Places to eat in saratoga

[Kasept]

Couple of notes..

While the recco's are all well-meaning, let me make a few suggestions..

The best, most consistent restaurant in town since 1982-83 is SPERRY'S.. Period. There's no discussion.. Ridge and his staff can be counted on time and again for perfectly executed upscale continental/tavern fare that is on a par with any joint of it's ilk..

The best addition to the Saratoga dining front in a long time is BEEKMAN ST. BISTRO.. Run by 2 partners, a front of the house guy and a brilliant young chef who spent a lot of time developing craft in San Fran and Portland, there is nothing like it within 200 miles. I can't even begin to give an explanation of it except to say that the rather exclusive track clientelle I directed there last summer were blown away by it.

The concept/menu change two years ago at the SPRINGWATER has made it something it never was, an 'occasion destination'.. The food is overly pretentious to suit me, and its' become pricey, but what I've had the last two years there has been very good... CHEZ SOPHIE is exquisite and authentic French, and our man "BTW" adores it, but it's not my cup of tea.. RIPE TOMATO towards Malta is good, uniform, mammouth-portioned and square-priced and fun, but be prepared to wait any night during the meet.. If you've got a group, are familiar and like the Family-style Italian concept at Carmine's in NYC or Maggiano's (nartionally), SERGIO'S is quite OK and then some..

There is literally nowhere else in town as special as the first two choices... You'll be disappointed almost anywhere else you go.

If you want something fun and cheap and don't mind a 20 minute sojourn to Glens Falls, take 87 North to Exit 18, head East on Glen St. towards downtown and discover TALK OF THE TOWN Pizzeria. Difficult to describe except to say it's an institution as a bar-tavern-pizza joint and a place I go religiously. Tell Bill at the bar or Craig the headwaiter that Steve from Carolina BBQ sent you. (But check the bill carefully). Bring a group and order pitchers of beer and 5-6 pizzas. The "cheeseburger" and "bbq chix" are 2 specialties, but the classics (pepp, etc.) are my preference. You'll feed 8 people for about $100..

Another fun drive is out towards my neck of the woods (Greenwich).. On the way before you reach Schuylerville is FARMER'S DAUGHTER, your basic New England Dairy Bar with very good burgers and ice cream. About 8 miles East of Saratoga on 29 East. They have a clever twisted Orange/Cream out of the soft serve machine which has become a bit of a trademark item for them.. For exceptional ice cream, drive further on 29 East into Greenwich, aon the left just past the Washington County Fairgrounds is ICE CREAM MAN. Super premium fresh-daily, small batch ice cream. About 26-30 flavors. Ask if they have any "private stock" Philadelphia Vanilla made with the real thing, Madagascar Vanillia Bean Fleck..

Oh, and places to avoid at all costs? PJ's (dreadful, over-priced, an embarassment); Lillian's (better last time I was there, but still utterly ordinary); Wishing Well (deserving of demolition)..

And of course I've failed to mention that on-track, I expect anyone to come see me at my CAROLINA BARBECUE across from the Carousel tele-theater.. Now featuring a beautiful hardwood patio deck. The only outdoor seating establishment on the track, and the best food on the grounds... By a wide margin.

Steve

[hoovesupsideyourhead]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Couple of notes..

While the recco's are all well-meaning, let me make a few suggestions..

The best, most consistent restaurant in town since 1982-83 is SPERRY'S.. Period. There's no discussion.. Ridge and his staff can be counted on time and again for perfectly executed upscale continental/tavern fare that is on a par with any joint of it's ilk..

The best addition to the Saratoga dining front in a long time is BEEKMAN ST. BISTRO.. Run by 2 partners, a front of the house guy and a brilliant young chef who spent a lot of time developing craft in San Fran and Portland, there is nothing like it within 200 miles. I can't even begin to give an explanation of it except to say that the rather exclusive track clientelle I directed there last summer were blown away by it.

The concept/menu change two years ago at the SPRINGWATER has made it something it never was, an 'occasion destination'.. The food is overly pretentious to suit me, and its' become pricey, but what I've had the last two years there has been very good... CHEZ SOPHIE is exquisite and authentic French, and our man "BTW" adores it, but it's not my cup of tea.. RIPE TOMATO towards Malta is good, uniform, mammouth-portioned and square-priced and fun, but be prepared to wait any night during the meet.. If you've got a group, are familiar and like the Family-style Italian concept at Carmine's in NYC or Maggiano's (nartionally), SERGIO'S is quite OK and then some..

There is literally nowhere else in town as special as the first two choices... You'll be disappointed almost anywhere else you go.

