Saratoga

Just gonna copy/paste my post from another recent thread:

If you're gonna be in Latham, definitely head into Troy. Just take Rt 7 into Rt 2 East and it's only a couple of miles down the hill. Rare Form is a rad spot with some great beers, and The Ruck is one of the better beer bars in the area. Terrific, terrific food, too. There's also a local bottle shop in Latham, Latham Beverage, it's about a mile south of the main strip in Latham down Route 9.

Henry St. Tap Room is a must-stop in Toga. They've got 16 taps, good can/bottle selection and great food too. Merry Monk is right next store w/ a good selection and, wait, you guessed it -- great food. To answer the other poster's question, yes, same owners and vibe as the Albany spot. Just bigger. If you want a little diversion, Saratoga is also home to 9 Maple, one of the absolute best scotch bars you'll ever find.

Other local spots:

1) You NEED to hit Westmere Beverage. Need need need. We get incredible distro around here and that's the best spot in the area code, and all of NY State if you're asking me. Staff is great and super knowledgeable, ask them to hook you up with some stuff you can't get down south.

2) Common Roots is only about 15-20 minutes North of Saratoga and easy to find. They're making some absolutely incredible stuff these days and the bar itself is dope.

3) Shmaltz is like 30 seconds off 87 on your way to Toga, stop in. Grab yourself some fresh Hop Manna and try some things on tap.

 

I'll second Henry St. Taproom, best taplist in the area.

I'll suggest Druthers Brewing not necessarily for the beer, which isn't anything to write home about. I'll suggest it for the atmosphere and the excellent food, especially the pretzels and the mac and cheese.