Travers Viewing Choices Abound
SARATOGA SPRINGS – So you got nosed out at the wire for an admission ticket to Saratoga Race Course this Saturday. No need to despair. This year, many of your favorite off-track venues are going the extra mile to entice you to visit their place on or about 5:46 p.m. on Travers Day. Civic and business leaders are making it clear that while the track may be sold out, Saratoga Springs is open for business and ready to welcome race fans.
“We want everyone to know that Saratoga is rolling out the red carpet not only for American Pharaoh but to those who want to be a part of this historic event by attending the best Travers viewing parties you’ll find anywhere in the world this Saturday,” said Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
And there is little doubt that if your favorite establishment has one or more TV’s, they probably will be tuned to NBC on Saturday afternoon. They don’t even need cable. So, for people who live here year-round and have a preferred place to go, chances are you have already made plans, and hopefully, a phone call to secure your spot.
For those who have not, plus the thousands, if not tens of thousands of visitors are expected to be swelling into every nook and cranny in town, seeking to be able to say “I was here on that day…” they first have to answer the question: “Where are we going to go?” The Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau has compiled a list of places (which is being updated continuously) of places that have planned Travers viewing parties. If you haven’t firmed up your plans, or your Aunt Edna decided to cancel her annual barbeque, it might be advisable to look through their webpage (visit www.2015saratogatravers.com for the latest updates).
The list compiled below comes from that site and information compiled from other sources. It is long, and though not comprehensive, should give you ideas about some options. You do have choices, but by all means, if you are haven’t made plans by now, we urge you to start calling, as most places at least recommend reservations – it’s a good idea to consider it a requirement on Saturday. All phone numbers are area code 518 unless noted.
Besides the track, or a phone/computer app, there are only a few places to watch and wager on the Travers. A new one that is offering this convenience this year is The Hunt & Fish Club at Siro’s (168 Lincoln Avenue, 584-4030), which will have a NYRA booth on premise for wagering. On Saturday, the action there will commence at noon and stay rocking non-stop until midnight.
Another place to view and bet is at Saratoga Casino and Raceway (584-2110), which has a few ambience options: you can watch on a 16-ft screen at Vapor (ages 21 and over) which opens at 4 p.m. and is also offering $3 Blue Moons and $4 Ketel One Citreon cocktails; Fortune’s Restaurant will have a special $32.95 Travers Buffet starting at noon and its regular dinner offerings following the last race across the street. Phone 581-5790 to reserve a Travers table. The Lodge will also be open for cocktails and wagering starting at 5 p.m., or you could elect to watch and wager from the mezzanine.
If you have wagering handled (one way or another), or just want to watch and cheer (and say cheers!), here are some more options in town and specials they are running:
The Barrelhouse (68 Beekman Street, 871-1502) – They are tapping a keg of Dogfish Head Brewery’s “Midas Touch”, a beer brewed with ingredients dating back to The Pyramids and unveiling their “Pharoahtoga” Sandwich (A Triple Crown of beef, turkey, and ham on sourdough topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, guacamole, bacon and smoked gouda on three slices on fresh sourdough). 3 hours of open bar and BBQ Dinner for $50 in advance or $55 day of event, air conditioned bar or out on the patio, on flat screen televisions. They also have complimentary WiFi to place your bets on your gaming accounts. American Pharoah merchandise will be available for purchase.
Bookmakers at the Holiday Inn (232 Broadway, 584-4550) –Happy Hour prices and complimentary hors d’oeuvres.
Brook Tavern (139 Union Avenue, 871-1473)– 2 TV’s, 4 to 6 p.m. Happy Hour: Draft, wine for $5, snacks 1/2 off, seats 30 people.
BWP (74 Weibel Avenue, 763-2975) – Live NBC coverage on all 7 TV’s inside and out, $5 cheese and pepperoni pizzas, $15 buckets of Bud and Bud Light, Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m., live music starting at 7 p.m.
Crown Grill (390 Broadway, 583-1105) – Bar TV’s to watch the race, a special 3-course menu for $18.64 from 4-6 p.m., $5 cocktails: The Saratoga Mule (Tito’s Vodka, Bermuda Ginger Beer and Fresh Pressed Lime Juice) and The Triple Crown (Prosecco, Aperol, Blood Orange Liqueur and Fresh Pressed OJ from Saratoga Juice Bar), seafood and steak specials, reservations recommended, no cover.
