Van Auken’s Inne

Well I have not been back since the new owners took over so I was really looking forward to going in for a drink and dinner, BOY WAS I DISSAPOINTED, first I went in the front door to get dinner. I wanted to go down stairs to the new bar for a drink. I was inconveniently re routed outside in the dark to a graffiti door, (they were quite proud of!!!) I could have taken the inside stairs but I was not allowed. Ok great now we have rules!!! So I walk around to go in walk down a hall way to be greeted by cruella that tells me, I can’t enter unless I have a password,
Really??? It’s Nov 7, 4 people in old forge and I need a password, I went to walk in the bar anyway and was denied admission… not real f — — in friendly, so we passed, and left and went to old faithful billys. Just good service, no games and a nice meal. Go to billys he’s a good guy and don’t Jack you around when you go in to spend money, I was DISSAPOINTED. So please all my snowmobile brethren, if you decide to go. Enter the bottom door walk down the hall make a left, ignore cruella. Also if you care the owner bought totes apparently so no classy dancing girls anymore, what has this world come to. ??? Old forge. Come on man!!!

Awkward experience– employees arguing at bar and then complaining about each other at front door… Charged for tap water at the bar, we had other drinks so I’m not sure why they felt the need to make a buck on tap water!

We were right across the street at the ADK railroad and ran over to get a bite to eat… super fast and efficient staff. Food was fast and FRESH– we had salads that ALL the dressings were homemade… AND the beers cold. The chicken and meats on the salads were perfect– super yummy– I hope to be back and to also spend the night at this cool historical place!

Bottom line — probably the best value for your seafood dollar we’ve experienced yet.
Van Auken’s was up the street from our B&B and so on the last night of our time in Thendara (so cute) we followed our host’s suggestion that we check out the seafood grill and live music that is held every Thursday. Needless to say it ended up being a great evening — we got there at it’s busiest, so the server was very apologetic (and obviously in the weeds) and kept reminding us that we got there at «the worst time,» but we assured her that we were in no hurry. It was a lovely night, and there was a guy playing some acoustic hits, including «Imagine» by John Lennon — we danced to that with our folks at our wedding the weekend prior.
Thursday nights is seafood grill night, so the owner sets up a big grill and makes a variety of stuff — mussels, lobster, king crab, scallops, etc. to order. This was all quality stuff, very fresh and it showed by the crowd present. We got the king crab and scallops (should have ordered the lobster for the $$), sides, as well as a bottle of wine. All told we spent only about $ 60 including tip, which you can’t beat with a big old stick. We enjoyed the evening, relaxed, had some good seafood and wine, and the price was right. Stop by while you’re staying at the Moose River House BB (review forthcoming).