What a gem. What a vibe. WHAT a cocktail menu. Tucked away, totally unpretentious, but with a STAGGERING, almost-unbelievable range of martinis and martini-adjacent cocktails in this fall/winter-perfect, cozy, mostly-paneled speakeasy that's also evocative of a semi-secret lobby bar of an old hotel (it's not though!) Even the music selections made it sound like prohibition era jazz standards were drifting in from another room. It manages to be simultaneously totally old school and totally hip, fancy-feeling and swanky, but also with the ease of a local watering hole... no easy feat. From t-shirts to suits, locals to newbies, it has a totally come-as-you-are, everybody's-welcome atmosphere. Even the locals made us feel at home, giving us great insight into several restaurants all less than a block or two away. Wines and beers also available, but mixology is the main act here. We were there over two separate bartender shifts, both times on a quiet Sunday late-afternoon into evening, but both gents have it all down to a science without forsaking the art of crafting a cocktail. They pushed my formerly-favorite Manhattan (at NYC's King Cole Bar, there, as much for the environs as the drink) squarely out of the top spot, and as I told our bartender after I spied a semi-hidden bottle of Chartreuse and he offered to make an off-the-menu Last Word, it was the first time I fully understood that drink. That hard-to-find liquid green-gold is in VERY good hands at 9 Maple! Perfect for date night, but also welcoming to the lone visitor in search of a PERFECTLY crafted, amply -poured cocktail. Eat before you arrive, or pop back after dinner for a nightcap. Although we were there for off-season, an outdoor courtyard hints at higher traffic when the weather's warmer and the horses are racing. And even off-season, Jazz band nights attract a crowd. This place should really be on more national Top Cocktail Bars lists. It's that good. read more

We had a stellar experience on 1/19. Whoever the bartender was (wish we got his name) was just perfection! We had a gin martini and a pistachio martini, both were amazing and very fair pricing as well. So happy we found this spot. It's small, but wonderful and intimate. All of the patrons were chatting with each other over drinks at the bar and we really enjoyed every moment. We even made our way back later that night for the perfect espresso martini read more

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Hell to the YES! Best Espresso Martinis HANDS down. These bartenders know their worth and their craft. Be patient as it can take up to easily a good 20 minutes to get a round of drinks on a busy night. The jazz band was also top tier top notch. Such an amazing vibe. I've already told my future hubby when we goto Saratoga we're coming here for after dinner drinks! read more

Fantastic mixed drinks and great beer selection and love their live music. Martini lovers place here and the Fuller's London Pride on draft for beer lovers is well worth the trip. One pitfall on occasion is that before live music starts cooking the playlist music in the place can be very loud which escalates everyone's conversations in the room. read more

This small bar is focused on jazz music and fantastic drinks! We went on a Wednesday evening, when it was a bit quieter. We we able to talk with the bartender (Chris, if I remember correctly) and some of the regulars. Fun! The drink menu is EXTENSIVE! Wow. You could come everyday for weeks and not have the same drink twice. Our drinks did not disappoint. Yum! They have jazz bands on Friday and Saturday evenings, and it gets crowded them. Plan according! read more

9 Maple Ave - Bourbon Old Fashioned and Midnight Martini - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Saratoga Springs, New York

The atmosphere is very nice. Sometimes there's live music. The drinks are well crafted. Good service and selection. It's fun and people are generally friendly. read more

Well made drinks Good music and nice ambiance for a night out. Engaging crowd . Can get crowded on a weekend night

Best espresso Martini i ever had. Always crowded during racing season. But if you're patient, you can get a seat. Great to watch the bartender shaking that espresso martini! Great speak easy vibe. Def come back next season! read more

Great whiskey/bourbon/scotch selection! Cocktail menu is large and will have something for all palettes. read more

9 Maple Ave - a bar filled with liquor bottles - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Saratoga Springs, New York

