"To know a community is to know its food." ~Gil Marks
Westport is a quiet town perched on the shores of Lake Champlain, with a down-to-earth vibe. It's a place where you can enjoy listening to music at an outdoor summer concert, see residents enjoying a quiet afternoon on their porches, or reading a book by the lake - a quintessential small lake town. But to truly understand this community, you need to know its food. Here are the spots where the locals go.
Jamb's on Main
Jamb's is one of the few places in the Adirondacks where you can find coffee beans roasted in-house. Pair your coffee with a nostalgic pastry baked fresh by Carolyn Ware. Stay tuned for updates about their deli service, which is currently closed for maintenance and restoration. In the meantime, stop by and enjoy an ice cream or a bold coffee; this is small-batch roasting at its finest.
Winton's 1898 Tavern
Winton's 1898 Tavern is the newest addition to Westport Golf and is the best place to get lunch in town. The new restaurant is named after Thomas Winton, the famed Scottish architect who expanded the course to its 18 championship holes. With its elegant Adirondack décor and American-style cuisine, it's easy to fall in love with the place. Golfer or not, stop by Winton's 1898 Tavern for a gratifying dining experience.
Westport Marina - The Galley Restaurant and Bar
The Galley has been owned and operated by the Carroll family since 1982, and the restaurant offers picturesque lakeside dining at Westport Marina. The recently expanded menu offers a variety of fresh land-meets-sea offerings, including loaded lobster fries with garlic butter sauce, a Mahi BLT sandwich, and St. Louis-style BBQ ribs. If the food doesn't have you salivating, the views of Lake Champlain certainly will.
Westport Yacht Club
The Westport Yacht Club is located on a quiet residential road, which gives you that insider feeling - where you feel like you are part of a secret club. And you would be because the Westport Yacht Club is the town's best-kept secret. Scott Brankman and Emily Farnsworth-Brankman are the husband and wife team behind the restaurant. Emily runs the front of the house, while Scott prepares the food in the kitchen. This dynamic duo has created a charming nautical vibe that isn't forced, which is fitting given the expansive views of Lake Champlain afforded from the water's edge. You can even dock your boat right in front of the restaurant. How's that for waterside dining! Chef Scott's farm-to-table offerings celebrate the bounty of local food produced in the Champlain Valley and his ever-evolving menu will whet your appetite again and again. Don't miss the Westport Yacht Club's oyster happy hour on Thursdays from 4-5 p.m., two bucks a shuck.
Westport has a food scene worth stopping for and so much more. Come explore the art studios, shop on Main Street, and listen to outdoor music at Ballard Park. If you are looking for more adventure, head to the Split Rock Wild Mountain Forest Preserve. It offers over 11 miles of hiking trails with expansive views of Lake Champlain. Whatever you choose, Westport will win you over with its charm.
