very few times does a place live up to the hype and expectations. This was a rare occurrence exceeding the expectations and the hype

This is our third time coming here. Once we arrived the hostess immediately seated us which was very pleasant. John our waiter was awesome and friendly with a good handle on the menu options. The place has a very active and loud bar where many people eat. I ate the burger which was juicy. My spouse had the halibut prepared with white sauce. read more

Hamlet & Ghost - Burger - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Saratoga Springs, New York

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We stopped in on our mini-moon for dinner and had the best steak and cheese curds ever! Our waiter was great! And offered the amazing suggestion to get the cheese curds and we are so happy we did they were excellent. Both my husband and I then got the Sirloin steak and that was incredible the steak was cooked to perfection and the leeks and potatoes were amazing as well! Highly recommend this restaurant :) read more

I was looking for a restaurant to go when we were in Saratoga Springs in this restaurant looked like it had a really good menu so we decided to go there. I requested to sit at the chef's table because I really do like to see what's going on in the kitchen and our reservation is at 7:15 and we arrived a half hour early and we're able to be sat so that was nice. We were greeted by one of the servers in the restaurant and then shortly after another came by and asked if we wanted still or sparkling water and that our server would be there with us in a second. It took a little bit longer for our server to come by and he took our drink orders. The line chef started to realize that our server was taking quite a while so we asked us what he wanted him to start so that he can relay it to our server when he got around to us, and I thought that was very nice and great that he recognized that we were waiting for quite a while. Our server finally came back with our drinks and asked what we wanted to get started and we told him that they already started our appetizers. He also didn't come back for quite a while after that and he finally asked us what we wanted for dinner and he didn't ask how the food was or anything. He just said OK cool and put in our food order. When we got our actual entrée, I had the New York strip steak and my husband had the scallops and they were very good. We ordered those entrées because the line chef said they were good and we wouldn't be disappointed and we were not. Our server finally came back around after everyone else buster plates and asked if we wanted anything for dessert and we already made up our mind what we wanted. I ordered the coconut rice pudding and my husband ordered the pistachio cheesecake. Both of those were also very good highly recommend them if you have room at the end of your meal. Our server then came back with our bill and just randomly said he took off one of our desserts because of the weight which was nice but he didn't really acknowledge anything else. We thought it was very odd but also we were happy about that. This restaurant was very good and I think the staff is very in tuned to what's going on in the restaurant if something is not as it should and they communicate to others if they need to start food for people or accommodate other people's needs so that's the only reason that I'm giving it a 4 because the server we had wasn't great but the food and everything else was awesome. read more

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Best cocktails in the capital region, hands down. The menu changes seasonally and each time there's multiple good ones to try! I will forever miss their cranberry pine one, that was my absolute favorite but they've still all been great! The burger is classic and delicious. It's a menu staple so thankfully it's always available. My husband enjoys the steak options but those are constantly changing so if it's not one that's his preference for cut or side he does go with the burger as well! Sadly the menu isn't always up to date online so the cut is different than what is shown online occasionally but at least it's consistently quality no matter what! Cheese curds and duck fat fries are also phenomenal. I recommend this location to anyone looking for great drinks in Saratoga. read more

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If you're a fan of cocktails and an extensive drink menu, you will probably like this place. Lots of signature alcoholic drinks as well as some mocktail options. Personally they were a little too out there for me, but that's just my preference. Kind of a hipster vibe in there and a bit dark inside. We were seated around the corner next to their open air kitchen. A little on the louder side in that section and you do get all the smells from the kitchen. I felt like the pricing was a bit on the high side for what you get. A side of shrimp was $20+, for 5 regular sized shrimp. I was told the menu changes often, but again, the majority of it just felt like they were trying too hard with their ingredients to be extra or fancy. Our table ordered the fried cheese curds, glazed carrots, and butternut squash and apple salad for appetizers. The food all tasted fresh, with my favorite being the butternut squash dish. For an entree, my husband and I both got a burger, which came highly recommended from our server (who was great, btw). It was a double smash burger and the meat was very juicy and flavorful. The brioche bun was soft and coated with black and white sesame seeds, which I think they could have done without. The fries were good. Crispy and well seasoned but a bit on the oily side. They did have a couple of gluten friendly options if you're looking for that. Not my cup of tea personally. The place had a bit of a pretentious vibe, and I don't think what you get is worth the $. However, if you're into different types of cocktails and interesting menu items you don't see everyday, you might really love it! read more

