Although I can name many more things that I enjoy about Saratoga, below is my list of 10 places that won’t break the bank. Most of these places are within walking distance of each other.

1. Drive-In Movie Store - 170 South Broadway

With gas prices being what they are and the price of going to a movie increasingly expensive, renting a few movies at the Drive-In Movie Store is the perfect way to spend an evening. Drive-In offers a wide array of films including a great selection of foreign films, Japanese animation as well as a large selection of child-friendly movies. Every Monday and Tuesday is “Buy one, Get one free” on any and all videos. Drive-In Movie Store is kind of like Saratoga’s version of Time Square, - if you’re in there long enough, you will run into everyone you know.

2. Anchor Inn Tavern - 1453 Route 9P Saratoga Lake

When all you want is a cold beer and a cheeseburger and don’t feel like dealing with the summer heat and  crowds downtown, Anchor Inn provides the perfect respite. The best part of this local establishment is the ‘tell it like it is’ bartender Maria Carellas whose wit and sarcasm attracts a cult-like following. This place is an absolute must if you consider yourself a Saratogian or would like to be one.

3. Relaxing Spot - 19 Phila Street

The décor of the place is very simple but I believe the Relaxing Spot’s simplicity is part of its allure. The best part of this establishment is that they do not take reservations, it is strictly first come, first serve. In all the times I’ve been there I only had to wait one time and it was only a 15-minute wait. Relaxing Spot only has three massage tables and two chairs in the back for reflexology massages, but the price is unmatched in Saratoga. Twenty dollars for 20 minutes, $40 for 40 minutes and $60 for 60-minute massages and $29 for a 20-minute reflexology massage. The friendly Asian people who own and run the place do not speak English all that well but it isn’t difficult to convey what your needs are. They also offer acupressure. 

4. Magic Moon - 15  Phila Street

When you need to detoxify your life and mind of all things negative, Magic Moon is the best place for incense, aromatherapy candles and essential oils. They also sell clothes, meditational CD’s, political bumper stickers and much more.

5. Tin ‘N’ Lint - 2 Caroline Street

This place is usually a hangout for the college crowd but don’t let this deter you from having a drink in what I consider to be one of the best bars in Saratoga. Saratoga native Jim Stanley, the bar’s owner, runs a very no nonsense operation and makes a great Absolute Cosmopolitan. Indeed it is $5 well spent.

6. Stark’s Automotive - 64 Excelsior Avenue

Stepping into Stark’s may feel like you’re stepping back into the 1950s, but thankfully it also feels like you’re paying 1950s prices. When you need to get an inspection ASAP, or a quick tune-up, Stark’s is the place to go to. Saratoga native and owner Sid Stark is the only guy in town who is open on Sunday morning.

7. Esperanto - 6 1/2 Caroline St.

This hole in the wall in the middle of “Bar Central” cranks out some of the best inexpensive food around. You can choose between pizza, gyros, burritos, black bean salad and hummus amongst other things. It’s where to go when you want good food under $10.

8. Saratoga Film Forum - 320 Broadway

The Saratoga Film Forum shows high quality independent features Thursday and Friday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Admission is only $4 for members and $6 for non-members. Get there early to get a seat as there are no reservations and shows are frequently sold out.

9.   Mama Mia’s Pizza and Café - 185 Ballston Avenue

This little gem of a place is easy to miss as it is housed in the Route 50 strip mall, but once inside you will thankfully forget where you are while you sit in one of their comfy 1950-style booths if you would like table service. They also have tables in the back for large parties. If you prefer not to have table service, you can just order a slice and sit at their counter.

10. Saratoga Springs Public Library - Henry Street

Located right smack dab in the center of downtown Saratoga Springs, one has no excuse not to go here - newspapers, books, magazines, a great selection of films, and CD’s and the best part of course is everything is absolutely FREE!!

Nancy Muldoon is a native of Saratoga Springs and can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it