Going to Saratoga for the first time

[SmartyParty]

I'll be in Saratoga for the very first time in August. I am open to advice, info, tips, ETC.

[ryesteve]

Arrive early, and bring a lawn chair

[Stevie Belmont]

Track is packed on weekends. The earlier in the week, the lesser the crowds. Prices tend to be a bit steep, but it's their season to make as much loot as possible. Lots of tents in the back selling everything from paintings to hats. Downtown has a slew of restarants and shops. Night life is pretty nice as well. Paradisos is a real nice restaurant. If your looking for something more low key, PJ's BBQ is a must stop. Great Ribs and Chicken. The Parting Glass for a Buffalo Burger and a pint of Guiness is a goody to. Ms Londons has some awesome deserts and pastries.The Horse Racing Hall of Fame is another place to check out. If your not going to the track teh Yaddo Garden might interest you...some local yahoo sent me there...it was okay....and they have wells all over town where you can drink water if you like. A nice place that celebrates the horse. A fun time for sure...Just stay Comptons Diner lousy customer service, and they dont know how to make eggs. Plenty of other places in town to mention.

[ELA]

If you are looking for restaurants, check the "Favorite Saratoga Restaurant" thread. One of my favorites was Paradiso's -- it has been closed since before last year's meet. The owner has reopened with his original location and name -- Villa Balsamo. Check it out.

As far as the track -- depends on what you are looking for. If you are going to "rough it", yes, bring your tables, chairs, etc. and get there early to get a good spot. If you want to get seats -- grandstand, clubhouse, stop by the track ticket sales/box office and hope to get lucky. I think either the Holiday Inn and/or the Prime (not called the Prime anymore, I don't remember the new name) still sells tickets night before, morning of, something like that. Call and they will give you the details.

The morning seminar at Siro's can be fun, if you like that kind of stuff. The local shows on cable/TV can be interesting as well. There is a backstretch tour that is very popular, it really shows what goes on behind the scenes. When you are at the track, head down by the paddock, watch the horses walking, being saddled, heading out, etc. If you like to catch the starts, walk around by the race office, you will see every racing celebrity in the game, even the non-racing celebrities as they are stopping by to pick up their seats/tix. There's a ton to see.

Most important -- enjoy! I am sure you will.

Eric

[MaleetziaPolice]

Do you normally have to pay to get into the racetrack or is it free admission? Does it vary between racetracks?

The reason I'm asking is because I might go to Penn National tomorrow night and I just want to know ahead of time.

Thanks.

[Zaf]

Some are free , most charge a nominal fee for entrance. If you are going to Penn National you may not be able to see the horses race live. I read somewhere on this site that the races are or will be conducted without the public being able to view them live. I think.

Z

[peislander]

A drink from the Big Red Spring is a must. mmmmmmmmmmm good!!!!!!!!!!:lol:

[ELA]

Do you normally have to pay to get into the racetrack or is it free admission? Does it vary between racetracks?

The reason I'm asking is because I might go to Penn National tomorrow night and I just want to know ahead of time.

Thanks.

I don't know if there is an admission charge at Penn National. Currently, due to construction, they do not offer the ability to see the races live. There is a simulcasting/teletheater type set up. Check their website, they may spell it out.

Eric

[PaceAdvantage]

Topic of post is Saratoga in August....Penn National talk needs a new thread....

[KingChas]

SmartyParty; "I'll be in Saratoga for the very first time in August."

Wear a hat.Sunburn or Rain. :D

I suggest you don't leave immediatly after the last race.(weekends especially).
Walk around after races,bet a little Del Mar at the Carousal.Take in the picnic area and stands.
Walk over Siro's and buy a beer at the price of a 12-pack(*somebody's gotta pay for the band :D ).
Let the parking lots clear out.
One rule of thumb for a first time visit to the SPA "Don't wear a watch".
It's the only time in my life I feel like there really are 24 hrs in a day,(no rush) :)
Win or lose,sit back and enjoy Saratoga. ;)

[KingChas]

A little side note on Siro's.Bar across street-follow the noise.

I always thought I was getting TLG's expert opinion's for free? ;) (Morning Seminars)

Until I got my breakfast bill! :lol: :lol:

[ELA]

Siro's is the usual spot for after the races. Head over, with what sometimes seems like the rest of the world, for a drink or 10, watch some races from West of NY and of course Delmar and enjoy! It is very good to let the traffic thin out.

