It begins with the thawing of the dirt-filled snow banks and then the sweeping of the sidewalks — It’s the start of patio season in Glens Falls! Many of Glens Falls’ downtown restaurants are able to offer outdoor seating, which is the perfect way to continue to keep your distance from other restaurant-goers while taking in the fresh air of spring and enjoying a good meal.
Christina Richards, owner of [farmacy] restobar located on Ridge Street, says, “We are excited to open our patio and make it welcoming. We are extremely grateful to the City of Glens Falls, the mayor, and all of the people involved in making the fast, difficult decisions that needed to be made since March of last year. We appreciated them being supportive of small businesses and staying fluid with the restrictions and regulations to allow all of us businesses to do our best to thrive, while maintaining a safe approach to operating.”
The Farmacy crew believes patio use isn’t just important this year, it’s essential. Christina says, “I think all of us businesses are being forced to be creative on how to bring the comforts of indoor dining, outdoors. This al fresco approach not only allows us to recapture some of our lost or limited seating, but it will also act as a segue for those patrons that may still be hesitant on indoor dining, but are also anxiously awaiting some sense of normalcy.”
“Most of us have had patio seating in the past, but now it seems it’s more of our daily operations. I feel like each business is doing a little more to decorate, light up, or even heat their patios at times than they have in the past. It is a nice addition to the city and makes the streets seem filled with energy and passion for what we all do,” adds Christina.
Adam Savage, Director of Culinary for the Queensbury Hotel‘s two restaurants, Park 26 and Fenimore’s, says, “We have fabulous al fresco dining on our veranda as well as our charming courtyard.”
Another exciting part of spring at restaurants in Glens Falls is that many menus change to reflect the fresher options available this time of year. Many local restaurants work directly with local farms or shop at the Glens Falls Farmers Market to offer fresh products that make for unique menu options.
Doc’s Restaurant is also welcoming guests for patio dining, celebrating the start of patio season from May 5 to 9, with live music all weekend and the launch of a new menu, says restaurant manager, Megan Podrazik. She adds, “Our new menu will showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients, and we are looking forward to collaborating with local farms and producers throughout the summer!”
“I can tell you this we are very much looking forward to the awesome spring bounty of regional produce that is just about to go to harvest! A couple items we have slated for our spring menu are English Pea Ravioli, Prosciutto, Pea Shoots, Ramp Butter. Also Duck Confit Wings, Curry, Ginger Rhubarb Sauce. We also will use many other spring ingredients as they become available,” says Adam at the Q.
The Glens Falls restaurant scene has something for everyone and for all occasions. Whether you’re craving the perfect burger, looking for international cuisine, or prefer a vegan option, Glens Falls has it all.
An up to date list of restaurants in Glens Falls can be found here on the Glens Falls Collaborative Dining Guide, downloadable as a PDF.
