirror Lake Inn.
Located directly on the serene shores of Mirror Lake, The Cottage at Mirror Lake Inn offers a dining experience that captures the heart and soul of Lake Placid’s culinary scene. This cozy lakeside restaurant, beloved by locals and visitors alike, is celebrated for its menu, breathtaking views, and ambiance, which welcome diners year-round.
Whether you’re searching for a warm and nourishing meal after a day on the slopes or a breezy lakeside lunch in the summer, The Cottage delivers a four-season dining experience that’s as versatile as it is memorable.
Where rustic meets refined.
The cottage interiors capture the charm of the Adirondacks, featuring a classic lakefront cabin ambiance, warm wood finishes, and panoramic windows that offer unmatched views of Mirror Lake.
The patio becomes a prime spot for al fresco dining in the summer. Guests can enjoy cocktails while watching kayakers and paddleboarders glide across the lake.
The Cottage’s dining room provides a cozy retreat in winter.
In the winter, the space transforms into a cozy retreat. A roaring fireplace creates the perfect atmosphere for après-ski activities or watching skaters glide across the frozen surface of Mirror Lake.
No matter the season, The Cottage exudes a welcoming vibe that pairs perfectly with its menu. It leans into hearty, flavorful dishes that satisfy casual diners and discerning foodies.
The menu: A feast for every palate.
The Cottage’s menu strikes the right balance between comfort food classics and elevated fare. Emphasizing locally sourced ingredients, the restaurant showcases the bounty of the Adirondacks while incorporating global influences.
The delicious Brussels sprout salad is a crowd pleaser.
Here are some standout offerings that patrons rave about:
Signature flatbread pizzas: These are a selection of crisp, wood-fired bases topped with pesto, prosciutto, fresh tomato sauce and mozzarella.
Apricot chicken salad: One of our favorites, this sandwich features white meat chicken tossed with dried apricots, sliced almonds, scallions and sesame ginger mayonnaise.
The Cottage Reuben features smoked meat, melted Swiss cheese, and fresh crunchy coleslaw served open-faced on marble rye with a 1000 Island dressing.
The BBQ pulled pork sandwich: A hearty, soulful entree served with fresh coleslaw on a pretzel roll.
Warm Brussels sprout salad: Roasted Brussels sprouts, applewood-smoked bacon, crisp apple, and toasted pecans tossed in a zingy white balsamic caper vinaigrette.
A hand-crafted flatbread pizza.
There are also daily soup and entree specials and a delightful assortment of hand-crafted cocktails. We are partial to the blood orange margarita in summer and the ginger hot toddy in the winter.
Four-season lakefront dining in Lake Placid.
What sets The Cottage apart is its ability to cater to every season. In the warmer months, diners can’t resist the draw of the outdoor patio, where sunsets over Mirror Lake provide an unbeatable backdrop.
The landscape is ablaze with autumn colors in fall, offering a picture-perfect setting for a leisurely meal. Wintertime diners often arrive bundled up from nearby Whiteface Mountain, ready to warm up with a steaming bowl of chili or Cottage Irish coffee. In spring, as the lake begins to thaw, the menu reflects the fresh, bright flavors of the season.
Customers often praise The Cottage’s staff for their attentiveness and knowledge of the menu. Whether suggesting a wine pairing or accommodating dietary restrictions, the team goes above and beyond to ensure every guest feels cared for.
Views of Mirror Lake don’t get any better than this.
The verdict: worth the trip.
Dining at The Cottage at Mirror Lake Inn is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that encapsulates the essence of the Adirondacks. From the thoughtfully crafted menu to the ever-changing yet always stunning views, this restaurant offers a slice of lakeside magic that lingers long after the last bite. Missing out on The Cottage would be a culinary oversight for those visiting Lake Placid.
So, whether you’re craving comfort food in winter or a lakeside cocktail in summer, The Cottage promises to deliver a dining experience that will keep you coming back for more.
Visit their website to learn more, or follow The Cottage’s Facebook page for the latest updates.
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