
We’re a small, family-oriented lakeside restaurant with limited seating and a cozy kitchen. Because of this, we’re unable to accommodate parties of 10 or more. We kindly ask that you do not plan team gatherings or large group outings with us. This includes arriving with large groups and requesting to be seated separately — parties of this size significantly impact the experience for other guests, and we will have to turn you away. We truly appreciate your understanding and support in helping us maintain the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere we strive to offer all our guests.
Tucked away in a boatyard, this lakeside spot presents rotating, locally sourced American cuisine.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 6098 NY-80, Cooperstown, NY 13326
Phone: (607) 547-7496
Website: https://www.bluemingogrill.com/
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Blue Mingo Grill & Sam Smith’s Boatyard
Menu — Blue Mingo Grill & Sam Smith’s Boatyard
Blue Mingo Grill – Cooperstown NY
Reviews
Two families went two nights in a row, at the request of our 12 year old sons.
The burgers are also very good, as is the carrot cake and key lime dessert.
From the moment I arrived, it was clear this was going to be more than just another dinner it was an experience. We started with the coconut shrimp, perfectly crisped with a subtly sweet and tangy dipping sauce that complemented each bite. The beet salad was a standout: vibrant, flavorful, and thoughtfully balanced. I let the dressing settle into the greens for a few minutes before diving in, and the result was nothing short of perfection. It’s the ideal appetizer to share between three guests.
Next came the lobster rolls, and I was genuinely impressed overflowing with fresh, tender lobster meat, generously portioned, and paired with impeccably cooked French fries. Compared to similar offerings in Cape May, NJ, where you often receive half the portion for the same price, these were outstanding both in flavor and value. A tip for diners: request lemon or butter on the side depending on your preference, as the roll is served dry, though I found it spot-on.
Our server, Renee, was exceptional attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. The entire service staff maintained clean, organized tables throughout each course, a small but meaningful detail that didn’t go unnoticed.
We began the evening at the bar with a cup of clam chowder, which carried a distinct and welcome smoky note. While the portion was modest, the flavor was deep and satisfying. I also sampled two cocktails: the Glimmer Glass Mist and the Almond Joy — both creative, well-balanced, and reasonably priced at just $12 each.
For dessert, the coconut pound cake with vanilla ice cream and a bright raspberry sauce was the perfect ending warm, fresh, and thoughtfully plated.
The only downside? No reservations during baseball season. I was advised that the dinner rush would taper off around 7 p.m., but arriving at 7:30 after a 90-minute drive still found us in a packed house. Seemed like the kids coming in after baseball were a little rowdy and possibly hungry so there was a bit of extra noise with them kind of running around and just doing their thing we get it, but there was a bunch of birthday parties(ours) made it a little difficult to have some basic conversation . While the wait was worth it, a reservation system would certainly improve the guest experience during peak times.
Finally, the large gift shop — while charming — appeared underutilized. It might serve the restaurant better as an extension of the bar or additional seating area, especially given the talent and local insight of the bartenders and staff.
Final Verdict: If I could award this place 10 stars, I would. From service to cuisine, everything was exceptional. A true hidden gem that I’m thrilled to have discovered — and will certainly return to.
Great food.
Reasonable pricing.
Friendly scenery.
Just keep driving til you can’t anymore.
For our appetizer we had the brussell sprouts. It was a delicious production of sweet, spicy and chared. It was topped with a green cilantro pesto sauce of type.
Later, for my meal, I added salmon to a Red Beet Salad that had goat cheese and pecans. I paired it with an Argentinian Malbec. An unusual pairing for wine and fish but because malbecs are usually spicy I found that it complemented the bed of arugula in the beet salad. My taste bud opted for the salmon, coconut rice and asparagus dish.
Unfortunately for us, the Blue Mingo will be closing for the season so the next time we will be able to have this tasty dish and cool setting will be next year.
We gathered, we experienced, now you get to decide. #LOP