Kirsten Dahlgren, co-owner of Nostalgia Ale House and Wine Bar on Saratoga Lake, offers a wide variety of food,including a combination of standard bar food, steaks, seafood and Italian fare.©2016 Saratoga Photographer.com
It seems only fitting that the grand opening of the restaurant Nostalgia Ale House and Wine Bar was held on the 50th birthday of owner Kirsten Dahlgren. The restaurant, on Saratoga Lake at 113 Route 9P, combines a sense of warm memories, good food and drinks, family and friends, all things close to Dahlgren’s heart.
Dahlgren, along with co-owner Anthony DiDonna and a staff of 12, opened the restaurant based on the idea that it would have as a casual atmosphere filled with joyful reminders of the past. Dahlgren said they put a lot of time and effort into finding just the right things to pull the “nostalgia” theme together.
“We found local antiques that represent plenty of nostalgia, a wait staff with themed uniforms, including ‘Rosie the Riveter.’ The music selection at Nostalgia Ale House & Wine Bar takes you back from the ’40s to the ’90s, taking you down memory lane and reminiscing about what you were doing when that song came out,” said Dahlgren.
Customers can expect a wide variety of food, including a combination of standard bar food, steaks, seafood and Italian fare. Dahlgren said it wouldn’t have a nostalgia theme without basics like hotdogs and hamburger. The bar and wine side of the business has a dozen draft beers, with four from Battle Hill Brewing in Fort Ann, including one made specifically for Nostalgia.
The ambiance of Nostalgia extends to the exterior as well. Dahlgren said patrons can sit on the outdoor patio and overlook Saratoga Lake. In the colder months, the lake can be seen from inside the restaurant because of its proximity to the South Shore Marina. They also have a courtesy dock for the boating season and access for the snowmobiles in winter.
Dahlgren said the restaurant is marketed for all ages. She said the large center room hosts a couple of pool tables, dart boards and has sports on the television.
“The atmosphere is pleasant for anyone from 18 to 80 years old. Because we are a restaurant for the most part we do not have the ‘bar’ atmosphere. Instead it is decorated with antiques from over the decades, combined with music to match from Cab Calloway, to Johnny Cash to Cyndi Lauper,” said Dahlgren.
Nostalgia is hosting a tasting night on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 4-8 p.m. It will include a tasting of over 50 beers, tap and bottled, and a sampling of food, at no cost.
Nostalgia is open every day except Tuesdays. Call 584-0227 for more information on hours and seating.