Saratoga Spotlight: Hattie’s Restaurants

Hattie’s Restaurant in Saratoga Springs, New York, is a beloved institution famous for its “Fine Southern Goodness” since 1938.¹ It’s a place rich in history, legendary food, and a commitment to community.²

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

What Makes Hattie’s Unique

Hattie’s distinction comes from a powerful blend of culinary excellence, deep community roots, and a modern philanthropic model:

• Award-Winning Fried Chicken: The restaurant is most famous for its fried chicken, a recipe that has earned national acclaim and local loyalty for over eight decades.³ This dish is considered the restaurant’s signature and its main claim to fame.

   

• The Bobby Flay “Throwdown” Victory (Significant Event): A major event in the restaurant’s history was when Chef Jasper Alexander won a surprise fried chicken throwdown against celebrity chef Bobby Flay on the Food Network.⁴ This victory cemented Hattie’s reputation for having some of the best fried chicken in the country.

   

• A “Change-Making Kitchen” (Philanthropy): In 2021, Hattie’s was acquired by local philanthropists Ed and Lisa Mitzen. Today, the restaurant operates as a social enterprise, with all profits donated to local organizations, including the Business for Good Foundation, to fight hunger and food insecurity.⁵ This commitment to philanthropy continues and elevates the founder’s legacy of generosity.

   

• Ambiance and Atmosphere: The original location on Phila Street offers a charming, inviting, and nostalgic atmosphere, often described as cozy with a mix of historical elements, including its classic red and white checkered tablecloths.⁶ The outdoor “Hattio” provides a unique seasonal dining experience.⁷

   

History of Hattie’s

The restaurant’s story begins with one remarkable woman: Ms. Hattie Moseley Austin Gray.⁸

• The Founding (1938): Ms. Hattie, originally from Louisiana, settled permanently in Saratoga Springs and opened Hattie’s Chicken Shack on Federal Street in 1938 with a modest investment of just $33.00.⁹

   

• The Early Years and Community Hub: In the late 1930s and 40s, Saratoga Springs was a vibrant town of gambling, jazz clubs, and a lively nightlife.¹⁰ Hattie’s became a 24-hour gathering place during the summers, welcoming everyone—from famous musicians and socialites to prominent citizens, locals, and those in need.¹¹ Ms. Hattie was known for her incredible generosity, often helping people with work, money, or simply a meal.¹²

   

  • As former Adirondack Trust Bank chairman Charles Wait recalled, “Hattie’s always represented a place where everybody in the community felt comfortable and it didn’t matter if you were the president of the bank or a groom at the track.”¹³

     

• The Move to Phila Street (1968): Hattie’s moved to its current location at 45 Phila Street during a period of urban renewal.¹⁴

   

• Continuing the Legacy: After Ms. Hattie’s death in 1998, the restaurant changed hands, first to Chef Jasper and Beth Alexander, who dedicated themselves to continuing the traditions of great food and hospitality.¹⁵ In 2021, the Mitzen family partnered with them to establish its current philanthropic model.¹⁶

   

Highlight Menu Items

Hattie’s serves authentic Southern and Louisiana cuisine.¹⁷ While menus can change, some consistent highlights include:

Customer Feedback

Hattie’s generally receives very positive feedback, which centers on the following points:

• Praise: Customers consistently praise the authentic Southern flavors, especially the famous fried chicken, which is described as both crispy and juicy.¹⁸ The friendly and welcoming service is often highlighted, as is the charming, historic atmosphere.

   

• Areas for Improvement: Some customers occasionally mention the pricing being on the higher side and note that service can be slower during peak times due to the restaurant’s popularity and limited seating.¹⁹

   

Locations and Contact Information

Hattie’s Restaurants has several locations, though the main, original sit-down restaurant is on Phila Street.²⁰

Original Saratoga Springs Location