You don't like whiskey, you love whiskey. You worship whiskey. You would bathe in whiskey if you didn't think that filling a bathtub with whiskey would be a waste of good juice. You will not call Fireball "whisky." (How dare it.) And you can pronounce the gaelic word for whiskey (and do so quite often), but why? Well, if that sounds like you or someone like you, then just one look at the back bar behind 9 Maple will crack a smile on even the toughest whiskey critic's face! The back bar is the focal point in here, reminiscent of an art installation and illuminating the otherwise dark and cozy interior; after becoming fixated on it for long enough, a unique landscape of peaks and valleys emerges thanks to the silhouettes outlined by the shape of each bottle. (this vision is ~before~ the added effects of any cocktails!) Feeling festive, I enjoyed a cocktail off their fall menu, "Cider Mill," which was a snappy blend of Rittenhouse Rye, apple cider, and bubbles, making for a happy little fall cocktail! One early, post-work cocktail was enough this time around, but I can't wait to return on a weekend to hear some live jazz and really get into the holiday spirits. Save the Date: live jazz kicks off at 9pm on Friday and Saturday nights! And just remember: technically it's not drinking alone if the bartender's there! read more

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I loved this place for hitting so many points on my own weird personal bar scorecard. Here are some things I like: good cocktails, bartenders who will nerd out about booze with me, a nice atmosphere without being jerks about it (it's upstate New York: someone wearing work boots should be able to warm up with a whiskey without getting the stink eye) and a certain measure of quirkiness. 9 Maple ticks a lot of my boxes. 9 maple isn't the kind of place that's straining milk punch and infusing things behind the bar (for that you can walk about 30 seconds to Hamlet and Ghost!), but the liquor selection is incredible, the classics are all there on the menu (my Manhattan was great), and our bartender was super friendly and clearly knew his stuff. The space is attractive and inviting (just the display of whiskey bottles is impressive), and the crowd was a relaxed mix of a couple of older regulars and a younger group there to introduce their buddy to the joys of the espresso martini. The quirk is delivered by the 200-drink-long martini menu, which is a pretty delightful combination of staid classics, some alarming-looking concoctions involving multiple sweet liqueurs mixed together, and amazing stuff like "The Naked Martini," which is just straight vodka in a martini glass. Something for everyone! I'd love to come back here some night when the live music is happening: hearing some jazz in a crowded bar while clutching an ice-cold martini sounds like a pretty perfect way to spend a post-COVID evening. read more

This place as one heck of a bourbon/whiskey/scotch and other adult bev selection. We met friends last night to grab a drink or two before heading over to Caffe Lena's for a show. Good call. They had some hero slices and peanuts to munch on while adult beverages were consumed. This is strictly a bar - no restaurant. Jazz group started setting up at around 7:30 for a start time of 9pm. Bartender was awesome and introduced me to an outstanding new (to me) whiskey. My companions all had espresso martinis. Those martinis were both lovely to look at and very delicious. Yes, I snagged a taste (or two!)...but I stuck to straight up whiskey. It was awesome. I'll definitely be back! read more

Serious bar for serious cocktail drinkers. But serves real people. Understated vibe. The best selection of bourbons gins and whiskies. Handsome Unique handmade ceramic beer tap. read more

9 Maple Ave - Handmade ceramic tap. - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Saratoga Springs, New York

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Great late night cocktail bar in Saratoga Springs. It has that speak easy, old school vibe. Excellent selections of bourbons, whiskeys, and flavored martinis with reasonable prices. I'll definitely come back next time I'm in the area. read more

Great jazz band and fun time. Everyone was very approachable and friendly. BEST martinis of anywhere I've been. Jake is a very talented bartender, personable and very hard working!!! Each of his martini is perfection and well balanced. We had a dirty, chocolate, white chocolate, espresso and French martini and each and everyone was perfection and delicious. My favorite was the white chocolate martini. Wish Jake was here in Queens or Northern Brooklyn! We'll definitely be back when we visit Saratoga Springs again!!! read more

Went in on a Wed. after Track, around 5:30 pm. Had heard good things about this place but was ver disappointed. The bar was almost empty, approx 6 patrons there ( literally! Six!). Grabbed a seat @ the bar (there were plenty of open chairs at the bar.). We were right near the 2 bartenders. They didn't greet us AT ALL. We waited quite a while to be greeted by bartender. There was no drink menu but he asked for our order. We asked for a drink menu to review our options. He seemed very put out - didn't want to be bothered to fetch a menu. (That's weird/rude!). We each ordered a cocktail. Finally when they were served the were set smack on the wood bar. I reached over easily & got us each a cocktail napkin for under our drink - what idiot bartenders - no skills or personality. And there were two of them, like silent twins. This place needs better training. We left after 1 drink, took our wallets $$ elsewhere. read more

