After spending two years at Skidmore living in dorms and having a meal plan, I’ve learned that meal plans are both the best and worst things ever. On one hand, you can swipe into the dining hall and walk out with your bag full of fruit and cereal (let’s be real, we’ve all done it), but the downside is you’re stuck eating pretty much the same thing three meals a day for weeks at a time.
Luckily, Skidmore is super close to tons of great restaurants that are sure to satisfy any craving you may have. Check out this list to find out which restaurant in town has what you’re looking for.
1. When it’s finals week and you need to cram: Uncommon Grounds
Photo courtesy of @spoon_skidmore on Instagram
Need a new study spot? Uncommon Grounds is the perfect place to go. Comfy couches, bagel sandwiches, and coffee. What more could you want?
What to order: Try any of their bagel sandwiches to go with one of their many types of coffee. My favorite is the BLT, but it’s hard to go wrong with any of their options. Don’t like coffee? Try a smoothie instead. Still not convinced? Find out why you should love Uncommon.
Location: 402 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
2. When you want a quick lunch: Putnam Market
Photo courtesy of @spoon_skidmore on Instagram
Not only does Putnam offer a great to-go bar and amazing sandwiches, if you have time to spare it’s also a great place to pick up a few groceries. Want fancy cheese? Check out their cheese room and try a few samples. Want something sweet? Grab something from the bakery. Their variety of lunch options will have you coming back for more.
What to order: If you’re running short on time, try a to-go box from their prepared food section. They have a wide variety of prepared salads and hot food that so you can grab and go. If salad isn’t your thing, try one of their many sandwiches.
Location: 431 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
3. When you want good bar food: Druthers
Photo by Rianna Lloyd
Druthers has the best mac ‘n cheese you will ever eat, hands down. Pair that with any one of their beers that are brewed on site and you’ll be good to go. Not feelin mac ‘n cheese? Try their wings or beer cheese and bavarian pretzels.
What to order: Check out their loaded mac ‘n cheese, duh. Topped with smoked chicken, bacon, ranch, and barbecue sauce, this dish is a total game changer.
Location: 381 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
4. When you NEED pizza: Pizza Works
Photo courtesy of @spoon_skidmore on Instagram
Pizza Works is sure to satisfy all your pizza cravings. Not only do they have classics like margherita and white pizza, but their signature pizzas will also make you feel fancy. They have tons of killer sandwiches and even dessert (cannolis anyone?). Pizza Works also offers gluten-free options, and they deliver.
What to order: If you think chicken parm and pizza don’t go together, think again. Some of their other signature pies include arugula and prosciutto and buffalo pie. If you’re looking for something more classic, you can create your own from their wide variety of toppings.
Location: 88 Henry St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
5. When you’re going on a real date: Ravenous Crêperie
Photo courtesy of @spoon_skidmore on Instagram
If you’re looking for the perfect date night spot, look no further then Ravenous. In my opinion, crepes are fancy as hell, and with both savory and sweet options Ravenous is sure to satisfy and impress your date.
What to Order: Try their banana-fo-phana crepe. It’s filled with freshly sliced bananas and nutella and topped with whipped cream. If you’re looking for something more savory, try their crepe marcel. And don’t forget to add a side of pommes frites with one of their amazing dipping sauces.
Location: 21 Phila St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
6. When you have the drunchies: Esperanto
Photo by Rianna Lloyd
Looking for something to eat after a long night out? Try Esperanto. Their grab-and-go section offers burritos, chimichangas, twice-baked potatoes, and their famous doughboys. They’re open until 4am on weekends and they deliver. Bonus: they also take Skid cards.
What to order: My go-to food after a night out is a doughboy from Esperanto. Pizza crust stuffed with chicken, cheese, and scallions is the perfect end to a night of drinking. Don’t eat meat? Try a doughgirl instead.
Location: 6 Caroline St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
7. When your parents are paying: Max London’s
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Looking for somewhere to take your parents when they visit? Make a reservation at Max London’s. They offer a wide variety of Italian fare that is sure to impress. After dinner, be sure to take them next door to Mrs. London’s for dessert.
What to order: Check out their pizzas, which are made with house made mozzarella cheese. Not only is their food amazing, but Max London’s sources a wide variety of their ingredients locally as well so you can feel good about where your food is coming from.
Location: 18 Division St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
8. When you’re craving something sweet: Sweet Mimi’s Cafe and Bakery
Photo courtesy of @spoon_skidmore on Instagram
If you have a killer sweet tooth, look no further than Sweet Mimi’s. With everything from cheesecake to scones, this bakery is one of my favorites. Not only do they have a wide selection of bakery items, they also serve breakfast and lunch from 8am until 2:30pm. Make sure to get there early if you’re going for breakfast since tables fill up fast.
What to order: Adding bacon to pretty much anything generally makes it better, and Sweet Mimi’s bacon pancakes are no exception. Topped with salted caramel and whipped cream, these pancakes are irresistible.
Location: 47 Phila St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
9. When you’re hungover AF: Triangle Diner
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What would Sunday morning be without Triangle Diner? Diner food is the ultimate hangover cure and Triangle Diner is no exception. It has a classic diner vibe, and is the perfect breakfast spot, hungover or not.
What to order: Their California Benedict is a fresh take on a classic breakfast, and also the perfect breakfast when you’re hungover. Pair that with a cup of coffee and your hangover is cured.
Location: 400 Maple Ave Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
10. When you’re doing it for the Insta: Dairy Haus
Photo courtesy of @spoon_skidmore on Instagram
When you’re tired of Ben and Jerry’s, be sure to check out Dairy Haus. It’s super close to campus and has tons of flavors, making it a go-to spot. Make sure to go before they close for the winter so you can get your fix.
What to order: My personal favorite is their black raspberry lemon swirl, but you can’t go wrong with any of their flavors. Dairy Haus has both hard and soft ice cream, so there’s something for everyone.
Location: 476 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866