A day at the races is only part of the experience that racing fans can enjoy when visiting Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The whole city is centered around Saratoga Race Course’s meet during the summer, and you can also enjoy pastimes such as casino gambling, shopping, nightlife, and of course, plenty of great dining while you are in town.

If you are a horseplayer and foodie planning a trip to “the Spa,” here is a shortlist of places you should check out for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and fun after the races while in Saratoga Springs.

Breakfast

Courtesy of the Bread Basket Bakery

Compton’s Restaurant

457 Broadway, 518-584-9632

For a good old-fashioned diner experience located right in the heart of the action on Broadway, try this Saratoga breakfast staple with great pancakes and famous cottage fries. The coffee is hot and the OJ is cold, and the check won’t break the bank. Greasy spoon lunch is also yummy. Don’t be surprised if your waitress has a bouffant hairdo and a nametag that says "Flo."

The Bread Basket Bakery

65 Spring Street, 518-587-4233

Located right across the street from scenic Congress Park, this veteran Saratoga breakfast destination focuses on premium baked goods and delicious coffee. Good service, fair prices, and the muffins and croissants won’t disappoint. Also grab a soup and sandwich for lunch.

Lunch

Saratoga Race Course. (Eclipse Sportswire)

Saratoga Race Course

General dining inquiries: 888-516-NYRA

If you are in town for the races, there’s a good chance you will be grabbing your lunch at the track. Saratoga offers a plethora of dining options from sit-down places where you’ll need reservations and may need to dress up, such as the Turf Terrace, the Club Terrace, and The Porch. There also are great grab ‘n go food options at the track as well. One of the favorites is Shake Shack, a chain burger joint with beer and great shakes located adjacent to the paddock at the lively The Post Bar. There are casual options galore at the racetrack including a tasty lineup of food carts including three all-new options, Thorn + Roots, Ty's Taco Ria, and This Guy Bites.

The Local Pub and Teahouse

142 Grand Ave. 518-587-7256

If you are in town grabbing lunch or dinner on a dark day, you can brunch like a local at this neighborhood spot in the art district just a few blocks off the main drag. Plenty of teas and craft beers to choose from, including a long list of brews on draft. They feature a hearty lunch and dinner menu and you can choose cozy indoor or sidewalk outdoor seating.

Dinner

Courtesy of Rhea

Rhea

389 Broadway, 518-886-8962

Enjoy pan-Asian dishes and signature mixology while rubbing elbows with the racetrack’s A-list. Small plates and ramen mean you won’t need to cash a superfecta to check the place out. It’s a beautiful space located at the best spot on Broadway in the middle of downtown. Reserve in advance.

Mexican Connection

41 Nelson Ave., 518-584-4466

Tourists may stumble upon other Mexican restaurants in town, but this Mexican and Tex-Mex joint located in an old house behind the racetrack’s seven-furlong chute is the choice of backstretch workers, local regulars, and in-the-know racing fans. They’ve thrived since 1979 by serving the best south-of-the-border dishes with a good list of Tequilas to sip or shoot. Grab a seat at the lively (but small) bar and start off with a strong margarita or an ice-cold Mexican beer. A popular after-the-track itinerary is a stop at the raucous Horseshoe Inn for post-race drinks, followed by dinner two doors down at the Mexican Connection. You can walk there from the clubhouse side Nelson Ave. track entrance.

Before and After the Races

Perfect stop before the races: The Counter at Five Points

42 Park Place, 518-306-5084

If you like your bagel with a schmear, the Counter, a.k.a. the "Five Points Market and Deli," is the place to stop early in the morning or on the way to the track. They have great coffee, and you can fill up your cooler with all the provisions you'll need for a day in the track's backyard. They'll make you a great sandwich for breakfast or lunch and they'll wrap it to go.

Fun after the races

Siro's Restaurant

An entree at Siro's (Facebook/sirossaratoga)

186 Lincoln Ave., 518-584-4030

Perhaps Saratoga's preeminent dining institution, Siro's indoor dining room is a high-end experience where you can dine alongside horseracing's elite. Plus, fine dining is not the only game in town at Siro's. Located right outside the racetrack's side exit on the honorary Fourstardave Way (near the corner of Lincoln and Nelson), the Siro's backyard is the prime party place to go after the races. There's a stage with bands pumping out live rock music, and you can meet some new friends and swap racetrack stories while boogying at the casual outdoor bar.

Horseshoe Inn Bar & Grill

9 Gridley Ave. (corner of Nelson Ave.), 518-886-8086

Not far down Nelson Avenue from Siro's, you will find another great post-track party at "The Shoe."  There's live bands after the races at this outdoor gathering place, and plenty of room to dance and get your groove on with full bars serving all your favorite libations.