The worst pint of Guinness I've ever been served - will post the photo if I get the option. Rude bar staff. One male toilet with no lock on it so can only be used for a number one. Only redeeming feature was the live music. Avoid this place at all costs. read more

Have you seen the bar selection? Incredible, small, swanky, cool, great for a date night, or drinks with the fellas. A must visit when in town. Right in the middle of it all, but feels like a spot in NYC. read more

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I visited 9 Maple last night..worst bar experience I have had in years. The guy bartender never talked or cracked a smile at a single patron while I was there. Yes it was busy, but seriously? He made me the worst white chocolate martini I have ever had. I took one sip..when i caught his eye after 25 mins..he asked what else i wanted..i said an expresso martini. He then proceeded to charge me for it. I said seriously, the other martini was horrible..he look at me and says $14.00. When I used to bartend..that was not how you treated you customers. He made a horrible drink..i think he had to of forgotten an ingredient. I was so mad, I gave my expresso martini to a nice lady next to me and left. I was so disappointed. I had a long day at the hospital, and just wanted a good martini. And to be treated like crap..shame on that bartender. read more

One of the best cocktails in town! A seat at this bar is something to cherish and melt into on any night of the week.

This is the second time in 2 weeks I've joined "notorious" Rob S. at an establishment that serves liquor at which he is a Yelp duke. And Rob is 2 for 2 in my book, as I found 9 Maple very enjoyable. I have other places in Saratoga I go for beer, for pub and grub, and for wine. Now I have my place for cocktails. First, I like its location. And by that, I mean it's not on Broadway, it's not on Phila, it's not on Caroline, and it's not on Henry. Maple Ave. is still slightly off the beaten path, and as a result it's not quite so boisterous (though you can see the "boister" on Caroline from the entrance). I feel that finds its way inside as well. This is a place in which you should get a seat at the bar and enjoy well prepared cocktails while chatting with your friends and also the bartenders. My experience went up another notch when I decided I wanted to go beyond "house shelf" for my drink. So with a little help from infamous Rob and a bunch more help from the bartenders, I settled on the right brand name liquor, but also a well-recommended brand name liqueur (in this case, a vermouth) for my drink. The result was an incredibly smooth drink, enhanced even more by multiple alcohol infused black cherries in the drink - I would have ordered a glass full of the cherries if that were actually possible. Two other things that impressed me were that some food was available on a stand in the back (sandwiches), and my drink was served with a glass of water - this is something I always have to request every place else I have imbibed. My blood-alcohol content for the evening prevented me from ordering more, though I wanted to. I especially want to try their take on a Saratoga Cocktail. I can see why several of my friends frequent 9 Maple. That will be my intent when I am in town as well. read more

Great place for drinks in Saratoga Springs. Never got to see the jazz performances but sounds like a blast!

Cute and small jazz bar close to the action. But it's sooooo boring. Like, painfully boring. Even the jazz is boring. Had a martini and left. read more

Came here on the final Saturday of the racing season. It is chaotic, there is loud live music but it is a great spot, my favorite during my extended Saratoga racing experience. My wife and I came on a Thursday, had a quick nightcap and figured we would like to see the jazz band on Saturday. Showed up about 9:30 and the place was two and three deep at the bar, but if you were patient spots opened up and we got one seat at the end of the bar by the Men's room which quickly turned into two. We had to wait for service, but didn't mind because we got to watch the amazing talent of the bartender who we later learned was named Jake. He is both a true mixologist but also a great bartender in that he didn't get flustered or nasty based on the non-stop demand for very involved cocktail orders, frequently four and six at a time. With only one other bartender and a bar back, he methodically got to us and I asked if he could make me a Sazerac, only because that is about the most unusual drink I could think of. He responded, "I'll make you the best Sazerac you've ever had," and he did. It was great and encouraged the wife to switch from ice water to MacAllen 12 and me to a Chocolate Martini and a Olde Speckled Hen, which they have on tap. The whole time the jazz band was playing in the background, very competent and wonderful background. Jake was friendly, but businesslike, checked in occasionally to make sure we were okay. Before tip, check came to about 45 dollars, practically a bargain. Fabulous drinks, a great place, not for millennials, but those just looking to enjoy some great music and cocktails in a very interesting place. Be patient, look for your opening, there is turnover and enjoy one of the better bars of its kind in the US. read more

New Bartender...one star off for excessive pricing but the improvement in the attitude will bring me in...nice old wood ambiance.

