Looking for a swanky place to try inventive cocktails? The Saratoga is the hot new spot to check out.
This fairly new cocktail bar and restaurant has two beautiful bars (upstairs and downstairs) and serves fun takes on American classics. The restaurant is named after the hotel that used to occupy the space which was established in 1908. The decor definitely has that old time feel with large leather booths and dark walls.
Obviously since they have a large spirit selection, we tried four cocktails (only two pictured).
Brooklyn: Bourbon, Dry Vermouth, Amer Picon, and Maraschino. Free-Trade Agreement: Pisco, Cachaça, Singani, Lemon, Agave, Egg White, and Bitters.
We also tried the avenue (bourbon, calvados, passionfruit, lemon, and orange blossom) and sibling rivalry (rye, canton ginger, st. germain, regan’s & peychaud bitters). My favorites were the free-trade agreement and the avenue while my father like the brooklyn and sibling rivalry since those were more spirit forward.
Warm Parker House Rolls (8/10).
Since portions are on the larger side, compared to most restaurants in the city, we ordered all small plates/appetizers to try more dishes. We actually got two orders of the parker house rolls because one roll just wasn’t enough for the carb lover that I am. These warm rolls were pillowy and melted in my mouth especially since I doused them with soft seasoned butter. So good.
‘Toga Tots with Fiscalini Cheddar, Chorizo, and Scallion (8/10).
The toga tots were probably my favorite appetizer of the night. Basically golden brown tater tots covered in gooey cheese and chorizo crumbs, what’s not to like?!
Baby Kale Salad with Queso Anejo, Pepitas, and Green Goddess (7/10).
The kale salad was the least exciting of the dishes but I was expecting that. The salad itself was a pretty nice portion but I just wanted more garnishes. The green goddess dressing could have been more amped up in flavor also.
Buffalo Pork “Wings” with Whipped Bleu Cheese, and Fennel Slaw (7.5-8/10).
The pork “wings” were a fun take on classic chicken wings. The pork was extremely tender, came right off the bone, and was covered in a spicy sauce reminiscent of traditional chicken wing hot sauce. I also loved the whipped airy bleu cheese dipping sauce on the side that cooled down the spiciness of the pork.
Scotchy, Scotch, Scotch Pudding with Black Label Scotch Caramel (8/10).
Surprisingly this dessert wasn’t too “scotchy” since I don’t typically like that alcohol flavor. The pudding could have been slightly more firm and dense but the flavor was spot on. I especially loved the gooey caramel on top.