One of the worst dining experiences we’ve ever had
This was an absolute disaster from start to finish.
We ordered a crab cake appetizer that took almost 40 minutes to come out. The waitress told us they have a chef in training and the manager didn’t like how he made it, so they had to redo it. When our meals finally arrived, all three were ice cold. The hamburger, which was ordered well done, came out rare. We sent everything back. Another 30 minutes later, the food came out again — still just as cold. To make it worse, they forgot to bring out one of the meals entirely (the hamburger), which took another 15 minutes.
Several menu items were unavailable. The gumbo we ordered had no sausage because, according to them, they forgot to order sausage. The manager even admitted they never should have served the gumbo at all.
Nearly two hours later, we still hadn’t eaten a proper meal. We finally gave up, paid for our drinks in cash, and walked out.
We were the only table in the restaurant, so they weren’t busy at all. Perhaps that should’ve been our first warning sign.
This place is incredibly poorly run from the kitchen to management. A total waste of time. We will never return and would strongly advise others to avoid it.
Joe DiCocco
One of the worst dining experiences we’ve ever had
This was an absolute disaster from start to finish.
We ordered a crab cake appetizer that took almost 40 minutes to come out. The waitress told us they have a chef in training and the manager didn’t like how he made it, so they had to redo it. That’s not something a customer should ever have to hear.
When our meals finally arrived, all three were ice cold. The hamburger, which was ordered well done, came out rare. We sent everything back. Another 30 minutes later, the food came out again — still just as cold. To make it worse, they forgot to bring out one of the meals entirely (the hamburger), which took another 15 minutes.
Several menu items were unavailable. The gumbo we ordered had no sausage because, according to them, they forgot to order sausage. The manager even admitted they never should have served the gumbo at all.
Nearly two hours later, we still hadn’t eaten a proper meal. We finally gave up, paid for our drinks in cash, and walked out.
The most unbelievable part? We were the only table in the restaurant. They weren’t busy at all. That probably should’ve been our first warning sign.
This place is incredibly poorly run from the kitchen to management. A total waste of time and money. We will never return and would strongly advise others to avoid it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 1
Donna Taylor
Another lovely dinner at Paper & Pencil! We have really enjoyed discovering this restaurant since our move to the area last summer. Cocktails were delicious and the meal from start to finish was yummy. The decor of the restaurant is well done. Thank you and we look forward to our next visit!
Jodi Schwartz
We had a lovely experience at Paper & Pencil last night. Our server Melissa was sweet, attentive and knowledgeable. We started with some appetizers: the baked brie with Granny Smith apples, and then recommended by our server Melissa, was the special chef’s appetizer which was a mushroom pâté on crostini topped with perfectly cooked fillet and goat cheese. Both were delicious. Our 3 main courses were the crab stuffed haddock over mashed potatoes with the vegetable of the day, green beans; the brisket macaroni and cheese with a side salad; and then a gumbo featuring chicken and andouille sausage with brown rice. Easily all three meals were a five out of five. The decor is warm and inviting, and the little Christmas touches really made it a special night. Deep Think Jazz Trio was phenomenal. Such an enjoyable experience as we dined. If you are dining out in Ticonderoga, Paper & Pencil has found its footing and is doing everything right.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lets Go
Staff here are so welcoming, accommodating and genuine. They ALL go above and beyond to ensure you have a wonderful experience. The energy is tough to beat. The food, drinks and prices are on point in this cozy, modern, yet rustic and true to its roots establishment. Plenty of parking and seating. Thankful this gem exists!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
J Burt
We were feeling adventurous on a Monday night! Ha!....Decided to check out a new place. What a wonderful surprise Paper & Pencil was! Hostess was very welcoming and mentioned there was live music about to begin! She sat us upstairs on the balcony. I wish I had a picture to share. Beautiful restaurant! Our waitress was a gem and the food was excellent! Smaller portions of bread and salad...allowed me to actually finish my entrée! I had the creole pasta with shrimp. Spicy, but delicious! My husband had the fried chicken with Mac and cheese. He had to take a portion home. You will not leave hungry! Oh and the live music was great! Not too loud. Just really nice! ☺️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Adam Provost
This place was a total shock and in the best possible way. The mixology menu here rivals some of the best restaurants I’ve visited worldwide and at a far more reasonable price point. Milkwashed vodka, multiple absinthes, rare bitters like Mephisto, Fontbonne herbal liqueur, black pepper, and muddles like apple-rosemary-thyme tincture are jut a few of the ingredients you rarely see elsewhere. Megan, the mixologist behind this cocktail menu, brings real craft, boldness, and subtle layering here to every drink. It’s an inspiring work of art.
