You’re driving up Route 10, past the shimmering Caroga Lake, and there he is—Nick Stoner himself, immortalized in a bronze statue that looks like he’s about to track a deer right into the 19th hole. Most people see the Nick Stoner Inn Seafood & Steakhouse and think it’s just a cozy spot for a post-golf burger. They aren't exactly wrong, but they're missing the bigger picture.
This place is a literal piece of Adirondack history. Built originally as a barn for the Wheelerville Tannery back in the 1800s, it’s got those massive exposed stone walls and rustic beams that you just can't fake with modern construction. It's moody, it's warm, and honestly, it’s one of the most underrated spots for hosting a wedding or a massive family blow-out.
The nick stoner inn seafood & steakhouse special event venue menu isn't some static PDF you download and point at. It’s a "together" project. Scott and Jennifer Parillo, who run the show, are big on customization. If you want a hand-cut ribeye that’s been aged until it’s basically butter, they do that. If you want a seafood spread that makes you forget you’re in the middle of the woods, they do that too.
The Special Event Menu: More Than Just Steak
When you book a special event here—whether it's a Jack and Jill party or a full-blown wedding—the menu is basically a blank canvas. But since they specialize in seafood and steak, that's usually where the magic happens.
Think about it. Most venues serve that rubbery "event chicken" or a dry piece of salmon that’s been sitting under a heat lamp for forty minutes. Not here. They pride themselves on in-house, hand-cut steaks. We're talking Filet Mignon that actually tastes like beef and Shrimp Scampi that doesn't skimp on the garlic.
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What a Custom Event Lineup Looks Like
Typically, you’ll sit down with the team to build your spread. You might start with "small plates" or appetizers that lean into their seafood strengths:
- Calamari: Usually served with a house-made sauce, crisp but not chewy.
- Fried Mozzarella: Forget the frozen sticks; these are made from scratch.
- Fresh Seafood Towers: Depending on the season, you can go heavy on the lobster and shrimp.
For the main course, the "Seafood & Steakhouse" name isn't just a label. They grill their steaks to your specific preference—even for large groups, which is a logistical nightmare for most kitchens, but they seem to nail it. You've got options for local NY wines from the Finger Lakes to wash it all down, or you can tap into their 19 different local craft beers.
Why the Atmosphere Changes the Flavor
You can't talk about the menu without talking about the room. The Inn feels like a hug. It’s got that "19th Hole" vibe because it sits right near the Nick Stoner Municipal Golf Course, but it transforms at night.
The historical weight of the building—originally housing horses and oxen for the tanning industry—gives it a gravity that a modern banquet hall lacks. When you’re eating a high-end steak in a room that was once a 19th-century barn, the food just tastes... heartier. It’s casual, sure, but it’s the kind of casual that feels intentional and expensive.
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Planning the Logistics: What You Need to Know
If you’re eyeing this place for 2026, you need to move fast. They aren't open every day. Usually, the schedule looks something like this:
- Wednesday & Friday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Closed: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
This limited schedule means the kitchen focuses intensely on those windows of service. For special events, you’ll need to call (518-835-8039) to work out the specifics because they don't just "slot you in." They build the event around your needs.
The Beverage Situation
Let's be real: a special event is only as good as the bar. The Nick Stoner Inn leans heavily into the "local" movement.
- Craft Beer: 19 taps. That’s a lot for a mountain inn. They rotate through New York breweries, so you aren't just stuck with the usual domestic suspects.
- Finger Lakes Wines: They bring the best of the NY vineyard scene right to Caroga Lake.
- Craft Spirits: If your crowd likes a stiff cocktail, they have a solid selection of craft liquors.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception? That it's "just for golfers."
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Kinda hilarious, actually. People think they need to be wearing a polo shirt and carrying a 9-iron to get a table. In reality, the venue is a hub for the whole Wheelerville and Caroga Lake community. The menu is designed to be accessible but high-quality. You can get a burger and a beer, or you can get a multi-course seafood feast.
Another mistake? Assuming the menu is "fixed." In the world of special events, "fixed" usually means "boring." At Nick Stoner Inn, they emphasize that they can create "together" the menu for your day. If you want a specific pasta dish or a vegetarian spread that isn't just a plate of steamed broccoli, you just have to ask.
The Historic Factor
Keep in mind, you're eating in a building that survived the decline of the tanning industry and the rise of the local tourism boom. It’s standing right where Cyrus Durey—a massive figure in Fulton County politics—once mapped out the very golf course you see out the window. That history adds a layer of "cool" to your event that you can't buy at a chain restaurant.
Actionable Next Steps for Event Planning
If you're serious about hosting at the Nick Stoner Inn, don't wait for a website form to be replied to. This is a family-run joint.
- Call directly: 518-835-8039 is your best bet for a real human.
- Visit for dinner first: Go on a Saturday night. Order the steak. Check the vibe. See if the "casual but stunning" atmosphere fits your vision.
- Ask about the "19th Hole" specials: Sometimes they have weekly scratch-made specials that aren't on the main menu but could be adapted for your event.
- Check the Facebook page: They are way more active there than on any formal website, posting photos of recent plates and events.
Lock in your date early, especially if it's a Saturday in the summer. Caroga Lake gets busy, and this barn fills up fast.