A nice place to enjoy with friends in Downtown Saratoga Springs. The bartenders are friendly and…read morethe atmosphere relaxed. Great for mingling

This is a "must" when we're in Saratoga. We always try something new! The staff make wonderful…read morerecommendations. This time, we were there for trivia night. We got drawn into playing for a few rounds and enjoyed it! Amazing how much trivia we don't know.

The Gem was a pleasant find during our stay. We made reservations, which I highly recommend, and…read morechose it for my husband's 50th birthday celebration after another restaurant at the resort had completely missed the occasion the night before. No acknowledgment, candle, or mention of his birthday despite it being noted, so our expectations were modest. From the moment we arrived and were served cucumber water that was VERY refreshing, the Gem delivered a much better experience. The atmosphere was lively and inviting, and our server was friendly, attentive, and genuinely engaged throughout the meal. The cocktail menu was creative and fun. While I felt the pours were a bit shallow for $18-$20 drinks, and the oversized ice cubes seemed to take up a lot of glass real estate, the drinks themselves were well-made and enjoyable. The food was the star of the evening. Everything we ordered was delicious, and it was easily one of our better meals during the trip. When it came time for dessert, we asked if they could add a candle so we could celebrate my husband's birthday. Unfortunately, the dessert station had already closed, leaving bread pudding as the only option available. While that was a bit disappointing, our server went out of their way to make the moment special by bringing over a mini mint cordial. There was still no candle, but the thoughtful gesture was genuinely appreciated and meant far more than a scripted birthday acknowledgement. The Gem struck a great balance between good food, a fun atmosphere, and attentive service. Our only regret is that we didn't have another day to try the outdoor seating area in the back, which looked fantastic. Maybe next time!

Most Americans generally associate slow-cooked, wood-smoked meat with the southern regions of these…read moreUnited States. Finding respectable barbecue in upstate New York requires a slight adjustment of geographic expectations. The Gem, located in Bolton Landing, attempts this feat with a wood-fired smoker and an ambitious cocktail program. My wife ordered the smoked chicken wings and a side salad. The wings possessed a deep smoky flavor and properly rendered skin. The salad performed its minimal duties without incident. My youngest son consumed the kids cheese fries. They were sufficient to satisfy an 11 year old's palate, though underwhelming when subjected to adult inspection. I selected the brisket, which spent hours absorbing hardwood smoke. The flavor was rich and beefy, though the cut was somewhat leaner than I prefer. In my experience, truly magnificent brisket requires a generous layer of rendered fat to achieve complete structural tenderness. This was good, but it was not that. The genuine masterpiece at our table belonged to my oldest son, who ordered the pulled pork. It was moist, tender, and properly seasoned. I found myself eyeing his plate with the quiet envy of a father who made the wrong selection at the counter. To assist with the meat, the establishment places four distinct sauces at every table: Texas Red, Carolina Copper, Georgia Mustard, and Alabama White. Experimenting with all four is an enjoyable exercise in flavor chemistry. The bar produces some of the finest craft cocktails in Bolton Landing, maybe in the entire Lake George region. The drinks are mixed with intelligence and high-quality spirits, which helps soothe the human nervous system after a long day in the sun. The primary defect of The Gem is monetary. Prices in Bolton Landing include an unwritten tax levied on tourists. Other local establishments justify these steep prices by offering a view of Lake George. The Gem sits on Lake Shore Drive, offering a view of asphalt and passing automobiles instead of water. Paying high-end prices for barbecue without a lake view attached makes the final bill a bit harder to digest. Still, the pulled pork and the cocktails were good enough to warrant a return visit. One must simply prepare to surrender a few extra dollars for the privilege.

This is a relaxed, welcoming spot for a cocktail and good conversation. I've been here a few times…read moreand enjoyed discovering New York State spirits, well-made and satisfyingly substantial cocktails, and live music that adds to the atmosphere. What stands out most, though, is the sense of community. I've seen strangers come together to support someone who wasn't feeling well, and that moment really reflected the kindness and positive energy of the people who gather here. So stop on by, grab a drink, and enjoy the day.

This place is very nice -- welcoming, artsy, comfortable, small but personable. We live across the…read morestreet, and my husband and I wanted to give it a try. Unfortunately, it was not a great experience. The bartender served our drinks with no napkins and no lime. Details are key in a place like this. It was also loud, and it looked like a birthday party was happening. If that was the case, maybe the place should have closed to the public to accommodate that celebration. People were loud and drunk, and the birthday boy was saying vulgar things. We will not be coming back.

Loved supporting this black owned business! We came on a Saturday night and there was a DJ playing…read morea good mix of everything. Our mocktails were super tasty and tropical with a hint of guava! Bartenders were also friendly. There's some additional seating upstairs and in the back patio area.

Have been a couple of times. The owner and staff are very friendly. They have some interesting…read morebottles to try. When I did not know what I wanted, the owner actually took some time to tell me about some of the different bottles they have. That's customer service! You see that so little these days. Plus there is a cool little outdoor area in the back that you could not even tell is there from the outside. Best of luck to you!

This is a different place. They don't distill the whiskies here - they bottle them…read more Small but clean tasting room. You get a flight of four (4) 0.25 oz pours. That adds up to less than a shot but when you realize all of the pours are 110 proof and higher (one of my samples was 146 proof!!!) you understand why the samples are small. The Mom of one of the owners was our tasting guide and she did an excellent job explaining the sources of the whiskies and other details about the business model, which is unique. She also mentioned that the 'hazmat' whiskies cannot be put into your checked luggage on a plane. The whiskies are expen$ive - $100 and up per bottle. You can join a club and they'll ship you a bottle per month for $90, unsure if that includes shipping Except, ironically enough, in VT - you have to pick up your bottle there. Gotta love wacky state liquor laws. If you like cask strength whiskies, come visit Lost Lantern Whiskey.

