Nest: The Adirondack Dining Gem You Need to Visit
Just south-west of Old Forge in Thendara is a culinary gem worth discovering.
Tucked off NY-28 in the heart of the western Adirondacks, just a short drive from the bustle of Old Forge, lies Nest — a restaurant where rustic-Adirondack ambiance meets polished craft cuisine, brought to life by chef-owner Rick LaPorte. This is not your camp-comfort boilerplate; it’s a dining experience where intentional sourcing, seasonal creativity and genuine warmth build the story behind each plate.
Welcome to Nest, a charming and flavorful place that has quickly become a favorite among locals and travelers alike. This not-so-hidden gem, where good food meets laid-back vibes, will have you wondering why you haven’t been here before. Here’s why Nest is our new go-to destination for great eats and a taste of Adirondack hospitality.
Scallops and risotto. All photos courtesy Nest.
The space: where lodge comfort meets modern polish.
Walking into Nest, you’ll find warm wood tones, soft lighting, and elegant rustic touches that feel comfortable without being cliché. The bar area invites a pre-dinner drink—a craft cocktail, Adirondack-inspired, of course—while the dining room transitions into something inviting yet refined.
It’s the kind of room where you linger, even after the plates have been cleared. One reviewer called it “a beautiful, relaxing atmosphere… a must-try.”
The menu: seasonal craft, Adirondack soul.
Cilantro Garlic Smoked Lamb Rack with Cheddar Jalapeno Risotto and Grilled Artichoke Salad.
But let’s be real—what we’re really here for is the food. And Nest delivers. The menu at Nest is a love letter to classic comfort food with a contemporary twist, offering just the right balance of familiarity and fresh ideas.
Picture this: a menu that lets you sink into the soul-soothing comfort of a great burger or hearty bowl of pasta, while also surprising you with flavors you didn’t expect in such a cozy corner of the Adirondacks.
Take, for instance, their Peruvian Roasted Airline Chicken — delicious, moist, tender roasted chicken, served with charred scallion quinoa, carrots, and a mango-pumpkin sauce. It's the kind of satisfying autumn dinner that makes you think, “Yes, this is why I came to the Adirondacks.”
On our first visit, we fell in love with the PEI Mussels, served with chorizo in a tomato, onion, garlic, red pepper and white wine broth. Equally delicious was the Grilled Octopus, served with saffron aioli and lemon-oregano couscous.
We also indulged in the Steak Frites and magnificent Crab Cakes. Both were outstanding.
The menu changes seasonally, so visit their Facebook page to see what’s on offer. We are convinced there’s never a bad time to visit.
A quick peruse of their fall menu has our mouths watering over Venison Chops, house-made Butternut Gnocchi, and Shrimp & Grits Creole.
An authentic Adirondack dining experience.
Okay, we know what you’re thinking: "Sounds great, but what makes Nest different from all those other places in the Adirondacks?" It’s a fair question, especially in a region that’s brimming with cozy spots offering comfort food.
Lobster bisque. Yum.
So, here’s the thing—Nest isn’t just another “great place to eat.” It’s a local experience in its truest form. This is where you can tell they put their heart and soul into every dish, and it shows.
It’s not about flashy decor or a sky-high menu. It’s about authenticity—and that’s what makes Nest stand apart. Nest serves you the kind of food you crave after a long hike, a day on the water, or when you’re just looking to treat yourself.
But it’s also the place where you’re encouraged to linger a little longer, catch up with friends, and maybe make a few new ones along the way.
The excellent staff strike a comfortable note—while polished, they aren’t overly formal. They know the menu, they’ll explain where that particular cheese comes from, or why this Danish-style pastry meets Adirondack blueberries. Expect a relaxed pace; this isn’t fast food, it’s dine-and-linger. And that’s precisely the right tone: you’re on vacation, you’re savoring.
When to go — any time they are open.
Like the menu, dinner service is seasonal, so call, Google or check their Facebook page for current hours.
Pro tip: It’s wise to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Pair your meal with a regional craft beer, choose a wine from their excellent selection, or ask the bartender for a locally inspired cocktail. And leave space for dessert—you’ll want it.
A culinary waypoint on your Adirondack journey.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip dessert at Nest.
If you’re in the Adirondacks for the outdoors—hiking, boating, snowmobiling—Nest offers a culinary waypoint. After a day on the trails or the lake, stepping into this space feels like a reward: ingredients rooted in the land you’ve just explored, a kitchen that respects that terrain, and a setting that soothes the appetite and the soul alike.
For this travel journalist’s palate, Nest stands out because it doesn’t feel halfway—it delivers.
Trail tested. ADK Taste approved.
Whether you’re celebrating, refueling, or simply looking for a memorable evening away from chain dining, Nest in Thendara is worth the reservation.
From Chef LaPorte’s scratch kitchen to the inviting dining room and thoughtful service, it ticks the boxes of place, taste and authenticity.
For the Adirondack traveler who wants more than just “mountain lodge food,” this is your stop.
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