A Guide To Saratoga's 11 Best Bars
Start writing a post
Entertainment

A Guide To Saratoga's 11 Best Bars

"Health, History, Overgrown Men in Polos"

1569
A Guide To Saratoga's 11 Best Bars

Saratoga Spring's infamous strip of bars and clubs, Caroline Street, was once called "the trendiest line-up of bars this side of The Atlantic ocean."

Just kidding. No one has ever called it that. But Caroline Street can be great; depending on the bar, the weather, your mood, and the Skidmore student to Saratoga townie ratio. Here are, in my not-so-humble opinion, the Top 10 bars in Saratoga Springs:

1. Desperate Annies (DA's)

If you’re the type of person who has a cigarette everyday, on the dot, at 11am outside Burgess, then you will forever have a reserved seat at DA’s. Also if you: have a beard, a sleeve of tattoos, or a Skidmore ID!

Desperate Annie’s likes to think it’s a dive bar, but they just replaced their jukebox with an electronic machine and also, it’s not really a dive bar if sometimes it seems like every one in the whole fucking world is inside. DA’s is like that friend you don’t really like hanging out with. In fact, you’re pretty tired of him or her. Yet somehow, you keep crawling back.

Usually because he or she just offered you a free gin & tonic. That's lukewarm.

2. Clancy'sTavern

Why haven’t Skidmore students taken over this bar yet, like they’ve done with DA’s? Probably because the floors are covered in urine and spit--but isn't that part of the college experience? If you’ve ever wanted to see a bar fight, or have a 12 year old come up to you outside and ask to bum a cigarette, this is your bar. And it's pretty great...

3. The Parting Glass


They serve beer in a giant glass boot, so that’s a plus. Also, if you’ve ever wanted to eat corned beef while being pee-yourself-drunk, this is the place. If you’re lucky, a live Irish folk band will pluck away on some wacky instruments in the corner! (Honestly, this is my favorite bar in Saratoga. Truth.)

4. The Alley

Now this is a straight-up townie bar. The main draw is the karaoke on Tuesday and Friday nights, but I go for the cheap Miller Lite’s. Also, because “Mark the Shark” (the MC of the karaoke) makes me feel like I’m drunk at my Bat Mitzvah.

5. Gaffney's


A bar that truly lives up to the “Health, History, Drunk Men In Polos” town motto. Also, Gaffney’s wants you to believe that it’s all about their ~ambiance~ and outdoor patio. But it’s really all about their free popcorn.

6. The Bourbon Room

Saratoga.com claims, “you’re bound to find something that will keep you coming back again” at The Bourbon Room. Yeah, if what you’re looking for is that dick from your history class on the hockey team, looking for love in the back of a Freshman girl’s tonsils.

7. Saratoga City Tavern


My English professor once told me that this place has "the best view in Saratoga Springs." It's a true statement--if you're 6 drinks deep.

Notoriously hard to get into if you look like you still breastfeed, it's worth the wait if only for The Boom Boom Room--Saratoga's version of a European nightclub. Except anyone can get in. Even overgrown-man children who were probably breastfed for too long.

8. TIn & Lint (T&L)

There once was a rumor that "American Pie" was written on a napkin at this bar. There also once was a rumor that the world was square, so we've all been wrong at some point...

Thrillist just named it one of the "Greatest Bar Names in America," but I just know it as the easiest bar to get into if you're underage. If you've ever wanted to hear Freshman girls chirping over Vodka Cranberries, this is the spot.

9. The Reserve


Yeah, no, don’t go here. I know the long-line and neon flashing lights look tempting, and honestly, it’s pretty fun for the first 10 minutes if you’ve had 12 shots, but if you’re female you will inevitably end up getting hit on by a man with muscles three times the size of his head, or get herpes. So just don’t do it. Go join a grind line somewhere else. (Honestly, this place can be really fun.)

10. Peabody's

Apparently, the local sports-bar used to be more popular with Skidmore students. I can't imagine what drove them away...the over-priced wings, the greasy bar-tops, the bouncer that kicks you out for shouting anything more obscene than "damn," the classy patrons that smell like the bottom of a pitcher of Keystone? I can't figure it out.

11. Druthers Brewing Company


Some things just happen. If you stare at the sun too long, your eyes get damaged. Good people have terrible things happen to them. Dogs bark and cats meow. And if it's a Tuesday night, Druthers will be overrun with Skidmore students. Don't question it, embrace it. And "turn up" on Tuesdays for 3$ beers!

So there you have it. The Top 10 places to get weird in Saratoga Springs. This article may have had a critical tone, but in the end, I love each and every single one of these bars because they are unabashed and unafraid to be themselves: just like Skidmore students.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

91080
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

64634
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments