How is The Gem restaurant rated?

Name: The Gem
Address: 4981 Lake Shore Dr, Bolton, NY, United States, 12814
Telephone: (518) 240-6083
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

The Gem

4.6

67 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Top Tags:

The Gem is a cozy restaurant and cocktail bar in Bolton Landing on the shores of Lake George. The Gem serves the finest smoked meats, farm fresh sides and craft cocktails of the highest quality. Arrive by car and park locally or arrive by boat.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Barbecue, Cocktail Bar
Hours of operation
Fri 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 1:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(518) 240-6083
Website
http://www.thegemlittlegem.com/
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
Reserve the indoor or outdoor space at The Gem for: Rehearsal dinners, Wedding receptions, Birthday parties, Reunions ect. Family style dinner with a fun inviting atmosphere. Please email info@thegemlittlegem.com for pricing

Location
4981 Lake Shore Dr, Bolton, NY 12814
Neighborhood
Bolton Landing
Cross street
Sagamore Dr
Parking details
None

Smoked Free-Range Chicken Wings
Naked, almighty sauce, buffalo, Georgia mustard, carolina copper, Alabama white
- 12pc$15.00
- 24pc$25.00
- 50pc$45.00
Barbequed Peel & Eat Pub Prawns$22.00
Soppin' toast
Abigail's Fried Chicken Sandwich$16.00
Honey-chipotle mayo, coleslaw
Smoked Black-Angus Texas Brisket Sandwich$17.00
Red onion marmalade, Alabama white sauce
Pulled Berkshire Pork Sandwich$15.00
Chili vinegar, cracklin'
Smoked Beer Brat'$12.00
Sauerkraut, pub mustard
Coleslaw Reuben$12.00
Swiss cheese, Russian dressing
Smokehouse Combination Platter$32.00
Sliced Texas brisket, pulled pork, pair of beer brats', choice of two sides
Little Gem Lettuces$15.00
House buttermilk ranch or green goddess dressing

