westport yacht club new york

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer
• Essex on Lake Champlain

Essex, New York Community Blog Since 2011

The Westport Yacht Club Is Open

June 13, 2018 By Geo Davis Leave a Comment

Have you heard the rumor? It’s true. The Westport Yacht Club is open! What a thrill to experience this local summertime institution back in full swing.

A couple of tasty weeks into the summer 2018 season I can confidently say that Emily, Scott, and their enthusiastic team are off to an outstanding start.

Thank you for a wonderful opening weekend! xoxoxo ⚓💙 #westportyachtclubny #westportyachtclublakechamplain #wyclc #westporteats #westportdrinks A post shared by Westport Yacht Club, NY (@wyclakechamplain) on May 28, 2018 at 2:34pm PDT

After a one-season hiatus (Bernard and Rosemary Perillat retired and closed Le Bistro du Lac  in the autumn of 2016.) this spectacular lakeside dining venue is open once more. Welcome back, Westport Yacht Club. We missed you.

Westport Yacht Club Backstory

It personally pleases me for so many reasons to celebrate this new chapter at the Westport Yacht Club (WYC), not the least of which is that I’ve known Scott Brankman and Emily Farnsworth-Brankman for decades. I’m 100% confident that this dynamic duo will transform the Westport Yacht Club into one of the hottest dining destinations on Lake Champlain.

Yes, I’m biased. But mark my words, and soon enough I’m confident you’ll agree with me.

It seems like yesterday that we were all teenagers and twenty-somethings living and working what we imagined were the best summers of our lives. (Who knew that summer would just continue to get better and better and better each year?!?!) I personally recollect working as a lunch and brunch waiter for Drew and Linda Sabella, the now retired chef/owners of  Anthony’s Restaurant & Bistro in Plattsburgh, in the mid/late 1980s when they were running the WYC. Ah, nostalgia…

Scott and Emily have similar memories.

We’re so happy to be back in Westport and so grateful for the amazing opportunity of running the Yacht Club… Both of us worked in this building (Scott with Anthony’s and I with Le Bistro) when we were in our early 20’s. And, we’ve worked in many other restaurants in Westport including the Inn on the Library Lawn, Westport Hotel and Westport Country Club  — where we met and got married! (Source: Emily Farnsworth-Brankman)

Chef Scott and his bride have deftly if unintentionally invoked nostalgia for many of us by returning to the original name. Despite Bernard and Rosemary running the restaurant for decades as Le Bistro du Lac , many of us have never quite been able to break the habit of calling it “The Yacht Club”.

Finally we’re back in sync with reality.

But there’s more than the sweet meat of memories fueling my enthusiasm for Scott and Emily’s new and improved Yacht Club.

Westport Yacht Club Reimagined

After almost two decades serving traditional French bistro fair, the menu will evolve to reflect the bounty of local food and beverage options being produced in our community. As a chef Scott Brankman is weaving fresh local ingredients into his vision of fusion American cuisine. And the result is exceptional.

Currently WYC’s local food and beverage purveyors include:

• Rolling Hills Farm , Westport (Pork)
• Spring Brook Farm , Westport (Maple Syrup)
• Sue Sherman via Bessboro Shop , Westport (Jam used in cocktails)
• Bessboro Builders , Westport (Flowers)
• Juniper Hill Farm , Wadhams (Vegetables)
• Dogwood Bakery , Wadhams (Sourdough Bread)
• Reber Rock Farm , Essex (Chicken)
• Champlain Valley Milling , Willsboro (Flour/Grain)
• Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery , Queensbury (House Spirits)
• Saratoga Farmers Market , Saratoga Springs (Rhubard and Vegetables)

Emily explained to me that they plan to continue expanding this list of local sources as the season progresses.

Our food menu and Signature Cocktail list will change and evolve through out the summer as different ingredients come into season. We always want to keep it fresh and interesting! (Source: Emily Farnsworth-Brankman)

Not only does this bode well for diners, but it strikes me as an incredible opportunity for local farmers, beer and wine makers, food and beverage artisans, etc. I’m thrilled to see our community working in concert at yet another local eatery.

Here’s how the new restaurateurs describe their Westport Yacht Club restaurant

The restaurant, a long-time favorite of Lake Champlain boaters, first opened as a private club and was transformed into a public restaurant in the 1980s. Emily and Scott have family ties to Westport going back several generations. They currently own and operate Braeburn Tavern in Saratoga Springs, NY. Chef Scott’s seasonal menus specialize in American cuisine, drawing influences from his experiences in kitchens from Colorado to Boston to Southern California. Emily brings over 20 years of front-of-the-house experience to developing a creative drink menu and global wine list as well as managing a loyal team whose family-like dynamic provides uplifting service. Growing up, both owners have once worked Summer jobs in the Westport Yacht Club restaurant. They are looking forward to coming home and making the space their own. (Source: www.westportyachtclubny.com )

And everyone I’ve spoken to about the newly reopened WYC shares their optimism and enthusiasm.

The menu changes daily, but here’s an example from Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (Click image to enlarge.)

