Saratoga Springs, New York, presents a wealth of discoveries, especially if your trip coincides with the concluding Belmont Stakes Racing Festival from June 3-7 at Saratoga Race Course. Even before reaching the racecourse, it’s essential to investigate Saratoga’s culinary and beverage offerings. This particular piece is tailored for enthusiasts of craft beer.
Not long ago, I was entirely unaware of the impressive evolution of Saratoga’s brewing landscape. Regardless of whether you desire a chilled beverage on a warm day or intend to dedicate an evening to tasting various options to discover your ideal brew, these represent my preferred locations to frequent during your stay in Saratoga. A special acknowledgment goes to Kurt Rossner of Old Smoke Clothing Co. for his invaluable assistance in updating this compilation with numerous fresh entries this year.
Beyond boasting one of the region’s most vibrant (and delicious!) culinary selections, Druthers produces its own beer on-site. I have sampled nearly every draft offering, encompassing IPAs, various ales, and even tart sours. Druthers genuinely covers a broad spectrum of brewing styles, and I’ve consistently found their beers satisfying. Expert advice: Aim to secure a spot at the bar or an outdoor table earlier in the afternoon. Druthers tends to become quite crowded as dinner approaches, which could slightly detract from your overall visit.
Gaffney’s, a historic establishment in Saratoga Springs, recently reopened its doors in May following a two-year closure. With new management, Gaffney’s showcases a refreshed aesthetic, featuring “The Starting Gate” sports bar and a modernized outdoor patio area. The primary draw to Gaffney’s is its distinctive atmosphere. Plan to spend an hour or two, enjoying live musical performances alongside a refreshing beer. Your visit is sure to be enjoyable.
For connoisseurs of unique culture, this venue is a paradise. My initial visit revealed a collection of vinyl records, a turntable actively playing music, and a blackboard displaying local craft beers with alcohol by volume percentages reaching the mid-teens! I was immediately captivated. Henry Street Taproom continuously cycles through regional selections, highlighting some of the finest brews crafted across New York and New England. This location ranks among my top preferences for an evening drink. I find it perfect to conclude a demanding day with a potent stout (yes, I admit my peculiar taste), and Henry Street consistently offers several robust and flavorful stout options.
This particular location holds a prominent position on my itinerary for Belmont Stakes week, largely because it’s a place I haven’t yet experienced personally. The brewery hall debuted in 2022, following an extensive four-year remodeling effort within the former premises of The Saratogian newspaper. Whitman currently features an extensive selection of IPAs on draft, complemented by a German pilsner, an Irish red ale, and even a passion fruit, agave, lime sour-fruited gose. Beyond the diverse beer offerings, the food receives outstanding commendations, particularly their pizza. Should you wish to conserve your caloric intake for the beverages, they also offer a notable salad at Whitmans named the “Leaves of Grass.” Furthermore, the building houses a café where you can energize with caffeine before attending the races or purchase packaged beers for off-site consumption.
Pint Sized (by DIVE)
Do not let the initial impression deter you. Upon your first arrival at Pint Sized, it might evoke the sensation of entering a clandestine motorcycle club establishment where you lack a personal connection. However, the staff behind the bar and the regular patrons who fill the compact space are consistently very welcoming. You will discover a selection of twelve rotating draft lines to explore, and for those seeking different options, refrigerators are stocked with an assortment of canned and bottled beverages. These can be purchased for takeaway or enjoyed on-site while fostering new acquaintances. My suggestion would be to visit either immediately after lunch or shortly before dinner.
Even if the name Artisanal isn’t immediately familiar, many within the craft beer community have probably encountered one of this brewery’s most distinctive products – their “Warheads” extreme sour candy-flavored hard seltzers and sour ales. While I acknowledge traditionalists might hesitate, I personally enjoy novelty brews, and these are quite palatable. They are certainly worth experiencing, even if it’s just a single taste. Additionally, Artisanal provides numerous other choices, such as lagers, stouts, and IPAs. I would advise capitalizing on their Tuesday and Thursday promotions. On Tuesdays, you can purchase a personal pizza and a beer for $12, or on Thursdays, a burger and a beer for $17. If your stay in Saratoga extends beyond Belmont week, consider inquiring about Artisanal’s “Mug Club,” which provides discounts of up to 20% on growler refills and packaged beers.
This location is ideal if you’re seeking an unpretentious, accessible bar where you can simply relax, produce some crumpled currency, and receive a frosty beer. The ambiance at Horseshoe is remarkable, particularly during the horse racing season. On the majority of days and evenings, you can enjoy live musical entertainment while savoring your beverages. The food quality is also quite respectable. Furthermore, the most advantageous aspect is Horseshoe’s close proximity to the racecourse (literally mere paces away), making it an excellent choice for a pre-event gathering or a post-race celebration.
Tree House Brewing established its presence on South Broadway slightly more than a year ago, marking it as the seventh outpost for the company (which originated and is headquartered in Massachusetts). Aficionados contend that their hazy IPAs are particularly noteworthy, with Tree House’s signature brew, the Julius, being a standout. Enhancing the appeal of this venue is its commitment, declared since its opening, to bolstering the local arts and music community, alongside backing Sustainable Saratoga (a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental stewardship).
This entry deviates slightly from the primary focus. 9 Maple is principally celebrated for its martini selection, which boasts over 250 different choices. Kurt Rossner characterizes this as “the ultimate comfortable establishment” in the vicinity, and I’m hardly in a position to dispute his assessment. Their website describes the bar itself as a handcrafted, “exquisitely detailed, Victorian, mahogany fixture featuring a classic saloon aesthetic.” I imagine a distinct Ron Burgundy-esque ambiance. Do visit and provide your feedback to us, won’t you? Kurt also suggests two additional excellent cocktail venues: The Coat Room situated on Broadway and Elody located on Phila Street.
