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Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa has everything you could want when it comes to dining.
Plenty of informal options are available for those looking for a quick bite or a poolside meal, while the signature restaurant The Turf Club Bar and Grill fits the bill for a special occasion.
Many of the restaurants take on the equine theming of Saratoga Springs, but with their own personal flair depending on the location. Spread throughout the resort area, you will never have to travel far for a delicious meal!
What This Guide Covers
Counter Service Locations
The Artist’s Palette
Located in the Carriage House is The Artist’s Palette, which is the main quick service location for Disney’s Saratoga Springs.
Not only can you grab a quick and yummy meal or snack, but also the Artist’s Palette is your one-stop shop for perishable items and gift shop souvenirs.
This is where you can pick up your refillable mug as well, which we highly recommend you do if you are a big soda drinker (although you can fill it with more than just soda!).
Breakfast
The Artist’s Palette opens for breakfast at 7:00am, so this is a great place to start your day before you head off to the parks.
This location boasts several hot food items for both adults and children, all of which are amazing with classical Disney tastes.
For the platter option scrambled eggs, bacon, breakfast potatoes, and biscuits are fresh and piping hot served alongside everyone’s favorite Mickey waffles. You also can just get the waffles with a side of breakfast meat if you prefer.
This is also a great opportunity to put your refill mug to good use, as you can fill it up with your morning coffee or orange juice to have with your breakfast or to take with you into the parks.
A country breakfast wrap and croissant sandwich are excellent options if you need to grab and go, getting all your protein and carbs into one easy package. For vegetarians, the Harvest Breakfast Sandwich is made with entirely plant-based options, and hot oatmeal is also available.
Kids have the option of a smaller breakfast platter and their own Mickey waffle meal, but if you have young adventurers with big appetites, it might be better in the end to get them an adult-sized meal.
If you want something lighter or even faster, there are several bakery options and assorted cereals among the snack options. The full dessert options are also available at breakfast if you want to go full-blown vacation mode!
Lunch and Dinner
The lunch and dinner offerings are the same at the Artist’s Palette, making it easy to grab a good meal at any time.
Chicken strips, hot and cold sandwiches, salads, and house-made chips are the standard fare, making it easy for everyone to find something to their tastes.
Our suggestion would be the Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwich, constructed of Black Forest ham, smoked Gouda cheese, Dijon mustard, and Quattro Formaggis Spread served alongside the special Saratoga Springs chips. This combination takes the humble ham and cheese to a whole new level!
If you need something a bit lighter, a refreshing option would be the Saratoga Salad, containing chicken, mixed greens, dried blueberries and cranberries, apples, spiced walnuts, ciabatta croutons, and lemon poppy-seed dressing. You can also get the salad without the chicken for a meat-free option.
Additionally, if you want to go entirely plant-based, the Artist’s Palette offers an Asian Noodle Bowl made with rice noodles in a miso pho broth, Napa cabbage, onions, mushrooms, carrots, and jalapeños for a bit of a kick. This is a great option for a vegetarian looking for a hot meal.
For your kiddos, turkey sandwiches, Uncrustables, chicken nuggets, and mac and cheese all come with grapes, carrots, and choice of small low-fat milk or bottled water.
The dessert options at the Artist’s Palette are fantastic, more that of a bakery than your typical counter service. To begin, there are three different brownie options (an overjoying prospect for this chocoholic!): a candy bar brownie and a s’mores brownie in addition to the conventional option. Blondie bites complement this fabulous trio.
For lighter options, you can try the fabulous house-made cannoli, a traditional fried pastry shell filled with a lightly flavored orange ricotta filling garnished with mini chocolate chips. There’s also a sugar-free cheesecake topped with fresh fruit if you want to indulge but still need to count calories.
The real pièce de résistance is the signature cupcakes that really live up the name of the restaurant!
First is the Bullseye Cupcake, a chocolate cupcake filled with peanut butter mousse, topped with chocolate and peanut butter, and finished with a white chocolate disc decorated with beloved Toy Story’s Bullseye.