Teeny tiny bar so don't expect to have a comfortable, spacious experience! Otherwise- espresso martini was great, jazz music was good. Bit of an older crowd as expected. read more

Quality mixologists- excellent selection of cocktails ( they have a whole binder!) Great jazz, and I love the vibe. read more

Small, quaint, hard to find and quite possibly the deepest stocked bar in the USA. Every Single Malt, Small Batch Bourbon I have ever seen or wanted is easily found here. Bartenders are old school cool and never an obnoxious or loud college kid. Read the other reviews here: Don't miss 9 Maple Ave on your next visit to Saratoga Springs! read more

Great jazz bar here in Saratoga. Authentic and true with locals and tourists alike who come to enjoy a house cocktail and a sip of one of their amazing selections of whiskey! read more

9 Maple Ave - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Saratoga Springs, New York

On our way home from a gig farther upstate the night before, we hit a snowstorm and decided to stay in Saratoga Springs for the night. After a couple of beers and dinner bopping around town in the snow, this place was recommended for a night cap and I'm sure glad we stopped in. Amazing selection of Scotches, friendly, knowledgable bartender, and a really nice crowd (we struck up conversations with a bunch of different people) I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in the area. If you're looking for a nice cocktail in a cool bar with a great vibe, I highly recommend this place. read more

9 Maple Ave - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Saratoga Springs, New York

This is a small bar off Maple Ave. Inside is a nice wooden bar with a great selection of whiskey, scotch and martinis. The jazz band playing didn't blow the place away. These bartenders KNOW what they are doing. They have plenty of beer on tap but the mixed drinks are goood. I recommend an espresso martini or specialty highball. (about $8 per) There is a menu for both. I went a little late on Friday night and it looked like I missed out on a hoagie platter that must have been put out for Happy Hour. No matter. Hoagies aren't the reason to go here. Great drinks and a nice atmosphere are. A hidden gem and one of my favorite bars in Saratoga. read more

9 Maple Ave - Espresso martini - Jazz & Blues Near Me - Saratoga Springs, New York

Over crowded, good jazz means loud noise here, can't get a drink, oversized regulars taking up all space at the bar, bartender couldn't give a dam and the bouncer told us to fuck off when we walked out talking amongst ourselves about how bad the place was. He was just pining for a fight. This place would not last a week in NYC. Stay away, stay far away. read more

Decent bar, good jazz music. We came here after dinner at Hamlet & Ghost as the music from the live band called out to us from the street. Bit cramped in space but it is quite conducive to intimate date nights with your significant other. We drank scotch and listened to the jazz in between conversation and it was just lovely. read more

Live Jazz music is great, very passionate bands. They are amazing, very good cocktails (very potent*) *@9Maple Ave Guys, Please do not dilute it next time reading it :) read more

I'm really torn, writing this review. I'm a long time user of Yelp, but rarely write a review. However, I'm a very road-weary, somewhat jaded guy, with many years of restaurant and bar experience. Saratoga Springs is a wonderful town. I always look forward to coming here, and sampling the excellent food and spirits. A few years ago I "discovered" 9 Maple. My first impression was, "an old man's whisky bar, with 150 Scotches, and mediocre service." I had not been back since then. This weekend, I had a good excuse to spend a night in town, on my way to Troy for a business meeting. I had a great cocktail at a wine bar, a wonderful dinner at one of the exceptional restaurants, and I had hoped to cap it all off with a Sazerac at 9 Maple. I ordered the drink, and asked the bartender what he would use to make it. Bear in mind that the bar crowd included me, and a party of two. He said, "I don't make decisions, we have 150 Scotches." Ok. Fine. Eventually I settled on Old Overholt Rye (crappy but ubiquitous), and got a very passable Sazerac. My complaint is not with the quality of the drink, nor the selection of spirits. I am just totally sick and Tired of shitty attitude. A superb selection of a spirit like Scotch, does NOT excuse you from being a service-oriented business. I am very willing to pay a premium price for a high quality product. If the bartender had recommended Black Maple Hill rye, I would have payed $18 for the drink. He was uncooperative. I settled for "whatever", and the final insult was a $30 MINIMUM for debit card sales. I had to use the $&@((;& ATM. I'm a single guy who eats and drinks alone. NO!!! Stay away from 9 Maple. There are plenty of excellent bars, with great service, and comparable selection. read more

