The Gem

4.8 (125)

4983 Lake Shore Dr, Bolton Landing, NY 12814
(518) 240-6083
thegemlittlegem.com

Claimed
Restaurant

From the business

  • Identifies as women-owned

Service options

  • Outdoor seating

Reviews

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Pam Rodrigues

2024-01

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Quarry House Retreat

2023-12

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Dan Bentley

2024-02

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Brooke Keith

2023-09

This place is super amazing. The beverage menu is busting with anything and everything you could desire. The food was and is as good as the pictures. The sauces are knock- out and compliments the food perfectly not overwhelming. The chicken sandwich was crispy, cooked and a side of Mac n cheese yummy. My husband ordered the Alabama sauce wings...omg! He also had the Baltimore pit beef sandwich with side of cheese corn delicious. The pit beef was not dry and very moist. We had the chicken wing app, two meals, three drinks and only $88.00. I can't say enough I love food and drinking and this place will not disappoint....unless you're my mom Sally.Kid-friendliness: Many families had kids in here and very welcoming to all.

C Tedesco

2024-02

A new restaurant in the town of Bolton Landing which presents a nice alternative to the other restaurants in town as a genuine, simple BBQ spot. It is walkable if you are staying at the Sagamore, located at the intersection where you make the turn onto the property.They just opened at the end of June and I don’t think they were prepared for the crowds over the 4th of July week. The night we went for dinner, we arrived with a reservation at 8 and they were out of brisket, ribs and chicken….so our only options were the pork and the brats. Based on the limited selection, it’s hard to offer a review of the food. The pork was good, and the sides were good as well. We just wish we had more options. The food came out within minutes…after maybe only 1-2 sips of my beer, so it can feel like they are just trying to churn and turn tables as fast as possible. We spent some time in the Adirondack chairs around the solo stove fire after our meal; this was a nice option after the quick meal.Overall, some minor teething issues in the first weeks for the restaurant and during the busiest Will of the year in lake George. But this spot will adapt and I’m sure be here for many years.

Eric Mazzeo

2023-05

Really good BBQ. I had the brisket sandwich with potato salad and my wife had the pork with artichokes. A nice selection of homemade sauces to choose from as well. The cocktail was good but definitely a little on the pricier side. 15 bucks for a margarita that was only about 2-3 ounces. The attached photo is how it came, that’s not a pint glass, it’s a tumbler. Overall a great experience though and we will be back.

Cheressa Cargill

2023-08

The atmosphere & service was amazing. The owner came by to chit chat with our table which was very nice. The drinks were outstanding in both presentation & flavor. They have 4 BBQ sauces to pick from. I felt like the Mac n cheese was a bit too dry. I also ordered the brisket expecting it to be shredded but it was more like a thin steak cut (my fault for assuming & not asking). The cheesy corn, baked beans, & sweet potato fries were all very good! They brought bread to the table with our shrimp appetizer but there were 6 of us and they only brought 2 or 3 pieces of bread, so I think they should bring 1 piece per person. Overall, I would go back & I recommend the drinks there most of all.

Paul Scearce

2023-10

The GEM is an absolute gem when it comes to barbecue and craft cocktails! My recent visit left me thoroughly impressed with the quality of food and the creativity behind their drinks.First and foremost, let's talk about the barbecue. The GEM knows how to smoke and grill to perfection. Their barbecue offerings are nothing short of excellent. Whether you're a fan of ribs, brisket, pulled pork, or chicken, you're in for a treat. The meats were tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor along with their fantastic sauces. The sides were also terrific! From creamy mac and cheese to crispy coleslaw, each side dish was a delightful accompaniment to the main event.When it comes to craft cocktails, The GEM doesn't disappoint. Unique and refreshing drinks that perfectly complement the barbecue experience. The GEM's drink menu has something for everyone. It's the kind of place where you can sip on a well-crafted cocktail while enjoying the smoky aroma of barbecue in the air.One piece of advice for anyone planning a visit to The GEM: come hungry or be prepared to take home a doggy bag. The portions are generous, and the flavors are so enticing that it's easy to overindulge. Sharing a platter with friends or family is a great way to sample a variety of dishes, but don't be surprised if you end up with leftovers. Fortunately, barbecue leftovers from The GEM are something to look forward to.

Russell Sage

2023-05

Epic cool vibe; high end cocktails and ingredients right down to the carved ice; incredible smokehouse set up right in the back; things for kids outback; delicious meat and veggie lover foods!! I don’t think Bolton knows what moved in because it’s a foodie level high rate establishment!❤️Additional Edit:I ate there again, wanting to show the place off to friends..a family came in and sat by the front door. Their baby came in with a lollipop and no one in the family had noticed the child was choking. A waitress came over and gave the child the Heimlich Maneuver and stopped the choking!! I can’t make this stuff up! This place is becoming my Bolton Go-To!

