Olde Bryan Inn

We have been coming here since I was a child and it never disappoints. Saturday, Feb 22 my mom and I came here around 11:30 for lunch. While we did not have a reservation we were seated quickly and a warm and cozy both near the fireplace. Our server was prompt and friendly. We ordered soups and salads. The "small" salads are huge and were the perfect size to go with soup. I had the French onion soup which is to die for. My mom had the special clam chowder, which was also fabulous. If looking for a historic place with great food and hospitality this is the spot in Saratoga!

Fish & Chips was delicious! We ate at the bar, so was a bit noisy (wait time was ~45 mins during supper time on a weekday). Service was decent. Recommended for a pub feel in upstate NY.

The Olde Bryan Inn is teeming with history, great flavor, and a homey ambience. The French Onion Soup alone is worth the drive. History: The Olde Bryan Inn is the 1832 reincarnation of the log cabin owned and operated by American scout, spy, and patriot Alexander Bryan. He was a discrete Inn Keeper widely respected by the Americans and British alike. His intel helped turn the tide in the favor of the American Revolutionaries. The vibe at this restaurant is dark and intimate with beautiful artwork. While it is beautiful it isn’t pretentious - plastic seasonal decor hang along expensive red drapes. It feels like dining in a generational middle upper class home. This restaurant would be an ideal place to take family on special occasions. The candlelit dinner amongst the exposed brick and wonderful cocktails make this restaurant a perfect date night excursion as well. What I ordered: -I put a spell on you poisoned apple cocktail $14 -Pumpkin-licious martini $14 -French Onion Soup $8 -Braised short rib poutine $22 -Fish and Chips $22 -Roasted Garlic Pork Chop with a Roasted Garlic Black Pepper Horseradish Demi-glacé $24 -Morgan’s Chocolate Chip Pie $9 Total: $145.91 (including taxes and tip) The apple cocktail was a great balance between apple and vodka. The pumpkin cocktail actually tasted like pumpkin as well. The French onion soup was the star of the show. The cheese pull was long and meandering, the stock tasted as if it was made in house from a beef consommé. They used high quality baguettes in the center and the depth flavor was mesmerizing bite after bite. The braised short rib poutine was generously seasoned but was a bit too sweet for my taste. The green onions, ribs, and cheese on top of crispy potato wedges had a mouthwatering synergy. With a bit more cheese and salt, and a little less sweetness, this would’ve been my new favorite poutine. Having said that, I do think $22 is too steep for a traditionally fastfood dish with moderately priced cheeses. The bread crumbs of the fish were generously seasoned, which was surprising. Usually the breading is overlooked at other restaurants but not so here. The fries were great and had the right amount of salt. The fries are not made in house but they have a nice crunch and the breading is delicious. The chop was a bit tough and it was a little difficult to cut. I loved the seasonings on top, the char, and the savory sauce. Overall, I highly recommend it for a hearty dinner. The pie had lower quality chocolate, a store bought crust, and I couldn’t tell if the cookie dough is made in house. It was a bit sugar forward. The walnuts seem to tie together the mix of soft, crispy, and crunchy. Each bite is fun and interesting. It tastes like a pie an Auntie would bring by at Thanksgiving to try. A relative would go back for a second piece if she brought this one, I know I would. $9 is a fair price for both the experience and value. I would gladly pay it again. Price vs Value: The cocktails are made with higher quality ingredients and I think a $14 price tag is justified. The French Onion soup tastes like a $20, high end French Onion soup and the price is a steal. The fish and chips is to be expected and the braised short rib is a bit overpriced for the value. The chop and pie slice were worth every cent. I think the value is certainly there. For two people, we could’ve easily eaten there for $70 if we had been frugal. Another part of this restaurant’s charm is the flexibility in its pricing and offerings. It is a place to splurge for special occasions and a haven in the winter for a simple cup of soup. I highly recommend The Olde Bryan Inn.

Loved this spot! The food was absolutely delicious. The service was quick and courteous. Our waiter recommended the perfect dishes for us. They have a delicious gluten free menu and had a great array of cocktails on the menu. Really loved the BBQ pork chops and vegetables. The restaurant was very clean and had a great atmosphere. Highly recommend for a date night, meeting with friends/coworkers/family and more. Would definitely return.

French onion soup was amazing. Probably the best I've had in the area. The broth was really cooked and the cheese was cooked perfectly. As my entree I got the French onion Prime Rib dip sandwich and it was good as well.

What a cool place! It's like being in a well-preserved time capsule of American history, but with excellent food and service. The menu is thoughtful and creative, and Chef John even came out and visited guests to check if they were enjoying their meals. Our waiter, Harry, was friendly and attentive and the entire staff made us feel welcome. Highly recommended if you are anywhere in the area!