With started dining with bruschetta topped with balsamic reduction and fresh mozzarella. Simple and perfectly prepared. Dinner dish one was fried chicken thighs with French-cut green beans. The chicken was juicy with a crisp, light breading; the beans were buttery with a punch of garlic. Again, perfectly prepared. Second dish was the medium-rare ribeye which was basted in garlic and herbs. I chose hand-cut fries and from the list of preps for steaks and burgers went au poivre to test their French chops, steak-frites-style. Note to self… au poivre on a burger is one I’d never thought of and is now on my list to try. The steak dinner was decadent.
For dessert we chose crème brûlée… which was light and delicious. We also tried the bread pudding and it could stand proudly in New Orleans.
Service was fantastic across the board.
This place is a true gem. We’ll gladly make the nearly two-hour drive back and we’ll be spreading the word far and wide. Six out of five if I could for a balance of craft and affordability for this level of dining which I’ve only given to a Michelin Star restaurant in Portugal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ron Murchek
They had four 1772 chargers in the parking lot
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Carol Birchwale
Warm atmosphere, inviting staff. The food was delicious. Our bartender Conner was very attentive and made our experience very enjoyable.
What an amazing dining experience from start to finish. The atmosphere was warm, inviting, and full of character, the kind of place that feels both elevated and comfortable.
We started with the appetizer (pictured first), perfectly cooked shrimp tossed in a flavorful sauce and topped with just the right amount of crumbled cheese. It was light, rich, and packed with flavor, a great way to kick things off.
For the main course, the fried chicken (second photo) was absolutely incredible, crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and served with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted carrots that tied everything together. Comfort food done right.
The pasta (third photo) was a standout, with fresh, perfectly cooked noodles coated in a vibrant house-made red sauce with plenty of Parmesan and fresh herbs. It definitely has a little kick to it, so make sure you enjoy spicy dishes, but if you do, you will absolutely love it.
Service was friendly and attentive without being overbearing, and every dish came out beautifully plated and full of flavor. You can tell there is real pride and craft in the kitchen here. We ate at the bar, Connor was great! Really good craft drinks as well!
Highly recommend this spot, whether you are in the mood for a cozy date night, a special dinner with friends, or just want to enjoy amazing comfort food with a creative twist.
Dominick Marchesiello
What an amazing dining experience from start to finish. The atmosphere was warm, inviting, and full of character, the kind of place that feels both elevated and comfortable.
We started with the appetizer (pictured first), perfectly cooked shrimp tossed in a flavorful sauce and topped with just the right amount of crumbled cheese. It was light, rich, and packed with flavor, a great way to kick things off.
For the main course, the fried chicken (second photo) was absolutely incredible, crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and served with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted carrots that tied everything together. Comfort food done right.
The pasta (third photo) was a standout, with fresh, perfectly cooked noodles coated in a vibrant house-made red sauce with plenty of Parmesan and fresh herbs. It definitely has a little kick to it, so make sure you enjoy spicy dishes, but if you do, you will absolutely love it.
Service was friendly and attentive without being overbearing, and every dish came out beautifully plated and full of flavor. You can tell there is real pride and craft in the kitchen here. We ate at the bar and Connor was awesome! Great drinks, super friendly and made great recommendations!
Highly recommend this spot, whether you are in the mood for a cozy date night, a special dinner with friends, or just want to enjoy amazing comfort food with a creative twist.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Edward X. Junia
Paper & Pencil was wonderful!