First time at Hamlet and Ghost. Liam was our server and super friendly and helpful. The cocktails are first rate - I recommend the gin-gin fizz. Bread is from a local bakery and worth ordering. The hamburger comes highly recommended but I tried the pasta special which was excellent. My wife love her halibut but my daughter who is vegan didn't love her cauliflower entree. The hazelnut tart was exceptional. The restaurant is cozy and has a good ambiance. Reservations are a must unless you want to see if there is room at the bar. We plan to return at future trips to Saratoga. read more

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Waited way too long to try Hamlet & Ghost. Started with the dirty martini and it was one of the best I've had. Their house brine for the martini... so smooth! Started with an order of the fried cheese curd and they were also amazing. They were very light and flavorful. Lastly, the smashburger is really the show case. All 3 of us ordered the burger, just make sure you get the duck fat fries. The dinning space is not tight or clustered either. Our server was very friendly and offered good recommendations as well. I'll be back. read more

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Food and drinks were great, really enjoyed the service, and it was the most fun to sit in the second half to be able to see the kitchen. Enjoyable interaction throughout. Complaint is this, for an already upscale priced restaurant, that is certainly a pervayor in the market for innovation, whats up with a Kitchen Administration Fee for an industry wide issue. Fix the issue, be the leader, increase your prices and pay your staff well. You can't fix industry issues by being part of the problem. read more

I was lucky to have a bird's eye view of the kitchen as we sat at the Chef's counter. The food was delicious especially the oysters and pork belly. My Pimms Cocktail was perfect and my guest thoroughly enjoyed their pasta and mentioned how good the Martini was. Service was great and as always it's a good night out when visiting Hamlet and Ghost. Special shout out to Chef Alex for running such a great kitchen. I look forward to my next meal here. read more

This is our favorite place in town for a special night out! Make a reservation because it's going to be packed. But if you want that NYC cocktail bar vibe this is the place. They do a lot of interesting things on their menu but we enjoy the burger + bacon as our favorite in town. Known for their cocktails, but they've also expanded their mocktail menu and this is my favorite place to get a mocktail in town. It's never overly sweet and always has the interesting flavors you'd want from your drink. Highly recommend for a special occasion - get a reservation though! Even the bar seats have wait lists. read more

Hamlet & Ghost - Burger + duck fat fries - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Saratoga Springs, New York

Beautiful bar. Attentive staff. Met a cool local who gave us other recommendations. Cheese curds and espresso martini to die for. No reservation and was texted when a seat at the bar was ready. Would come back for dinner or drinks anytime they'd have us. read more

Hamlet & Ghost - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Saratoga Springs, New York

Stunningly good food, warm and sweet service & delightful ambience. If I lived local I'd be haunting this place on the regular. Highly recommend. read more

We sat at the "Chef's Counter" so we got to watch the kitchen staff in action - every dish was handmade meticulously and with care, down to the plating and garnishes. The paperdelle with mushroom was delicious. Yummy cocktails too! read more

Great place!!! Atmosphere, staff and food are OUTSTANDING! Sat at the bar with family and had a wonderful time - they can't wait to visit again and return to H & G! Thank you! read more

Stay awaaaaaaaay, if you expect poor service, mediocre atmosphere, and ok food then this is your spot. They do not know how to manage seating and tables, and the general manager does not know how to provide customer service. The attitude and treatment by the general manager is completely out of line and unhinged. Beware this place is massively overblown and hype, better places that are ACTUALLY on broadway. Don't risk an important event or evening at this establishment. read more

Okay I wish Yelp had the options for 1/2 stars. I would have done a 4.5. Overall I really liked this place a lot! The food was excellent! It's really rare that I get to say that. I did not have a single critique. The atmosphere is cute inside, very quaint and semi-exclusive. The service was fairly indifferent on the other hand. It was absolutely slammed but my understanding is that it's always that way. I made sure to make reservations for my party over a month in advance! This is not a place you can just walk into for sure! But please make a reservation and check it out for yourself! read more

Hamlet & Ghost - Charcuterie board with local cheeses. Seared scallops with celery root puree, cayenne pepper, bacon rillons and shallot petals. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Saratoga Springs, New York

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Why consider any other food when you can eat the best fried cheese curds and duck fat fries at Hamlet & Ghost? Simply unbeatable. read more

Hamlet & Ghost - Duck fat fries, fried cheese curds - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Saratoga Springs, New York

