Saratoga Spotlight: Carson’s Woodside Tavern

Carson’s Woodside Tavern, nestled in Malta, New York, is a popular dining destination near Saratoga Springs, known for its picturesque location and hearty American pub fare.

Here is a comprehensive overview covering its uniqueness, history, menu highlights, customer feedback, and contact information.

What Makes It Unique: The View and Atmosphere

Carson’s Woodside Tavern is primarily distinguished by its spectacular setting and inviting atmosphere:

• Spectacular Views: It offers a panoramic view of Saratoga Lake and the distant Vermont mountains. The outdoor deck and the recently added “Lakeview Room” are specifically designed to maximize this breathtaking scenery, making it a favorite spot for enjoying sunsets.
• Atmosphere: The tavern provides a comfy, casual, and inviting ambiance, suitable for families, date nights, or a meal with friends. During colder months, guests can sit by a cozy fireplace in the dining room or the new Lakeview Room.
• Live Entertainment: The tavern regularly hosts live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, as well as trivia on Monday nights, creating a lively community hub.

History of the Tavern

Carson’s Woodside Tavern has a relatively recent but notable history, building on a local legacy:

• Opening: Carson’s Woodside Tavern officially opened in March 2015.
• The Location’s Legacy: It is located in the building that was previously home to a longtime area staple, Cliff’s Country Inn, which had been running for 37 years before the previous owners retired.
• Founders: The restaurant is a family-owned and operated business, founded by Bill Carson, who brought several years of experience from his previous venture, owning Ravenswood Restaurant in Clifton Park for 29 years. Bill’s wife, Susie Carson, and daughter, Stephanie, are also involved in the management.
• Renovations and Expansion: The owners immediately began extensive renovations upon taking over. They later made significant upgrades, including getting rid of an old covered patio to build a beautiful year-round Lakeview Room with large folding windows and a fireplace, ensuring the lake view can be enjoyed regardless of the weather.

Highlight Menu Items

Carson’s serves an irresistible assortment of American fare, pub favorites, and a selection of Italian classics, all noted for their quality and flavor.

Customer-Praised Dishes:

• Prime Rib: A house specialty and a continuation of a favorite from the previous establishment, it is offered nightly until sold out.
• Woodside Wings: Known for being “famous,” they are available in a variety of sauces, including the unique Spicy Orange Glaze and Texas Dry Rub. Saratoga.com voters have crowned them the best in the area.
• Soups: The French Onion Au Gratin soup is made from a “top-secret house recipe” and is a customer favorite.
• Burgers & Sandwiches: The menu boasts “excellent burgers” like the Cowboy Burger and various hot and cold sandwiches, wraps, and a popular Tavern Turkey Hot Sandwich.
• Grilled Salmon Fillet: Highly praised for its preparation, often served with a roasted red pepper cream sauce.

Menu Variety: The menu is designed to cater to diverse tastes, featuring a full menu of:

• Appetizers (like Fried Mozzarella and Pretzel Bites with beer cheese).
• Steaks.
• Pasta dishes.
• Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
• A kids’ menu.

Customer Feedback

Customers widely praise Carson’s Woodside Tavern, earning it a high rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on over 1,600 Google reviews.

Positive Feedback Highlights:

• The View and Setting: The “gorgeous view overlooking Saratoga Lake” and the overall relaxed atmosphere are consistently highlighted as the best part of the experience.
• Food Quality: The food is described as tasty, great, and consistently receiving high marks, with generous portions. The burgers, wings, and prime rib are particularly popular.
• Accolades: The restaurant has been voted #1 by Saratoga.com in multiple categories (including Best Dining on the Lake, Best Burgers, American Food, Pub Fare, and Chicken Wings) for several consecutive years. It was also recognized for its outdoor dining.
• Live Music: The live bands are often mentioned as a great enhancement to the dining experience.

Areas for Improvement (as noted in some reviews):

• Wait Times: Due to its popularity, service can occasionally be slow, and wait times for tables can be long during peak hours, as the venue operates on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations).
• Pricing: A few patrons have noted that the pricing is on the “more expensive side for being a tavern,” suggesting it’s a bit more upscale than a traditional pub.

Significant Events and Community Involvement

While the tavern’s history is relatively young, it is a consistent venue for local community events:

• Live Music: Hosting local bands several nights a week is a significant ongoing event that supports the local arts scene.
• Charity Events: The tavern has been a host and participant in charity events, such as the Carson’s Woodside Tavern Golf Outing to benefit Make-A-Wish Northeast New York.

Contact and Location Information