Saratoga Restaurant News: New Bar, Bakery, Chef, and Menus

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Although January tends to be a slower month for Spa City businesses, much has been happening behind the scenes to launch, bolster, and revise existing eateries. 

First, there is the somewhat mysterious Hi-Note Bar in the works at 63 Putnam Street, the former home of the Adirondack Cigar Shoppe. Publicly available details, including an opening date, are scant thus far, but the interior has a funky 70s-style vibe that is hard to miss when strolling down Putnam.

Next is news that Saratoga Arms’ restaurant has been officially named Three Daughters Kitchen & Cocktails, and it is now open for reservations to non-hotel guests. The restaurant is named for founder Kathleen Smith’s three daughters, each of whom has played a role in the family business over the years. “We always had family businesses, and the girls have always been involved in them,” Smith said in a social media announcement. “At six years old, they were behind breakfast buffets passing out melons. At twelve years old, Amy was making schedules. It’s a tribute to them.”

Standard Fare launched into the new year with a new menu and a new executive chef. The elevated comfort food eatery added Joseph Michaud as its culinary leader. “With years of experience in some of the area’s best kitchens—most recently at The Wishing Well—and as a member of the original Standard Fare opening team, Chef Joseph is the perfect fit for where we’re headed next,” the restaurant said in its announcement. “His creativity, passion, and deep connection to our roots have inspired a bold new menu. Think Standard Fare, just with the volume turned way up.” Standard Fare is also now serving brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Fillis on Phila launched a new menu on Tuesday that includes everything from wings to deviled eggs to crab rangoon mozzarella sticks—not to mention a dozen varieties of wood stone pizzas. Fillies also revised its hours, with the new schedule also going into effect on Tuesday.

Then, of course, there’s Bear’s Cup Bakehouse, the super-popular, recently-opened bakery on Broadway that’s had lines out the door on many mornings. The Saratoga location, housed in the former home of Jacobsen Rugs, is now open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. The artisanal bakery and coffee shop—known for its New York-style bagels, fresh-baked bread, and pastries—was initially based out of Bolton Landing, a hamlet that borders Lake George and is across from the Sagamore Resort. After the successful launch of its Spa City location, Bear’s Cup is now apparently interested in adding a third outpost in Wilton.

Last but not least is Bibulous’ new menu, which was revealed a few weeks ago. The restaurant—which focuses on deserts, cocktails, and appetizers—now offers dips, macaroni and cheese, three types of mini hot dogs, bourbon bread pudding, lemon olive oil cake, and more. “With the New Year coming, we are taking your requests into consideration and one of the main asks was for a few more ‘small plate’ options,” the restaurant said.