Image credit: The New York Times
Breakfast:
Country Corner Cafe
The Country Corner Cafe is the perfect classic breakfast/brunch restaurant. They have a wide variety of breakfast staples like eggs, pancakes, french toast, etc. The best part of their menu is their breakfast combo section that has six different options for you to choose from. It truly helps you create your perfect breakfast. Not only do they have the classics, but they put their own spins on the typical breakfast items. Currently, they have a special autumnal menu that is perfect for a chilly, cozy fall morning—their autumn pear pancakes are especially outstanding. Another very special thing about the Country Corner Cafe is that they make their own homemade jams, which are to die for; you can order toast for the jam, or you can even buy your own jar to bring home with you. If you struggle to get out of bed in the mornings, it’s okay! They offer a bunch of lunch options as well! If I am ever craving good, classic diner food, Country Corner Cafe is the place I go, and I hope you will too.
Sweet Mimi’s
Like the name suggests, Sweet Mimi’s is the perfect place to go if you’re craving something sweet, like I always am. You have to try their lemon ricotta pancakes and their cinnamon bun pancakes. Both are fan favorites. The lemon ricotta pancakes were even featured on Beat Bobby Flay in April 2021. The atmosphere has an amazingly comfy and cozy feel. Sweet Mimi’s is not only a great breakfast/brunch spot, but a perfect place to quickly grab a sweet treat. They have a wide assortment of baked goods from cupcakes to cinnamon buns. If you want to start your day off with sweetness (aka the right way), Sweet Mimi’s is definitely the place to go.
Lunch:
Kaleidoscope Cafe
I can’t thank my friend enough for spotting this combination barbecue and ice cream shop, as it is my favorite find of my Skidmore career so far. Once you pull into the parking lot, you will find many outdoor tables, a volleyball net, and of course the smoker. Then as you make your way inside, you will be greeted by the owner, a Skidmore alum. He is so kind, welcoming, and excited to share his journey of opening his shop. If you have any questions about the sandwiches, meats, or ice cream flavors he will gladly tell you the backstory of how he created them. I cannot recommend getting the Turkey Pilgrim sandwich enough. Nothing feels more automonal than sitting outside, and eating the Turkey Pilgrim followed up by either the caramel apple or apple pie ice cream. Like his barbecue sauces, all of the ice cream is homemade, and he will have you try samples of all the sauces and flavors. The Kaleidoscope Cafe has quickly become a staple in my diet, and I hope it does in yours as well.
Tacos and Donuts
Tacos and Donuts is such a fun lunch location because of its unorthodox combination of foods. When I first heard of the little restaurant, I was intrigued and wary of how they could make it work. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized how well the donuts and tacos complement each other. I should’ve known it would be amazing because tacos and donuts are some of my favorite foods on their own. My favorite part about this spot is that they make the donuts in the front window, so you can watch as they make them, which is a super interesting process. I totally recommend giving this unique combination of foods a try.
Dinner:
Old Bryan Inn
If you are a history buff, the Old Bryan Inn is the place for you. As soon as you walk in, the colonial interior makes you feel as if you have just been blasted back in time. While you enjoy some good pub food, you can ask the servers about the history behind this restaurant that looks like it is straight out of the 1700’s. Also, if you love a good ghost story, like myself, the Old Bryan Inn is rumored to be the most haunted place in Saratoga Springs. Since it is a Saratoga favorite, it does get very crowded, so I recommend you make a reservation. I hope you check out this historical location, learn something new about this town, and maybe even see a ghost.
El Mexicano
El Mexicano is the perfect place for you if you are looking for a fun and exciting dinner. The atmosphere of the restaurant is impeccable, and it truly feels like a party. All of the servers are fantastic and are determined to make your dinner memorable. You start the dinner off with free chips and salsa and a quesadilla. After that you have a wide selection of entree options from the menu, which are all amazing. Then to finish it off, you get a free deep-fried banana. If you are looking for an exciting and fun dinner spot to start your weekend off right, El Mexicano is the place for you.