Where the Locals Go: Insider Tips of Saratoga
No one knows their county and surrounding area like the locals! If you're really looking to immerse yourself in the Saratoga scene, you'll want to go beyond the racetrack to where the locals go. Find out where those lesser-known hotspots are so you can really make the most of your Saratoga experience!
Dine Where the Locals Eat
Saratoga Springs is known for its incredible food scene, with many fine dining restaurants, patio dining options, and much more. But if you're a local, you know to go to these gems located throughout Saratoga County:
Mr. Bill's Carhop
Located in nearby South Glens Falls, Mr. Bill's Carhop takes diners back to a bygone era where you receive car-side service for burgers, hot dogs, milkshakes, and ice cream. Patrons can also dine outside at the many picnic tables available. Locals flock to this casual eatery whenever the weather gets nice for quality fast food in a nostalgic atmosphere.
Country Drive In
The Country Drive In in Clifton Park has a similar vibe to Mr. Bill's Carhop. Locals happily line up at this popular burger and ice cream spot every year when they open for ice cream season in the spring. The Country Drive In can be found in Clifton Park, and it has been a prime Saratoga area eatery since 1969, with generations of families making it a summer tradition to head to this hotspot.
PJ's BAR-B-QSA
How would you like to experience the United States' best barbecue without having to travel across the country? If the thought of eating NY "State Fair" Chicken, North Carolina Pulled Pork, Texas Beef Brisket, and Kansas City Ribs all in one place has your mouth watering, then you need to visit PJ's BAR-B-QSA in Saratoga Springs. Located just south of Saratoga Spa State Park, this local favorite is the place to go for tasty American barbecue.
Hattie's Restaurant
You can find award-winning fried chicken and Southern comfort foods Louisiana-style right in Saratoga Springs! Hattie's Restaurant has been a Saratoga staple since the late 1930s. Guests enjoy these wholesome meals in a French Quarter lounge to enhance the southern hospitality vibe, and there is also a courtyard for appetizers and cocktails.
Peddlers Bar & Bistro
Peddlers Bar & Bistro in Clifton Park basically has it all: an inviting atmosphere, great food, a variety of craft beers and cocktails, and during a typical year, they often have live music and other events going on like karaoke. This is simply a fantastic place to enjoy a meal and drink, and that's why it's a top pick for locals.
Pennell's Restaurant
Fried chicken, hamburgers, and hot dogs are always great when you're looking for something quick and delicious, but where do locals go for more of a fine restaurant ambiance? To Pennell's Restaurant, located right in Saratoga Springs!
Here, you can enjoy high quality Italian food at a restaurant that has been around for more than 95 years. They serve up classic dishes like chicken parmigiana and eggplant parmigiana.
Shirley's Restaurant
We can't provide a list of restaurants locals frequent without including at least one diner! Shirley's Restaurant has been a favorite of Saratoga Springs residents since the early 1960s. While they are a fantastic diner to grab a hearty meal (particularly breakfast, with their tasty pancakes), what they're really known for is their Montreal smoked meat and poutine.
Discover the Best Local Ice Cream Spots
When the weather gets hot in Saratoga, residents and visitors alike head to ice cream shops. The locals in particular like to favor these two cool ice cream spots:
DeVoe's Rainbow Orchard
DeVoe's Rainbow Orchard is more than just an apple orchard and country store, with u-pick apples, fresh produce, and delicious baked goods. They also have incredible ice cream at their ice cream stand, Rainbow Delights, typically open from mid-April through mid-October.
You'll find soft ice cream, hard ice cream, sundaes, banana splits, shakes, and more. This delightful must-stop spot is in Clifton Park.
Humpty Dumpty Ice Cream
Humpty Dumpty Ice Cream is right in Saratoga Springs, and they have an ever-rotating lineup of delicious ice cream every summer! Special flavors change every Friday, a different Dole Whip flavor is featured each week, and they also have the "Only 8" brand of French Vanilla frozen yogurt that is fat free with no added sugar. Enjoy your summer treat without the guilt!
Rock Out to Live Music
Saratoga Springs is home to SPAC, a major performing arts venue. But where do the locals go for smaller venues? Here's where:
Putnam Place
Located right in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs, Putnam Place offers a full live music experience with a raised stage, amazing sound and light systems, and a huge LED video wall. This venue has hosted big names like Blues Traveler, Rusted Root, Paranoid Social Club, and many more. They also have a full-service bar and an outdoor patio to enjoy.
Caffe Lena
Caffe Lena is a true Saratoga Springs gem - they're the longest continuously operating folk music venue in the United States. The folk club opened in 1960 and has hosted big names like Bob Dylan, Arlo Guthrie, and Don McLean. What's special about this music venue is that guests are literally just a few feet away from the performers, so you know you're in for a truly amazing show!
Where Locals Go for Entertainment & Weekend Fun
What do locals do for fun that's unique and special to the Saratoga area? They play mini golf, foot golf, head to a drive-in movie, explore a flea market, and make the most of a park:
Players Park Family Fun Plex
Have you ever heard of foot golf? It's a fast growing sport, and locals know where to find it: at Players Park Family Fun Plex in Ballston Lake. Foot golf is essentially a combination of soccer and golf, which provides for a really unique experience.
For those looking for a more traditional game, Players Park also offers the longest miniature golf course in the entire Capital Region, and they have an ice cream stand with 28 different flavors.
The Malta Drive-In & Flea Market
The Malta Drive-In has been the place to go for that old fashioned movie-going experience since they opened in 1949. The theater is typically open from the last weekend in April through October, and they have a concession stand so you can order some refreshments to enjoy along with the film.
And, in 2018, the drive-in actually expanded to include a flea market. For 2021, these outdoor flea markets will be held on the following dates from 9:00am-3:30pm:
- Saturday, May 22, 2021
- Saturday, June 19, 2021
- Saturday, July 17, 2021
- Saturday, Aug. 21 , 2021
- Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021
- Saturday Oct. 2, 2021
Take the short drive from Saratoga Springs to Malta and check it out!
Moreau Lake State Park
Although there are a number of preserves and places to hike in and around Saratoga County, if you're looking for a beach experience, you'll want to head to where the locals know to go: Moreau Lake State Park. This state park is located just 10 miles north of Saratoga Springs in Gansevoort, and you'll find a beach, hiking trails, boat launches, and more.
Savor Your Time in Saratoga
From where to eat to where to enjoy live music to where to find weekend fun, Saratoga County and the surrounding area provides so much it can be intimidating when deciding where to go.
Now that you have an inside look at the places locals frequent, hopefully you can narrow down that Saratoga bucket list, so you can experience the best this exceptional region has to offer.
This article is sponsored by Saratoga County Tourism. Note: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or view of Saratoga County Tourism or its members.