And to whet your appetite further, check out three recent dishes:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Hungry? In order (as you click through the slideshow) those dishes are:

• Lobster Toast, Homemade Brioche, Sherry Butter
• Crab Spaghetti, Basil-Ramp Pesto, Lemon Bread Crumbs
• Burger, Vermont Cheddar, House Steak Sauce, Crispy Onions, Homemade Chips

Reservations, Pre-Theater, Docking, Etc.

A few final thoughts before I sign off and let you head down to dinner at The Westport Yacht Club.

Starting in July, WYC will host a “Ledge Hill Brewing Night” on Wednesday nights. Ledge Hill Brewing Company  owners Mathew Brankman (Chef Scott’s brother) and Emma Gibbs will supply their freshest beer of the moment, and Scott will create an à la carte tasting menu to pair. They plan to start serving the beer and bites pairing at 5:00 PM until they run out.

Emily recommends reservations (518-962-8777) for everyone, especially on Depot Theatre nights and Ballard Park events — “the earlier the better, as everyone will most likely want to dine and depart at the same time” — but she reassured me that walk-ins are always welcome. If you decide to eat at the WYC on a whim they “will be happy to accommodate.”

Emily pointed to that they have even added some “funky, casual seating on the side deck off the bar where people can enjoy a meal or sip a cocktail.” So, if you decide to swing by without a reservation, you just might have a really good excuse to try a WYC Signature Cocktail while gazing out over one of the finest views anywhere in the North Country.

And don’t forget, boaters are welcome. The docks will be fully usable as soon as the lake finishes retreating.

Getting to The Westport Yacht Club

So your taste buds are tingling, and you’re hoping to make a reservation, right? Here’s what you need to know.

• Location:  44 Old Arsenal Rd., Westport, NY 12993
• Telephone:  518-962-8777 (call for hours/schedule)
• Website: www.westportyachtclubny.com
• Instagram:  @wyclakechamplain
• Facebook:  @Westport-Yacht-Club

The Westport Yacht Club welcomes diners by air, land, and sea. There’s a solid concrete pier for boats to moor and a sizable sand beach where seaplanes can come ashore. And if you’re coming by land, here’s a handy map to help you find 44 Old Arsenal Road, Westport, NY 12936.

The Westport Yacht Club Gallery

The following photographs do not honestly do justice to this singular setting, however they may tempt you enough to discover WYC for yourself. See you at the “Yacht Club”!

Share this:

About Geo Davis

Geo Davis (aka virtualDavis ) is a writer, storyteller and unabashed flâneur. He taught and coached at Santa Fe Preparatory School and The American School of Paris , co-founded  Maison Margaux: "Paris à la parisienne" in Faubourg Saint-Germain, and owns  Adobe Oasis in Santa Fe, NM with his bride.

Geo chronicles adventures (and misadventures) of rehabilitating an historic Essex home at  Rosslyn Redux: Reawakening a home, a dream and ourselves ; blogs about doodling and other esoterica at virtualDavis.com ; posts sometimes unnerving, occasionally euphoric, and always pollyanna "midlife mashups" at 40x41.com ; waxes nautical at Sailing Errant ; and delves into matters of parenting, babylandia, and childfreedom at Why No Kids?   He meanders on Twitter , Facebook , Google+ , Pinterest , YouTube and Flickr .

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Resources & Policies

• About Essex on Lake Champlain
• About Essex, New York
• Essex, NY Weather
• Disclosure Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Submit a Story

Popular Essex, NY Searches

• Essex, New York
• Essex Charlotte ferry
• Essex ferry schedule
• Essex Charlotte ferry schedule
• Full and By Farm
• timber rattlesnake
• Essex NY fireworks
• Christmas in Essex, NY
• Champlain Area Trails

Local Links

• Adirondack Art Association
• Belden Noble Memorial Library
• Champlain Valley Film Series
• Essex Community Concerts
• Essex Theatre Company
• Historic Essex
• Rosslyn Redux
• The Crater Club
• Town of Essex Information
• Whallonsburg Grange Hall

Westport Yacht Club

Updated 3 weeks ago

Review Highlights

“ The restaurant is nestled down a quiet residential road, and overlooks Lake Champlain . ” in 3 reviews

People also searched for

Restaurants

Restaurants On The Water

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

44 Old Arsenal Rd

Westport, NY 12993

Amenities and More

Powered by Health Department Intelligence

1 More Attribute

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Yelp users haven’t asked any questions yet about Westport Yacht Club .

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

Food fantastic ! Nice location and great wine list. Service was excellent. Oysters !!!!!! Yum! Great views of Lake and VT mountains.

Delicious food. Perfect view. Lovely people. Absolutely worth the visit. Good cocktails too!