In the heart of downtown near a parking garage. A cozy old tavern and restaurant with outdoor seating also. Historical building with stone and dark wood beam construction. Warm and inviting as is the food. Includes vegan and gluten free options. Full service bar and locally crafted beer. I had the Open faced turkey sandwich smothered in gravy stuffing and mashed potatoes with a side of cranberry sauce. Rich flavorful gravy and tender turkey with creamy mashed potatoes.

Love coming here for lunch! Delicious French onion soup and pretzel bites. Our waitress Emily was friendly and always had a smile. Can’t wait to be back!

I wanted to visit this establishment for quite a while. Yesterday was my chance. My husband and I had lunch here. We sat in the bar area , near the fire. Excellent choice. The ambiance was amazing. I started with the French Onion soup...top tier. BUT... let me tell you about our server, Correy! His knowledge, personality, integrity and customer service, Impeccable.. It it not often that one gets such a well rounded human. He made the visit worthwhile and we will be returning. THANK YOU Correy.

To say that I love Old Bryan Inn would be an understatement. This restaurant holds a special place in my heart, having been a part of my family traditions for most summers after a day at the track, as well as for birthday and anniversary celebrations throughout my life. In fact, my connection to the place runs deep--long before it became a restaurant, my grandfather was a delivery boy when it was still a private home operating a laundromat. Walking into Old Bryan Inn is always a warm and inviting experience, thanks to the large fireplaces in the original portions of the building and the beautiful exposed wood beams that exude charm and character. The ambiance sets the perfect tone for a meal, making it feel like a cherished gathering spot. On my most recent visit, I stopped in for lunch after attending a conference. The restaurant boasts an extensive menu with options that cater to all palates and appetites, including separate menus for those with dietary restrictions. Over the years, I've tried a variety of dishes and have never encountered a disappointing item. However, on this occasion, I opted for one of my favorite meals: their soup, salad, and muffin combo. I chose the French onion soup and paired it with their delightful honey ginger dressing. The French onion soup was just as warm and gooey as I had hoped, with rich flavors that warmed me from the inside out. The honey ginger dressing added a perfect touch, bringing a sweet and tangy flavor that complemented the meal beautifully. And let's not forget the muffin--always slightly sweet, it feels like a little dessert in itself, making the lunch experience even more enjoyable. The staff at Old Bryan Inn were friendly and attentive, responding promptly to my needs and ensuring I had a pleasant dining experience. Their hospitality truly enhances the welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant. Old Bryan Inn continues to be a beloved destination for me, and I look forward to making more memories there in the future. It's a place where tradition meets excellent food, and I can't recommend it highly enough!

Definitely an older dated decor, but that was somehow part of the charm. We had a large party and were sat pretty quickly without having a reservation. We all had different dishes and enjoyed them all. I appreciated there being some vegetarian options beyond the old standard veggie burger or salad. Seems like there is some cool history with this place. You should check it out!

This restaurant is a jem to visit especially in the winter time. It was all decorated for Christmas with fireplaces going. So cozy which perfectly compliments a menu of mostly classic comfort food. The French onion soup was everything you would want. Served in a little crock with the bits of crispy cheese on the edge. Quite a good deal too at $8. Both my husband and I were craving steak dinners and it did not disappoint.

What an amazing place with an incredible history the food was fresh and so good fast friendly service if you are here make a reservation they are busy but so worth it.

Old atmosphere, fantastic food, quick service! There is something on the menu for everyone to enjoy! The service is always friendly, definitely reserve a table FRI-SUN. Even though it's busy, you will get your food quick, the bread is fantastic while you wait for your meal. The chicken cordon bleu is to die for, the best I've ever tasted!

Came here on a Saturday with reservations for dinner for a larger party and we were seated quickly. The menu had your typical Americana options and we ended up sharing a few apps to start. The poutine-esque dish wasn't very good, but the mushrooms were pretty solid. The drinks were huge - definitely recommend them solely for the value. The free bread was also solid, but it was interesting how we got it after our apps. The steak was pretty good - very large and the sides were solid as well. Overall, I found this spot to be pretty decent - good food, okay prices, okay service. I wouldn't come running back here anytime in the future, but wouldn't mind going again if in the area.

Over the years, I've enjoyed dining at the Olde Bryan Inn and I nor my quests have never had any disappointments. The menu offers a wide variety, the service is always eager to please and the ambiance is very comfortable. The Sullivans (former owners of Longfellows) continue to run a fantastic business.