I can't say enough about Hamlet and Ghost and I am not an easy person to impress. The intimate lighting and stylish decor create an inviting space that feels both special and comfortable--perfect for a date night or a celebratory dinner with friends. The drinks were very good. Each cocktail is crafted with precision, utilizing fresh ingredients and innovative combinations. Whether you prefer something classic or are in the mood for a daring concoction, the skilled mixologists here have you covered. Each dish we ordered was not only a feast for the eyes but also an unforgettable experience for the taste buds. The ingredients are clearly sourced with care, and you can taste the quality in every bite. The chefs have managed to master the balance of flavor, texture, and presentation, making each dish a singular entity of culinary artistry. Impeccable service is another hallmark of Hamlet and Ghost. The staff is attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and genuinely enthusiastic about the food and drink offerings. In conclusion, Hamlet and Ghost is an extraordinary dining destination that masterfully combines outstanding drinks, unforgettable food, and impeccable service in a memorable atmosphere. The complexity and texture of the dishes will linger in your memory, prompting you to return again and again. I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough--if you're looking to treat yourself to an extraordinary culinary experience, this is the place to be. read more

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Was only in Saratoga for two nights and had total decision paralysis with the amount of restaurants there are. I am SO happy I ended up at Hamlet & Ghost. It was the best burger I have ever had - no joke. The vibe was romantic and I deff plan on visiting again on my next trip up. Our server was also so nice and funny which made the entire dinner memorable. read more

The food was extremely flavorful! Clams with kimchi was my favorite dish! Each dish is very unique and you can tell the amount of thought that goes into each dish! Burger wasn't the best I've ever had but still good. Make sure to get a reservation. The ambiance is 10/10! Perfect for a date night. read more

Hamlet & Ghost - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Saratoga Springs, New York

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Best oyster preparation I've ever had. The kind of delicious that is hard to share when your bites are numbered. They were also very helpful at avoiding allergens (gluten, soy and dairy). read more

Hamlet & Ghost - Oysters - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Saratoga Springs, New York

1) Both of our Apps (Steak tartar & Clams in broth) were super salty. 2) Double Burger was OK but greasy. 3) Papardelle pasta w/ mushrooms was a joke. Pasta was boiled with mushrooms dumped on it. Very little seasoning. The server didnt even offer to add pepper or parmesan. Bland. 4) Duck fat fries were fine. 5) Service was SUPER slow. Apps took 25 minutes. Then another 25 minute wait for main courses from the time we finished our apps. 6) Wine was OK. There are WAY BETTER dining options in Saratoga Springs. read more

My wife and I are from out of town and the only reason we happened to end up here is because of high praise from a friend who is a local in this area. We made a same day reservation for outside seating but we didn't anticipate how hot it would still be during the evening in this heat wave. Luckily, the staff here seems to have great attention to detail because they texted us warning us about the heat and asked if we wanted to change our seating to indoors. We said yes and got there slightly before our reservation time and were seated at the bar after a few minutes. The burger was highly recommended by our friend. I had just had a burger in downtown Albany for lunch but this one was miles better and exceeded expectations. The beef was super tender and juicy. I would definitely come back just for that. My wife had the aguachiles which she enjoyed. I had a bite of it and if you are into seafood, it was a great small dish. For drinks, my wife had the Oaxaca Sour which was a mezcal based cocktail. It was great and I highly recommend it if you enjoy a bit of smokiness in your drink. I had a cold brew/iced coffee since I was tired from The travel. It was very strong and definitely kept me awake on the drive back to the hotel. Overall I'd come back the next time I'm in town! read more

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The food is always good at Hamlet and Ghost. I'm not very adventurous when it comes to trying new food. I usually check the menu on-line to make sure there are a couple items on the menu I will enjoy. I checked the menu before our visit this past Friday and looked forward to another dinner at H&G. Unfortunately, the on-line menu was not the same as the dinner menu. 3 of the 4 of us ended up getting their cheeseburger... which was very good. Didn't plan on getting a cheeseburger, but it was the only item on the menu I would enjoy (with the exception of the steak.... But I struggle paying that much for a steak). Great place. Just think the on-line menu should be the same as the actual dinner menu. read more

I used to really enjoy hamlet & ghost, but I won't be returning. Their food is extremely over priced for tiny portions. The last few times I've gone, I spent a ton of money and left hungry. It's ridiculous. Drink prices are OUTRAGEOUS. Now I'm told they are adding a 4% "kitchen admin fee". So basically they aren't paying their staff enough, so patrons are paying an extra 4% on what is already overpriced food. Too many delicious and reasonably priced options in Toga to enjoy instead of this nonsense. read more

