5
March

Visiting the Olympic sites and hiking the Adirondacks can leave any visitor to Lake Placid in dire need of a good beer.

We were, of course, no exception. Our days snowshoeing through the woods and checking out the Olympic history of the town left us in desperate need of refreshment. So when we heard that a local pub had been given the distinction as New York State’s best craft brewery on more than one occasion, we decided to check it out. And that’s how we discovered Ubu Ale, quite possibly the best beer we have ever tasted, at the Lake Placid Brewery.

One would not assume that one of the greatest beers ever is produced in this rustic brown building around the corner from the Olympic Center.

As we climbed the stairs to the dining room, we passed a sign “Welcome to the birthplace of Ubu Ale.” Ubu? What a weird name! Guess we’ll have to try some of that!

What in the world is an Ubu Ale?

The Ubu Story
Ubu is much more than just a beer with a funny name. This red-tinted beer gets its name from a beloved chocolate brown Labrador, and is by far the smoothest beer I’ve ever tasted. I’m not usually a beer fan, but even I couldn’t pass this one up. It’s English pub-style and perfect amount of hops gave it just a hint of sweetness with no bitter aftertaste. It’s recommended to pair it with rich, red meats, and I’d have to agree: it tasted great with my Chipotle steak wrap. It’s also a great beer to enjoy on it’s own, without food.

The Dining Experience
The dining room is cozy and relaxing, with an Adirondack touch in it’s furniture and hospitality. After a day on the slopes, skiers make their way from Whiteface Mountain to refresh themselves at the Lake Placid Brewery and thaw themselves by the fireplace. If you’re looking to skip a meal and just grab a drink, head downstairs to the PJ O’Neill’s Irish-style pub and billiards room. Be prepared, you may have quite the wait! Fortunately, there’s no shortage of beers to sample while you pass the time.

The Brewery
Ubu, as well as several other beers, is brewed just to the back of the dining room, although there’s a second brewing facility in Plattsburgh, NY. Don’t get too distracted by the great food and brews that you forget to take a look at how it all gets made!

Lake Placid craft beer, particularly Ubu Ale, continues to grow in popularity and expand in production. It can now be purchased throughout the eastern United States.

Freshly brewed Ubu Ale

Freshly brewed Ubu Ale. Bring it on!

And don’t forget to take a 6-pack or a Growler home to enjoy later!

Don't forget to take some Ubu home with you!

Don't forget to take some Ubu home with you!

What else you need to know
The Lake Placid Brewery is located on Mirror Lake drive, about two blocks from the Olympic Center. Its hours are 11:00 am - 9:00 pm on weekdays, 10:00 pm on weekends. Arrive early to secure seating. Find out more here.

Ubu Ale at the Lake Placid Brewery ranks as the best beer we’ve tasted yet.

What’s your favorite beer and where can we try some of it?

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