Lizzy Amirana

2023-07

The food was sooooooooooo good 😭😭It was my first time having BBQ chicken and they have a huge slow cooker in their backyard, the bar is amazing with endless options of spirits you can pick from.Next to the bar, is a liquor store owned by the same owner!I highly recommend checking this place out for food or a drink

Charis Haines

2023-05

We can’t get enough of this place! Delicious, high end, craft cocktails, incredible BBQ, very warm & welcoming atmosphere, great outdoor space that includes a fire pit, corn hole & is dog friendly! I have to recommend the Gold Rush, Mai Tai & Gin Fizz. Even their Espresso Martini was off the charts if you need a pick me up after a long day on the lake. Both the brisket & the ribs are divine and I may be slightly obsessed with the potato salad! Needless to say go here first, because you’re going to want to go here more than once!

Don Brovero

2023-05

If you love barbecue, this is your place. We had ribs, brisket and chicken. All were very moist and tasted great. They provide different sauces to use. Sides were also good. Great bar with a huge drink selection and several beers on tap. Service was very attentive. A great addition to Bolton Landing.

Grant Blackwell

2024-03

I'll start by saying our waitress was very polite and this poor review has nothing to do with her.The type of ice they use for their drinks is the best but they fill the cup so full of ice that you basically have a shot's worth of liquid for a $16 specialty cocktail. My friend spilled a "FULL" drink and it didn't even make it across the table because there was so little in it due to how much ice.The Georgia Mustard wings were VERY good and the only reason I'm giving a 2 star review instead of a 1 star. Very flavorful and the right amount of sauce.I had their chicken sandwich that had no flavor I almost thought I had COVID. It was so bland and boring that you would have had a better experience with a microwavable frozen sandwich from the store. I truly don't understand these other reviews saying it's amazing. Popeyes does a better job. And the side of fries I got was definitely from frozen - again no flavor, not even salt and dry dry dry.The deserts were okay the sticky pudding was the better option over the almond tiramisu. The tiramisu had a waxy mouthfeel and WAY too much amaretto.If the prices were half of what they charge I would be more understanding.This hidden Gem can stay hidden.

Laura Connor

2023-05

Wow. Awesome drinks and amazing food. My husband got the Smokehouse sampler and I got the Chicken sandwich. Both were amazing. 4 different sauces to choose from. We were so full but it was so good we kept eating. Service was great. Highly recommend.Updated - went back and I couldn't resist getting the chicken again. Consistenly delicious. Added pic.

David Johnson

2024-03

We checked out the Gem Saturday evening and glad we did. I ordered the half rack of ribs and they were perfectly smoked & coleslaw was delicious. My only (2) callouts would be that I was surprised that the steak fries were not freshly cut to keep up with the rest of this appetizing menu. My other callout would be the sound system was really weak, music selection was perfect! I would recommend Bang & Olufsen or a couple of Sonos that would complement this space. We will for sure visit the Gem again on our next visit to the Lake George region.

Serena Gallagher

2023-05

The name hits it on the head. What a “Gem” of a place. The atmosphere and detail put into the place is on point. The music was relaxing at a good volume and fun. The vibe was cool. The details where clearly thought out down to the cucumber in the water. It’s retro meets backyard southern BBQ. It’s likeNothing around the lake. Mollie our server was fun, attentive, friendly and helpful with all food choices. All the food was on point. The drinks where AMAZING!! I highly recommend the Mai Thai. And the apple cake was delicious. Best part it is affordable. Not “lake” prices If you are looking for an experience; it’s a must try. Will be back for sure.

Alex Beauchamp

2023-08

We ordered take out for 4 people online while sitting at the little public Bolton beach across the street. Once our food was ready we picked it up at this awesome trailer around the side. They had a great outdoor area set up to eat and hang out with games and a fire pit. Next time we may have to sit down and eat here.The food, all BBQ, was absolutely delicious. We had the three meat platter, along with the fried chicken sandwich and pulled pork sandwich. The side we ordered, baked beans, green goddess slaw, mac and cheese, and cheesy corn were all well prepared and tasted great.Overall the best meal we have had in Bolton. The meats were cooked to perfection, the fried chicken sandwich was extremely crispy while still being very juicy. Definitely on our list to return to and sit down at the restaurant and enjoy someGreat BBQ and check out the great cocktail list.

Matt Baumgartner

2023-09

What a fantastic edition to Bolton Landing. A great looking bar that looks as functional as it does beautiful. Creative cocktails and menu round out the experience. We had great bartenders with good conversation. It's hard to sometimes find good customer service when you are centered in a tourist hot spot, but nothing was lacking here. Fantastic bar. Unfortunately I didn't get the chance to come back and have more cocktails and try their food.