What a great spot for a special occasion! I made reservations for my birthday dinner on a Saturday night for six people and only had to wait 15 minutes for the table. For drinks, I ordered the Pumpkin Mai Tai (a seasonal drink), which was really good. We also ordered the bread and butter and cheese curds for appetizers. The cinnamon toast crunch butter that came with the bread was fantastic and I loved the pepper jelly that came with the cheese curds. For my entree, I ordered the double cheeseburger and opted for the duck fat fries. It was amazing!! Perfectly cooked and the fries were delicious. Overall, it's a great spot with delicious options and wonderful service. Definitely make reservations if you're considering going on a weekend night. read more

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We stop here every year on our way to snowboard in Stow, VT because it's exactly halfway. It's basically a tradition at this point. I suppose I could write volumes on every menu item we have had here over the years but I am getting a bit tired of these style of reviews from myself. So here's my "feeling" about this place in no particular order: - Oysters are always great here, but some variations on top of them are unnecessary for my taste. Black caviar this year is too much and a bit distracting for us but I am sure some people love it. - Attention to detail here is impeccable. Preparation, presentation, service is top notch. Literally not a single misstep I have ever seen. - Duck Fat pommes frites are fantastic but get a small portion if you are in doubt. It's a huge portion for a large one so be really hungry. - pasta is really al dente. None of that mushy feeling I hate - ceviche is something you can never err with - don't neglect vegetable dishes or you will be sorry. - mocktails are exquisite and my daughter could probably write her own review just based on those. Overall, this place gets things mostly right and very few things average. Never wrong. read more

Hamlet & Ghost - Oysters - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Saratoga Springs, New York

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Oh what can I say the drinks were fresh and amazing spot on and creative. The food was just as on par as the drinks. Quick friendly staff and a beautiful intimate place make reservations it fills up. read more

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Absolutely fantastic!! The menu is innovative and enticing. Our server (Jacquelyn) was attentive, professional and lovely. We ordered way too much food. And ate every bite because it was perfection on a plate. So well executed. Really wonderful. Only (slightly) negative: The room was a little cold but they turned down the AC while we were dining. A couple had their 18 month old with them at 9 pm. We panicked that the baby would have a meltdown but she was pretty good. Hamlet and Ghost was excellent. We highly recommend!! read more

Great bistro serving well crafted cocktails and comfort food. Arriving in Saratoga Springs for the first time and I'm hangry! It took hours to drive here and I require libations along with some righteous grub. My search has led me to Hamlet & Ghost. Walking in, it's not a large space. The hostess asked if I have a reservation? A what? I'm Bill S! I'm shown to a nice seat at the bar. Saratoga Springs is a happy hour town, they have an Old Fashioned made with Rye. From Montauk?! My Long Island pride comes out and I tell the bartender. She gave me an explanation of their liquor choices. Now with drink in hand, I order the best gastro pub menu item, shrimp and grits. Look at that picture, you will not find a well executed Grit within a 100 mile radius. Kudos to the chef, great tasting dish from the perfectly cooked Shrimp to the savory grits. Comfort food at its finest. The ghost story is intriguing me, on my next visit I'll be sure to ask about if the place is haunted. Great spot for dinner and drinks, enjoy! read more

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A nice corner joint with interesting cocktails and delicious appetizers. We had fried cheese curds, a lovely beet salad, and duck fat fries. The fries were delicious but a little on the soggy side. The beet salad was to die for. My friends just had beer, but I ordered from the cocktail menu -" Tokyo cheese factory". Strange name for a delicious drink. Overall it was lemony and creamy but not as exotic is the list of ingredients would have suggested. I suggest you try this place out. I would definitely go again. read more

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What an experience, start to finish! The flavor and hospitality are top quality, and enough to keep wanting to come back again and again, but on top of all that, I highly recommend the chef's counter experience! Being able to interact with the staff and observe the detail of the kitchen was a fun topper of transparency that added onto a phenomenal dinner! read more

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The cocktails here continue to impress I had an olive oil vodka infused cocktail that tasted like lemon meringue pie and my husband had a twist on a manhattans with cold brew coffee. Service was excellent. Got a small order of cheese curds to go with it and had a lovely evening read more

