The history of Inlet fascinates me. This next restaurant we are going to feature has more history than I know what to do with: The Woods Inn. But that is for another time. Today we are going to talk about the 3 different dining experiences available at the Woods Inn. The Frey Family owns and operates the Woods Inn and has since 2014. We will start with the Overlook Restaurant. There are two amazing parts of the Overlook Restaurant - the food (of course) and the setting. This restaurant offers a beautiful view of 4th Lake and is one of the best spots around to catch the sunset. There is patio seating where you can dine and view, as well as outdoor seating (weather permitting). The Overlook Restaurant also has a large dining room and a private dining room. The Woods Inn features a large wrap around porch and lawn area with chairs where you can grab a night cap or a dessert to go.
The Woods Inn classifies The Overlook Restaurant as casual, but it definitely has an upscale feeling. The building itself is beautiful, as is the decor. When someone asks for a place to celebrate a special occasion or a place that's elegant, The Overlook Restaurant is always on my list of recommendations. Chef Derrick has run the kitchen for many years and has perfected many excellent dishes. The menu is classic and traditional and has something for everyone. Their salad menu is very unique and includes a beet salad, a concord grape salad and a summer salad with craisins, pecans and honey goat cheese. They offer a wide variety of meat selections including venison, prime rib, lamb, osso bucco, stuffed sole, salmon, and lake trout. Some of their specials include the All American Pot Pie, the Lasagna and the Lobster Mac & Cheese. The dinners come with the choice of garlic smashed potatoes, long grain wild rice and whipped sweet potatoes, which is a very popular choice. The Overlook has a full bar and an extensive wine list. Their desserts are to-die-for and they bring them around on a tray to tempt you.
on a tray to tempt you.
The second restaurant at the Woods Inn is called the Laughing Loon Tavern. It is positioned under the restaurant on the ground floor and often features live music. The Tavern offers several additional appetizers including their grilled chicken wings, french fries and onion rings. They have a tasty sandwich menu, a panini menu, fish tacos and several kinds of pizza. Hint: The Buffalo chicken pizza is soooooo yummy! The Laughing Loon Tavern has a pool table and fuse-ball machine and you can walk out the door and instantly see the lake. They have a large event pavilion where they showcase the Buffalo Bills. Food and drinks are usually available out there as well.
The third restaurant at the Woods Inn is the Little Camp Cafe, which is located at the beginning of their dock on 4th Lake. The tables are located on the dock so you are literally dining lakeside when you eat at the Little Camp Cafe. Due to this, this restaurant is weather permitting and seasonal. They expand their menu even more with some fun choices such as roasted garlic hummus, chilled gazpacho soup, caprese stack, spinach salad, tuna sliders and a lobster roll. They also offer a bunch of fun frozen drink specials.
No matter what restaurant you choose, you will have a delicious meal, get a beautiful view, and have the opportunity to walk through one of the oldest, most historical buildings in Inlet. I highly suggest making reservations for the Overlook. It's the perfect place for 1, 2, 6 or 20.
