Whether you are planning a trip to Saratoga Springs for the upcoming Triple Crown Belmont Race, to enjoy Saratoga's regular horse racing season, or just to experience the charm and history of this quaint little city, you will probably want to know the best places to grab a refreshing beverage while you are here. Saratoga Springs has no shortage of great places to get your drink on. Whether you are looking for a place to let your hair down and get crazy or prefer a more distinguished cocktail sipping experience, we've got you covered. The places to get wild and crazy in Saratoga are pretty obvious...just head to Caroline Street. But if you are looking to try some unique craft cocktails, you need the inside scoop.
I have personally checked out a number of local establishments (all for the blog, of course!) and have found my favorite spots for sipping crafted concoctions. Please note each destination offers a good selection of non-alcoholic cocktails for the non-drinkers in your party. So, without further ado, here are my picks for best cocktails in Saratoga Springs, in no particular order:
Lucy's Bar (3 Caroline Street):
I could not have a list of the best cocktail bars in Saratoga Springs and not include Lucy's Bar! I am a regular patron of Lucy's Bar for a number of reasons. I love the variety of their cocktail menu that changes every season. I love the cozy vibe of the bar and I especially love their amazing Insta-worthy decor that changes each holiday/season. Their Christmas decor is my favorite, but I also love the Spring decor that comes just as you are getting weary of the winter weather. Lucy's motto is "Good Vibes, Better Drinks and a Little Thing We Like to Call 'A Lucy'". That tells you everything you need to know!
Lucy's is a great place to meet up for a cocktail before you head out to dinner or out on the town. Lucy's does not serve food so plan to eat before or after stopping in for a drink. Lucy's Bar is small and has limited seating so I recommend meeting up on the early side if you want to snag a table. My favorite drinks so far are the Sweater Weather (Winter Menu) and the Pistachio Martini (last Spring's Menu). I can't wait for next season's new cocktail menu to see what new libations they have come up with! They have a Spirit Free Cocktail menu for the non-drinkers in the group which includes a non-alcoholic Espresso Martini. I have tried it and it is just as good as a fully loaded Espresso Martini! Check out their full drink menu here.
Hamlet and Ghost (24 Caroline Street):
Hamlet and Ghost is located in downtown Saratoga Springs in a space that used to be a feed and grain store in the 1870's. It became a hardware store during the Prohibition Era that was an alleged front for an illegal gambling establishment. The current restaurant maintains that historic feel complete with a full menu of interesting craft cocktails. Hamlet and Ghost does serve food as well. In fact, their Hamburger has been rated the best in Saratoga! As far as cocktails go, there are several delicious choices on the menu, but my favorite (and a H&G classic) is the Gin Gin Fizz made with gin, grapefruit, lemon, ginger and foam. Again, Hamlet & Ghost offers a good selection of mocktails as well.
If you want to visit Hamlet and Ghost, reservations are necessary. And you need to be a planner because Hamlet and Ghost books up pretty quickly, especially during Track Season. So, if you know you are going to be in town and want to taste Saratoga's best burger and sip a delicious craft cocktail, be sure to make your reservation as soon as you can. Click here for a link to the reservation system.
Morrissey's Lounge and Bistro (365 Broadway):
Morrissey's Lounge and Bistro is attached to the historic Adelphi Hotel and has that rich, historic vibe. There are tables to sit at, but the best seats in the house are at the bar! Especially during track season, it is fun to set at the bar and watch as people filter in and out of the bar after a day at the track. Even when it is not track season there is great people watching to be had as people stroll up and down Broadway. Morrissey's offers a wide selection of curated cocktails (and mocktails). You can also order food at Morrissey's. They have a diverse menu that includes salads, seafood, pasta, flatbreads and sushi. Check out all of their food and drink options here. You can make reservations for a table, or order food at your seat at the bar. Morrissey's is definitely the go to spot to see and be seen during track season. It usually dies down around 8 as people leave for dinner reservations at other restaurants. So, if you want the crowd and people watching, go before 8; if you want a quieter spot to grab a drink and some food, better to go after 8ish.
Rhea (389 Broadway):
Rhea is an Asian inspired restaurant and bar located right on Broadway. You can sit at an outside table (weather permitting), at the bar right in the middle of the restaurant or in a cozy booth if you want a more intimate experience. You can eat dinner or grab appetizers with your drinks at Rhea. Their menu is planned around hand-made ramen noodles, Bao buns and shareable small plate items. Check out the food menu here. Their drink menu describes "wildly inventive" cocktails with creative names like "Why is the Rum Always Gone", "Dunes of the Cape" and "Hot Paradise". They also offer Saké Drafts if you prefer. Check out their drink menu here. Their menu notes that any drink can be made as a mocktail.
The Misfit Bar and Cocktail Lounge (1 Caroline St.):
The Misfit is more of a nightclub scene and they do not serve any food. This is the spot to head to when you are ready to let loose for the night. After a cocktail (or two), you can meander to any of the other happening spots up and down Caroline Street. The Misfit has a long list of standard craft cocktails with hilarious names like "Bougie Bitch", "Naughty Nurse" and "Dazed and Confused". They offer special seasonal cocktails as well. The winter cocktail menu is filled with drinks with names like "Drop It Like It's Hot" and "We Didn't Start the Fire". They also have a delicious Espresso Martini that is one of the best in town (in my personal opinion). SIDE NOTE: Another top contender for best Espresso Martini in Saratoga is 9 Maple, but the reason it is not on my favorite list is that 9 Maple is really small and always so crowded. But if you enjoy Espresso Martinis definitely check it out because they are really good there too.
Bottom's Up
So there you have it. My favorite spots to grab a cocktail. There are many other great places to grab a drink in Saratoga Springs. Just wander around and you will find plenty of spots to wet your whistle. But this list has my favorites as a local, so be sure to try them out. Cheers!