2023 Best of Capital Region Winners—Saratoga
The results are in.
These are the Saratoga places that won a Top Three spot for the 2023 winners for "Best of the Capital Region."
Click on any title, or link in the copy for more information.
Check individual websites for their most current updates.
Entertainment & Leisure—1st Place | Best Capital Region Activity
Saratoga Race Course
267 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Race Course opened in 1863, and is considered to be the oldest major sporting venue of any kind in the country. Visit the NYRA website.
Entertainment & Leisure—1st Place | Best Concert Venue
Saratoga Performing 
Arts Center
SPAC is known for the New York City Ballet, Opera Saratoga, classical concerts and Live Nation concerts. Visit the SPAC website.
Entertainment & Leisure—1st Place | Best Historic Site (Local)
Saratoga National Park Battlefield
The Battlefield at Saratoga National Park is known for "The Turning Point of the Revolutionary War." Visit the park website.
Entertainment & Leisure—1st Place | Best Drive-in Theater
Malta Drive-In
2785 State Route 9, Malta
Malta Drive-In opened for its 74th season on April 15. It's easily identified by its large flashing marquee and is open April—October. Visit the Malta Drive-In website.
Entertainment & Leisure—3rd Place | Best Festival
Chowderfest
Multiple Locations, Saratoga Springs
Saratoga's Annual Chowderfest is one of the area's most anticipated events. Family-friendly, fun and delicious. Chowderfest Info.
Entertainment & Leisure—3rd Place | Best Hike in the Region
Saratoga State Park
Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs
We agree that our park is perfect, with plenty of nature trails, picnic spots, and upgraded public spaces. Visit the Saratoga Spa State Park website
Dining Out—1st Place | Best Restaurant for Outdoor Dining (Single Location)
550 Waterfront by Druthers
550 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs
Recently taken over by Druthers, the restaurant will be a merging of two brands, not another Druthers.
Dining Out—1st Place | Best Southern Restaurant
Hattie's Restaurant
45 Phila St., Saratoga Springs
Hattie’s serves up a variety of Southern cuisine, including their award winning famous Southern fried chicken. Visit Hattie's Restaurant Website
Dining Out—1st Place| Best Craft Bear (Multiple Locations)
Druthers Brewing Co
381 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
Elevated comfort food and handcrafted beer available at four locations.
Visit Druthers
Dining—1st Place | Best Place for a Frozen Treat
Stewart's Shops
Multiple Locations
You can't go very far in Saratoga County without running into a local Stewart's. Whether you want ice cream, a few grocery items, gas, lottery tickets, or whatever convenience item you're looking for, you can find it at Stewart's.
Dining Out—2nd Place | Best Family Restaurant (Single Location)
Augie’s Family Style Italian Restaurant
17 Low St, Ballston Spa
Dining Out—3rd Place | Best BBQ Restaurant (Single Location)
PJ's Bar-B-QSA
1 Kaydeross Ave.W., Saratoga Springs
Counter-serve smokehouse dishing regionally inspired BBQ platters, from Memphis- to Texas-style.
Visit PJ'S Bar-B-QSA Website
Shopping—3rd Place | Best Bookstore
Northshire Bookstore
424 Broadway., Saratoga Springs
For die-hard bibliophiles, Northshire Books, an award-winning independent bookseller, is an oasis Visit Northsire Website
Best of the Rest—1st Place | Best City
Saratoga Springs
Winner for the 4th year in a row—people love living here and visiting. With so many options, what's not to love? Visit the Saratoga Springs website.
Want Even More Ideas? Check out our Summer in Saratoga page for all the latest activities and events. While you're at it, why not plan on visiting our many relaxing hotels and delicious restaurants.