Bring out your seersucker and fascinators! The Belmont is coming to Saratoga Springs. Photos courtesy NYRA.
The Belmont Stakes, final jewel in horse racing’s Triple Crown, is happening June 6 through 9 at Saratoga Race Course. Tickets to the track sold out within hours after the announcement, and according to the Times-Union’s Steve Barnes, local restaurant reservations were not far behind.
If you scored tickets and a place to stay, lucky you. But you still have to eat at the Belmont. Here are some ideas from a local.
Bring a picnic—to the track, or for a warm evening in the park. NYRA won’t allow alcohol to be brought in, but you can import a 12×18 cooler (about the size of a jumbo lunchbox) which might contain a Go Box from 9 Miles East, a sub from Cardona’s or Fat Paulie’s, a sandwich and sides from Putnam Market or Franklin Square Market, or maybe a half fried chicken with sides from West Ave Chicken. All these are tried-and-true local favorites. Just remember to order in advance (online ordering available for most) because they’re likely to be slammed. Update: Mittler’s, a “New York style bodega”, has just opened at the corner of Phila and Putnam Streets, one block from Congress Park. For now the store features take out items and a selection of grocery basics.
Consider dining choices off the main drag. Brook Tavern, across the street from the track, was completely booked as of Memorial Day weekend, but their sister restaurant The Wishing Well up the road on US 9 still had availability. Radici in Glens Falls and Pasta Pane in Clifton Park equal the standards of better Saratoga spots but may be less crowded because they’re an easy drive on the Northway (which will probably be more enjoyable than waiting for your reserved table on Broadway). Next Door Kitchen is another local favorite that’s 5 miles down the road in Ballston Spa.
Have a handicapping plan if you dare to dine downtown. Inevitably there will be cancellations and many places take walk-ins so somebody’s going to get lucky—maybe you! Expect a packed house and overtaxed kitchen which may affect your dining experience, and remember that most places depend on seasonal help. As a result you may wait a lot and pay a lot for a meal not nearly as good as the same meal in the same spot off-season. Still willing to risk it? 15 Church, Taverna Novo and Hamlet & Ghost are three places which have an exceptional degree of professionalism as well as great food and high prices; expect they will do everything they can to make the dining experience a good one. Update: Franklin Square Market has just opened an in-store restaurant with an upscale menu. Because it’s new, reservations may be easier here than elsewhere.
By the way, Saratoga Springs is not just about horse racing. Do take the time to walk or bike in Spa State Park. Investigate the healthful and delicious (just kidding) water from our mineral springs. Pick a hat to wear to the track at one of the tempting stores on and around Broadway downtown. Learn about our checkered and colorful past at the History Museum in Congress Park. Go to our Farmers Market on Saturday morning in High Rock Park. (They open at 9 on Belmont Day and first post isn’t till 10:45 so you have time.) You’re sure to work up an appetite.
I’ll be fleeing to my place in the Berkshires.
and don’t forget the iconic Caffe Lena, where so many famous people have performed, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, still showcasing so much talent!!
I was at Caffe Lena just last night to see Reese Fulmer, another serious up and comer, and thinking about what a treasure it is. Great venue, great acoustics and a really focused group of volunteers and local performers.Yes definitely, if you are in town from elsewhere and have a free evening, Lena is a great place to go.
Hubs has played there and will be again on July 13th, as he is playing keyboards with Marty Wendell. Also on the bill is local great The Bluebillies…always a fun time!!