Family-Run, Mexican-American Diner Celebrates 3 Years in Saratoga

GANSEVOORT — Horse racing brought them here, but family allowed them to thrive.

Compadres Diner, which recently celebrated its three-year anniversary, is owned and operated by the Garcia family. Dad Marino was an exercise rider for horse trainer Chad Brown. Mom Rosa practically runs the place. Daughter Diana, who graduated from Saratoga Springs High School just five years ago, handles all the paperwork. The youngest daughters lend a hand when they’re not in school, often giggling, dancing, and having fun while they work, according to Diana.

“We’re a little bit of a crazy family, but we always have a good team and we’re always together,” Rosa told Saratoga TODAY. “Some customers say they don’t see those things often because families go different ways, not together.”

The Garcias got their start by accumulating restaurant experience (Diana was a cashier at Hattie’s Chicken Shack and Rosa worked at the Route 50 Diner) and by selling street corn and tamales at St. Clements Church. 

The family was interested in starting a business, but the pandemic derailed their plans. When they later saw the property at 666 Saratoga Road available, they took the leap.

Initially, the plan was to focus primarily on Mexican cuisine. But when the Garcias met Sergio Felix, a chef who was adept at making both Mexican and American dishes, they decided to create a blended Mexican-American menu. Today, some of their most popular offerings include amigos omelettes (which include chorizo, green peppers, and pepperjack cheese), breakfast burritos, and chorizo benedict (poached eggs with chorizo and avocado, covered in hollandaise). Compadres also has a loyal contingent of tamale addicts. 

“People love the tamales here,” Diana said. “They’re like, ‘These tamales are just different from anyone else’s.’ We have regulars that come for just tamales once a week or twice a week. It’s a long process, it takes a little bit of work. But people say it’s the best tamales they’ve ever tried.”

The diner also boasts a couple Saratoga celebs among its fans. Chad Brown has held multiple events there, including an end-of-the-season celebration for backstretch workers. Pat Fleming, the host of the “Another Day, Another Diner” video series, told Saratoga TODAY that Compadres was “one of my favorite diners of all time.” Fleming has been to more than 100 diners, including many throughout the Capital Region.

Next up for Compadres: a Mother’s Day celebration featuring mariachi bands, and (hopefully) the addition of margaritas to the menu. Until then, the Garcias will continue running the place as a close-knit family business.

“We enjoy ourselves here,” Diana said.