Next is the Milk & Cookies Cupcake, a vanilla cupcake filled with edible cookie dough, a signature snack on Walt Disney World property (and a popular one at that!). To finish it off, the cupcake is topped with sweet cream and a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie.
The best of the three is the last, the Chocolate Hazelnut Cupcake. A delicious Oreo cupcake filled with a light hazelnut mousse, topped with a dollop of Oreo whipped cream, and finished with chocolate Mickey Ears.
Throughout the different seasons, you can also find other amazing cupcake options, like pumpkin spice in the fall or peppermint and chocolate at Christmastime. No matter how many times you visit, the bakery case at The Artist’s Palette is always worth a glance!
Snacks
A wide variety of snack options are always available at the Artist’s Palette, including class treats like the Mickey crispy rice treat, along with other healthy options like fruit cups, yogurt, and vegetables.
The majority of these snacks are included in the Disney Dining Plan and are portable, so when you’re grabbing your meal snag a snack to take with you to the parks. Getting these snacks ahead of time helps to save time in the parks, rather than standing in line for the same items.
Beverages
At any time of day, you can get soda (Coke products), sports drinks, tea, juice, coffee, and of course water in your refillable mug. You can also purchase these items separately, but the mug is definitely the way to go.
In addition to the fountain and refillable offerings, you can grab alcoholic beverages from the small market section. From mudslides to margaritas, they’ve got you covered! You can also find a wide variety of both foreign and domestic beers, including some local Florida offerings, and Strongbow Hard Cider.
Finally, there is a selection of wines by the bottle and by the portable glass, both foreign and domestic vintages.
Poolside Bars and Grills
Backstretch Pool Bar
Open daily from noon to 7:00-8:00pm (depending on the season), the Backstretch Pool Bar is a great lunch or light dinner option, especially if you are planning to spend the day poolside.
Located at the Grandstand Pool area, Backstretch the perfect quick service meal location if you are staying the Grandstand section let alone hanging out at the pool. The other options are a bit of a walk (or even a drive) away, so you’re in luck to have something so close!
Backstretch Pool Bar offers a lighter fare, ideal for a lazy afternoon of swimming or a quick meal to take back to your room.
The entrees consist of a ham and cheese sandwich, tuna salad sandwich, and a chicken Caesar wrap. A variety of chips are available for a salty snack, and to satisfy your sweet tooth are two delicious Mickey-shaped treats – the ice cream sandwich and classic ice cream bar.
If you’re searching for a libation to accompany your sunning, the drink offerings include your typical mixed drinks and assorted beers. While it’s nothing too fancy, sometimes it is the simplest pleasures that can make a relaxing afternoon perfect.
The Paddock Grill
The Paddock Grill is one of the poolside options that also offers breakfast, opening at 7:30am and closing at 8:00pm. If you want to camp out by the pool, you could conceivably eat all three meals right here!
Breakfast
While all the options are quick and can be taken on the go, you can still get a nice hot meal at the Paddock Grill to enjoy overlooking the pool.
Two breakfast quiche options, ham and cheese or spinach with caramelized onions and tomatoes, are a good choice if you’re planning to eat your meal outside at the pool.
If you want something you can take with you, whether it’s back to your room or off to the parks, the croissant sandwich made with grilled ham, egg, and American cheese is perfect.
Overnight oats or a yogurt parfait are both ideal if you want a healthier option, or you can choose from among the grill’s baked goods for something portable. Kids also have the option of getting French toast sticks with grapes if they don’t like any of the other hot options.
The Paddock Grill is also a bar, and the whole drink menu is available from open to close (after all, it’s five o’clock somewhere!).
For the morning, we suggest the signature Mandarin Dream, Absolut Mandrin vodka blended with orange purée, or a Sunshine Margarita, Lunazul Reposado tequila, Cointreau, sour mix, orange juice, and a spritz of lime. Both of these cocktails have a burst of freshness as well as a kick, the perfect way to start a vacation day.