What 67 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.6

4.6 based on all time ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

67 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
145 reviews
vip
1.0
145 reviews
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
They are no longer on open table I booked and when following up on my reservation was told they don’t belong to open table I said..l am looking at my reservation Answer was..we are not on open table and you do not have a reservation with us
Is this helpful?
CW
CharlesW
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Gem is just that….a perfect little gem on the banks of Lake George in beautiful Bolton Landing. This place is awesome- the food, the drink, the hospitality, the music, the vibe — it’s so perfectly retro groovy and cool. The menu is deceitfully delicious in its utter comfort simplicity. Everything we had was mouth watering or meltingly magnificent. The staff rocks and the service is sensational. If you’re going anywhere near Lake George make every effort to get to the Gem!!! You’re welcome :) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Is this helpful?
RS
RonS
Greater Boston
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We love the Gem! Awesome bar and great food.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
They wings were the best I’ve ever had.
Is this helpful?
MD
MDPiii
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful experience for us on our twin sons’ 21st birthday.
Is this helpful?
DE
DEB0426
New York Area
88 reviews
vip
5.0
88 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Read about this wonderful place and it lives up to its name! Truly a GEM- everything was perfect - cocktails - our party had 2of the specials and 2 off the menu -all fantastic! Started with the wings OMG! And the variety of sauces was great! Several had brisket and combo platters I had the shrimp which was so delicious and sooo much - I took home and heated it with its sauce over pasta the next night! Our server - I think Kate… was lovely as well and gave us good suggestions for food and drink snd just added to a perfect evening . Will def return
Is this helpful?
KD
KellyD
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a nice find for us locals who like to dine in the Bolton Landing/Lake George area after the busy tourist season. We loved the smoked wings, brisket and chicken sandwich. The happy hour cocktails were very nice. Service was friendly and efficient. We will definitely be back.
Is this helpful?
RK
RogerK
New York Area
18 reviews
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on October 2, 2022
overall4food3service4ambience4
This could be such a long review, but I’m going to try to stay on point. Great north country/lake atmosphere, very friendly and welcoming staff. It’s best if you’ve got a designated driver so you can try and enjoy the interesting cocktails. My wife had a Don Lockwood ($15) – a mix of bourbon, maple syrup, Islay scotch whisky, and chocolate bitters with a huge twist of orange. With a really nice smokey flavor this may have actually been the highlight of the evening. I had a Common Roots Lager draft ($7) because it was the only draft available of the six listed on the menu. Our server read my mind and opined that they shouldn’t put items on the menu if they don’t have them available. I don’t know why I was not charged the $6 Happy Hour price, unless HH prices are only available at the bar. But that should have been printed on the menu. My wife ordered the Barbequed Peel & Eat Pub Prawns ($22) with “soppin’ toast” that was not toasted. The prawns were perfectly cooked (except for one) in a very flavorful broth. The untoasted potato bread was fresh, delicious, and probably much better at soppin’ than toast would have been. I ordered the Smokehouse Combination Platter ($32) comprised of sliced Texas brisket, pulled pork, two beer brats, and two sides. For sides I chose coleslaw and BBQ yam steak fries. There was plenty of delicious, black-charred bark on both meats. I kept alternating between the four house-made sauces, each of which our server was able to describe in great detail, trying to find a favorite. A tie between the Georgia Mustard and the slightly spicy BBQ sauce narrowly beat out the Alabama White and the Carolina Copper. Those BBQ yam fries were delicious. My personal preference is for slightly more smokey flavored meat. The brats were good as were my two slices of the potato bread. Definitely worth another visit.
Is this helpful?
g
gnov
Las Vegas
14 reviews
vip
3.0
14 reviews
Dined on October 1, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience2
Very loud, limited menu. The food was ok, great cocktails, slow service. Probably won’t be back.
Is this helpful?
DB
DavidB
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ex-Texas native here: I left Texas in 2008 and this is the first good barbeque I've found since I moved north. The brisket is tender and flavorful, and the brats are excellent. Also, their mixed drink specials are remarkable, and I feel the need to go back to try them all. Strongly recommended.
Is this helpful?
b
bdrose
New York Area
79 reviews
vip
4.0
79 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2022
overall4food3service4ambience4
Great wings, brats and sauces. Really wanted the ribs, but they had already switched to the "Winter" menu. Nice cocktails
Is this helpful?
RF
ReneeF
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Quaint little spot with food and drinks that have been well thought out and prepared. Highly recommend.
Is this helpful?
KM
KatheM
Tucson
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Nice outdoor seating where we could bring our dog. Good drinks and good food!
Is this helpful?
MF
MichaelF
Atlantic City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent BBQ, the flavors are unique & delicious. The cheesy corn is a side to definitely order.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and great staff
Is this helpful?
CL
ChrisL
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Arrived early for our reservation and enjoyed a wonderful cocktail on the porch. Was seated promptly and greeted by friendly and knowledgable waitstaff. Party of 4 ordered different items and everything was delicious! Didn't have room for dessert, maybe next time. Can't wait to return!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
15 reviews
vip
4.0
15 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Went to The Gem on Labor Day weekend and Molly was our server. She had great customer service skills and was very friendly. We sat outside and it was a little noisy as there were people playing corn hole and the other games they have outside for guests. The BBQ was outstanding! Best BBQ chicken I have ever tasted. Literally melted in your mouth! Would definitely go back again as the desert was amazing as well!
Is this helpful?
KJ
KJFnyc
New York Area
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food Fabulous cocktails Friendly service
Is this helpful?
F
Ficecone
New York Area
11 reviews
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on August 28, 2022
overall3food4service4ambience4
Very good bbq served in metal trays. They promote their fancy cocktails by serving them in a standard highball glass with a huge cube of ice. Looks cool but if you take out the block of ice you're left with a miniature $15.00 cocktail. Great marketing concept but a miserable pour.
Is this helpful?
j
jennyjenjen
New York Area
42 reviews
vip
5.0
42 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wow, we didn't know what to expect because many people over rate their experience but this one was on point! The BbQ served here was righteous!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Great barbecue and nice selection of dishes well executed. Definitely a Gem.
Is this helpful?
L
Lakegirl
New York Area
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on August 25, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Wow, what an excellent addition to Bolton Landing dining. The place is beautifully designed, the cocktails are lovely, the owners and servers are pros and very welcoming and the food was great value and very fun. This is our new favorite place.
