Otesaga Resort in Cooperstown, N.Y., unveils renovated bar and grill

The Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown, N.Y., commenced its 108th season by unveiling its recently renovated Hawkeye Bar & Grill.

“The Hawkeye Bar & Grill renovation allows us to offer our guests a preeminent dining experience, featuring top-notch cuisine, superb lake views and the best service,” said Jim Miles, GM of The Otesaga, said in a statement. “While we have completely redesigned the space, we have kept the restaurant’s original charm and offerings.”

​​The Otesaga enlisted a roster of local contractors to completely reimagine Hawkeye Bar & Grill. The restaurant’s renovation began with taking over its neighboring Templeton Lounge. Now, as one venue, Hawkeye Bar & Grill encompasses more than 2,000 square-feet over an open floor plan.

Guests are greeted by unobstructed views of Lake Otsego upon entering the new restaurant lounge, which boasts Parisian bistro-inspired seating and a fireplace. Just beyond the lounge, the original 108-year-old bar has been completely restored and placed in a vibrant section of the restaurant – the perfect location to enjoy a pre or post-dinner drink at the bar. The bar now offers a selection of draft beers with six varietals on the menu. The five high-tops tables are perfect for a more casual dining experience.

A focal point of the restaurant is the main dining area, which features a serpentine divider handmade with crochet mahogany. The walls also have been refurbished using Hawkeye’s original fabric. Each seat in Hawkeye, including the new leather banquets and surrounding tables, offers breathtaking views of Lake Otsego that will please all 110 diners who can comfortably sit inside. Guests also can dine outside with more than 80 seats on the patio.

Hawkeye Bar & Grill now offers two private dining rooms, separated by a beautiful wine wall that holds 1,008 bottles hand selected by The Otesaga’s food & beverage manager and sommelier, Chad Douglass. The larger room, dubbed the Templeton Room, holds up to 60 guests. On the other side of the wine wall, the smaller Pioneer Room, which will be used for intimate group settings and exclusive wine tastings, features a reclaimed Chicago brick floor and is furnished with an oversized farmers table and adorned with a burlap wall. Both private dining rooms also feature beautiful brick fireplaces.

To complement the Hawkeye Bar & Grill’s redesign, the team has created a refreshed menu, comprised of both new and classic Hawkeye favorites. The significantly enlarged kitchen now boasts a stone-fired pizza oven, so guests can enjoy thin crust creations like the forager with roasted wild mushrooms, gorgonzola and truffle oil. The restaurant also partnered with several local farmers to ensure the freshest produce and meats adorn the menu with highlights including a selection of Butcher’s Burgers with the beef custom ground in-house daily, Ommegang Fish & Chips, seared duck breast and slow roasted prime rib.