But hey, if you want to have a beer with breakfast, no one here is going to judge you. You’re on vacation! Just be responsible…and maybe stay near the shallow water.
Lunch and Dinner
For lunch and dinner, you’ll find the same food and drink available, although the lunch menu includes some non-alcoholic drink options. Even though the dinner menu does not list them, you could still ask for one of these drinks if you would prefer a mocktail.
A juicy burger, spicy chicken sandwich, and flavorful fish tacos make up the hot meals at the Paddock. Both the burger and the chicken sandwich come with the choice of French fries or vegetable slaw, which the tacos come with a side of house-made plantain chips to complete the Baja feeling.
The children’s menu includes classic kid favorites, like a plain hamburger and chicken nuggets, both served with the choice of fries or grapes and a small milk or water. You can also grab a mini turkey sandwich if you have a kiddo who never wants to leave the pool, so you don’t need to worry about their lunch getting cold.
Dessert options are limited, the Paddock Grill only has the Mickey ice cream sandwich or Mickey ice cream bar, but honestly, these snacks are delicious and perfect for the pool. Just make sure you don’t drop them!
While there are a wide variety of beers and wines available, you want to at least take a look at the signature cocktails.
Some of our favorites include the Banana Cabana, mango rum, coconut rum, crème de banana, orange juice, and pineapple juice, and the Piña CoLAVA, raspberry rum blended with flavors of coconut, pineapple, and raspberry purée. Both are perfect for vacation, sunshine, and are so delicious you’ll be going back for more!
On the Rocks
Located at the High Rock Spring Pool, On the Rocks pool bar is open daily from 11:00am-7:00pm. While the bar itself doesn’t make food, you can place an order with the bartender and they can bring you a meal from The Artist’s Palette that will certainly satisfy your hunger.
On the Rocks offers the same cocktails and drink selection as its sister bars on property, including the signature Millionaire Margarita, made with 1800 Resposado Tequila, Grand Marnier, lime juice, and sweet-and-sour. If you are looking for a frozen concoction, try something different and order the Frosé, featuring Meomi Rosé and vodka blended into a tasty frozen treat.
Chip n’ Dale’s Café
If you’re planning on playing at the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, stop in at Chip n’ Dale’s Café to grab a quick bite! The café opens every morning at 6:30am, and remains open until 6:00pm. If you don’t like to have a heavy meal right before a round of golf, this could be the perfect solution for you.
A wide variety of sandwiches, wraps, and other snacks are the ideal food to take on the cart with you or to snag after you finish your round. Some combo options are available as well, both with soda and beer options, providing a satisfying lunch (even if your round didn’t go as planned).
Signature Dining
The Turf Club Bar and Grill
Tucked into the Carriage House, The Turf Club Bar and Grill is the signature dining experience at Disney’s Saratoga Springs. Open daily for dinner, this twist on American cuisine is perfect for a special night out or a delicious family meal, the flexible atmosphere and fabulous food make this restaurant ideal for a variety of occasions.
As soon as you walk in, the overall feeling and décor echoes the equestrian theme of the resort. Deep colors and dark woods make the place feel cool and peaceful, as does the view of the Sassagoula River and the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course.
The green and gold color scheme reflects both the natural tones of the golf course and the classic colors of horseracing. Bright white lamps help to literally lighten the space, while primary-colored stained glass adds another color element.
You can also choose to eat outside under the breeze of the fans in the covered patio area, ideal for spring or fall when the Floridian heat is pleasant but not overwhelming. The view of the water from the patio is unobstructed, making it a tranquil and romantic spot for a delicious dinner.
To begin the meal, the appetizer options include favorites like creamy buffalo chicken dip, served with Saratoga Springs’ special homemade chips, and savory French onion soup, topped with Swiss and Gruyère Cheeses. If you want to venture a bit further into culinary adventure, try the crispy shrimp with sweet chili aioli and vegetable slaw.
