Canal Side Inn – Little Falls, New York

The Canal Side Inn is “within spitting distance” from our beautiful room at The Inn At Stone Mill. In fact, when we stepped outside the door of our building we could see it right across the street.

Earlier on that Tuesday we had discovered several reasons for checking out that restaurant in Little Falls. Our wonderful host Marica had informed us that she would be the bartender that night at the Canal Side Inn. So we were more than happy to head over there so we could continue our chat with her. And since we had enjoyed a delicious late lunch at the Cafe At Stone Mill we were not interested in a large dinner anyway. So an appetizer and a drink at ‘her” bar sounded perfect. Especially since Mother Nature was determined to cancel any plans we had for a walking tour of Little Falls. (The rain was relentless during our entire visit, thanks to Tropical Storm Fred!) So across the street we went.

That quaint and cozy bar and restaurant was the perfect spot to unwind that evening. And Marica greeted us with her winning smile. We quickly felt right at home.

More Than A Restaurant…

As the name implies, The Canal Side Inn is more than a restaurant. That building also houses three guest rooms on the floor above! It is part of the umbrella company which owns the inn where we were staying. That explained why Marica was “moonlighting” at the other establishment. So our first question was answered!

We studied the bar menu and were quick to spot one of our favorite appetizers…calamari. So our order was quickly placed. It wasn’t long before a heaping plate was placed before us.

The crispy seafood was served with a sesame oriental sauce for dipping. It was delicious. And as we enjoyed our food we studied the eclectic “Around The World” full menu served there.  Dishes  included Thai, Southwestern, Chinese, Italian, and American comfort food! It truly felt like a worldwide culinary adventure…without a passport.

Chef’s Birthday Serenade

A group of local friends were gathered at a corner table to celebrate a birthday. And the Canal Side Inn had pulled out all the stops to help them celebrate. A table had been decorated and then topped with the decorated birthday cake and cupcakes. (We were invited to join the party but we graciously declined the generous offer.)

Soon a special visitor appeared from the kitchen.

Executive Chef John Luciano not only came out to congratulate the revelers, he also SANG to them! (It was so much fun to be a part of the celebration!) Chef John’s bigger than life personality is a hallmark of the restaurant…and his six feet four inch frame is too!

Before we left, we took a moment to step into the next room where diners were enjoying their evening meals. The cozy dining room was beautiful. A perfect place to enjoy Chef John’s extensive dinner menu.

We thoroughly enjoyed our brief visit to the Canal Side Inn restaurant, but we were winding down after our first full day in Little Falls.

Sweet Dreams Ahead…

We soon wished the “birthday girl” a happy day as we headed back across the rain soaked street where we took the elevator to our comfortable third floor room. We headed to the conference room where Peepaw spied his favorite evening snack…popcorn! So he popped a bag in the microwave and he snagged a soda from the frig. I grabbed a water and a bag of chips and an apple as we headed down the hall to our room.

I curled up in bed while Peepaw spent some time watching TV. The sound of the rushing river outside our window was the perfect “white noise” to lull me off to a good night of sleep.

Trust me when I say we needed a full night of restful sleep to prepare for the AMAZING Wednesday ahead of us the next day.  (You probably won’t believe how much this old pair of travelers crammed into that ONE day!)