Best Bars in Saratoga Springs
In spite of my Irish lineage I am not a big drinker but for the Irish; drinking and writing go very well together. Thankfully, Saratoga has many bars that are completely different from one another that offer something for every demographic group in town. In my opinion, the best bartenders are not just people who make drinks; they must be decent conversationalists. There are no exceptions to this rule. This can make or break a bar for me. Here is my list of the Best Bars in Saratoga.
1. Tin & Lint
Although there are many bars on Caroline Street, Tin& Lint is hands down the best of the best on Caroline Street. This bar suits my Irish working class sensibilities because it’s so low key I can (and have) done some of my best writing in this place. This bar is such an institution; it should be considered a landmark building. Owner Jim Stanley is an interesting character and any body who thinks they know anything about bars should stop in here for cocktail.
2. 9 Maple
Atmosphere, Atmosphere, Atmosphere. Not to mention 158 kinds of scotch.
This bar has such class and style it rivals the some of the best bars I frequented in Dublin Ireland not too long ago. If you are familiar, think Stags Head and Brazen Head. Yeah, 9 Maple is the real McCoy!
3. Clancy’s
This bar has fallen out of my good graces only because it has gotten rid of three of their most entertaining bartenders inside of a year so it almost didn’t make my list. However, it is unequivocally the best place to people watch. Any aspiring actor or writer would be foolish not to frequent this place as it is filled with the most unsavory of characters of all time. You will rub elbows with drug dealers, police informants, felons and regular working class heroes alike. The real beauty of this place is that it is like kryptonite to poseurs, phonies and wannabes. Clancy’s is mayhem and debauchery at its finest. So get in there, order your drink and enjoy the show.
4. The Local (Pub)
Located on the West
Side on the corner of Beekman and Grand Streets, in the heart of Saratoga’s Art District, The Local Pub is a new favorite spot of mine, for drinking and socializing. It’s also a great place to if you want to avoid tourists during racing season. This place has gotten mixed reviews for the food which can be hit or miss, however I was in there last week and a friend and I shared a cheeseburger and fish and chips and both were quite good. Guinness is on tap and is only $5 bucks. This is a great place to meet educated professionals while playing a great game of darts.