Rich and flavorful, there are a wide variety of entrees to choose from that will satisfy any palate.
Delicious prime rib, New York strip, and the house specialty Turf Club Barbecued Ribs (St. Louis-style ribs, hand-cut parmesan-rosemary fries, and creamy coleslaw) are all wonderful options that speak to classic Americana.
At the same time, dishes like the Carrot Gnocchi with sweet peas, mushrooms, toasted pine nuts, in a mushroom sauce or the Seared Duck Breast and Confit accompanied by parsnip-fennel purée, asparagus, topped with a pomegranate-orange gastrique take your taste buds on a whole new flavor journey. While it is important to choose a meal you will love, don’t be afraid to go a bit out of your comfort zone and try something new!
Dessert sticks with the American favorites theme, including options like a zingy lemon meringue pie and a warming peach crisp.
Chocolate lovers can go for the chocolate fruit tart or the chocolate and cherries, each of which offers much more than their simple names suggest. If you want something lighter, a traditional vanilla crème brȗleé or seasonal gelato might just be the perfect way to end your meal.
The children’s menu is a fun mix-and-match option that allows kids to choose one entrée, a side, and a children’s dessert. A plain cheeseburger or hotdog comes to the rescue of picky eaters, with a simple side of mashed potatoes and a vanilla cupcake to round out the meal. Palates that are slightly more sophisticated might want to try the grilled salmon and add sautéed broccolini or go for a smaller version of the adult prime rib with a side of green beans.
On the sweet side, kids can also choose from a strawberry-banana yogurt pop or a chocolate-covered frozen banana for the fruit lovers in your family.
As the restaurant has a horse and country club theme, it is fitting that the signature drinks include some horseracing classics as well as nods to the sport.
A mint julep pairs nicely with the Turf Club ribs, fitting with the southern flair of the Kentucky Derby. Meanwhile, the Banfi Rosa Regale Sparkling Red from Piedmont would be just right with the prime rib.
Perhaps you prefer your drink with dessert. If so, pair your crème brȗleé with The Preakness Cosmo, composed of Skyy Infusions Citrus vodka, Triple Sec, and cranberry juice. If you like your drink as your dessert, you want the Godiva Chocolate Martini or the Magical Star Cocktail.
If your mouth isn’t watering after all that, then it certainly isn’t our doing. This is one of the restaurants where you will want to book your reservation in advance, so don’t wait!
The Turf Club Lounge
Let’s face it, it can be wearing to eat such large meals every night of your Disney vacation. While the food is delicious, unless you are making conscious choices to take it easy or choose lighter options now and then, you’re going to be overwhelmed.
That’s why choosing to go to a signature lounge, like the Turf Club Lounge, can take the pressure off you (and your expanding stomach!).
The Turf Club Lounge has a couple of smaller items from the main Turf Club menu, as well as a few of their own delicious offerings. You can also get the majority of the signature drinks from the Turf Club, so if you just want a quick drink and a hot meal in a quiet atmosphere, the Turf Club Lounge is for you.
The Bistro Burger and Shrimp Tacos are ideal if you still want the feeling of a full meal, while the Charcuterie Plate or Fried Calamari would be better options if you had a larger lunch (or are on your fifth day of Disney food).
One of the only drawbacks to the lounge is the lack of dessert, but right down the hall you can hit the Artist’s Palette for a Bullseye Cupcake and all will be right with the world.
Wherever you chose to eat at Disney’s Saratoga Springs, you will not be disappointed. If it weren’t for the parks or Disney Springs, you might never need to leave your resort!
Written by Grace Hoyos, Staff Writer
Grace is a life-long lover of all things Disney, particularly the parks at Walt Disney World. She is also an avid Disney Cruise Line enthusiast who regularly dreams of the white sands of Castaway Cay. Grace loves the fact that her Disney trips give her time to spend with her family, enjoy incredible food, and try new experiences.