Is this helpful?
FC
FredC
New York Area
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on August 25, 2022
overall2food1service2ambience2
Food was very disappointing, it was dry and looked old, my wife had a stomach ache all night. Over priced!! I will not return or recommend it.
Is this helpful?
DC
DanC
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great spot. Food is absolutely delicious. Love the sauces. Service was fast and attentive. Great vibe on the back yard patio. This was my 2nd visit in 2 weeks. Cocktails are also outstanding. Would encourage them to add another 5 cocktails to their menu to get an even more diverse and deep selection. The bartenders are awesome! The inside space is really nicely decorated too. Great start, Gem team. Keep up the good work.
Is this helpful?
LH
LauraH
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Charming outdoor seating, delicious food with generous portions and absolutely outstanding service! Will definitely go back and recommend to family, friends and everyone! It was a lovely anniversary dinner shared with our friends.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best bbq I have had in New York. Drinks are fantastic and fun. BBQ sauces are all excellent. Music harkens back to late 90s early aughts alt rock and southern rock. Ambiance is laid back with Adirondacks and a fire pit in the rear. Fun things for kids to do means some small moments of peace. Staff are friendly and attentive. Food is priced well for the quality.
1 person found this helpful
JH
JudiH
Philadelphia
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
almost hate to write this review as this is truly a new “Gem” near Lake George. I would highly recommend the Gem for cocktails or cocktails and dinner. The craft cocktails are beautifully made and absolutely delicious!! The wait staff are attentive and it’s clear that the owners want to make folks feel welcomed in their comfortably chic setup. The open seating, both indoors and outdoors in addition to a magnificent bar make this place a great choice for dining.
Is this helpful?
J
John
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Reasonably priced (not "resort" priced) quality food. Outstanding service, great drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Is this helpful?
DM
DonnaM
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
New cute little find in Bolton. Backyard with picnic table seating, fire pit, outdoor games including chalk art for the kids. Great food and attentive service. Nice large bar for casual cocktails. Indoor dining with abundant space between tables. Affordable dining but menu is limited. Worth checking out.
Is this helpful?
AC
AmandaC
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2022
overall5food4service4ambience5
Such a needed addition to Bolton. The Gem is perfect for a date night or a family affair. The food is delicious and a great value. The drinks are wonderful. Try the potato salad it is just like grandma used to make. Must try.
Is this helpful?
LM
LizM
New York Area
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food great drinks. Outdoor games. Chef is from the south and the mixologist is from NYC.
Is this helpful?
JR
JaniceR
New York Area
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious BBQ. Such a nice add to the Bolton Landing restaurant scene.
Is this helpful?
LG
LoriG
New York Area
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2022
overall3food2service5ambience3
The remodel looks very nice and the staff is welcoming and professional. That’s where the positives end. We were all set for really good barbecue based on the rave review our local newspaper had printed. We were served our selection in about 5 minutes which seemed to indicate that everything was sitting in the kitchen waiting with a minimum of fresh preparation. And that’s the way it tasted too. Even with the special sauces on the table, the food was bland with little seasonings added for flavor. The ribs were not “fall off the bone” tender, but were especially greasy as were the artichokes. The chicken was mediocre and the pulled pork was merely okay. Any decent cook can produce these dishes better at home with a slow cooker or low oven. The potato salad was especially “Al dente” (really hard). Be prepared for indigestion! Most dinners are well under $30. One other positive: I’m sure the bar is a great success and will draw lots of people in as it was fairly crowded. We really hope this is taken in the spirit in which it’s offered: we’d love to see it improve because we’d love to have a local restaurant with really great barbecue. Right now, The Gem isn’t that restaurant. Our score: 5 out of 10.
The GemResponded on August 26, 2022
Hi Lori Glad you liked the service and the ambiance! We do not prepare food to order, we smoke everything for 12 hrs before we open the doors it is true that food comes out quickly. The nature of smoking meat is that we cook slow, serve fast. We dry smoke which means the meat does not have sauce on it, they are rubbed and smoked and all the sauces are made and are served on the side. This is a particular style of BBQ. We apologize if this was not explained. We welcome you back another day.
Is this helpful?
GP
GeorgeP
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
Second time visiting - this time inside. Food and service were outstanding again and one of the few places in Bolton with reasonable prices. Have recommended the agepppGem and will definitely return. Great cocktails as well.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Cocktails were fantastic.
Is this helpful?
KS
KateS
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and great service, Neat back patio , perfect for summer dinner. Food was delicious
Is this helpful?
J
Jakes
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Need to add corn bread to the great, existing menu.
Is this helpful?
IC
IsabelC
New York Area
37 reviews
vip
4.0
37 reviews
Dined on August 10, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Love the vibe of this cool new Bolton spot. Friendly server had to explain the drink of the day over the background noise. Some of the best menu items are the sides. Cheesy corn, yam fries, potato salad. Pulled pork is very tasty but excess fat on slice of brisket made it almost inedible. Chicken was plentiful and good. Mixed reactions to mixed drinks, some better than others. Worth experimenting though. We will definitely be back.
Is this helpful?
AC
AndreC
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Gem is a Gem! Restaurant is very nicely done and the food is excellent! Will definitely be back!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Gem is rated 4.6 stars by 67 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

4981 Lake Shore Dr, Bolton, NY 12814

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Sagamore Dr
Neighborhood
Bolton Landing
Hours of operation
Fri 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 1:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Barbecue, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
None

Website
http://www.thegemlittlegem.com/
Phone number
(518) 240-6083
Private party facilities
Reserve the indoor or outdoor space at The Gem for: Rehearsal dinners, Wedding receptions, Birthday parties, Reunions ect. Family style dinner with a fun inviting atmosphere. Please email info@thegemlittlegem.com for pricing

The Gem

Not available on OpenTable

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

Main

Smoked Free-Range Chicken Wings

Barbequed Peel & Eat Pub Prawns$22.00

Abigail's Fried Chicken Sandwich$16.00

Smoked Black-Angus Texas Brisket Sandwich$17.00

Pulled Berkshire Pork Sandwich$15.00

Smoked Beer Brat'$12.00

Coleslaw Reuben$12.00

Smokehouse Combination Platter$32.00

Little Gem Lettuces$15.00

What 67 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is The Gem restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Dining areas

Additional information