If you want something fun and cheap and don't mind a 20 minute sojourn to Glens Falls, take 87 North to Exit 18, head East on Glen St. towards downtown and discover TALK OF THE TOWN Pizzeria. Difficult to describe except to say it's an institution as a bar-tavern-pizza joint and a place I go religiously. Tell Bill at the bar or Craig the headwaiter that Steve from Carolina BBQ sent you. (But check the bill carefully). Bring a group and order pitchers of beer and 5-6 pizzas. The "cheeseburger" and "bbq chix" are 2 specialties, but the classics (pepp, etc.) are my preference. You'll feed 8 people for about $100..

Another fun drive is out towards my neck of the woods (Greenwich).. On the way before you reach Schuylerville is FARMER'S DAUGHTER, your basic New England Dairy Bar with very good burgers and ice cream. About 8 miles East of Saratoga on 29 East. They have a clever twisted Orange/Cream out of the soft serve machine which has become a bit of a trademark item for them.. For exceptional ice cream, drive further on 29 East into Greenwich, aon the left just past the Washington County Fairgrounds is ICE CREAM MAN. Super premium fresh-daily, small batch ice cream. About 26-30 flavors. Ask if they have any "private stock" Philadelphia Vanilla made with the real thing, Madagascar Vanillia Bean Fleck..

Oh, and places to avoid at all costs? PJ's (dreadful, over-priced, an embarassment); Lillian's (better last time I was there, but still utterly ordinary); Wishing Well (deserving of demolition)..

And of course I've failed to mention that on-track, I expect anyone to come see me at my CAROLINA BARBECUE across from the Carousel tele-theater.. Now featuring a beautiful hardwood patio deck. The only outdoor seating establishment on the track, and the best food on the grounds... By a wide margin.

Steve

gimme a beef wt with peppers..lol....and garden era....

You are kind of like my wife. She proves my point in every argument.

For somebody that says he is a "life time resident" of Saratoga, I find it humorous that you can't give a single dining suggestion that isn't on Broadway. Either you haven't been paying attention, or you have a tough time getting out.

Don't really care what the help looks like at UG. As long as their stuff is good and the service is up to par.

Sperry's, I forgot that one. I like Sperry's too.

For somebody that says thats PJ's is one of the best places to eat (can you say TOURIST TRAP), you sure are dismissive of Gafney's. Personally, I can't think of too many places that I would rather be on a hot summer Saratoga evening. Sitting on the patio and slowly getting buzzed. Next thing you will say is that Pope's is the best "italian food" you have ever tasted.

Thanks for the on-line menu at Caroline's, but those are HARDLY their August prices. Again, for a long time resident, you sure are dense about the price runups during track season. Personally, I would rather spend my money at Chianti's (Another place that is often missed by TOURISTS).

And one more place, for East Coast Mexican food, try out Leon's. Another off-Broadway location.

Someone disagrees with you and you want to fight all of a sudden? I will be totally able to spit the truth in your face. I will be there from 7/25 to 8/1. Tell me where to line up! haha.

For somebody that is so elitest about where you live, you are so utterly clueless. The food that you give advice for is laughable. Wheatfield's and Spring Street Deli! haha, that cracks me up! And to tell somebody to go down Union as soon as the 9th race is over is even funnier. Come on! You really don't travel down Union after the races do you? That wouldn't surprise me either. Get out and learn your town.

[blackthroatedwind]

First of all, let's discuss PJs...now I am a food snob and eat in some of the best restaurants in NYC fairly frequently and Gander is 100% correct. PJ's is excellent barbeque and considered as such from people not only in the Saratoga area but also from out of town. The person knocking their food is DEAD wrong.

As far as the claim about finding restaurants ON Broadway, well, perhaps Wheatfields is edible but up until this year probably the Wine Bar is the only place you want to eat there. Now, Chez Sophie has moved to what used to be the Sheraton so there is one spectacular place on Broadway. Chez Sophie is so good it would thrive in NYC and there are VERY few places you can say that about in Saratoga. I also think Lanci's is very good. To be perfectly honest those are the only two truly good places in town. Well, that's not totally fair, as the Beekman Street Bistro is very good and apparantly a new place has moved in next door, I think, that may also be good.

I do eat fairly often at One Caroline and it is physically a great place. The girl who sings there a lot in the summer is terrific. However, the food is mediocre at best and I personally don't particularly like their menu. Gander is correct that it is hardly pricy and in line with the rest of the places in town.

The Springwater is good but their attitude wore me out and I no longer eat there. I don't need attitude from the hostess after being held up for 45 minutes for my table...especially after it has happened three times in a row. Chameleons, which is owned by a former partner at the Springwater, is a short drive out of town and while it has a limited menu it is pretty good.

On Beverly's....it's great. I just wish my mornings were less hectic and I could eat there more often. There have been summers I ate breakfast there every day.