My wife and I spent three nights in Ticonderoga as part of a three week fall vacation that included a Canada and New England cruise from Quebec City to Boston. I chose Ticonderoga as one of our stops as I thought it would be a good location from which we could use as to drive to Stowe and other places in Vermont's Green Mountains; and then to Lake Placid and other places in the Adirondacks. Our plan was to see the fall colors and to visit several colonial historic sites in Massachusetts. The plan was good and we enjoyed the variety our road trips. But YIKES! We were shocked at the lack of restaurants (only a couple) in Ticonderoga and its disappointing condition. So, if you are thinking of visiting Ticonderoga, I suggest you do nothing more than a few hour visit.
That being said, we found Paper & Pencil which is new upscale restaurant that is located a couple minutes outside of the dismal and decrepit Ticonderoga downtown. It is located in an new and excellent modern stand alone building that was once the site of an 1820s furniture factory which seems to be the best location in Ticonderoga.
The food was very good and priced very competitively with similar restaurants outside of big cities. We were there on a Sunday evening and while thankful for it being opened, the wait staff was limited so our waitress appeared to be a bit challenged going from here to there.
All in all we gave this restaurant 5 stars and hope everyone that reads this gives Paper & Pencil a visit as it needs everyone's support to keep it as the by far the best restaurant in Ticonderoga and probably within 150 miles or more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sonny Crockett
Strange place. Stopped by 630 on friday and hardly anybody inside. There were no ribs, salmon, iceberg lettuce, soups were almost all gone and clams almost all gone. Mind you this place has a short menu to start with. No idea how you run out of lettuce but whatever. Service was good but seemed to be some confusion between staff about what's going on. Ordered one drink which was made but not brought to the table until a while later which they did take off the bill, but again there was hardly anyone inside no more than a dozen and there's enough seating for 50 or so including a second level. Wanted the ribs but since they were gone I got the chicken marsala instead which the best I've had. Tried my friends steak, cooked right no complaints but didn't taste like $40 worth of ribeye to me. Building is nice and new, some art possibly locally made hanging for sale on the wall of the dining room which is a bit odd but I liked it. Seems like some management issues are at play here holding them back from being great instead of good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
D Chadd Portwine
Fantastic food, nice location. Looking forward to sitting on the patio next year.
One of the worst dining experiences we’ve ever had This was an absolute disaster from start to finish. We ordered a crab cake appetizer that took almost 40 minutes to come out. The waitress told us they have a chef in training and the manager didn’t like how he made it, so they had to redo it. When our meals finally arrived, all three were ice cold. The hamburger, which was ordered well done, came out rare. We sent everything back. Another 30 minutes later, the food came out again — still just as cold. To make it worse, they forgot to bring out one of the meals entirely (the hamburger), which took another 15 minutes. Several menu items were unavailable. The gumbo we ordered had no sausage because, according to them, they forgot to order sausage. The manager even admitted they never should have served the gumbo at all. Nearly two hours later, we still hadn’t eaten a proper meal. We finally gave up, paid for our drinks in cash, and walked out. We were the only table in the restaurant, so they weren’t busy at all. Perhaps that should’ve been our first warning sign. This place is incredibly poorly run from the kitchen to management. A total waste of time. We will never return and would strongly advise others to avoid it.
One of the worst dining experiences we’ve ever had
This was an absolute disaster from start to finish.
We ordered a crab cake appetizer that took almost 40 minutes to come out. The waitress told us they have a chef in training and the manager didn’t like how he made it, so they had to redo it. That’s not something a customer should ever have to hear.
When our meals finally arrived, all three were ice cold. The hamburger, which was ordered well done, came out rare. We sent everything back. Another 30 minutes later, the food came out again — still just as cold. To make it worse, they forgot to bring out one of the meals entirely (the hamburger), which took another 15 minutes.
Several menu items were unavailable. The gumbo we ordered had no sausage because, according to them, they forgot to order sausage. The manager even admitted they never should have served the gumbo at all.
Nearly two hours later, we still hadn’t eaten a proper meal. We finally gave up, paid for our drinks in cash, and walked out.
The most unbelievable part? We were the only table in the restaurant. They weren’t busy at all. That probably should’ve been our first warning sign.
