Bring on the Burgers: BRGR Kitchen & Bar Comes to Bolton Landing
You heard correctly: Mr. Brown’s Pub – a longtime staple of the dining outlets at The Sagamore Resort – has transitioned to become a gourmet burger restaurant. For the devout fans of Brown’s, though: Don’t fret. It still features the same Adirondack vibe. The main difference is that the pub-style menu has gotten a boost and centers around burgers….but these are anything but your average beef pattys.
Out of the eight in-season dining outlets that call The Sagamore Resort home, the restaurant – formerly known as Mr. Brown’s Pub – may not be the largest. But it’s definitely one of the most Adirondack-oriented in terms of atmosphere: wood-lined walls, rough-hewn chairs and tables, gleaming post and beams, and antler chandeliers that make for stunning focal points. It’s the kind of warm and cozy that begs for a warm and cozy pub menu, which it has been serving up – for more than 15 years.
However, now (as of May 2024), with its transformation into BRGR Kitchen & Bar, that menu has received a beefy (pun intended) update, centering around a juicy lineup of gourmet burgers.
FROM BROWN’S TO BURGERS: THE SCOPE OF THE REFRESH
Named after Myron O. Brown, the first general manager of The Sagamore Resort, Mr. Brown’s Pub has been a longtime staple of the dining roster at the historic Lake George hotel. “Come winter, it was always especially a fan-favorite because of that inviting atmosphere and the pub-style menu that warms you from the inside out,” says Brent Bliss, food and beverage director of the resort.
Despite being beloved, however, it was time for an update. Yes, BRGR is still a pub-style menu, but totally refreshed with an elevated angle (more on that below). As for that Adirondack vibe, that remains – with a few new touches. “All the furniture and décor is the same, but we’ve added a fun new ‘We Love Burgers’ sign done in the LED bulb marquee letters and a wall with large Scrabble tiles that says ‘Meet. Eat. Drink.’” says Bliss.
If you’ve ever stayed at Treasure Island Beach Resort – a sibling Opal resort just outside of St. Pete on the Gulf Coast of Florida – these little playful touches will look familiar. That’s because BRGR Kitchen & Bar is a signature Opal Collection restaurant, now with multiple locations. “Because it’s been so successful in Florida, it made sense to try the formula here – the lake is such a natural place for this type of fun, family-friendly, and approachable fare.”
THE BURGER LINEUP: THE JUICY DETAILS
So what’s so special about these burgers versus the hockey pucks that come wrapped in parchment paper at a fast-food joint? For one, it’s a premier patty, made from an Opal signature custom beef grind with just the perfect ratio of texture, flavor, and fat. That means it’s plump, juicy, and with a nice char that gives way to tender meat within. And two, the signature burgers offer way more variety beyond just lettuce, tomato, and onion (although, you can get that in the burger called The All-American!).
Bliss, himself, listed off a few of the burgers he was most excited for: The Attitude, featuring aged cheddar, roasted tomatoes, local lettuce, applewood smoked bacon and a dollop of roasted garlic aioli; and The Nooner. “The Nooner levels up your burger game, topped with fried egg, avocado, and crispy onions in addition to bacon and cheddar cheese,” says Bliss.
But it’s not just beef patties here: There’s a lamb burger (aptly named the Little Bo-Peep), a turkey burger, a plant-based burger, and even a fish burger. “There’s something sure to please everyone’s taste buds, not to mention, a variety of toppings, so, if one of the signature burgers isn’t striking your fancy, you can build your own just the way you like it,” he says. And when he mentions toppings, we’re talking 20 or so accoutrements, ranging from fried eggs and roasted peppers to IPA-braised onions and grilled portobello mushrooms. The toasted brioche bun is also a custom item made just for Opal, with the option of a gluten-free version, as well.
If you’re looking to go bun-less, make your order “naked.” Or, even better, consider one of the six Burger Bowls – a beautiful marriage of burger, salad, and sauce loaded into bowl.
MORE THAN JUST PATTYS & BUNS
While the burger is obviously the star on the menu, it’s hardly the only item to sink your teeth into. And that was important to Bliss. “Repeat guests certainly had their favorite dishes at Mr. Browns, and they weren’t always burgers,” he says. “But I’m excited to say some of the formerly most popular dishes do have a counterpart in this menu.” That includes steak frites, roasted chicken, fish and chips, hot wings, and spinach and artichoke dip.
There’s also several brand new (non-burger) items that Bliss sees flying off the shelf, including artisan cheese boards , the dips – especially the roasted fennel and white-bean spread with bourbon bacon jam – and the blistered shishito peppers.
All in all, it’s a perfect mix of timeless and new blended into an elevated pub-style menu.