[blackthroatedwind]

And, I hope nobody was seriously recommending Gaffney's food. That would be silly.

[TheSpyder]

OK, I have it:

Uncommon Grounds 5/2: Early speed (breakfast) and fast

PJ's: 4/1 Consistantly in the money

Wishing Well: 7/2: Old Timer with something left?

Siros: 4/1 Class of the field. Can they carry 145 lbs.?

One Caroline: 6/1 Has class but speed to finish?

Sperrys: 7/1 Heavely touted

Starbucks: 8/1 Always consistant

Wheatfields: 9/1 Italian invader

Nine Maples: 10/1 On milkshake (too many drinks)? isn't that another thread?

BEEKMAN ST. BISTRO.. 10/1: Can this 3yo challenge?

Springwater 13/1: Inconsistant head strong Philly

Field: 20/1

Ben & Jerry's: 25/1: Couples entry always cold

Chez Sophie: 25/1 French invader has class but can he take on field

Carollina Barbeque: 30/1 Southern bread, OK with Southern bread
may have heart attack during race due to high colesteral

There you have it. Place your best

[SentToStud]

Originally Posted by hoovesupsideyourhead

gimme a beef wt with peppers..lol....and garden era....

still go out of my way for Mr. Beef when I go back. Usually on Harlem on NW side unless Midway, ... then Ogden St in Berwyn.

Combo wet with hot giardenairre. Winter I don't miss. Mr. Beef, got it bad.

[johnny pinwheel]

siros is a good place to party but i wouldn't eat there. the wishing well is excellent as been already stated. breakfast at beverlys is good, my son cooks there, its on phila st. i like italian food. if you do too go to augies in ballston spa. its family style and the food is great.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by johnny pinwheel

siros is a good place to party but i wouldn't eat there. the wishing well is excellent as been already stated. breakfast at beverlys is good, my son cooks there, its on phila st. i like italian food. if you do too go to augies in ballston spa. its family style and the food is great.

You wouldn't eat at Siro's but the Wishing Well is excellent.

Your son cooks at Bev's?

I'm speaking to Michael.

[johnny pinwheel]

don't get me wrong, siros is good, i have friends there. but its always a mob seen. i don't like being crowded when i eat. after the 9th its a mass exodus to that place. i go there to drink and hear the band , if you are a tourist, i guess it would be different .

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by johnny pinwheel

don't get me wrong, siros is good, i have friends there. but its always a mob seen. i don't like being crowded when i eat. after the 9th its a mass exodus to that place. i go there to drink and hear the band , if you are a tourist, i guess it would be different .

I'm not a tourist. I grew up in Saratoga, moving there in 1973 when I was 11, and I have spent every racing season of my life there since then. My parents still live there.

I do agree that the restaurant is a mob scene however and eat there infrequently. I drink there every day after the races and try NOT to hear the bands.

[Gander]

LOL. I know Michael too.

[dellinger63]

they got a Mr Beef now in Park Ridge if that helps.

[dellinger63]

anyone ever heard of the Grey Gelding restaurant. My business partner met the owner and had an incredible time with him a couple of weeks back. That's definately going to be one stop but of course the boys from Chicago will be a Kapset's place daily at the track.

[Gander]

Yes the Gray Gelding is a new restaurant/bar on the main street here. Walked by it the other night, looks nice. They have the horse theme going on there.

You said you haven't been there in twenty years. If you went to a good spot then there is a good chance that some of the ones that make the yearly pilgramage will still be asking for you. For me it was "The Well" and "Chez Pierre".
Have to admit that without "Mary" and "Pete" at the "Well" things weren't as good for us. Still find Pete when we hit the bars in town.

To tell ourselves we had a little class we went to the "Gideon" for breakfast one of the mornings we were there. For more class we always had a stop at "The Mexican Connection" after going in and checking out horses at "Greentree".
Unfortunately for me my age caught up to me but my younger buddies still go and are still enjoying the old standbys and many of the other suggestions already mentioned in other posts. I can only reminisce.
Your Tues to Thurs stay will pretty well allow you to go wherever you want.
Enjoy!!!!

Many thanks for your reccomendations. I will deffinatly see you at the track.

Let's be honest, folks ...

... there are no good restaurants in Saratoga.

There are plenty of places which serve wholesome, sanitary food ... which will satiate your hunger ... and sometimes empty your wallet ... but none of it is "good" in terms of being much better than what you could rustle up yourself at home ... or get in your local hometown restaurants.

Saratoga ... like England ... has many wonderful attractions ... but good food isn't one of them.

[TheSpyder]

I guess no one has mentioned Ciros as no one can afford it. If you win big and have the bucks, it's a great dinner with service that warrants the money you're shelling out. Its worth it if you can afford it. Now you locals will say its not but come on, were on vacation at the Spa!