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, loads of great dining while you are in town.

If you are a horseplayer and foodie planning a Travers week trip to “the Spa,” or plan to be in town the final week of the season or Labor Day weekend, here is a shortlist of places you should check out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner 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 her hair in a bun and is named 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

Courtesy of Hattie's

The Local Pub and Teahouse

142 Grand Ave. 518-587-7256

Lunch or brunch like a local at this neighborhood spot just a few blocks off the main drag. Plenty of teas and craft beers to choose from, including a long list on draft. They feature a hearty menu and either cozy indoor or outdoor sidewalk seating.

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 Post Bar. For a true taste of Saratoga, a must-try is Hattie’s Chicken Shack at the Track. Their famous fried chicken beat Bobby Flay’s recipe in a head-to-head match-up on the Food Network.

Dinner

Courtesy of Rhea

Rhea

389 Broadway, 518-886-8962

Every year there is a hot new restaurant where you go to see and be seen in Saratoga, and this summer that hot reservation is at Rhea. Go and 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 pay the check. It’s a beautiful space located at the best spot on Broadway in the middle of downtown. You won’t be able to walk-in. Reserve in advance.

Mexican Connection

41 Nelson Ave., 518-584-4466

The opposite of trendy, this Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurant is located in an old house behind the racetrack’s seven-furlong chute. They’ve thrived since 1979 by serving the best south-of-the-border dishes in town 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 at the Mexican Connection. You can walk there from the clubhouse side Nelson Ave. entrance to the track.

Before and After the Races

Perfect stop before the races: The Little Market at Five Points

42 Park Place, 518-450-7068

If you like your bagel with a schmear, the "Five Points Deli" is the place to stop 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 the preeminent Saratoga dining institution, Siro's is a high-end dinner experience where you can dine alongside horseracing's elite, but 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, 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 Horseshoe.  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.