Saratoga Grill — Restaurant in Hillsborough

Dining at the Saratoga Grill is both literally and metaphorically an up-and-down experience. It is located above a shop and accessible via a narrow stairway. Upon reaching the top, you’ll find yourself in a tastefully decorated loft area-turned-dining room. The wall art and lights make for a homey, welcoming feeling. However, in lieu of a hostess stand, you are asked to wait by a small table against the far wall, which puts you awkwardly in the path of servers moving to and fro. Tables are also positioned somewhat close together though not uncomfortably so.

Once seated, you’ll encounter a menu full of classics: clam chowder, French onion soup, a Reuben, a burger, etc. The selection of fish and seafood (including a honey almond salmon and a few scallop dishes) is commendable though, and vegetarians can find solace in a portobello sandwich and a few salad offerings.

For my first visit, I went with a crab salad half sandwich with a cup of French onion soup and a mixed greens salad. The food was competently prepared but unremarkable. The sandwich, as expected, was faux crab, and neither it nor the soup or salad were elevated in any way. However, my wife reported that the hot pastrami sandwich that I brought her was quite tasty.

The pedestrian food here is partially offset by very affordable prices. Whole sandwiches with salads run $8 and under, and for that price, you can substitute a half sandwich and soup while keeping the salad. Downtown Hillsborough is not known for frugality, so this was a welcome surprise.

Saratoga Grill seems to do a fairly brisk lunch business, and, as such, the kitchen moves at a pace that reflects the volume. Servers are friendly and attentive though, and you won’t go without water whilst waiting for that food.

Overall, Saratoga Grill is hard to pin down. The pricing and availability of seafood dishes are certainly draws, but the so-so food and quirky layout/location are causes...

Horrible parking on Churton, PERIOD! Neither cud I park behind buildings or side streets. Finally got a spot on the street. I brought my 87 year sis for her birthday. First and last time. No handicap provisions whatsoever and many stairs up to 2nd level restaurant. Obviously grandfathered in...No ramps. I almost left then. I had honey smoked salmon, passable, small portion, maybe 4 oz, and salad served on the plate was small. At $16 both shd've been separate and larger. Sis had mussels cheeseburger.... nightmare. Served on regular, bun too small for all of that. I asked them to cut in half but brought to her to cut. I tried but fell apart and soggy bottom due to mussels...not a way to put seafood on a burger. Upon asking them to serve open face, they brought cheeseburger (no mussels upon my request) meat on 1 half and zero on the other. No lettuce, tomato, onion....had to ask for it. In the meantime, I'm done way b4 hers was edible. LSS, quality and bang for the buck, can't compare w.The Longhorn. Lunch in Hillsboro is not worth the hassle especially with a handicap person who has trouble walking.... neither can those streets/restaurants accommodate a walker or wheelchair that I can see. Attention City Planner: Do something! I won't b back, at least not with sis and definitely...

We had a"Baby Sprinkle" on Saturday August 20th at the Saratoga Grill with 20 guest invited to attend.The minute we arrived we were told that we could not order from the menu. The "lady in charge" said that we would have to have whatever the grill made for us.Everyone needs to order the same thing according to her. Well, things went from bad to worst. She yelled at us the whole time. We could not even go to the restroom without her yelling at us. She said we were in her way. She also yelled at her waitresses and continued to be rude. We could have chosen any place to have our "Baby Sprinkle". We paid this place good money. She never smiled or said "thank you for your business". We tried to stay in our chairs to keep from being yelled at. When our food arrived, I could not eat mine for being so disappointed. I guess you could say we picked the wrong place. I'll never go back to Saratoga Grill in Hillsborough N.C. again.She finally did allow us to order from the menu. I have never been treated so bad at a restaurant so you can see why I'm giving Saratoga...