Popular Central NY brewery expanding into Adirondacks this summer

On hot days in the Adirondacks this summer, there will be a new option to grab a refreshing cold drink.

Central New York’s popular Prison City Pub & Brewery plans to open a new taproom early this summer in Lake Placid at 2577 Main Street, recently vacated by Bear Essentials Apparel. It’s a stone’s throw away from the Lake Placid Olympic Complex.

Founded in Auburn, home to the oldest maximum security prison in the country, the Lake Placid location will be Prison City’s third expansion since its opening in 2014.

Prison City ADK will serve beer from the brewery’s North Street facility, as well as wine and cider. There will also be some light snacks like their popular soft everything pretzels, locally sourced charcuterie boards and grab-and-go food items.

Lake Placid holds a special place in the heart of co-owners Dawn Schulz and her husband Marc Schulz, having met and lived in Lake Placid for many years. Dawn owned a restaurant downtown and Marc helped open the Lake Placid Pub & Brewery.

It’s also where their first child was born and the family visits often with many friends still in the area.

“We’ve been desperately trying to get back to Lake Placid for over 20 years, so we’re excited about that,” Marc said.

The chance to open a Prison City location there has been a dream for the couple and when the right space opened up, they jumped at the chance.

“It also made financial sense for us to open another taproom,” Dawn said.

Exclusive to Prison City ADK will be Adirondack-inspired merchandise by outdoor clothing brand KÜHL and the couple is exploring beer flavors that will be specific to the High Peaks location.

The mountain town expansion also comes with another move for their existing brewpubs.

Prison City will move all of its brewing production and fermentation tanks from its original downtown Auburn State Street location to its brewpub on North Street.

They plan for the empty area downtown to expand the kitchen for a bigger food menu and make additional dining and event space.

Prison City Brewing has won several gold medals at New York State Craft Beer competitions and has received top national rankings in multiple publications over the years.