This is my favorite spot to grab a cocktail in Saratoga. The bartenders may take a little longer to make a drink, but there's a reason for that... They are passionate about their cocktails and they actually take their time to teach you about the various bourbons, bitters, vermouths and liquors that are comprised within a classic mix. May not be as quiet and inexpensive as some people may like, but to me it's about the actual drinks as well as the staff that matter the most. If you appreciate jazz and are not looking for a place to simply get "drunk", head to 9 Maple to experience the atmosphere as well as the knowledge & passion that the bartenders possess. As for the comments on here about being "unfriendly to gays"... those comments do not represent the treatment that I personally have received here. As an openly gay individual I can say that your orientation, race, or gender do not have anything to do with their treatment of their customers. If you are kind, respectful, and sober....you'll have an awesome time :) read more

Romantic Anniversary Weekend = Third Stop's a Charm Venue: I don't know why this place is amazing. Maybe it's the old bartender who's been doing this for years--nearly 20 at 9 Maple. Maybe it's the ridiculously large jazz selection they have on tape and CD. Maybe it's the strong sazerac and tasty dark & stormy we consumed, or the fact this place had my Mount Gay. Maybe it's just that after two previous attempts to find dark, cozy lounges to sip away the night, we finally found what we were looking for. This place almost made me up and move to Saratoga, permanently. If this were New York City, 9 Maple would be a speakeasy of the most secretive variety. It's not tiny, but with a few tables and long bar it could get packed quickly. We were lucky though, at 9:30, 10pm on a Sunday night, we were the only ones in the place, but that was fine by me. Only thing that could have made the night better was if the live jazz band was there. But oh well, it gives me a reason to go back. Their drinks and spirits list is more than extensive. All of the bottles are lined up behind the bar, 6 rows deep both above and below the shelves. They'll make you anything you want, and if they don't know how to they'll peak in a book and make it well. Old school meets old world meet secret society, I seriously wish I could live here. Food: They have free peanuts. This is a running joke, for some reason, and the more you drink, there the funnier it gets. read more

Very close to 5 star territory. I am usually in Saratoga for track season, but managed my first trip here during a work conference (midweek). Place has a georgeous bar and the selection is wonderful. Drinks made with care and skill. Very pleasantly surprised to wander in here while rest of town was a wasteland on a few fall nights. Hightly recommend trying this place out. Assume its much more crowded and lively during racing season. Only drawback I found is that barkeeps could lighten up a bit. I appreciate a well dressed bartender who.knows how to make a fantastic old shool drink (as they do). But no need for the pretentiousness... read more

What words will best describe this bar: amazing, classy, serious and fun. Nine Maple Ave is not for somebody that wants your basic "well liquors". They have the largest selection of single malt Scotches, an incredible variety of fine blended Scotches in New York State and tons of Whisky and Whiskey, if you catch my drift. The staff is very knowledgeable, and they take tremendous care in making every drink. I'm a wine and spirits expert, and they put me to shame in the Scotch department. The jazz there is always energetic, and the other patrons are usually well behaved. You won't find lots of "kids" here, but real adults that appreciate their fine drink. The best value, if you're looking for a stiff mixed drink... the basic martini (made with gin, not vodka). I do recommend trying the fine liquors on their own, as their selection is really impressive. read more

As a student at Skidmore, I never visited 9 Maple. I'm rather sad it took me so long to visit this place. My husband almost fell over when he found out they have 150+ scotches. He leafed through their thick, leather bound scotch menu with a smile like a child on Christmas morning. I kept it simple with a gin and tonic, but it was the best, most perfectly balanced gin and tonic I've ever had. These bartenders know their stuff. The atmosphere is perfect. Live jazz playing in the background, but not so loud that you can't hear the person next to you. Cozy, but not crowded. Excellent. read more