The Brook Tavern — Restaurant in City of Saratoga Springs

My review for this restaurant is based on service. After reading reviews, I see others had similar run ins. A few weeks back I made reservations through open table (app) for our upcoming trip to lake George/Saratoga. Today, 2 days before we arrive Carolann, a manager at this location called me to say based on the way I filled out my reservations the restaurant will not accommodate me. Assuming I did something wrong, I listened to her crudely explain all the reasons why she will be canceling my reserve. I put a table of 5 but in the notes I wrote 4 adults, 1 toddler, 2 infants. Okay, I understand now that perhaps I should Of chose a table of 7 so the proper table would be held( I don’t know why I figured to only put the bodies that would be eating a meal). I would like to point out that I did this for all 5 of our other dinner reservations for the week. After, I called around to correct all my reservations to 7 . They all laughed and said “it’s absolutely fine”. Okay back to The Brook Tavern- Trust me, I’m not upset I won’t be eating at this restaurant- what remains unprofessional and out of line was how unbelievably annoyed Carolann was that I didn’t properly put a party of 7. Not quite sure why I needed her to rudely say “where are the babies sitting!?!? On your lap!!!? Are the babies sitting on your lap!” Or “I have no idea why you put all this stuff in the comment section!?!?” Strange behavior! By the end of the conversation I asked her to just hurry up and cancel it already- Yikes!!!- I’d never want this lady representing...

I’ll start off with the appetizers, we got the Bavarian pretzels with the mustard dip. The pretzels were a little over cooked but not too bad. The mustard dipping sauce was very watery and had more of a vinegar taste than mustard and overall lacked flavor. Seemed like they were trying too hard to be fancy but failed. Moving on to the entrées, we got the Duck confit and BBQ ribs. I will have to say, I was able to substitute the fries for mashed potatoes with my BBQ ribs no problem, but the potatoes were very bland with no flavor. The ribs were tender but flavor was horrible, it tasted burnt and “chemically”. The Duck confit was good but nothing impressive, really nothing notable about it other than it lacked in flavor. I’d give the food at best 2 stars.

Now on to the sub par service, we were not given any refills on our waters until we were practically finished with our meals. We were also discussing the desert option when we finished our meals but were promptly brought our check without being asked if we would like dessert which was quite disappointing. Overall my conclusion is the that the service and food were quite mediocre at best and decided not to bother asking for dessert, which we were hoping to be the saving grace of our disappointing meal. For the high end prices they charge I would not recommend this over any other restaurant in Saratoga. There are much better places to eat...

Prices are 100% what they should be for the menu items, service, and knowledge. Honestly I believe they could charge more, knowing they could, but also stand out because for example a 6-8 oz Filet Mignon in Saratoga Springs should NEVER exceed $36 at most no matter what sauce or sides. The woman who I perceive as the "manager" or FOH is in charge is not only delightful but determined to provide the all around experience we are all so desperately lacking for too long. Portions are equal and/or what should be expected for all entrees. Again all the while not price gouging, pretending Saratoga is a "mini NYC," and being a prime location for both local and seasonal diner's. This location was very well known many years ago, changed ownership many times after, and in my opinion this place is unique but also has the "familiar feel" to it such as places like Siro's where no matter how hard you try the past is in the past, but...they bring "a twinge of the good 'Ole days" back, plus some regulars alike who can still be heard asking about former staff at this location and Siro's, swearing the memories will never be forgotten, and even though times changed, a little bit of the past can still be felt visiting here and eating the very good food offered...