Saratoga Springs, N.Y., plays host to thousands and thousands of racing fans every summer and many of those come back again and again every year for the annual summer race meet at Saratoga Race Course. The entire city of Saratoga Springs centers around horse racing when the traditional meet is held, and racing nostalgia and history can be found everywhere you look. The racetrack is only part of the Saratoga experience, and a day at the races is only the beginning of a typical visit. The fun continues after the races in a town that contains numerous nighttime dining options that appeal to racing fans and foodies alike.

Many Saratoga restaurants have become institutions in their own right and through the years have become almost as integral a part of the Saratoga scene as the racetrack itself. If you are a horseplayer and foodie planning a trip to Saratoga, here is a shortlist of classic Saratoga dining venues that have existed for years that you must check out on your upcoming visit.

Siro's Restaurant

Courtesy of Siro’s/Facebook

186 Lincoln Ave., (518) 584-4030, sirossaratoga.com

There is no establishment more emblematic of Saratoga than Siro’s. Located just outside the venue’s Nelson Avenue gate, Siro’s has something for every racetracker and is a must visit destination after the races, at least for a drink. Most visitors gravitate toward the backyard party and outdoor live music venue located on honorary Fourstardave Way. Others go to Siro’s to enjoy perhaps Saratoga’s preeminent dining institution. If you are seeking a high-end dining experience where you can rub elbows with horse racing's elite, make plans for dinner in Siro’s indoor dining room. Be prepared to open your checkbook because prices can be shockingly expensive. It fills up nonetheless, so a reservation is required as far in advance as possible.

The Parting Glass

Courtesy of The Parting Glass/Facebook

40-42 Lake Ave., (518) 583-1916, www.partingglasspub.com

Pretty much every town all over the world has its own Irish pub, and Saratoga Springs is blessed with one of the best you can find anywhere outside Ireland itself. The Parting Glass opened on St. Patrick’s Day 1981 and has been one of the most popular places in town ever since. The establishment includes a front room bar and a dining room, and a large back room with pool and darts. During the racing season the doors open up to a large parking lot converted into an outdoor dining terrace. Expect traditional Irish pub fare and casual favorites like hamburgers and turkey sandwiches. Wash it all down with a Guinness. You’ll see more than your fair share of racetrackers here every night.

Hattie’s

Courtesy of Hattie’s/Facebook

45 Phila St., (518) 584-4790, hattiesrestaurants.com

Southern cooking might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Saratoga, but perhaps it should be. Hattie’s restaurant has been serving up what it calls “fine southern goodness” out of a quaint house in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs since 1938. Hattie’s is open for dinner as well as brunch on weekends. Their fried chicken has garnered numerous awards and accolades and perhaps is most well-known for beating chef Bobby Flay on a 2006 episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay on the Food Network.

The Wishing Well

Courtesy of The Wishing Well/Facebook

745 Saratoga Road (Rt. 9) in Wilton, (518) 584-7670, www.wishingwellrestaurant.com

If you start out on Broadway in the heart of downtown Saratoga and head north a few miles out of town up Route 9, you will quickly find yourself at The Wishing Well, a classic restaurant that famously has been hosting just about every racetrack personality who has ever come to town since 1936. Historical photos line the walls and fireplaces add to the atmosphere in every room. Come for steaks, seafood, lobster, and traditional American fare complemented by wines and classic cocktails in a cozy and charming atmosphere.

Just missed the superfecta:

Mexican Connection, 41 Nelson Ave., (518) 584-4466

Chianti Il Ristorante, 18 Division St., (518) 580-0025