There are times when there is nothing like a big sit-down dinner at one
of Saratoga's fine dining emporiums - it's the way to go to impress a
date, a client or just have that singular experience of world-class
cuisine. This article has nothing to do with any of this.
We're talking the end of the show; the late-night or more frequently the early morning. And as far as you are concerned you've had more than your fill of the bar scene; the live music's been over for hours and the equipment has been put away. At that moment of the night/AM all of a sudden your priorities change, basically from the liquid to the solid. You're hungry, brother. And most likely with a lot less funds than you left the house with some hours ago. The hunt begins for the cheap eats, a primal urge that has its own rules and priorities, which in no particular order include:
• good tasting
• reasonable prices
• served fast
These urges are the basis of our modern fast-food culture, and we really don't want to surrender to the siren call of McD's or the 'king' to make it happen. Of course sometimes there's no choice, but in Saratoga Springs last weekend we had the opening of 2 more indie or semi-independent entries into the ranks of possibilities to chow on the cheap:
1- Hot Dog Charlies - A Capital Region legend since 1922, third generation owner Chuck Frenketes has been looking for a location in Saratoga for quite some time, his patience rewarded with a prime spot in the middle of the entertainment district (at 7 Caroline Street). Known for their chili meat sauce that has been sold in supermarkets for years, and their signature mini Sabrett manufactured hot dogs, the uninitiated might be surprised that they offer burgers, popcorn chicken and fish fry. But what's amazing is that in this day and age the most expensive item on the whole menu is $3.49! You can feed the entire restaurant for the price of some entrees just up the street. Obviously, to pay the rent these guys will need to generate some volume, and it's to their credit that despite prime rental rates these folks haven't significantly upped their prices from what is playing in, perhaps their Cohoes location. They're open 7 days for lunch and dinner, sometimes till 4AM if need be, to make it easy for you (Phone: 583-0700).
2- "Doc-o's Taco's"- When I first heard about this one I couldn't believe it. Across the alley from the brand-new Putnam Den music venue is a testimony to the entrepreneurial spirit, as Dean Holtby and Mark Pennell have taken what once was just the delivery entrance around the corner from Doc's Steakhouse, thrown up a couple or 4 mexican placemats on the walls, and Behold! It's Doc-o's Tacos! Open for business Wednesday-Sunday at this point, also till 4AM, they stick to the mexi-beat: Tacos, burritos, nachos - a few varieties of each, with prices ranging from $2-6.50 per. The comments I heard from customers who were on hand for their inaugural night last Saturday had good things to say, so put this on your list of things to check out. No phone
Perhaps at Doc-o's we are looking at a future multi-generational legend like Hot Dog Charlie's here. Stranger things have happened. Not MUCH stranger, but stranger still. And you can't help but root for something like this. It's a great day in America.
Next week, we will explore the eclectic phenomenon that is simply Esparanto, which is poised as a beloved Saratoga institution to expand to new and improved digs next door very soon.
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