This place is incredibly poorly run from the kitchen to management. A total waste of time and money. We will never return and would strongly advise others to avoid it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 1
Another lovely dinner at Paper & Pencil! We have really enjoyed discovering this restaurant since our move to the area last summer. Cocktails were delicious and the meal from start to finish was yummy. The decor of the restaurant is well done. Thank you and we look forward to our next visit!
We had a lovely experience at Paper & Pencil last night. Our server Melissa was sweet, attentive and knowledgeable. We started with some appetizers: the baked brie with Granny Smith apples, and then recommended by our server Melissa, was the special chef’s appetizer which was a mushroom pâté on crostini topped with perfectly cooked fillet and goat cheese. Both were delicious. Our 3 main courses were the crab stuffed haddock over mashed potatoes with the vegetable of the day, green beans; the brisket macaroni and cheese with a side salad; and then a gumbo featuring chicken and andouille sausage with brown rice. Easily all three meals were a five out of five. The decor is warm and inviting, and the little Christmas touches really made it a special night. Deep Think Jazz Trio was phenomenal. Such an enjoyable experience as we dined. If you are dining out in Ticonderoga, Paper & Pencil has found its footing and is doing everything right.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Staff here are so welcoming, accommodating and genuine. They ALL go above and beyond to ensure you have a wonderful experience. The energy is tough to beat. The food, drinks and prices are on point in this cozy, modern, yet rustic and true to its roots establishment. Plenty of parking and seating. Thankful this gem exists!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We were feeling adventurous on a Monday night! Ha!....Decided to check out a new place. What a wonderful surprise Paper & Pencil was! Hostess was very welcoming and mentioned there was live music about to begin! She sat us upstairs on the balcony. I wish I had a picture to share. Beautiful restaurant! Our waitress was a gem and the food was excellent! Smaller portions of bread and salad...allowed me to actually finish my entrée! I had the creole pasta with shrimp. Spicy, but delicious! My husband had the fried chicken with Mac and cheese. He had to take a portion home. You will not leave hungry!
Oh and the live music was great! Not too loud. Just really nice! ☺️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place was a total shock and in the best possible way. The mixology menu here rivals some of the best restaurants I’ve visited worldwide and at a far more reasonable price point. Milkwashed vodka, multiple absinthes, rare bitters like Mephisto, Fontbonne herbal liqueur, black pepper, and muddles like apple-rosemary-thyme tincture are jut a few of the ingredients you rarely see elsewhere. Megan, the mixologist behind this cocktail menu, brings real craft, boldness, and subtle layering here to every drink. It’s an inspiring work of art.
With started dining with bruschetta topped with balsamic reduction and fresh mozzarella. Simple and perfectly prepared. Dinner dish one was fried chicken thighs with French-cut green beans. The chicken was juicy with a crisp, light breading; the beans were buttery with a punch of garlic. Again, perfectly prepared. Second dish was the medium-rare ribeye which was basted in garlic and herbs. I chose hand-cut fries and from the list of preps for steaks and burgers went au poivre to test their French chops, steak-frites-style. Note to self… au poivre on a burger is one I’d never thought of and is now on my list to try. The steak dinner was decadent.
For dessert we chose crème brûlée… which was light and delicious. We also tried the bread pudding and it could stand proudly in New Orleans.
Service was fantastic across the board.
This place is a true gem. We’ll gladly make the nearly two-hour drive back and we’ll be spreading the word far and wide. Six out of five if I could for a balance of craft and affordability for this level of dining which I’ve only given to a Michelin Star restaurant in Portugal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
They had four 1772 chargers in the parking lot
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Warm atmosphere, inviting staff. The food was delicious. Our bartender Conner was very attentive and made our experience very enjoyable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent food. Relaxed atmosphere.