Wonderful and quaint whiskey distillery in VT great to try some lovely single malts & bourbons…read more Co-owner was so kind and informative telling us about where the casks of each bottle was sourced in the USA and the story from the farms or people they came from. Wonderful experience and Award-winning whiskeys.

I travel a lot for work, so often end up out by myself. Mike at The Whiskey Room made me feel like…read moreI had made a new friend while I enjoyed delicious drinks and food. It also seemed like a place to enjoy with friends. I would definitely go back!

I was a little hesitant coming here because great food is just as important to me as great drinks,…read moreand the menu was very limited. The menu listed only two mains: a "Charred Oat Burger" and a "Short Rib Toastie" in addition to two salads and four "shareables". I believe there were one or two specials that day as well, one being Steak Frites. But the food reviews were good and the drink reviews were great so I decided to go. Even if I had second thoughts the welcome from Bob the bartender when I entered (first customer when I arrived at 5:00 opening time) seemed so sincere that not staying was out of the question. I took my seat at the bar (supposedly rebuilt with materials from a bar in Ireland that closed). Bob was great, with an enthusiasm for great whiskey that he couldn't hide if he tried, and didn't seem to mind that I'm not enough of a connoisseur to have many opinions of my own. Between other customers that soon filled the place he kept me talking and I'm not much of a talker. About whiskey, where I'm from, Burlington in general, and he gave me some tips on some lesser-known Vermont attractions I didn't know about. Their whiskey collection was large and from many lands. Having just returned from Ireland I was pleased to see several I remember from my visit - not just the usual Jamesons here! I prefer a cocktail to straight whiskey though, so it was Sazeracs tonight. Two specialties. First the Rosemary's Sazerac: Bulleit Rye, rosemary syrup, Peychauds bitters, rinse of Laphroaig, torched rosemary sprig. My second was also a Sazerac: their Irish Sazerac, made with an Irish whiskey and other ingredients which I've forgotten. Both drinks were fantastic, generous with the alcohol, and made with attention to details like properly-sized ice cubes (large) and pre-chilled glasses. For food I got the "Charred Oak Burger." I don't know where the "oak" comes in. The only burger on the menu, it was made with two thin patties, a great quantity of whiskey & honey-glazed pork belly in large pieces, kimchi mayo, and a brioche bun. One of the most interesting burgers I've had in a long time. Even though it was a bit overstuffed more due to the pork belly than the patties I managed to eat it without it falling apart, a common problem with burgers. Instead of the fries it came with I elected to get the roasted Brussels sprouts instead, a special shareable of the day. I don't think I was charged extra even though it was a rather large portion. These were excellent too, sweet and bacony with no bitterness. As it got busier the noise level increased but only moderately. I liked the music playing, a mix of blues and energetic classic rock. Overhearing other conversations I could tell that these were discerning customers who took their whiskey seriously and asked detailed questions before settling on their choice of libation. Just two things on the dessert menu: Chocolate Overload and Caramel Sea Salt Cheesecake. I got the Overload: chocolate cake with Bailey's Irish Cream sauce. Nothing special but I enjoyed it; a nice way to finish the meal. It was big enough that I took about half home, along with half the Brussels sprouts. This is definitely a place I want to come back to. I wish the food menu was more extensive but that burger and sprouts were so good I could see repeating the same menu again, trying new specialty cocktails next time.

One of my son-in-laws loves Whistle Pig, so stopping in for my wife and I was a must do while in…read morethe area. Simon Pierce is next door. Second floor tasting room. Lots of choices. Friendly and welcoming woman behind the counter helped with my selection. Worth a visit even if you aren't a Rye (or bourbon) drinker.

Kelin was our staff member/server. Very knowledgeable of all liqour. Made our first visit…read morememorable. Did a tasting and bought a few things. Area is intimate and not loud at all. Great area to have a great tasting.

This place is AMAZING and our server, Jordan was the best! Sweet, polite and very attentive. We…read moredecided to go here on a whim and my God I'm glad we did. The food looked amazing. Everything. And I mean EVERYTHING WE ORDERED WAS AMAZING!! Watermelon salad to start off then split $1 wings. Yep that's right. $1 chicken wings and lastly we split a burger and added egg. I mean come on!! The flavor explosion in my mouth was ridiculous. I'm coming back for you!! I want to try one of everything please.

Back for a quick late afternoon/early eve bite and for the Tuesday special 18 dollars oysters,…read morewhich were silky fresh, briny and delicious! Also had a cup of their creamy tomato soup on special. Food came quickly, service was attentive but not rushed. Local lager topped off an excellent snack! I did not like being seated next to the front door on a very chilly and windy evening, especially after commenting how lovely and warm the fire and fireplace looked. I can't image anyone would.

Such a cute whiskey bar... it is their opening weekend, and the service was awesome!…read more Downtown Albany will definitely appreciate this cozy hot spot!

We have been there several times and love everything about it: the staff's attention to details-…read moreand attentiveness- the décor; music choices; meeting the owner, Dave, and the manager, Earl; and of course, the food and wine! Yes, it is more expensive than the other restaurants in Bolton, but please remember, the food is superior, AND they have to get daily fresh seafood and meat to an upstate hamlet.

Food and ambiance was really good food was on the pricey side but overall I think it was very good…read morefor the experience