Lake-facing patios, west-shore tasting rooms, the dock at the right time of year. Bring a sweater after seven, even in July.
Panoramic hilltop tasting room above the west arm — small cafe on-site, deck seating when the weather holds. Riesling and Chardonnay lead the list; the Ingle Vineyard bottlings are the ones to try. Go before noon on a Saturday if you want the deck without a wedding party parked next to you.
Estate winery on the Bluff Point ridge where the two arms of the Y split — vineyards on the crest, tasting room down at the lake, and one of the region's better summer concert series on the outdoor stage. Buy the shuttle ticket if you're coming for a show; the parking is limited by design.
The formal waterfront restaurant at the very north tip of Keuka — lakefront dining room, outdoor deck, and a lakeside patio. Elevated American menu that leans into local produce and lake fish when in season. Book the deck for sunset in July; the dining room is quieter in October.
"The Switz" — a boat-up institution with two outdoor decks over the water, docks at the restaurant, and live entertainment most summer weekends. Casual American menu, long-running family operation. Come by boat if you can; the wait for the deck is real on a July Saturday.
Dockside restaurant right on the south end of the lake — small dining room, seating on the water when it's warm. Steaks, seafood, and a strong lake-view case for the sunset seating. Reservations advised, and ask for the deck when you book.
Lakeside restaurant with boat slips out front and extensive outdoor seating on the water — casual menu, cold beer, and the come-in-off-the-boat crowd once the sun drops. Live music on select nights. Walk-ins on the porch, reservations for the dining room.
The south-end village waterfront park at the tip of Keuka — floating dock, swim area, seasonal concert lawn, and the departure point for the Pat II tour boat. Walk to Hammondsport Square from here in three minutes. Bring the kids for the Thursday-night summer concert series.
The high point where Keuka's Y splits — the view down both arms of the lake, no admission, a roadside pull-off on Skyline Drive. Best in the last hour before sunset when the light catches both arms at once. Gravel lot; drive slow past the vineyards below.