252502 Thu Jun 26 09:48:02 -0700 2003 8 20 Tristate Region 0 1340198 Trying to decide between these restaurants - any opinions are welcome. Looking for upscale casual rather than formal... chez sophie spring water bistro earthas hatties restaurant chianti Thanks! Thu Jun 26 09:48:02 -0700 2003 0 Carol 1 1340210 Sophies Bistro outshines anything I've experienced in Saratoga Springs. IMHO there is no second (as they said about the first America's Cup race). Thu Jun 26 15:27:54 -0700 2003 1340198 0 rich 2 1340279 I'd have to second the Chez Sophie rec. Absolutely perfect every time! Wed Jul 02 16:52:28 -0700 2003 1340210 0 amanda 3 1340741 Although it's more casual than upscale casual (but certainly nicer than just a "pizza shop"), I have to recommedn Bruno's for wood fired pizza. They were making it that way long before it became trendy and chi-chi. They're across from the track on the main drag )sorry I can't recall the name of the street). Mon Jul 28 09:31:42 -0700 2003 1340279 0 Owen O'Neill 3 1341083 IMHO as a Saratogian who eats out 3 times per week... Chez Sophie's quality has diminished tremendously. There used to be a female chef who took Sophie's position right after her death and she did a superb job. However, this chef (Tonya, I think) has left for other endeavors?? You will still have a good meal at Chez Sophie, but it will not knock your socks off. In addition, I feel that Chianti is enormously overrated. It's decent food, yet they seem to take the use of garlic and salt to an extreme. Beautiful atmosphere though and the variety of carpaccio is fun. I suggest that you try the Springwater, which has very creative and fantastic food as well as Eartha's, which is an extraordinary little gem. 43 Phila also has consistently produced great food. The Wine Bar also has elegant, good food, yet a smaller menu. If you are looking for Italian (and it is during the racing season), then you must go to Sergio's (on Rt9). It is a trip into an "Italian Social Club", but the food is classic, paesan, italian food that is simply the best (unless you are in Little Italy or Queens) The dining is family style so don't go solo or else you will have a ton of leftovers. Hope this helps. Fri Aug 15 12:06:44 -0700 2003 1340279 0 Sophie Favreau 1 1340213 Ditto the Sophie's Bistro nod. It is by far the best the Saratoga Springs area has to offer. Springwater Bistro is nice but if you can't get into Sophie's you might want to consider the Wine Bar downtown which actually serves wonderful food, both in tasting and meal-sized portions. And the wine list at the Wine Bar is tops! Thu Jun 26 17:28:16 -0700 2003 1340198 0 jsmolin 1 1340248 You should certainly add 43 Phila Bistro to this list. Upscale casual describes it to a T, and I think the food is every bit the equal of the others you mentioned. We have dined at 43 Phila half a dozen times, and it has become our favorite Saratoga Springs restaurant. Sun Jun 29 19:46:14 -0700 2003 1340198 0 groaker 1 1340256 Eartha's is wonderful...enjoy Mon Jun 30 15:38:47 -0700 2003 1340198 0 sandra 1 1340416 Have lived in Saratoga Springs since 1970, and the last 14 years in walking distance of the Springwater Bistro. If you dont know already, all bets are off in terms of restaurants once the racetrack opens, which this year is July 23. The whole ambiance changes, dining crowds are greater, reservations do not get honored, prices may change, etc. etc. So these comments represent a pre-track view: Springwater Bistro: Well reviewed locally, little pricey from the reviews, and I have no personal experience with their new owners/chefs. Earthas: Will be moving to a downtown location, supposedly before the track opens, but there seem to be some problems with permits, moving, etc. May well be in their same location on Court Street during track season. Well review locally, also pricey Chianti: My son's father in law, who comes to town for a week every year and is Italian-American, calls Chianti the best Italian restaurant in Saratoga. It is pricey. I have no personal experience with Chianti's Hatties: Down home Louisiana cooking: STuffed chops, gumbo, fried chicken to die for, especially if you have been raised on a diet of the Colonel, great desserts. Getting a little pricey, but not inordinate. One of my favorite restaurants and a place I would recommend highly from some very good personal experiences dining there Chez Sophie: Both I and my son and his wife find this to be one of the classiest places in Saratoga, and very hospitable. Great wine and beer list, and very nice owners. If you are coming before track season, Sophie does a Pink Plate special Monday through Thursday. Salad or soup, Entree (whatever their special is that week) and a dessert or cheese course. $25.00 a head. They also have a web site www.chezsophie.com which will tell you the pink plate special. Ive eaten there, and their regular menu is exquisite, and their pink plate speccials are the same. To add to the mix, I would also recommend the Ripe Tomato and Cliffs Country Inn. Ripe Tomato is on Route 9 south out of Saratoga, mile and a half south of Northway Exit 13. Fair prices, lots of innovative pasta dishes, and a seafood bisque and pot roast to die for. Not diner pot roast, classy pot roast. Cliffs Country Inn is on Route 9p, which is a left turn at the intersection on Route 9 where the Ripe Tomato is. About a mile and a half down the road. Carnivores delight. Their 20 oz prime rib or steak is to die for, and about $20.00. Dont get an appetizer, you will not finish your meal if you do that. Bring doggie bags, and the meat is primo quality. Takes no reservations, so you may wait, but it is worth it. Also on that same corner with the Ripe Tomato is the Public House. Good sandwiches, calzones, and great pizza. Somewhat noisy, but very good value for the money. Nothing over 7 or 8 bucks on the menus, and a good selection of beers. Thu Jul 10 23:03:57 -0700 2003 1340198 0 bill