View from the deck

Screaming crying children running around throughout dinner father sat there whole time calling the. Children restaurant staff did nothing even though they were alerted food was good but We will never return

Brand new spot on the shore of Lake Champlain in Westport Ny. Absolutely can't beat the view. Good service throughout our drink service then dinner. Derek was amazingly attentive and personable, tons of smiles throughout. Features lots of local produce and meat, a boon to the area. Had the scallops, well prepared and seasoned. Leon, the burger of course. Both of us enjoyed the food and ambiance. Had a good time chatting with other summer locals (like us) during the rain storm. Hope this place endures. A place for inventive cocktails and a good wine list is desperately needed in this sleepy shore town. The Champlain valley has much to offer, come eat here and see for yourself.

The view and the experience were outstanding. The restaurant is nestled down a quiet residential road, and overlooks Lake Champlain. There are a few tables right on the water, and small fire pits as well. The service was top notch, and the food and drink selection was lovely. Highly recommend.

Larry and Laine Ihave always been very accommodating Great business owners and very helpful staff with a great location and a wonderful little town Thank you again

Delicious food and great service, and they've always managed to squeeze us in even when we forgot to make reservations. One slight quibble is that they could shake up the veggie platter and do different veggie offerings. That said, everything I have ordered here has been excellent -- try the warm olives -- and the crisped brussels sprouts even better than that.

Gorgeous view and beautiful seating indoor and out. Kind of like a secret location that is truly beautiful and amazing for pictures. Waiters were amazing and friendly and willing to make the experience well. The food is good but could've been better for the price. I was told they only have one chef. Overall good experience and good drinks too!

Hard to find but worth it. Gorgeous setting right on the lake with lots of outdoor seating. Food was very good. Tuna tartare was great. Gazpacho soup had that fresh taste of Summer.

Delicious dining right on Lake Champlain. Loved their leek soup, crab cake, and desserts.

People Also Viewed

Galley Restaurant & Bar at Westport Marina

Winton’s 1898 Tavern

Indian Bay Marina

The Bridge Restaurant

Keene Valley Ausable Inn

Red Mill Restaurant

Ice Jam Inn

The Halfway House

Black Sheep Bistro

Best of Westport

Things to do in Westport

Other New American Nearby

Find more New American near Westport Yacht Club

People found Westport Yacht Club by searching for…

Westport Ny Westport

Browse Nearby

Dining in westport.

Search for Reservations

Book a Table in Westport

• Current Location
• Read Reviews
• Write Review
• Westport Yacht Club

Location and Contact

View the menu, restaurant details.

Delivery No

Payment Credit Cards Accepted

Parking Yes

Good for Kids No

Attire Casual

Reservations Yes

Cuisines: Vegetarian , Organic , Street Vendors , Coffee Shop

Price Point $$ $ - Cheap Eats (Under $10) $$ - Moderate ($11-$25) $$$ - Expensive ($25-$50) $$$$ - Very Pricey (Over $50)

Outdoor Seats

Restaurant Description

Is this your restaurant? Click to add your description here.

Restaurant Photos

Write a Review for Westport Yacht Club

Reviews for westport yacht club.

Top Reviews of Westport Yacht Club

Share your experience, best restaurants nearby.

Nearby Restaurants

Portside ($) Bar, American, Sandwiches Distance: 0.16 miles

Galley Restaurant & Bar ($$) Bar Food, American, Burgers Distance: 0.18 miles

Mountain Dog Restaurant & Pub ($$) Pubs, American Distance: 0.19 miles

Jambs on Main ($) Coffee Shop Distance: 0.24 miles

The Inn Restaurant ($$$) American, Coffee Shop Distance: 0.25 miles

Menus People Viewed Nearby

Galley Restaurant & Bar ($$) Bar Food, American, Burgers

Jambs on Main ($) Coffee Shop

Ledge Hill Brewing ($) Breweries

Mountain Dog Restaurant & Pub ($$) Pubs, American

Recent Restaurant Reviews

Always a great experience... see review

Nestled in a charming town, the inn exudes a sense of tranquility and warmth. Rachelle's genuine care and attention to detail create a relaxing atmosp... see review

This deli offers 46 creatively named sandwiches inspired by the High Peaks, such as the Gothics and Hough. The menu includes a variety of flavorful ho... see review

After a day out at Whiteface Mountain, I found myself looking for a quick meal in Lake Placid. Spotting a bustling restaurant, I decided to give it a ... see review

The food at this diner is fresh and delicious, and the service provided by the hardworking waitress truly makes the dining experience enjoyable. Despi... see review

Recent Votes

... see review

• Essex County

Oops, we can't find your location

First, try refreshing the page and clicking Current Location again. Make sure you click Allow or Grant Permissions if your browser asks for your location.

• Westport, New York /
• Westport Yacht Club /
• Westport Yacht Club menu

Westport Yacht Club Menu

Menu added by the restaurant owner march 04, 2024.

Menus of restaurants nearby

View menus for westport restaurants.

• Europe 6563
• Austria 613
• Germany 1586
• Northern Ireland
• Poland 2724
• North America 431
• British Columbia
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland And Labrador
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island
• Saskatchewan
• Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• West Virginia
• South America 483
• Australia & Oceania 743
• Random camera ?
• Animals 308
• Ski resorts 482

• Nearby cams
• Wikipedia articles

• HOT cameras

New York Web camera

Can you guess where this camera is from?

• Current weather