Hamlet & Ghost was probably one of my favorite recent experiences. The cocktails are incredible, I mean to die for. The bartender, more like mixologist, was excellent at her craft. My first drink was the Melon & Burrata, described on the menu as "you will just have to trust us". I sure did and no regrets. It was so balanced and truly remarkable. After watching her making magic, I wanted to ask her for a recommendation. My liquor of choice is gin, so she recommended a Pimm's Cup. It was a perfect match for me, super refreshing. The drinks came quick, which I was very impressed with. Many times I've experienced long waits for drinks when they are crafted like this, but she was rocking it. Someone recently mentioned their cheese curds being fantastic, so we decided to try it out. They were so good! Little cheese balls fried in a batter reminiscent of fried dough, dipped into a warm pepper jelly. Yeah, get them. I really need to come back very soon and try more of the menu and more and more of those cocktails! You will defintely need a reservation. I was the first person waiting outside at 4:45 for a seat at the bar. By 5, there were 4-5 couples behind me also hoping to get a seat. I do wish they opened earlier. read more

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I recommend the food on a Thursday Friday or Saturday. Dranks The bartender recommended the gin gin fizz over the kooky coconut after much thought. This cocktail tastes like a bright boozy whole foods health tonic topped with bouncy marshmallow meringue foam and desiccated citrus and I was here for it. Food Burger -- ok. I'm a veggie lover; this burger has no veggies. I like some variety in textures (think multigrain sprout sandwich or toasted buns, crunchy toppings); this burger's delicate brioche disappeared like down feathers in a pillow fight. But y'all. This is the best effing burger I've had in my life. So simple yet every detail perfection. A meaty patty with standout flavor -- they had to have bathed it in confit or something. A soft smooth elevated bun with hint of sweet. Added in a nice runny egg. Wow. I was pulling a Harry Met Sally over this experience. Bread & butter -- spooned like a pat of Michelin uni, this butter melted in sweet union with each bite of the acidic fresh sourdough Salad -- crunchy lettuce dressed in a punchy pungent pickled dressing unlike anything I've had, heaped with grated cheese, ornamented with crispy savory house made potato chips Hangar steak -- a nice sliced portion of medium rare pink with a satisfying smoky charred outside, but a little tougher than I would've liked and we weren't huge fans of the jus Service No complaints once we got seated at the bar. One thing I'd say is their Resy openings don't actually align with real-time availability. We had to wait for a table for at least 15-30 minutes even though there were several openings on the app. Ambiance Vibrant trendy not pretentious. Not too crowded, pleasantly full. Just lots of people enjoying a night out with friends or family or lovers in a warm dark inviting open layout. read more

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Great vibe! The food, drinks, and service are always spot on! We love dining at the bar. Thanks H&G! read more

My first comment is make a reservation. I don't care your party size or date or time make a reservation it will be needed! It's an intimate space and popular - rightfully so! We've had very great cocktails and meals here and never a bad experience. The prices are completely worth every bite and sip! The thing that surprised me the most was their burger, who knew, but it's the most amazing burger I had ever had in my life! You must try it!! read more

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Sat at the bar and the bartender Tim was really helpful with good suggestions. I got the GIN-GIN FIZZ and it was the perfect summer drink for a nice day. I ended up ordering just off the appetizer menu and got: - Duck Fat Fries: big bowl, definitely want to share but they were so good. - Tuna Carpaccio: loved it! - Sourdough Bread with Blueberry & Lemon Butter: I would have skipped this had I known the fries were going to be so much. I ordered another cocktail at the end of my meal, the HIGH-TAI and to be honest I only took a few drinks out of it because it was just too much rum. Tim noticed that and when I asked for the check, he took it off and apologized. I can respect that in service and that makes me want to come back here again in heartbeat! read more

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This was the final dinner stop of the trip. I can see why some of the locals talk highly of this place as the food and cocktails were fantastic. Its like they knew I was coming, I am a huge fan of burrata, but ive never seen a fondue style of it! It was extremely savory and the bread accompanying the melted buratta goodness was nice and crispy. For mains, I got the duck breast. The duck was succulent and wonderfully seasoned, i also enjoyed the fact they kept a small fat cap on top of the breast that was crispy. The blackberry jus was also an excellent way of adding some acidity to the somewhat heavy mix of polenta and duck. Drinks were also superb, we ordered the land of the rising sun and indian summer. The Indian summer was actually a bit spicy so props to them for kicking up the heat a bit! I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a bit of an upscale place to dine in at saratoga springs, I certainly wont forget it read more

Hamlet & Ghost - Burrata fondue - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Saratoga Springs, New York