The Bank
14421 Big Basin Way, Saratoga; 408.867.5155
The Bank is one of a kind in Saratoga, a local dive bar amid some decidedly haughty surroundings, and boy, are we thankful because even the toniest of neighborhoods needs to have a blue-collar drinking establishment for the regular folks. The Bank is actually Saratoga's oldest bar, and once you step inside you'll realize the validity of that statement because the interior looks as if it hasn't seen the light of day in all of its 30 years of operation. But, once you get past that, the drinks are cheap, and the Bank gets Saratoga rocking nearly every night.
The Basin
14572 Big Basin Way, Saratoga; 408.867.1906
The Basin is the neighborhood bar complete with all of the amenities a neighborhood bar should have: an outstanding wine and port selection, excellent drinks (especially the martinis), small cheese and fruit plates, and classic American fare.
Blue Rock Shoot
14523 Big Basin Way, Saratoga; 408.872.0309
A great low-key alternative for a night out in Saratoga, Blue Rock Shoot offers its patrons a casual, lodgelike woodsy atmosphere in which to enjoy some local live music in the folk, bluegrass or jazz veins. The outdoor back patio at Blue Rock Shoot is the perfect place to catch up with old friends and, while the interior of the club is small, it totally provides fans with an intimate, memorable experience from any act that rolls through.
Crazy Horse Lounge and Bistro at the Plumed Horse
14555 Big Basin Way, Saratoga; 408.867.4711
The Crazy Horse Lounge and Bistro, located in Saratoga's venerable Plumed Horse restaurant, is the only bar in town that features a dance floor, and on weekend nights that smallish dance floor gets packed with crowds that range in age from 30 to 80 enjoying some live music after dinner. Also there's a cozy fireplace in the lounge for those cold Saratoga nights and the Crazy Horse boasts some of the best views of the mountains.
Viaggio Ristorante Mediterraneo
14550 Big Basin Way, Saratoga; 408.741.5300
Viaggio Ristorante Mediterraneo's bar and lounge area more than makes up for its small size and quiet atmosphere by serving excellent drinks by downright friendly bartenders that make everyone feel welcome, whether they're in for a quick drink or waiting for a table in the restaurant.
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