Saratoga Spotlight: Druthers Brewing Company

Druthers Brewing Company’s original location in Saratoga Springs, New York, is a standout destination known for its commitment to craft beer, elevated comfort food, and vibrant atmosphere.¹

Here is a detailed look at the company’s history, unique qualities, menu highlights, customer feedback, and essential contact information.

What Makes Druthers Unique

Druthers’ philosophy is centered on rewarding “extraordinary choices with choice beer,” encouraging a spirit of individuality and conviction.² This ethos guides their approach to brewing and customer experience.

• Atmosphere and Location: The Saratoga Springs brewpub, established in 2012, is uniquely situated in the heart of the Broadway Historic District.³ It’s set back about 120 feet off Broadway, tucked behind a hand-crafted iron gate that opens into a “sweet beer garden” equipped with heaters for use in the late spring and early fall.⁴ The space itself has a vibrant, yet cozy and casual, atmosphere.⁵

   

• The Brewing and Beer: They focus on high-quality ingredients and a dedication to their craft, avoiding gimmicks or hype.⁶ The Saratoga location features a 10-barrel (20 keg) brewing system that supplies a constantly rotating selection of their handcrafted beers.⁷ Popular brews include the All In IPA, Golden Rule Blonde Ale, and Uncurious DDH NEIPA.⁸

   

• Elevated Comfort Food: Their menu focuses on “elevated comfort food,” taking familiar flavors and presenting them in exciting combinations.⁹ All food is made from scratch in their kitchens daily.¹⁰

   

History of the Saratoga Springs Location

The journey for Druthers Brewing Company began with brothers Chris and Brian Martell.¹¹

• Conception (2006-2008): After developing a passion for homebrewing and the brewpub scene on the West Coast, Chris Martell moved back to the Saratoga Springs area in 2006.¹² By 2008, he and his brother, Brian, had begun independently working on a business plan for their own brewpub.¹³

   

• Opening (2012): Druthers Brewing Co. successfully launched its first location on Broadway in Saratoga Springs in 2012.¹⁴

   

• Expansion: The company’s success led to rapid expansion into other locations across the Capital Region of New York, including Albany, Schenectady, and Clifton Park.¹⁵ The owner, Chris Martell, was recognized for this growth as a recipient of the Small Business Person of the Year Award.¹⁶

   

Menu Highlights

The menu is built around elevated comfort food, with a focus on house-made quality.¹⁷

Customer Feedback

Customer reviews frequently praise both the quality of the beer and the welcoming environment.¹⁸

• High Praise for Beer & Atmosphere: The beer is consistently lauded, with guests recommending flights to sample the impressive selection, including the highly-rated Golden Rule Blonde.¹⁹ Customers often mention the “friendly and chill environment,” “great staff,” and the aesthetic appeal, especially the outdoor seating area.²⁰

   

• Food Experience: The food menu is generally well-received for its diverse options and staple favorites like the Mac and Cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches, which are delicious and savory.²¹ The venue is also noted as being “Good with kids.”

   

Significant Events

While a comprehensive list of all events is not available, Druthers is highly involved in its community and hosts events, in addition to celebrating broader cultural moments.²²

• Community Involvement: Druthers actively supports local communities through event participation and sponsorships.²³ Their online portal allows organizations to request sponsorships for events with expected attendance and desired donations (e.g., gift cards, t-shirts, pint glasses).²⁴

   

• Seasonal Celebrations: They have hosted significant seasonal celebrations, such as Oktoberfest at their Clifton Park location, featuring traditional German food and live music.²⁵ The venue also offers live performances and has a newsletter for exclusive events and new menu/beer releases.²⁶

   

• Location in a Hub of Events: The Saratoga Springs location benefits from being near major event centers like the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), which hosts concerts and the annual Wine & Food Festival, and is in the “thoroughbred-racing mecca” of the Saratoga Race Course.²⁷

   

Contact Information and Links