A day at the races is only part of the experience that racing fans can enjoy when visiting Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The whole city is centered around Saratoga Race Course’s meet during the summer, and you can also enjoy pastimes such as casino gambling, shopping, nightlife, and of course, loads of great dining while you are in town.
If you are a horseplayer and foodie planning a Travers week trip to “the Spa,” or plan to be in town the final week of the season or Labor Day weekend, here is a shortlist of places you should check out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Saratoga Springs.
Breakfast
Compton’s Restaurant
457 Broadway, 518-584-9632
For a good old-fashioned diner experience located right in the heart of the action on Broadway, try this Saratoga breakfast staple with great pancakes and famous cottage fries. The coffee is hot and the OJ is cold, and the check won’t break the bank. Greasy spoon lunch is also yummy. Don’t be surprised if your waitress has her hair in a bun and is named Flo.
The Bread Basket Bakery
65 Spring Street, 518-587-4233
Located right across the street from scenic Congress Park, this veteran Saratoga breakfast destination focuses on premium baked goods and delicious coffee. Good service, fair prices, and the muffins and croissants won’t disappoint. Also grab a soup and sandwich for lunch.
Lunch
The Local Pub and Teahouse
142 Grand Ave. 518-587-7256
Lunch or brunch like a local at this neighborhood spot just a few blocks off the main drag. Plenty of teas and craft beers to choose from, including a long list on draft. They feature a hearty menu and either cozy indoor or outdoor sidewalk seating.
Saratoga Race Course
General dining inquiries: 888-516-NYRA
If you are in town for the races, there’s a good chance you will be grabbing your lunch at the track. Saratoga offers a plethora of dining options from sit-down places where you’ll need reservations and may need to dress up, such as the Turf Terrace, the Club Terrace, and The Porch. There also are great grab ‘n go food options at the track as well. One of the favorites is Shake Shack, a chain burger joint with beer and great shakes located adjacent to the paddock at the lively Post Bar. For a true taste of Saratoga, a must-try is Hattie’s Chicken Shack at the Track. Their famous fried chicken beat Bobby Flay’s recipe in a head-to-head match-up on the Food Network.
Dinner
Rhea
389 Broadway, 518-886-8962
Every year there is a hot new restaurant where you go to see and be seen in Saratoga, and this summer that hot reservation is at Rhea. Go and enjoy pan-Asian dishes and signature mixology while rubbing elbows with the racetrack’s A-list. Small plates and ramen mean you won’t need to cash a superfecta to pay the check. It’s a beautiful space located at the best spot on Broadway in the middle of downtown. You won’t be able to walk-in. Reserve in advance.
Mexican Connection
41 Nelson Ave., 518-584-4466
The opposite of trendy, this Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurant is located in an old house behind the racetrack’s seven-furlong chute. They’ve thrived since 1979 by serving the best south-of-the-border dishes in town with a good list of Tequilas to sip or shoot. Grab a seat at the lively (but small) bar and start off with a strong margarita or an ice-cold Mexican beer. A popular after-the-track itinerary is a stop at the raucous Horseshoe Inn for post-race drinks, followed by dinner at the Mexican Connection. You can walk there from the clubhouse side Nelson Ave. entrance to the track.
