Early morning workout at Saratoga Race Course. Haven’t checked this year, but in the past you could go in with your own coffee and breakfast at 7 am and watch the workout from the stands with a helpful announcer delivering commentary, all for free if you’re out before 10 am.
Today was opening day of the 2022 meet at the Saratoga Race Course, and it’s time to update this post from 2015 about where to eat in Saratoga during the racing season. Key strategy: bring a cooler to the track, packed with beverages in non-glass containers and your picnic lunch. You’ll save money, won’t waste time standing in line at food establishments, and the cooler can be used as a table or for seating.
Pre-game with a sandwich at Cardona’s Market (formerly Roma Imports), a half sandwich with a cup of gazpacho from Putnam Market (throw in some of their lemon bars for dessert), a pizza from Nine Miles East or a deconstructed Big Daddy chicken sandwich from Hattie’s Chicken Shack in Wilton (ask them to pack the cole slaw topping separately so the sandwich doesn’t get soggy). EBI on Excelsior Ave has a huge selection of craft beers in cans. And don’t forget to pack lots of water! (No links because all these places will pop up on any localized search.)
As to where to dine in town, I personally will not be venturing downtown except for business until after Labor Day. Most restaurants are thronged with patrons and understaffed, so expect long waits and a simplified menu designed for throughput. And we haven’t even mentioned the parking, or lack thereof. Still, it’s worth braving the crowds to get a croissant or other pastry at Mrs. London’s or a bagel and schmear at Uncommon Grounds, and Compton’s offers an old-school diner experience completely with grumpy locals (open early morning to early afternoon).
Coolers claiming picnic tables at Saratoga Racetrack, 10 am.
But you are on vacation, so consider trying very early (weeks before your trip) for a reservation at 15 Church or Hamlet & Ghost, two places that bear up to the tourist crush better than most. I would also consider Seneca and its new Asian-fusion offshoot Rhea. Plus Saratoga is not the only place with good food in the area. Try Radici in Glens Falls (fine dining) or Saigon Springs in Clifton Park (Vietnamese), each an easy half-hour drive on the Northway.
Finally, there’s lots more than the Race Course in Saratoga Springs. Free concerts and other events in Congress Park, world-class entertainment at SPAC, music programs at Skidmore’s Zankel Music Center. Saratoga.com has an events calendar which is pretty comprehensive though sometimes inaccurate, so verify before you go.
Compton’s is OK, but if you want a real local breakfast go a bit out of town to the Triangle Diner. The corned beef hash is highly recommended.
I haven’t had the hash at Triangle, but the meatloaf is stellar. I like them and Compton’s equally and rotate back and forth. The benefit of Compton’s to a tourist staying downtown: you don’t have to get in your car.
I agree – and Compton’s is one of the few old school places left. Saratoga was not blessed with diners.