From Saratoga Springs, travel east on Route 29 and you’ll quickly see a more rural landscape. It’s where there’s a warm greeting waiting for you in a unique setting that makes all the difference.
Barely 15 minutes from downtown, pull into the unassuming Just Meats for an experience that is reminiscent of stepping into a butcher shop pulled from the chronicles of history.
“It’s beautiful scenery and a nice country place to visit,” said co-owner Mark Little.
Located in the hamlet of Grangerville just before the crossing of Fish Creek, the small family business prides themselves on being fourth-generation butchers.
Their 150-year-old wooden wall cooler and tables covered with printed burlap instantly transport you to a simpler time. Gorgeous premium cuts of steak, seasoned chicken and burgers are great to grab for the grill. The full cooler contains a delicious selection of salads and local products to round out the meal.
The deli fills up the menu with a nice assortment of signature sandwiches (named after area lakes) that hint at the family’s legacy of being waterside-dwelling folk.
Capitalizing on their substantial experience, Just Meats is adding a new location at 5 Salem St. in Greenwich (formally home to Washington Square Deli) in a building that dates back to 1862. They are due to open in early August.
Just Meats, 1023 Route 29, Schuylerville is open Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit them online at www.facebook.com/JustMeats.
Drive a few minutes further down Route 29 and look for the distinctive locust split-rail fence in front of Old Saratoga Mercantile. A victorious salute to small-scale farmers and producers, they carry items from 100 different vendors.
“We’re so lucky to have so many talented people in the area growing, making and selling products,” said owner Christina Myers.
A former reporter, Myers searches out the truth of every product to know the roots of what she carries and where it came from. Not just reading labels, she’s done her research, visiting the farms and talking to the farmers.
These are the producers that are small enough to watch over every plant and bottle each jar with care. They forage a small batch of yellow Chicken of the Woods mushrooms, hand-pick plump tomatoes from their garden and deliver fresh-baked breads.
This creates a community that Myers is happy to have you join. She’ll answer any questions as you walk across the large wooden floor, absorbing the delectable smells that waft up from each display. Deliveries come in constantly so check onlwww.facebook.com/OldSaratogaMercantile for the latest arrivals.
Old Saratoga Mercantile, 1120 Route 29, Schuylerville is open Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Just around the bend in the village of Schuylerville are the amazing goodies at Saratoga Gluten-Free Bakery. Wholesaling to many of Saratoga’s top restaurants, here you’ll find a full pastry case of delights.
If you get there early enough, you can enjoy the miracle of gluten-free cinnamon buns and apple cider donuts.
“We have something for everyone here – there really is,” said owner Jeanne Daley.
Newly added seating on the outdoor stone patio, games and a nice iced tea or coffee from the espresso bar, give you an excuse to linger.
Lunch items including chicken salad, macaroni and cheese and paninis balance out all the sweet treats, while breads, rolls and even pizza crusts keep you stocked-up even if you do have special dietary restrictions.
Want something specific for a large group? Call ahead to 518-695-6565. Visit Saratoga Gluten-Free Bakery, 176 Broad St., Schuylerville, Wednesday – Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. or online at www.facebook.com/SaratogaGlutenFreeGoods.
Take a turn at dining on the water at Clark’s Steakhouse. Their new location along the Hudson River comes complete with a 16-seat Tiki Bar and plenty of outdoor tables to watch the boats at the marina next door.
They have tripled in size from their previous location, which meant growing their staff of 19 to one comprised of 55 people, including a new executive chef and in-house butcher that hand-cuts the select meats they grew famous for.
“We have Saratoga-quality steaks at Schuylerville prices,” said owner Jason Young.
Infusing new energy into the area, they’ve been experiencing better and better customer ratings during the last 60 days of their transition and are now back in the groove of offering great-tasting fare.
Their burgers are getting lots of praise.
“We have the best burgers in town. They’re ground-down NY Strip and a blend of beef that’s the best you can get for your buck,” said Young.
Clark’s Steakhouse, 1 Ferry St., Schuylerville is open Monday – Thursday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Find them online at www.clarkssteakhouse.com