I came here on a Thursday night and it was relatively busy so I would recommend a reservation. Service was attentive but not overwhelming. The ambiance is very nice; rustic yet not dingy. They provided complementary bread and butter which came in the form of rolls. For my main, I ended up getting the maple chicken salad. The maple balsamic vinaigrette was really delicious with the apples and the grilled chicken, but the highlight of the meal was definitely the pumpkin nut muffin. It was soft and spiced very nicely; I was surprised by how well it complimented the salad. The person I went with got the fish and chips. He said it was pretty good but "inauthentic to the U.K." (this is a good thing; it means the fish was seasoned well). Overall, I would certainly recommend the Olde Bryan Inn for a comforting vibe and good food.

Food was delicious, waitress very attentive, bar tender amazing when she let us switch our bottle of wine for something less sweet! We'll definitely be back! Haddock and shrimp, the rice was a little bland and the filet a tad under cooked for medium rare but over all delicious!

Scoring System: 0-3 Food Quality = 3 0-3 Service = 3 0-3 Ambience = 3 0-3 Cleanliness = 3 0-3 Likelihood I'll Return = 3 Total divided by 3 = Star rating 15/3 = 5 Definitely my kind of cuisine and atmosphere. Loved the fried mushrooms at the bar while waiting for our table. We were able to get in without reservations, and a moderate wait of about 30 minutes. The vegetarian meal was delicious, even though that isn't their specialty. The meat was cooked perfectly. The traditional chocolate mousse was a little too sweet for me, I prefer more chocolate but next time I'll try their chocolate walnut pie. I'm looking forward to eat there again.

The Olde Bryan Inn is a staple in Saratoga. The place is homey and takes you back in time. It was wonderfully decorated for the holidays. We started with cocktails and a few apps. I opted for the French onion soup and wow, it was incredible! I would return for this alone. It was perfectly rich and cheesy, the broth was heavenly. I am kinda bummed all the reviews were so-so and there were no great photos of the prime rib. So here's my positive review and some good photos. I did not order the prime rib at fear it would be over to my liking but my friend was served an excellent mid rare slab of prime rib. Everyone throughly enjoyed their meals. I opted for the fish and chips. From the photo, the batter looks over fried/ burnt but it didn't taste so. The fish was flaky tender, good fries, but the tartar sauce blew me away. It was seriously amazing I had to ask for more. Big punch of dill and lemon flavors and it was the perfect accompaniment to this dish. Service was slow throughout the visit, but it was really crowded. We were comped a round of drinks for the wait. It's a great spot to hang and chat with friends albeit a bit loud. Overall, this is a good spot and I'll be back!

The servers were very kind, but the actual menu should have been a clue that the food here was going to be less than desirable. Too many different options so no real specialties and everything is made just "ok". Instead of doing a bunch of "ok" options maybe cut the menu in half and stick to what you can do well. We both ordered the prime rib sandwich and for whatever reason they have decided to do a modern take on it and man did it disappoint. The prime rib was wildly over cooked, hard to chew and largely tasteless. It wasn't a sandwich! It had two skinny little crostini style pieces of bread with melted cheese on top that you 100% needed a steak knife to deal with. Everything was like warm including the au jus and it was just terribly disappointing. We basically dropped 100 bucks on a very subpar lunch and it was right at the start of their service. Overcooked prime rib is criminal, and if it's not a sandwich don't call it one. The food here just isn't worth the stop in. Definitely not of the same caliber as Hamlet & Ghost or other local options for the price. Also most of their clientele is quite old...which makes me think they have been getting away with this lackluster overpriced food for a while because it caters to the tastebud-less folks. Just....no.

My family and I have been here before, hence the reason we returned. As I begin this review, let me start by saying our server Jameson, was fantastic. So the three stars has nothing to do with the quality of service from the wait staff. Please note that. He would get a 5. The drinks were very tasty. We had the Fall Margarita special, my cousin had a beer after she couldn't finish her chicken sandwich because it was too spicy to eat. I tried it as well and so did my sisters. Inedible. I had the steak sandwich, it was a huge chunk of meat, and the cheese was melted on the outside of the closed bun. Like an after thought. My sister had the spinach salad which she said was good, and my other sister had the seafood and she liked it. We never complain about anything, but we decided to let our server know that my cousin's sandwich was inedible. We asked him to go speak to the manager about possibly comping this sandwich since we didn't finish it. Instead of comping the sandwich, he comped the beer. Working in restaurants my entire life I know how easy it is to comp a meal. They should have also come to the table to inquire as to what was wrong. To me that's common courtesy and as the owner or manager I would want to rectify the situation and earn the customer's trust so they would return and write a nice review. I don't think we will return.