Restaurantji Recommends
What an amazing dining experience from start to finish. The atmosphere was warm, inviting, and full of character, the kind of place that feels both elevated and comfortable. We started with the appetizer (pictured first), perfectly cooked shrimp tossed in a flavorful sauce and topped with just the right amount of crumbled cheese. It was light, rich, and packed with flavor, a great way to kick things off. For the main course, the fried chicken (second photo) was absolutely incredible, crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and served with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted carrots that tied everything together. Comfort food done right. The pasta (third photo) was a standout, with fresh, perfectly cooked noodles coated in a vibrant house-made red sauce with plenty of Parmesan and fresh herbs. It definitely has a little kick to it, so make sure you enjoy spicy dishes, but if you do, you will absolutely love it. Service was friendly and attentive without being overbearing, and every dish came out beautifully plated and full of flavor. You can tell there is real pride and craft in the kitchen here. We ate at the bar, Connor was great! Really good craft drinks as well! Highly recommend this spot, whether you are in the mood for a cozy date night, a special dinner with friends, or just want to enjoy amazing comfort food with a creative twist.
What an amazing dining experience from start to finish. The atmosphere was warm, inviting, and full of character, the kind of place that feels both elevated and comfortable.
We started with the appetizer (pictured first), perfectly cooked shrimp tossed in a flavorful sauce and topped with just the right amount of crumbled cheese. It was light, rich, and packed with flavor, a great way to kick things off.
For the main course, the fried chicken (second photo) was absolutely incredible, crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and served with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted carrots that tied everything together. Comfort food done right.
The pasta (third photo) was a standout, with fresh, perfectly cooked noodles coated in a vibrant house-made red sauce with plenty of Parmesan and fresh herbs. It definitely has a little kick to it, so make sure you enjoy spicy dishes, but if you do, you will absolutely love it.
Service was friendly and attentive without being overbearing, and every dish came out beautifully plated and full of flavor. You can tell there is real pride and craft in the kitchen here. We ate at the bar and Connor was awesome! Great drinks, super friendly and made great recommendations!
Highly recommend this spot, whether you are in the mood for a cozy date night, a special dinner with friends, or just want to enjoy amazing comfort food with a creative twist.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Paper & Pencil was wonderful!
My wife and I spent three nights in Ticonderoga as part of a three week fall vacation that included a Canada and New England cruise from Quebec City to Boston. I chose Ticonderoga as one of our stops as I thought it would be a good location from which we could use as to drive to Stowe and other places in Vermont's Green Mountains; and then to Lake Placid and other places in the Adirondacks. Our plan was to see the fall colors and to visit several colonial historic sites in Massachusetts. The plan was good and we enjoyed the variety our road trips. But YIKES! We were shocked at the lack of restaurants (only a couple) in Ticonderoga and its disappointing condition. So, if you are thinking of visiting Ticonderoga, I suggest you do nothing more than a few hour visit.
That being said, we found Paper & Pencil which is new upscale restaurant that is located a couple minutes outside of the dismal and decrepit Ticonderoga downtown. It is located in an new and excellent modern stand alone building that was once the site of an 1820s furniture factory which seems to be the best location in Ticonderoga.
The food was very good and priced very competitively with similar restaurants outside of big cities. We were there on a Sunday evening and while thankful for it being opened, the wait staff was limited so our waitress appeared to be a bit challenged going from here to there.
All in all we gave this restaurant 5 stars and hope everyone that reads this gives Paper & Pencil a visit as it needs everyone's support to keep it as the by far the best restaurant in Ticonderoga and probably within 150 miles or more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Strange place. Stopped by 630 on friday and hardly anybody inside. There were no ribs, salmon, iceberg lettuce, soups were almost all gone and clams almost all gone. Mind you this place has a short menu to start with. No idea how you run out of lettuce but whatever. Service was good but seemed to be some confusion between staff about what's going on. Ordered one drink which was made but not brought to the table until a while later which they did take off the bill, but again there was hardly anyone inside no more than a dozen and there's enough seating for 50 or so including a second level. Wanted the ribs but since they were gone I got the chicken marsala instead which the best I've had. Tried my friends steak, cooked right no complaints but didn't taste like $40 worth of ribeye to me. Building is nice and new, some art possibly locally made hanging for sale on the wall of the dining room which is a bit odd but I liked it. Seems like some management issues are at play here holding them back from being great instead of good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fantastic food, nice location. Looking forward to sitting on the patio next year.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
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