Saratoga Springs, with its reputation as both a bustling summer resort destination and quaint college town to Skidmore students, continues to evolve to fit the needs of both its residents and visitors. New attractions, restaurants and stores pop up in the blink of an eye. From a local hot spot’s recent renovation, to brand new Broadway real estate, here are Saratoga’s latest gems:
1). The New Cantina. Saratoga’s own Cantina restaurant, featuring authentic Mexican fare and margaritas galore, recently underwent a major renovation. Moving from a small but charming location at 430 Broadway, the fan-favorite restaurant ventured a little way down the street, and found itself a newer, bigger home. Featuring an open patio for an outdoor dining experience, the new location allows for a more spacious feel. The new restaurant is dressed with new décor and a more expansive menu, maintaining all the popular items while adding even more tacos. The updated Cantina is fitting in nicely and finding success at 408 Broadway, never straying far from its roots.
2). Saratoga’s Broadway Deli. A Jewish deli by the name of “Saratoga’s Broadway Deli” recently moved into Suite 2 of the Washington building at 420 Broadway. Serving classics like corned beef, matzo ball soup, latkes and many others, the deli has no shortage of options for customers, who have the convenience to choose to either eat in or take out. Complete with a witty website offering Saratogians fun little updates — including the installation of their new sign and the status of their cookies, which are selling out every day they say — the deli appears to be a promising new place in Broadway’s food scene.
3). Pig ’N Whistle. Taking over Circus Cafe’s former space, Pig ’N Whistle hopes to be the newest destination for Saratoga’s comfort food needs. The restaurant serves traditional pub fare—Irish style. Customers can find items like Shepherd’s Pie and Bangers N’ Mash (sausage and mashed potatoes) as well as things like pizza, sandwiches and, of course, beer. Catering to the vibrant nightlife found in Saratoga Springs, the new restaurant also hopes to host regular trivia nights and live music.
4). The New Downtowner. The motel many knew as the Saratoga Downtowner, located at the corner of Broadway and Division Street, has been revived by a business called Lark Hotels, who own multiple hotel properties in the New England and California regions. Now simply called the Downtowner, a “modern, stylish boutique hotel with the bones of a vintage motel” according to the website, the place strives to maintain its motel origins while embracing a newer, sleeker aesthetic.
5). Skidmore’s New North Hall East Lot. While technically not a brand-new Saratoga hot spot, Skidmore’s latest effort to improve parking lot congestion is worth mentioning. Located between North Hall and Perimeter Road, the new parking lot will formally open Wednesday, Sept. 12. Vehicles cannot be parked between 2am and 7am, as the space is considered a “commuter lot.”