Have you ever eaten in a barn? Well, if not, I have one for you to try! The Ole Barn, located in Inlet, was built using actual lumber from very old barns, which gives it an authentic, rustic, cozy look. The Ole Barn puts the word family in the phrase "family business". The Ole Barn was originally built as a night club but in 1969 a local family of brothers (The Murdock Family) bought the business. They expanded it into a full-fledged, very large (seats up to 400) family restaurant. Eventually it was passed down to Murdock descendant Kathy and her husband Ron, who have run it for over 25 years with the help of their children and their children's families. The business prides itself on being family run - sometimes fully and solely family run, as help has become harder and harder to find.
The Ole Barn is steeped in history and traditions. Probably most important is their history of entertainment. The large building is perfect for hosting musicians and the large crowds they can draw. Many a popular band and artist played at the Ole Barn back in the day. They are famous for supporting and hosting Nascar events and the Buffalo Bills' games. For many years, the owners set up a massive, beautiful Christmas village during the holidays. Although the village has stayed packed up recently, they still make sure to set up set up some beautiful decor. The Ole Barn collects hats from any patron willing to part with theirs and staple to the ceiling. Another neat feature is a 44-car train that runs throughout the bar and dining room.
In the winter, they are bombarded with snowmobilers - a must stop for anyone on the trails. The Ole Barn is known as the gateway to the Moose River Plains, 64,000+ acres of Adirondack Forest Preserve. In the other seasons, I suggest you check out the closed in porch. From there you can see the fountain and garden area that attracts a variety of wildlife including hummingbirds, deer and black bear. At night it is lit up and looks beautiful. They offer a full bar with an amazing invention called the "Beer Can Express" - something created by one of the original Murdock owners. The beer can express consists of 2 tubes that run from behind the bar out to the silo that is right outside the building. There is a fan that sucks the air out of the silo creating a vacuum in the tubes which pulls the beer cans into the silo. Therefore, making a neater and cleaner bar area without the smell or hassle of bagged cans.
Alright, alright, enough about the history and traditions. Onto the food! So, in my opinion, the Ole Barn is a very family-oriented place. When I have guests with kids, or guests that like a traditional menu, the Ole Barn is what I suggest. Their menu is what I call "regular" and that's not an insult! Some people go out to try new things, others go out to eat those comfort foods they know they love. Ole Barn is full of those kinds of delicious foods. They specialize in their Haddock on Fridays and Prime Rib on Saturdays. Ron's Lasagna is always a favorite I hear about, as is the Meatloaf and Chicken Riggies. Their soups are homemade, and the French Onion is always a winner! Their menu has something for everyone! From soups, to salads, to appetizers, to sandwiches to full on dinners. They have a nice menu for the little ones as well! Their slogan is "Good Food, Good Spirits, Good Times" and I suggest you give them a try to enjoy all the goodness!
This write up is a little different than some of my others. The Ole Barn has such a neat, amazing history that I felt it was important to highlight that as much as the food. The family is very hard working and are proud of all they have accomplished since 1969 and I feel that should be celebrated as well.
