Hattie's in Saratoga Springs

Fancy hats, horse racing, and fried chicken?  It makes sense that a couple of those images would pop in our heads as we were heading out to Saratoga Springs, NY.  After all, Saratoga Springs was the playground of the wealthy in the better part of the 19th and 20th centuries.

But how does fried chicken play into the mix?  It came from watching a Throwdown with Bobby Flay episode in which he challenges Hattie's owner to a Fried Chicken throwdown.  All we could think about was that we had to try this crispy chicken the next time we traveled up to Saratoga Springs.  And along with Lauren (Healthy Delicious) and Shawn (who lived nearby in Albany), we were able to try this Southern restaurant for ourselves.

We were a day early for the Saratoga Race Course Open House so my hubby and I had to covertly peek through the fences to see the track.  The Saratoga Race Course is the oldest (and one of the most elegant) tracks in the U.S.  If you want to check out this Victorian grandstand, this Friday (July 23rd) is the official Opening Day and admission is free.

But, back to the food!  We met Lauren and Shawn at Hattie's, a restaurant that has been serving Southern and Louisiana foods since 1938.  Soon after it's 5pm opening, the entire interior was filled, so we ate out back on the patio (which quickly filled up too).

A basket of cornbread and biscuits soon arrived (both warm and comforting) while my hubby eyed the hot sauce and green Tabasco peppers.  Both had a good bite.

It was a hot day, so both of the guys were eager for a cold beer.  Shawn chose the Dixie Lager ($4.50) because he's never had it before.  It's was a light New Orleans lager.  My hubby chose one of his favorite beers, Victory Prima Pils.  It's a crisp and fresh German-style pilsner from Pennsylvania.

Lauren and Shawn ordered the special appetizer of Fried okra ($6.95). Even my hubby, who usually finds okra slimy, enjoyed this crunchy version.

My hubby ordered the Chicken Wings ($7.95) and we were pleasantly surprised by how many wings he got with his order.  They were sweet and subtly spicy, but he really liked the blue cheese dressing that had some nuts (he thinks they were almonds) in it.

I ordered the famous Fried Chicken with 2 sides ($15.95).  The chicken was crispy without being too greasy.  It was definitely a nice once-in-a-while treat.  But what stole the show were the collard greens.  They were perfectly cooked with a slight vinegar taste.  (Lauren and Shawn shared a plate, which was $5 more and included 4 sides total)

Hattie's is a relaxing, casual spot with checkered tablecloths and country decor.  It was a great way to spend a lazy summer evening with friends!

Hattie's is located at 45 Phila Street in Saratoga Springs, NY.