Saratoga Springs’ Historic Broadway District: Our Guide to the Best Downtown Shops and Restaurants

The historic Broadway District is the heart of Saratoga Springs NY. It’s here that you’ll find the best shops and restaurants on Broadway, all within a short walk of our downtown boutique hotel.

How do we know? Well, we’ve enjoyed our prime position on Broadway for the last few decades! The Saratoga Arms hotel is family-owned and operated. We’re local Saratogians who love to share new, undiscovered things to do in Saratoga Springs.

Where is downtown Saratoga Springs?

Much like Rodeo Drive or the Las Vegas “Strip,” Saratoga Springs has a famous thoroughfare and that’s Broadway. This central avenue runs right through the middle of town, from a historic residential neighborhood in the north to the city’s core commercial district in the south. If you’re looking for the best shops and restaurants in Saratoga Springs, look to Broadway.

Since 1979, this area has been recognized as an official historic district by the National Register of Historic Places. You’ll find many beautiful buildings around North Broadway, including large, wonderfully preserved Victorian mansions.

Our favorite Broadway restaurants

The downtown area and Broadway are home to many of the best restaurants in Saratoga Springs. For example, just one block from our Saratoga Arms hotel on Broadway is a rustic, inviting Italian restaurant called Forno Bistro. Their Tuscan-style cuisine is rooted in tradition, from their hearty pastas to wood-fired pizzas. For a sophisticated take on the modern steakhouse, Salt & Char is top dinner spot on Broadway.

Fresh, contemporary flavors of Mexico are a short walk along Broadway at Cantina. We recommend the Mexican street corn and carnitas tacos, which pair perfectly with a margarita or two. But what if you’re craving something a little lighter? Boca Bistro’s speciality is small plate Spanish tapas.  Open for lunch and dinner this spot is perfect for small bites or a big meal.  Also, Broadway’s classic French bakery Mrs. London’s serves all sorts of fresh sandwiches, quiche, pastries, and other delicious baked goods.

The best pubs and cocktail bars on Broadway

While many of these spots serve equally delicious food menus, the best bars on Broadway deserve their own category. And we have to start with the bar at Max London’s. This buzzing, sophisticated space serves up some of the finest craft cocktails in town using only housemade syrups and fresh-squeezed juices.

Next, we have to mention the fabulous Wine Bar, just two blocks from our hotel on Broadway. Wine Bar has a selection of over 50 wines by the glass available, along with a separate humidor cigar lounge. Finally, for a taste of authentic craft beer brewed in-house in Saratoga Springs, head to Druthers Brewing Company. Their Broadway gastropub is a popular watering hole for local Saratogians and visitors alike.

Top stores on Broadway in Saratoga Springs NY

Many of the best shopping in Saratoga Springs can be found right in our downtown district. Window-shopping along Broadway is a great way to spend an easy afternoon. But where to start? Well, you could try next door. Visit Saratoga Trunk for high-end women’s apparel and accessories, including elegant hats for your next day at the Saratoga Race Track.

Speaking of the races, Impressions of Saratoga is the perfect place to pick up a few souvenirs like racing-themed memorabilia and locally made gifts. For more equestrian-style fashion, pick up a fresh pair of Italian leather boots at Saratoga Saddlery.

What we love about shopping on Broadway is the range of locally-owned small businesses and boutiques. Northshire Bookstore is a family-run independent bookstore with an extensive children’s collection. Guests continue to rave about the home goods and fine linen store, Antara. You can also shop for uniquely Saratoga jewelry pieces at deJonghe’s custom jewelry studio and gallery.

You’ll need more than one afternoon to fully explore the treasure trove of shops and restaurants on Broadway. Spend a weekend with us at our Saratoga Arms hotel! Book your next trip to Saratoga Springs today.