This blog was written for TupperLake.com by guest blogger Danielle Jessie.
A hub for local adventure
The completion of the final section of the Adirondack Rail Trail from Floodwood to Tupper Lake is just on the horizon. The Adirondack Scenic Railway is fully operational, and Adirondack Railbike Adventures are onsite in Tupper Lake, as well! Now is a great time to get to know what local Tupper Lakers call “The Junction.” To Tupper Lake natives, “The Junction” refers to the area of downtown surrounding the Tupper Lake train station. Residents of this area have been (lovingly!) referred to as “Junction Rats” by locals for decades.
What is a junction?
Merriam-Webster defines a junction as “A place or point of meeting.” When referencing the railroad it refers to the crossing or joining of two railways. While the geographical area of Tupper Lake that has been referred to as “The Junction” has not been a junction, by definition, for many years, the completion of the Adirondack Rail Trail and Adirondack Scenic Railroad allow reclamation of the title.
The original two railroads that created our Tupper Lake junction were the Northern Adirondack Railroad built by John Hurd in 1890 and the Adirondack and St. Lawrence Railroad, constructed by Dr. William Seward Webb in 1892. These railroads crossed one another in Tupper Lake in 1899. Almost a century later, rail service ceased in 1972, and New York State acquired the corridor in 1974. Today we celebrate the revival of the junction and would like to highlight some of the local businesses who call the junction home.
Main Street Restaurant
We can start with a restaurant owned by locals who not only work in the junction but live in the junction, too! Main Street Restaurant is located right across the street from the train station. This Tupper Lake standard is an amazing local eatery with cheerful and accommodating staff, plus homecooked meals. If you stop in on your travels, you have to try the French onion soup, it is the absolute best in town!
The Grand Union
On the train depot side, at the end of Adirondack Rail Trail and beginning of the Junction Pass Trail you can find Woodsmens Tavern & Grill at the Grand Union Hotel. In the heart of the junction, this spot is a favorite for locals, with great food, the best staff, and the added option of lodging right upstairs!
Larkin's Junction Depot
This is a great, one-stop fuel up destination. This convenience store is certainly convenient and oh so much more. Larkin’s has homemade, mouthwatering baked goods, a deli with great fresh sandwiches and salads, grab and go items, breakfast, coffee, snacks, and sweet treats. The friendly staff here get you in and out quickly, but without compromising quality.
P-2's Irish Pub
P-2’s is a staple for Tupper Lake and a meeting place for all kinds of groups of locals and out of towners alike. This traditional Irish pub and its kind staff will make you feel like a regular even if it’s your first time in. Stop in and play some trivia, sing karaoke, listen to live music, grab a bite to eat. Pull up a stool at the bar – little burn marks from long ago adorn the curved bar that tells a story of its own.
Rosco's New York Style Pizzeria
Rosco’s is a new face in the junction with the cutest mascot (one of the owner’s dogs)! Opened in 2025, it has become a favorite pizza spot for locals. Currently offering delivery and outside pick up, they have an array of menu items other than just pizza. You can grab a salad or a hot sub, but it’s their signature sheet pizza that’s sure to please anyone in your group. Check their social media for newly completed renovation and information about when they’ll be offering the option to dine in.
Raquette River Brewing
About 0.25 miles from the end of the Rail Trail, Raquette River Brewing is a hot spot for locals and travelers alike. The brewery has eats from four different food trucks, a variety of craft beer options, NYS made cider and spirits, and non-alcoholic options too. This brewery is dog friendly with both indoor and outdoor seating options. Live music and laughter can be heard on the patio on weekends throughout the summer. When it gets a bit chilly, wander over to the firepit with your pint and warm up your toes. They also have recently added an e-bike charging station to accommodate travelers on wheels.
Pine Grove Restaurant
Pinegrove Restaurant is THE stop for comfort food. If you want to feel at home in Tupper Lake, this is your destination. The friendly staff treat you like you’re a part of the family and the home cooking will leave you dreaming of your next visit. Pine Grove Restaurant has been a staple for both townies and visitors for decades. My personal favorite item on the menu is their chicken chilaquiles - yum!
See you soon!
You don’t need to be a junction rat to enjoy all there is to do down in the junction. Whether you take a ride on the Scenic Railroad, explore the Adirondack Rail Trail, or take a trip with Adirondack Railbike Adventures, there are lots of ways to get here, and plenty of places to visit when you do! Go ahead, plan your trip now; we can’t wait to meet you at The Junction!