Lisa Mayberry

2023-08

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CONTE SOUND PRODUCTIONS

2023-08

The restaurant, food and staff are stellar! Incredible experience especially for some foodies from RI! We tried the nachos, chicken sandwiches and our daughter got the ribs… everything was awesome!!!! We loved it and going back tomorrow before we leave to head home. Ask for Anna as your waitress and you will be so happy you did she’s the best! The manager Bob was also fantastic taking the time to come to our table and chat with us for a while.If “Go as strangers, leave as friends” is what you like, this is the place for you!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Nicholi

2023-10

Two reviews in one, because we came back to back nights.We came in for an early dinner on a Thursday. Only one other party was seated at the time. Hostess, bartender and waitress were all very friendly, welcoming and attentive.They did not have pit beef this night, which was unfortunate, but fortunately it was $0.50 wing night, so we got a couple dozen naked wings that we sauced using the four sauces at the table. A definite win. They were great. Alabama white was our favorite sauce.Came back the next night for dessert - sticky pudding and almond tiramisu. Both were fantastic. Might go again tomorrow.

Jeff Stempka

2023-07

Great experience! Glad we drove into Bolton to have dinner at The Gem- we called ahead and they were able to accommodate a party of 10 outside. Wonderful atmosphere even in the rain (covered seating)- beautiful space!The staff is amazing and so helpful. The food is great.Will be back! Thanks for a great time!Oh- there was live music inside- only caught a bit but it sounded fantastic.

Chester Lane

2023-08

Wow! Our new favorite in Bolton Landing for down home cooking.The restaurant is a mid-century ADK mash-up. Super charming with an extensive bar equal to its delightful drinks menu. We loved our selections from the Bucks and Mules menu, the Kentucky Maid, and the Margarita special. The wine list is also very good, and we were pleased to see our favorite rose listed.Compared to the drinks and wine list, the dining menu is succinct. While the starters and apps are tempting, we were saving our appetites for the big event.However, we couldn't resist the Sweet Corn Elote, which was exceptional. We are so grateful our amazing waitress, Ana, encouraged us to try The Gem's version of Mexican street corn. Delectable.When it comes to entrees, we highly recommend the incredible brisket. The ribs were also fantastic as was the Black Angus Pit Beef Sandwich.We have to give special mention to the fried chicken sandwich. It was absolutely sublime.The Gem offers sides with your entree. The cole slaw, cheesy corn bake (hello, Kansas City!), beans, mac and cheese, and fries were all outstanding.We concluded our dinner with the incredible Sticky Toffee Pudding, the best we've had outside of Great Britain.

Mary Klaus

2024-03

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Zena Eldada

2023-05

As a Bolton native, I am thrilled that this fabulous new restaurant opened. The food is so good and the drinks are exceptional. I highly recommend the gem!

Aimee Pachucki

2023-05

Excellent BBQ , incredible drinks and the service was very good. My only recommendation would be to add a Mac And cheese to the menu. This would address the lack of options for the littles.

Randy Lahey

2023-09

We were really excited to try this new restaurant in Bolton that opened last summer. The restaurant was very well decorated on the inside and the vibe was great! The server however, was unable to explain different menu items which at first which was fine. Then I ordered drinks and the bar tender or other server came to put the drinks down on the crowded table. right after they walked away and then my drink spilled and no one noticed for a few minutes. I had to hold a plate on the table to catch the drink dripping down for a few minutes until our server came over to help and he barely helped. I then asked if I would be able to get my drink refilled and He told me I could order another drink. Food was great but I would expect a refill on the drink. The customer is the one being served and all it really did was take away from his tip because I had to order another drink. I used to work in the service industry and no matter if its customers fault or not you replace the item they ordered whether it’s food or a drink. They came to the establishment to enjoy themselves and have a relaxing time and worrying about spilled drinks and dropped food isn’t relaxing

Neel Shah

2023-09

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jessicahopes79

2023-07

The Gem became an instant family favorite when we came here last year for this soft opening. Food, service and drinks were amazing. We were a bit dismayed this year (our second visit this year) when we were told we couldn’t have a booth seat due to a reservation when we had made a reservation ourselves and during the 1.5+ hours we were there no one sat there. The booth seat was nostalgic for us and I don’t know why we were rejected when the restaurant was only a quarter full (the entire time we were there), felt a little unwelcoming. Otherwise, we’ll be back for the food and drinks and hope the management can be a bit more accommodating.

Judi Harris

2023-05

I really like this place.The Gem has a mountain chic, minimalist vibe that is warm and inviting. The bar is way impressive and the bartenders make beautiful and delicious drinks. I had an Aviation 1 and it was the perfect shade of lilac and divine. My friend had some kind of light red wine frosty drink with a flower and was beautiful to look at and refreshingly tasty.The menu boasts a modest, but well crafted assortment of BBQ dishes, both vegetarian and for meat lovers. I highly recommend the sweet potato wedges. The wedges are complimented by a flavorful topping, that I probably could have eaten on its own. . I had the pulled chicken and I enjoyed trying the different toppings.The meal was a culinary triumph! Fabulous cocktails, delicious food, EXCELLENT service and reasonable pricing. (Cocktails can be a little pricey, but they are special!)I almost hate to post this as I would like to keep this Gem a hidden Gem so that I can always find a seat at the bar.

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