The Horse Shoe Inn is also a very good post-races spot. It is right outside the Nelson Avenue stable gate entrance. It is more of a "shot and beer" type place compared to Siro's but it's also a great spot.

In town, there's a ton of places. You won't have enough time!!!

Eric

[delayjf]

The morning breakfast at the track is great, get to watch the horses work out while your eating. I'm not sure what days of the week they serve though.

[Ron]

The morning breakfast at the track is great, get to watch the horses work out while your eating. I'm not sure what days of the week they serve though.

Everyday except Tuesday. I usually just grab something at Dunkin Donuts on the way.

[dccprez]

Speaking as a local...

DON'T go to Bruno's for breakfast.

DON'T eat at Lillian's donwtown.

DO get a voucher and use the SAM's to make your wagers.

DO park for FREE over at the Oaklahoma Training Track. Long way away but there are shuttles that will take you up close to the ebtry gates. Otherwise be prepared to shell out between $6 and $15 to park...

DO try and be there for the Friday before the Travers - famous "Battle of the Beers". Pay $10 and sample dozens of local (and some not so local) brewers. Strongly suggest you have a designated driver.

DO go early and watch the workouts. Have breakfast if you want but bring a lot of extra $$. Entry to the track is free during workouts but they kick you out at 10 AM and make you wait in line until it opens at 11.

DO take a walk down Union to Congress Park. Very picturesque and the original Casino there as well.

ABSOLUTELY take a walk down to Yaddo Gardens. Breathtakingly beautiful nature preserve/artist commune. Stellar.

Have fun, dont drink and drive (they're watching fo it), and drop a line when you know your schedule - I live only 11 miles away.

[the little guy]

Bruno's has changed hands since last summer.

[ELA]

Yes, heard that as well. Also, Luna has been reinvented -- now called MARE. Seafood, hence the name, unique flair. Very nice. I didn't eat there.

There's a lounge in the back room -- very chic!

Eric

[mudnturf]

I'll be in Saratoga for the very first time in August. I am open to advice, info, tips, ETC.

My humble opinion on some eating places.

"Sleepers":
- The food at the Wine Bar on Broadway.
- The pasta (and food) at Lanci's on Putnam St. near the Saratoga Library.
- The pastries at the Bread Basket on Spring St.

"Stand-bys":
- A meal at the Wishing Well on Rt.9 north of town. Great cornsticks.
- Blueberry Pancakes at Beverly's on Phila St.
- Ben & Jerry's for a late night ice cream fix. (corner of Phila St & Putnam St)

Over priced and/or overrated:
- The Lodge (near the harness track).
- Dine (Henry st.)
- Mrs. London's (Broadway).

[andicap]

Speaking as a local...

DON'T go to Bruno's for breakfast.

DON'T eat at Lillian's donwtown.



What's wrong with Lillian's? I've had some great meals there over the years. Has the quality slipped in recent years? (Haven't been there for a while.)

[dccprez]

What's wrong with Lillian's? I've had some great meals there over the years. Has the quality slipped in recent years? (Haven't been there for a while.)

Overrated and over priced.

When me and the Mrs head out we go to Chameleons - about 10 minutes away on Fish Creek, just off of the lake. Without a doubt the best restaurant around.

Second choice is the restaurant at Saratoga National. Very pricey but outstanding food, service and atmosphere.

[the little guy]

Chameleon is good. Best place? I guess that's a question of taste but I prefer Lanci's and Chez Sophie.

[Rico8812]

Lillians does in fact suck.

Best reasonably priced meal - Olde Bryan Inn

My favorite of the fancies: Saratoga National

Sushi Thai Garden is very good as well.

[trigger]

I haven't been for a couple of years.....can you still bring in coolers?

[SmartyParty]

Besides Sun King, what other horses are pointing for the Witney?

[Ron]

What's wrong with Bruno's? I don't mind that place.

[Suff]

I haven't been for a couple of years.....can you still bring in coolers?

Into Saratoga? Yes, of course. When that ends, believe me, you'll hear about it.

[Ron]

No glass -- that's always been the policy but they just started enforcing it last year or the year before -- all the years are starting to blend together.

[pjbc77]

Hey, I used to work at Lillian's!

[SmartyParty]

I read that the racetrack opens at 7AM for those of us who want to watch the workouts. But they actually start at 5:30, right? Is it possible to watch those or can you watch any of the horses over at the Oklahoma Track?