Of course Saratoga has a unique take on “seasonal menu.”
Usually it means that the ingredients match the time of year for the freshest of flavors. At the year-old Bibulous, where the cocktail menu changes — yup — seasonally? Winter faves are also mind-bendy.
“Shockingly (or maybe not!), our frozen drinks are just as popular in the winter,” says Jen Chessare, who owns Bibulous Saratoga (35 Henry Street) with her husband, Daniel. “I think people just want to feel like they’re on summer vacation, even in February.”
The rest of us can warm up via other “fan favorites” that include its popular Japanese Maple and an unbeatable espresso martini flight. There’s also a growing small plates and dessert menu that changes weekly and is known for having a ton of gluten-free options.
We checked in with Bibulous before its sister deli went local-viral, curious how things were going a year in. I’ve been there on quiet and packed nights — and no matter how many hipsters (late night) or exhausted working parents (pre-9 p.m.) were there, the service was consistently helpful, the cocktails were consistently powerful, well-crafted and distinct.
But I wanted something a little more official re: the town’s cocktail cognoscenti.
“Saratoga has really shown up,” Jen confirms. “Our weekends are lively and lovely, just the way we hoped they’d be. Midweek can always use a little extra love, but that’s pretty typical, especially this time of year in Saratoga.”
The pair are used to fast-paced weekends and slower winter weeks: they also own(ed) Saratoga’s Broadway Deli. Like it’s boozier little sister, it’s jammed on the weekends, with plenty of seats available during the week. (That said, the Deli is on the block, for a reported $299,900.)
Bring on the adult slushies — the Chessares are doubling down on Bibulous after the deli sells, so it’s only up from here.
Bibulous Saratoga is open Thursday-Tuesday, 5 pm to midnight.
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