In addition to its spas, shopping, music, and downtown packed with fun things to do, Saratoga Springs, New York, is full of lots of delicious places to eat.
Whether you’re looking for fine dining, a burger by the lake, or top-notch fried chicken, there are many places to choose from at lots of different price points. We have spent a lot of time eating our way around town and picked out some local favorites. Here’s a look at some of the best restaurants in Saratoga Springs.
Hattie’s
Hattie’s is an institution. One of the most beloved restaurants in Saratoga Springs, Hattie’s has served its southern specialties for over 80 years. It’s as much a part of the city’s fabric as the races and the mineral springs themselves.
With Louisiana influences and classic southern dishes, the menu at Hattie’s includes gumbo, hush puppies, fried catfish, and lots of other delicious items. The star is the fried chicken, which they’re proud to let guests know beat out Bobby Flay on his Throwdown!
Salt & Char
In a prime spot at one of the city’s best hotels, the Adelphi, Salt & Char impresses guests with its signature cuts of steak, broad selection of seafood, and more. The restaurant bills itself as a “farm-to-table steakhouse,” so there are many fresh options sourced from local producers.
The dining room at Salt & Char is warm and inviting, but the restaurant’s patio is the place to be, especially in the summer. We love the classics, including the lobster bisque and filet mignon with truffle sauce, and the oysters, seafood tower, and clothesline bacon are very popular.
Morrissey’s Lounge & Bistro
Also at the Adelphi Hotel, Morrissey’s Lounge & Bistro has a little something for everyone. Under the culinary direction of Chef David Burke, the restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a special weekend brunch.
From bread pudding French toast to wood-fired pizza and crusted halibut, the menu has plenty of highlights and works for the casual hotel guest or the set just back from the races. Cocktails here are a standout, and the burger is a favorite of just about everyone. Don’t skip on the desserts.
550 Waterfront
Bustling 550 Waterfront has one of the best views among Saratoga restaurants. Located right on Lake Saratoga, it has outdoor seating and a garage-style door that makes the inside feel like outside. Its nautical and beach-themed décor leaves no doubt that this place is all about the water.
The menu at 550 Waterfront features seafood dishes, including crab dip, fish tacos, a lobster roll, and a mahi mahi BLT. The burger is also a winner. For Sunday brunch, the triple stack of blueberry pancakes and the breakfast burrito are indulgent. If you’re visiting during the summer, it’s best to make a reservation.
15 Church
Reliably one of the best places to eat in Saratoga Springs, 15 Church is a perfect choice for a sophisticated meal in town. The restaurant has a dark wood interior and a spacious patio, so choose the setting that best fits your mood.
Set in a restored historic building, 15 Church’s cuisine is New American, so its menu is sprinkled with fresh seafood dishes and USDA prime aged steaks. Other highlights include rabbit ragout, duck breast, and seasonal features. The patio menu includes the same high quality meats and seafood with an expanded list of small plates and shareable items.
Druthers Brewing Company
Druthers Brewing Company is a year-round favorite in the Saratoga Springs dining scene. This welcoming brewpub is a great choice for a casual meal, and they brew their own beer in-house. Diners can gather near the bar or pull up a chair on the large patio.
At its location in downtown, Druthers serves stick-to-your-ribs pub food at its best. Chicken wings are a popular choice with five sauces to pick from, and the loaded grilled cheese is one of our favorites. One of the many burgers (including a vegan option) is always a good bet, and Druthers is known for its decadent macaroni and cheese, which comes with a variety of toppings.
The Merc
Good food, good drinks, and friendly service make The Merc on Broadway a go-to downtown. With its tiled floors and tin ceiling, the dining room is atmospheric, but the patio is also a lovely option.
The Merc is known for its all-day brunch menu served Wednesday through Monday with a full complement of egg dishes, salads, and sandwiches. For something later in the day, there is a selection of small plates alongside entrees like mushroom Bolognese, Faroe Island salmon, and braised short ribs (served Wednesday through Saturday). The cocktails are great, and it’s a fun place for happy hour.
30 Lake
The modern dining room at 30 Lake is the place to get some of the best seafood in town. The restaurant, located at the Pavilion Grand, has gone through a few incarnations and owners over the years, and the current upscale spot is a winner.
From the fried calamari to the lobster fettuccine, there is a lot to love about this classic menu that has a few international touches. The perfectly grilled swordfish come with ricotta gnocchi, and the steak frites comes with charred chimichurri. Just make sure to save room for dessert.
Hamlet and Ghost
Speakeasy-like with amazing cocktails and seasonal dishes, Hamlet & Ghost is one of the best places to eat in Saratoga Springs. Everything from the bitters to the cider battered cheese curds is made from scratch. A list of the farms, bakeries, and creameries they work with is included on the menus.
Dishes change throughout the year, so there is always new and creative to try. There are snacks and small plates to share, and entrees include a variety of meat and seafood choices. We love their Boyden Farm strip steak, the grass-fed burger, and any time halibut makes an appearance. It’s hard to go wrong here.
Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.
In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.