Here’s something that doesn’t happen often. The number one rated restaurant in a village full of excellent dining options is a casual fish fry joint on Jordan Street. But spend five minutes at Doug’s and you’ll understand completely.
Doug’s has been a Skaneateles institution since 1982. Doug started it with a simple philosophy that still holds today — fresh, quality food, decent portions, fair prices, and a clean, friendly atmosphere. Over four decades later, nothing about that has changed. And that consistency is exactly why locals swear by it and visitors make a point of coming back every trip.
The menu is compact and focused, which is always a good sign. Haddock is the star — lightly battered, breaded, and fried to order, served on a seeded bun with fresh-cut fries, homemade coleslaw, and your choice of homemade tartar or cocktail sauce. The scallops, meanwhile, come in fresh from Georges Bank and are the real deal — true dry sea scallops fried to order. The clam po’boy uses tender Cape Cod clams on a butter-toasted roll. Similarly, the seafood chowder is rich and loaded. And the lobster roll — gently sautéed in real butter on a grilled garlic-buttered roll — punches well above its price point. When oysters are on, grab them. The kitchen brings them in fresh from the Chesapeake Bay every week and fries them to order.
Don’t leave without trying the apple fritters when they’re in season. They’re warm, crispy, and served with hot or cold cider. As a result, they’ve become something of a Doug’s tradition all on their own.
Yes, there can be a line. Yes, it moves fast. And yes, it is absolutely worth it.
Find them at 8 Jordan Street. They’re open seven days a week from 11am to 9pm.
Looking for the perfect base to explore everything Skaneateles has to offer? Our vacation rental The Cattails puts it all within reach — browse, eat, and explore at your own pace.