Saratoga Recommends

[keithting]

Folks -

I'm planning a visit to Saratoga for Whitney weekend. It has been more than a decade since I've last made a wager in person at the Spa. I'm sure that Saratoga Springs has changed alot over that time period.

I was interested in any restaurant recommendations. A friend told me Longfellows and Brindisi's were excellent.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.......

[bigdog_14086]

The Wishing Well, Sperry's, Sabina's and Shirley's (for breakfast)

[OTM Al]

On the fine dining end, Sperry's and the Grey Gelding are my favorites though it looks as if the Grey Gelding may be closing, though may make it through the season. Brindisi's is quite good but Chianti and Maestro's are better. One Caroline is nice, but I found it's sister restaurant, Mouzon House to be a disappointment. I have not been to Prime (at Saratoga National Golf Course) yet, but have only heard good things and it is on the list for this year.

Of the other places mentioned I've never been to Longfellows, nor really heard of it, the Wishing Well is a favorite among the older track crowd and evidently Sam the Bugler goes there to who---errr play for tips, something I really don't want while eating. Sabina's is a pizza place. never gone as I found another place out 9 in a strip mall that I really like.

If you are into a fun dining experience, I like both Cantina and Mexican Connection (Mexican food obviously) and Karavalli, a very good Indian restaurant. Gaffney's can be fun and there are bands in the back at night. Can be a little loud though. If you just want a big menu that has family type fare, unexciting but solid, then Olde Bryan is the place.

If I could only choose one, Sperry's is outstanding, but it is fine dining so it will be pricey.

[dellinger63]

Augies in Ballston Spa is excellent both in price and quality. Be ready to take home lunch (at least) for the next day. Menu, directions and history on web.

http://augiesrestaurant.com/

[Princess Doreen]

I'm not too much for eating in Saratoga Springs during the track season. Waits are long, prices are high, and more often than not the food comes out less than acceptable.

My favorite place for Italian food is Luisa's on Route 9 in South Glens Falls. I dislike Sergios - overrated. The Wishing Well is OK.

Winslow's on Route 9 heading up toward South Glens Falls is great standard fare. Nothing fancy - but really good food. They do not take credit cards or checks. Cash only.

Ballston Spa has some excellent eateries -

Sunset Cafe on Front Street for lunch - just a little hole in the wall, but great food. Their onion rings are scrumptious.

51 Front in Ballston Spa is a wine bar that serves dinner - a little pricey, but very good.

The Brickyard on Milton Ave. is also very good, as is The Factory Eatery on Prospect Street.

Augies is good (not as good as Luisa's) but your clothes can go out of style with the wait time.

[Calzone Lord]

Saratoga badly needs to add two types of restaurants to its arsenal before it gets my respect.

#1) An Olive Garden.

OG has firmly established itself as the nations premiere Italian Ristorante. It's where you take YOUR FUCl<ING FAMILY! The feeling you get when you're seated there is second to none. You feel like royalty. And when the salad finally comes out - it's like 'yeah, I've arrived, bitch!' And don't forget - always - ALWAYS get extra alfredo with your bread sticks.

#2) A Chinese Buffet.

I've had meals at three or four Chinese places at Saratoga over the years. All of them had middle of the road type quality as I recall. None were buffets.

What kind of message is a city trying to send when they don't allow its citizens a place or two where they can scurry in after a day of tough beats and ripping up tickets - a place where they can take all their worries and troubles away by feasting on 8lbs of cheap gook food in a single sitting?

[keithting]

Thank you all for the info....

Really looking forward to the trip. We'll be spending 2 1/2 days in Saratoga Springs, and then we're heading up to Elk Lake Lodge in the Adirondacks and finish the trip in Lake George.

Can't wait. Thanks again....

[GPK]

Originally Posted by dellinger63

Augies in Ballston Spa is excellent both in price and quality. Be ready to take home lunch (at least) for the next day. Menu, directions and history on web.

http://augiesrestaurant.com/

Where did all the soft shell crabs go?

[dellinger63]

Originally Posted by GPK

Where did all the soft shell crabs go?

after going into the country club like the Clampits who cares.

Travers Fri with Mr. Bean!

[blackthroatedwind]

It's really all about the staff.

[herkhorse]

Sushi Thai Garden is excellent.

[Calzone Lord]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

It's really all about the staff.

In that case, Subway is for you.

If not for a few of the awesome collection of chicks employed as Subway sandwhich artists, I couldn't get laid in a morgue.

I highly recommend this months $5 Sub-of-the-month special - the 'Chipolte Chicken and Cheese'

You're going to want to ask for that on "Italian Herbs and Cheese" - money as a sub roll whenever chicken is involved.

The key, and this is important, is to ask for green peppers, jalipenos, and Chipolte sauce BEFORE they toast it.

[TouchOfGrey]

Originally Posted by Calzone Lord

In that case, Subway is for you.

If not for a few of the awesome collection of chicks employed as Subway sandwhich artists, I couldn't get laid in a morgue.

I highly recommend this months $5 Sub-of-the-month special - the 'Chipolte Chicken and Cheese'

You're going to want to ask for that on "Italian Herbs and Cheese" - money as a sub roll whenever chicken is involved.

The key, and this is important, is to ask for green peppers, jalipenos, and Chipolte sauce BEFORE they toast it.

You truly are a connoisseur.

[blackthroatedwind]

The Villa.

[jms62]

Make it easy on yourself do this every day

Lunch
1. Carolina BBQ

Dinner
2. Hatties

[Indian Charlie]

I was thinking of doing Toga this year, but from what I hear, lodging is impossible.

I suppose I could camp out somewhere, but that would be weird, camping then going to the track.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by Indian Charlie

I was thinking of doing Toga this year, but from what I hear, lodging is impossible.

I suppose I could camp out somewhere, but that would be weird, camping then going to the track.

I can't believe DrugS didn't invite you back in 2007. He had a big place all to himself.

[Antitrust32]

Originally Posted by Indian Charlie

I was thinking of doing Toga this year, but from what I hear, lodging is impossible.

I suppose I could camp out somewhere, but that would be weird, camping then going to the track.

Why is it weird? there are some real nice campgrounds around there, Saratoga is a wonderful place to camp out. Plus it's perfect weather for camping (nice days, cool nights) as long as it doesnt rain!!

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by jms62

Make it easy on yourself do this every day

Lunch
1. Carolina BBQ

Dinner
2. Hatties

I'll agree on the lunch part..

Have never been a big Hattie's fan though.

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

The Villa.

Interesting article in the Saratogian last year about the history of Villa Balsalmo..