LEON'S mexican SARATOGA ANYONE BEEN?

[leavinglasvegas]

Looking for a place for graduation dinner from skidmore, anyone been here? Thanks

[gerchak198]

Even though former jockey Filiberto Leon is from Mexico, the resto is basic Tex-Mex. There are too many great places in SS to settle for Leon's.

[leavinglasvegas]

Went to try it tonight w/ friends from school. showed up at 7:40, and they were closed. Come ON! Called yesterday to get hours and they said they were open till 9PM. My ass. Screw this place. they must not need the business. only saratoga restaurant that is AY OK. PLEASE...must look for other altenatives.

[gerchak198]

For graduation, popular places would include Sushi Thai, Gotchya's, and Forno Toscano.

[financialdistrictresident]

I haven't tried any of these yet. Are they in Saratoga Springs or elsewhere?

[gerchak198]

All 3 are in Saratoga. I would also highly recommend Chianti for a festive atmosphere and great food.

[more garlic]

Sushi Thai Garden is off my list. The thai food is not good. I recently ordered pad thai and had to request cilantro and a lime (traditional for pad thai) and they only brought a teeny slice of lime.

Sorry I can't recommend an alternative, but I have heard good things about the Wine Bar.

[financialdistrictresident]

What are your cuisine preferences and budget (including tax, tip, alcohol)?

[leavinglasvegas]

since it is for graduation, no limit. Wanted somewhere comfortable for a group of 12, up for anything tasty, dont want to dissapoint the out of towners.

[financialdistrictresident]

The Wine Bar is a favorite. Have not been downstairs where there might be room for 12 . . . what do the out of towners like?

www.thesaratogalife.com

[leavinglasvegas]

looks like we are going to go with Chiantis, menu seems great and they have a private room. Should be good. Your loss LEONS...

[financialdistrictresident]

Please report back on your experience. Congrats to the grads!

[markabauman]

Leon's may have some heavy competition once El Mexicano opens their new branch here, if it's as good as the original. Interestingly, they will be occupying the building that was formerly Chianti, until they moved to their new space. You should have a good time, excellent food at Chianti. No extra charge for the Roman charm and hospitality if the owner David is present.

[leavinglasvegas]

I'm excited about the ne Elmexicano, I have heard nothing but good things about the original. I dont think bussiness is too good for Leons, seems never open and I heard the owner came out of retirement to ride again. Times must be tough.

[leavinglasvegas]

Dinner @ Chiantis was outstanding, great food and service. Will def. go back when in the area again. Glad we made the choice we did.

[jspear]

No reservations at Chianti, always a problem.....Lillian's is a steakhouse that will accommodate your larger party but the food is only so so. We like one caroline but I think the reviews lately have been mixed. Forno is great, don't forget the smaller places on Beekman and for a larger group there is always Longfellows out near the lake, you can stay there as well, although it is probably booked for graduation by now. Wheatfields will also accommodate a larger party. Bloomers, slightly out of town always gets good reviews and Chez Sophie, although not my favorite place, gets good reviews as well. If you wouldn't mind the wait, my favorite resto in Saratoga currently is Chianti, they may take a reservation for graduation. Congrats to the grads...let us know how it turns out....

[nighthawk]

if you want mexican...Mexican Connection in saratoga is very good....authentic taste, large portions and incredible selection of tequila.....

[leavinglasvegas]

will try connection, heard they have a good happy hour

[otis]

Second the recommendation of Gotchya's (a busy, welcoming place with excellent Italian food) and would add Max London. Max has been getting more inventive over the winter and may have something special to offer menu-wise if you contact him now. There is a very nice table for large parties at the back, with a view of the kitchen. It's where they hold their own winemaker's dinners.

In general I would advise contacting any restaurant now and firming up plans well in advance. First, because a party of 12 requires special planning at any restaurant for best results. Second, because that is going to be a busy weekend and if you don't plan now you will be shut out.

[leavinglasvegas]

Everything is set for Chiantis, cant wait. Been to Gotchyas, love it but the space is too small for our group. Dont like Max Londons, didnt get good service the last time I was in there.

[jspear]

you will have a great time and a great meal.....have a drink at the bar first, many bar only martinis there....

[markabauman]

Sorry you didn't get good service the last time you were at Max's. I would think that was an aberration. I've always found the service (and the food, of course) to be excellent.

[jspear]

I think your choice best suits your needs, not sure about London's....

[financialdistrictresident]

leavinglasvegas, just curious what were your service issues? Did you report them to your server? If not resolved did you advise the manager? My SO has been to Max London's and has had a good experience with food and service. I have not been yet (have been to Mrs. Londons). Thanks.

[leavinglasvegas]

service issues @ londons consisted of : item added to bill that was not ordered, just lazy server, Its bad enough when your out and people at tables are texting away, its worse when its the server, and you would like there attention. did mention it to manager, the usual, they'll take care of it.

[financialdistrictresident]

Thanks for the details, leavinglasvegas. Sorry you had a "disinterested server" experience. I hope my experience is better when I get to Max London's.

[financialdistrictresident]

leavinglasvegas, congratulations! Please report back on your experience at Chiantis. Thanks.

[PSZaas]

Never had anything but excellent service at Max London's.

[jspear]

Great, it has been my number one recommendation in Saratoga for a long time. Glad you enjoyed the place.....

[kosherpickle99]

Gerchak is right it is alot of tex-mex. I read the owners post, about tamales etc...there are NO Tamales or Fish Tacos on the menu. Ordered a Mojito, it was the worst I ever had. The bartender (older woman) had no clue what she was doing, it took @ least 10 min. to make the drink. I may be wrong but aren't Mojitos made w/ MINT not SPEARMINT? & why is a spinach enchilada a dollar more than all others listed (Chicken, beef, cheese)??? My biggest petpeeve was the fact that I had to smell ciggarette smoke while eating, a guy was standing right in the doorway of the bar puffing away, could care less! GROSS!!!