Saratoga Spotlight: 15 Church

15 Church is an acclaimed, elegant New American restaurant located in the heart of Saratoga Springs, New York, renowned for its fresh seafood, prime aged beef, and its distinctive dining spaces.

Here is a detailed look at the restaurant, covering its unique features, history, customer feedback, and key information.

What Makes 15 Church Unique

15 Church stands out through a combination of elegant cuisine and sophisticated design within a historic structure, most notably its two distinct dining experiences:

1. The Main Dining Room: Described by one of the owners as a “little jewel box,” the interior offers a comfortable yet elegant ambiance with rich colors and textures. The menu masterfully blends classic and exotic flavors in its progressive American cuisine with a European influence.
2. The Patio at 15 Church: This is perhaps the restaurant’s most unique feature. It offers an upscale, open-air dining experience designed to feel like a “secret garden.” The Patio is fully covered by a grandiose Douglas fir timber roof, features soothing waterfalls, and has a retractable roof and state-of-the-art heating lamps, making it enjoyable even in imperfect weather. The Patio’s menu is distinct, focusing on coastal New England fare and an extensive raw bar.

The restaurant prides itself on quality, sourcing the very best USDA prime aged beef and having seafood flown in fresh daily.

History of the Building and Restaurant

The building at 15 Church Street possesses a fascinating history, stretching back over 170 years:

• 19th Century Origins: The property’s history began between 1844 and 1853 as part of the Franklin House, a hotel and boarding house. The primary façade seen today was an addition built around 1908 by William McNeary, who owned a livery stable nearby.
• A Hub of Local Business: For decades, the first floor of 15 Church Street housed various commercial spaces, including an auto supply store, a shoemaker, and a series of cafes and restaurants, such as Ernie’s Lunch and the Welcome Inn.
• The Current Era: After operating as Gold Lion Restaurant and then D’Andrea’s Restaurant, the building was purchased by Thomas Burke and his son with the vision of a complete restoration. The current iteration, 15 Church, is a collaboration between Thomas Burke and Paul McCullough, who dedicated themselves to honoring the building’s “great bones and history” and providing an exceptional dining experience. The restaurant was hailed as bringing a vacant downtown building back to life upon its opening.

Customer Feedback & Ambiance

15 Church is exceptionally well-regarded, holding a high customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. The reviews consistently praise the exquisite food and superb service.

Highlights from Customer Reviews:

• On Service & Experience: “Everything, everything, all in one! Best food, team and service in Saratoga! Charlotte was amazing with her attention to detail! The rest of the restaurant team work seamlessly to give you the best experience.” Another customer noted: “We dine here every 3-4 months and it’s ALWAYS perfect, from service to every decadent dish, 15 Church is sure to delight.”
• On the Patio: “I for one am glad the patio was available, it’s fully covered, has heaters and fans and is beautiful, you would not even know you were outside or that it was raining.”
• On Ambiance: The overall atmosphere is consistently described as a perfect setting for a celebratory dinner, feeling both romantic and upscale, yet comfortable.

Highlighted Menu Items

The menu focuses on a sophisticated blend of high-quality ingredients. Popular dishes mentioned in reviews and articles include:

The restaurant is also noted for having a dedicated vegan/vegetarian menu with options like tofu dishes, pasta, risotto, and salads.

Significant Events

While 15 Church does not appear to have hosted grand historical events, it is a significant feature in Saratoga Springs’ modern culinary scene:

• Travers at 15 Church: The restaurant celebrates the annual Travers Stakes race weekend with a special menu on The Patio.
• Industry Recognition: In 2019, 15 Church was ranked #1 in the 31 best bars in Upstate NY by Yelp.
• Seasonal Features: They regularly host special culinary events, such as Valentine’s Day Tasting Menus (often a 5-6 course prix fixe) and Tasting Menu Tuesdays.

Contact Information