Through the beer garden, past the picnic tables and into the green-leaf patterned walls of Sinclair Saratoga, there is a pink neon sign that says, “Together is a beautiful place to be.”
Hilary Morrison took the name from a bar in Manhattan that closed during Prohibition. She’s channeled the good vibrations from past incarnations of this 17 Maple Ave. location and skillfully blended them with her fresh perspective.
The result: A new, eclectic establishment.
The front room is filled with light from the sliding glass doors; the welcoming bar offers a wide selection of craft beers on draft and house-made cocktails. The German-inspired menu has plenty of snack choices, including pork schnitzel nuggets, and house-made soft pretzels.
“I eat one every day,” Morrison says. “They’re so good!”
There are larger plates as well, including Bratwurst and burgers. But, oh, it gets better. There’s a retro game room, including Pac-Man and foosball, in the back of the first floor. “I have really good memories of being at the skating rink as a little girl with all the games along the sides of the wall,” Morrison says.
The event room upstairs is called Astor and sports more of a New York City feel. It’s available for private parties, bridal showers and corporate events. You’ll be a customer forever when you purchase the Eternal Happy Hour Keychain, which, for $100, entitles you to Happy Hour pricing anytime… for life.
After opening nightclubs and big venues in Los Angeles, Morrison always wanted to open her own bar. “Creating a place for people to be together in a happy welcoming environment… and in Saratoga… it’s the best place ever!”