There are restaurants with history, and then there’s The Krebs. Fred and Cora Krebs founded it in 1899 — starting by simply opening their summer cottage on West Genesee Street to feed neighbours. Since then, this is a place that has watched over a century of Skaneateles life unfold from its dining room. Both Roosevelts dined here. So did Bill Clinton. So have countless others who’ve made the pilgrimage to one of Upstate New York’s most storied tables.
The Krebs closed in 2010 following the death of longtime co-owner Jan Loveless. For a while, it looked like that might be the end of the story. Fortunately, Adam and Kim Weitsman stepped in, undertook an extensive renovation, and brought it back to life with enormous care for everything that made it special in the first place. As a result, the restaurant today honours its extraordinary past while feeling very much alive in the present.
The kitchen takes a farm-to-table approach, building the menu around the freshest hand-selected local ingredients, top quality meats, and excellent seafood. Furthermore, the kitchen handles classic American fare with modern technique and real ambition. The lobster risotto draws consistent praise. Similarly, the beef tenderloin is beautifully executed. Additionally, Wine Spectator has awarded the wine program its Best of Award of Excellence. The sommelier is worth talking to — the cellar is a serious one.
What makes The Krebs genuinely unique beyond the food is its mission. The restaurant donates all net profits to charitable organisations benefiting women and children in Central New York. Consequently, every meal here supports something genuinely worthwhile.
The setting itself — the historic building, the indoor fireplace, the beautifully preserved dining rooms — is as much a part of the experience as anything on the plate. Sunday brunch is also a wonderful way to experience it if dinner feels like a stretch.
Find them at 53 West Genesee Street. They’re open Wednesday through Saturday from 5pm, and Sunday for brunch from 11am to 3pm. Reservations are strongly recommended.
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