Every summer Saratoga plays host to thousands and thousands of racing fans, many of whom come back again and again every year for the annual summer race meet at Saratoga Race Course.

And while the entire town of Saratoga seemingly centers around horse racing the racetrack is only part of the Spa experience, and a day at the races is only the beginning of a typical visit.

The fun usually 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 an essential a part of the Saratoga experience.

If you are a horseplayer and/or a foodie planning a trip to Saratoga, here is a Trifecta of classic Saratoga dining venues that have existed for years, and if you’ve never been to any of these eateries, make it a point to give one a try.

SIRO’S RESTAURENT: There is no establishment more emblematic of Saratoga than Siro’s. Located just outside the track’s Nelson Avenue gate, Siro’s has something for every railbird 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. The outdoor area was also where the legendary Harvey Pack, (back-in-the-day), would do his live show prior to the day’s races.

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. Reservations are required, but at this juncture of the calendar getting a table is a longshot.

THE PARTING GLASS: Pretty much every town all over the world has its own Irish pub, and Saratoga is blessed with one of the best you can find anywhere outside the Emerald Isle.

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.

On weekends there is always live music, and you’ll see more than your fair share of horse players, and perhaps a minor celebrity.

HATTIE’S: Southern cooking might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Saratoga, but maybe 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.

Saratoga has an overabundance of great restaurants, and these three just barely scratch the surface.

Everyone has their own favorites. Feel free to let the Daily Racing Blog know your Trifecta of Saratoga dining experiences.