Lake Placid holds a special place in my heart, a destination I frequent often, spending countless nights immersed in its charm. What truly elevates Lake Placid is its exceptional restaurant scene, a testament to the rich culinary talent nurtured at Paul Smith’s College, a highly regarded institution for culinary arts. My own connection to this scene runs deep, as a Paul Smith’s alumnus myself, I have fond memories of spending time at the Dancing Bears Lounge, nestled within what was then the Lake Placid Hilton.
Though time has brought changes – the hotel is now known as High Peaks Resort and the lounge has evolved into the Dancing Bears Restaurant – locals still affectionately refer to it as the DBL. While the famed two-for-one drink specials and complimentary buffet of my college days are relics of the past, the name and the inviting atmosphere have endured.
Recently, a business lunch in Lake Placid presented the perfect opportunity to revisit this nostalgic spot and experience the Dancing Bears Restaurant anew. DBL strikes an ideal balance, offering a setting that is both rustic and cozy, yet entirely suitable for a business meeting. Our culinary journey began with appetizers: the Classic Nachos and the Tempura Shrimp. The menu’s tempting array of nacho variations, including the indulgent-sounding Cheeseburger Nachos, almost swayed us, but we ultimately opted for the Classic rendition. Wise choice – even a half order proved to be incredibly generous. The nachos were expertly layered with both cheese sauce and melted cheddar, ensuring every chip, even those at the bottom, were coated in cheesy goodness. A vibrant medley of tomatoes, jalapeños, and black olives completed the toppings (though I requested mine sans olives). Frankly, the nachos were so satisfying, a part of me regretted ordering an entrée at all! They were simply irresistible. While I usually request extra sour cream and salsa for dipping, the abundance of cheese sauce rendered it unnecessary. The Tempura Shrimp were equally impressive – perfectly cooked to a non-greasy golden hue, boasting a moist and succulent interior. Served in a charming miniature fryer basket, the presentation added a touch of flair to the dish.
For our main courses, my companion chose the Classic Burger with Cheese. Visually appealing, the burger looked almost too perfect to eat, yet my companion wasted no time in savoring it. Served hot and juicy on a wheat bun, it was cooked precisely to order. My selection, the Southwest Black Bean Burger, proved to be a flavor revelation. It offered a delightful hint of spice without being overpowering, a harmonious blend of tastes that truly exceeded expectations. The Black Bean Burger was elevated further by the addition of guacamole and salsa, a surprisingly delightful combination. Accompanying the burgers were house-made chips, seasoned flawlessly, avoiding any excess saltiness.
To conclude our meal, we shared a dessert, opting for the Carrot Cake, having been assured that all desserts are made in-house. And what a dessert it was! The Carrot Cake alone could have constituted a satisfying meal. Packed with nuts, raisins, and vegetables, it possessed a delightful density without feeling heavy. The cream cheese frosting was rich and thick, yet refreshingly not overly sweet or pasty – the perfect sweet ending to a memorable lunch at Dancing Bears Restaurant in Lake Placid.
As a reminder for those planning a visit, the Lake Placid Holiday Village Stroll is an enchanting event taking place December 12th through 14th. Park conveniently near the Olympic Center and enjoy a leisurely stroll down Main Street. At the end of your walk, you’ll find a collection of excellent restaurants and hotels, including the welcoming Dancing Bears Restaurant. It’s an ideal spot to warm up with a delicious cocktail and enjoy dinner or a satisfying snack during your Lake Placid exploration.
Dancing Bears Restaurant is located within the High Peaks Resort at 2384 Saranac Avenue, Lake Placid, New York. For further details, visit their website at highpeaksresort.com or contact the restaurant directly at 518-523-3619.