End Zone Sports Pub (32 Ballston Avenue, 584-6460) – Large screen TV’s throughout to watch the races, bowling available, 50 percent off drinks and appetizers, capacity of 300 people.
Dango’s (30 Caroline Street, 587-2022) – Large screen TV’s throughout the patio and inside, doors open at 11 a.m. Reservations recommended, no cover, the Audiostars performing live after the race.
Diamond Club Grill (86 Congress Street, 290-9090)– All day Happy Hour, half-priced appetizers, $3 select draft beer, $6 select wines by the glass, Manager’s Reception H’ors d’oeuvres table from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Gaffney’s Restaurant (16 Caroline Street, 587-7359) – TV’s throughout the restaurant to watch the races, drink specials.
Harvey’s Irish Pub and Restaurant (14 Phila Street, 583-0003) – Many TV’s throughout the restaurant to watch the races, drink specials and 11th hour bar specials from 11 p.m. – midnight, The Wallies perform live from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., reservations recommended, seats 250 people.
The Ice House (70 Putnam Street, 261-1766) – Many large screen TV’s with new surround sound, appetizer and beer specials, live music after the race, no cover until 8 p.m. ($10 after).
Jacob & Anthony’s (38 High Rock Avenue, 871-1600)– Party starts at 11 a.m., drink and food specials, live music on the patio with chances to win prizes.
Lillian’s Restaurant (408 Broadway, 587-7766) – Special drink for Travers: “Julep of the Nile”, 52” flat screen TV for viewing the races.
The Parting Glass (40-42 Lake Avenue, 583-1916) – Doors open at 10 a.m., serving traditional Irish Breakfast, back patio cook out at 6 p.m. Watch the races all day on one of the large flat screen TV’s, no reservations necessary. Special drink is Irish American Pharoah – with Tito’s potato vodka, midori and lemonade.
Putnam’s Restaurant and Bar (24 Gideon Putnam Road, 226-
4719) – Drink specials, seats 90 people.
Recovery Sports Grill (2537 Route 9, Malta, 899-8156)– Drink specials, wear a ‘track’ hat and get 10 percent off your bill.
Restaurant at 62 Beekman (62 Beekman Street, 584-1022) – Three 42” LCD TV’s and large outdoor patio, party starts at 11:45 a.m. with specials throughout the 13 races, Brunch will be served from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and dinner service’s last seating is at 9:30 p.m. Reservations strongly recommended. Specials are for (bar area only):, 2 for 1 Drinks at the bar including top shelf, drafts and wine, $5 tapas. A silent auction for $50 gift card and a contest for a $25 gift card for the best Travers hat or fastener by popular vote (must be present to claim prize).
Saratoga National Golf Club (458 Union Avenue, 306-2330) – Several large-screen TV’s for easy viewing, seats 250 people. Prime Steak & Seafood buffet at the Blue Stone Tent Pad, Reservations are available between 7 and 10 p.m. Reservations required.
Seven Horse Pub (43 Phila Street, 581-0777) – Food and drink specials.
Stadium Cafe (389 Broadway, 226-4437) – 25 TV’s on all your favorite sports, offering our Signature Ribs and Chicken Breast doused in an award-winning BBQ sauce with a side of macaroni salad. Also offering Sweet Tea cocktail - made with Twisted Tea draught and peach vodka. Reservations recommended, no cover, seats 220 people.
Three Vines Bistro & Bar (32A Congress Street, 306-5881) – 2 TV’s, 4:30-6:30 p.m. buy 1, get 1 beer, well drinks and house wines. Food specials, reservations recommended, seats 115 people.
West Side Sports Bar & Grill (112 Congress Street, 691-0193) – 25 TV’s on all your favorite sports, offering our Signature Ribs and Chicken Breast doused in our award winning BBQ sauce with a side of macaroni salad. Also offering Sweet Tea cocktail - made with Twisted Tea draught and peach vodka. Reservations recommended, no cover, seats 130 people.
Wheatfields Saratoga (440 Broadway, 587-0534) – 4 flat screen TV’s to view the race, starts at 3 p.m. with complimentary appetizers and pizza buffet, Travers drink and draft beer specials, hat Contest, superfecta tickets, prizes and live NBC coverage at 4 p.m., seats 100 people.
