Cliffs Country Inn

I ate here years ago and decided I would never come back (boring unimaginative menu and priced too high for what it is). Got invited to join with a group to celebrate a friend's special birthday. OH GOODY. Make the best of it, I told myself. Nothing's improved - the same pedestrian menu which to experienced cooks tells you the kitchen staff is mediocre - brain dead menu items which don't require much culinary expertise. Many fried items (not breaded on premises to all appearances), prime rib (heat and eat).... Very high prices for the lack of ambiance and menu choices. They don't even include salad or soup with the meal which is the norm in this area. A lousy iceberg salad will add $3.95 to your tab. A friend's steak was accompanied by mushrooms - obviously CANNED mushrooms ! Unthinkable. Another diner ordered King Crab legs and was not supplied with anything to crack them with nor dispose of the shells. Yet another diner in our group inquired as to the ingredients in the gravy used for the turkey (allergy concerns) and the waitress admitted that it was CANNED as well ! "Heat and eat" should be Cliff's motto. It amazes me that this place remains in business all these years - could there be that many first and last time customers or is there simply an acceptance of seriously sub par food (I will not call this 'cuisine' by any stretch of the imagination!). Suffice it to say that hell will freeze over before I ever set foot in this travesty they call an "Inn". Take my advice and go around the corner to The Ripe Tomato. You won't be sorry ! more

cliffs has the best steak I have ever had, we eat there once a month! more

I eat at cliffs every time I'm in the area(twice a year) I order the largest fillet. Its enough for dinner and lunch the next day. It is so perfect you can peel the meat with your fork. The service is great. I get sauteed mushrooms instead of the onion rings and they have no problem with it. Thanks and keep up the good work! Pros: excellent, inexpensive Cons: none! more

I went to Cliffs on a reccomendation. The place was backed, but after dining I can't figure out why. The food was average at best. the sides were cold. The service diner-esque. They do not accept credit cards ( bad for biz). THe location is on a beautiful lake but there isn't a window in the restaurant...why. The bar staff couldn't handle the crowd that was waiting for a table. If a restaurant is not going to accept a reservation, you had better be able to handle the bar crowd. This place can only be busy because the Capital Region is still yearning for a decent steak. more

Cliff's is an overall great restaurant. Their specialty is the prime rib and it is definitely something special. It comes in varying sizes, but each is terrific. The Crab legs are exceptional also. The rest of the menu is average except for their coleslaw which is unique and out of this world! The atmosphere is noisy and informal --- so if that is your thing then you will like it. The food is a great value when purchasing the prime rib. Pros: Prime Rib, Slaw, Value Cons: Atmosphere, rest of menu average, crowded more

I've lived in major cities all over the U.S., so when friends raved about Cliff's, my reaction was "Yeah, I've heard that before!" Some how praises never live up to my standards once I get there. However, Cliff's Country Inn delighted me, and saved the night from some rather boring guests. I was extremely happy with the presentation of a large 12 oz fillet mignon cooked to perfection. My wife's prime rib was large enough that you could have fed a family of four from it. Both were so tender they could be sliced with a butter knife. Cliff's setting is comfortable and suited for casual or dress. Great food, service, and atmosphere at affordable prices. What else could you ask for in a Steak House? Try Cliff's, you won't be disappointed. I was sold. Pros: Quality of Food, Generous Portions, Relaxed Atmosphere more