©2020 Saratoga Photographer.com
By Susan E. Campbell
A new restaurant on Saratoga Lake, dubbed 550 Waterfront, is slated to open soon at the site of the former Lake Local.
The restaurant was about three years in the making.
Managing partner John Boyle said he expects to receive a certificate of occupancy soon. Upon opening, the restaurant will serve clients curbside, boatside and at its expansive outdoor spaces.
Lake Local was lost to a fire a few years ago. As Boyle and his partners discussed how to rebuild the “clear vision was to have similar cuisine and keep the same vibe as a family oriented restaurant,” he said.
The once intimate, approximately 1,000-square-foot structure was rebuilt and now encompasses 7,000 square feet. It sits at the northern tip of Saratoga Lake and has “one of the most beautiful views in Upstate New York,” according to Boyle. “550 Waterfront is the only place where you can see from one end of the lake to the other. There is sun on the patio from sunrise to sunset.”
It was important to Boyle and majority partners Dan Collins of Select Sotheby’s International Realty and Mike Phinney of Phinney Design Group to provide access to the restaurant by water, so 550 Marina was designed with 110 boat slips.
“We used the highest-end teak wood and galvanized steel for the dock,” he said.
There are also two courtesy docks where people can tie up for food pick-up, especially as the community continues to shelter at home during the coronavirus pandemic, Boyle said.
There are three large fire pits outside, outdoor bars and raised decking so guests can enjoy the views with music and a cocktail, said Boyle.
“There was always a lively bar crowd with reggae music and indoor and outdoor fun,” he said.
Phinney designed the interior and outdoor spaces and Trinity Construction was the general contractor. Interiors designed by Ed Rovetto and Claudia Boyle are bright and airy in keeping with the nautical theme.
“We took an old sailboat, renovated it and hung it from the ceiling,” Boyle said. “The design makes use of nautical features like ship lap and beautiful lighting, and huge glass garage doors face the lake.”
Seafood is featured daily, including lobster and swordfish BLTs. But as in the past, the new restaurant will also serve burgers, hot dogs and pub food, Boyle said.
Executive chef Brady Dillon is back and is joined by general manager Corey Melancon. They pair also works together at Taquero Tacos and Donuts at 68 Putnam St. in Saratoga Springs.
A grand re-opening of 550 Waterfront was being planned at presstime.