Very cool building with an olde decor inside. Could picture drinking an ale during colonial times here. Food was excellent. Ordered the prime rib with mashed potatoes and green beans. All cooked to perfection. Needed to try the toll house pie sundae which hit the spot if you have a sweet tooth. Service is attentive. Waitress Shelby was fantastic, refilled my drinks numerous times and gave good recommendations. Would def come here again when in the Saratoga area

Awesome historic restaurant with great food, ambiance, and service. Came here for dinner with some friends and had a great experience. Food wise, everything was great. The short rib and turkey dinner were fantastic, and the wings to start were also very tasty. Bar options were nice and not overpriced, and the service was great from start to finish. Overall, it's a great spot to try if you're in the Saratoga area.

Food was good. I had the chicken saltimbocca. Ordered a drink special and it was the smallest $14 specialty drink I have ever seen. Waitress was nice and attentive. If you like rustic setting this place is perfect with a wood burning fireplace in the pub area.

I got a fuff fillet mil .steak and a reheated baked. Partners meal was perfect. Also French onion soup and green beans were great.. Will try again ,but it my be awhile.

Came here tonight with a group of 4, we all enjoyed every minute. The staff , ambiance, drinks & food were great. It's been an hour since we left and we are still taking about it . We will definitely be back

Tried something different today and LOVED it - Gochujang Vegetable Stir Fry. Delicious food, great atmosphere- our server Nicole W. was wonderful.

The Saratoga Cheese Steak to die for. Chef came to my table explained the sandwich to me personally. Cyndi had the French Onion Soup it was excellent. Diane had the salad with grilled chicken. We had lunch on a Race Day. I recommend making a reservation. Ambiance impeccable. The establishment is over a 100 years old. Stone construction building with fireplaces! If you in Saratoga Springs NY I STRONGLY suggest you dine at the Olde Bryan Inn! You will love it and remember it forever! Ronnie

The food was amazing, the service was great. Emily made sure we had everything we needed. The atmosphere is inviting and cozy. The bloody Mary's we delicious

The Olde Bryan Inn is always perfect. It's comfort food, drink and atmosphere. The staff is the best; dedicated, professional and friendly. The Chefs are always consistent. I'm pretty sure we've had almost everything on the menu and most of the specials. Hands down, the best French Onion Soup anywhere. We haven't lived in Saratoga for many years now, so the OBI is always on the top of our list every time we're in town. Thank you Sully, John K and the many wonderful people that have brought us joy. The OBI is Saratoga Springs sacred ground!

We ordered to go the French onion prime rib and the cheese was burnt and hard as a rock The au jous had no flavor whatsoever. Also ordered the turkey panini no cranberry mayonnaise and a very wet sandwich and I just don't recommend the Mac salad. Finally ordered the cheese sticks not crunchy. This was the second time in a year, the first time was eating in the restaurant this time take out. Both disappointing. Neither of us could finish our food. Can't find a reason to return!

All was excellent on a busy Friday night. Our server was efficient. The food and drinks were delicious and the atmosphere cozy.

Went for lunch with 8 family members on a Thursday afternoon. Drinks were served and the waitress then took our orders. We all ordered something different. Unfortunately, the person presenting our entrees didn't know who ordered what. We didn't understand why our waitress didn't serve us. It would have saved timed and confusion. Some of the entrees were served with the incorrect food items, ie; baked potato instead of french fries, walnut muffin instead of garlic toast. I ordered the combo salad, soup, and a nut muffin. The salad was drenched in dressing which I asked for on the side, the muffin had five tiny little pieces of walnuts just on the top. No nuts on the inside. My onion soup was very good. We were all disappointed in the service. I don't believe we will be going back. Emily Berberich 11/07/24

Made a reservation for Sunday Lunch. Parking at the hotel on the side if the building is available, you provide the hostess with the license plate number. It was busy at lunch time so, making reservation is the move. Our waitress was very polite and helpful. The gorgonzola steak is AMAZING! I was hesitant since it seemed like it would be too overwhelming but the gorgonzola and mustard completed each other very well with the steak. My partner loves french onion soup and the french onion prime rib sandwich was great to dip into the soup that it comes with. I would come back to try more of their menu.

Great place to eat. The food was great and so was the service. Highly recommend. Try the French onion soup

Food, well I should have thought out my choice more but how could French onion soup and a slice of prime rig on a toasted piece of bread with ample onions on top be bad Service, ok they rush the food out, I have hardly started the soup when the entree arrives. So I work on my soup while the entree cools. Nothing like a cold skinny slice of prime rib to slice off the fat and grizzle. There has to be something good about this meal. Ambiance, It started off well, we were on the patio and five minutes in some yahoos are leaf blowing pollen everywhere. I surprised my wife because I didn't get up and tell them to go work someplace else. I'm basically just trying to get through it, so 100 dollars later we depart the birthday lunch , we could have moved but chose not to. My bad 100 bucks for cold meat not so great. I did meet the owner but I spared him my impressions of the meal

Lovely old building, very quaint. Food was OK, not very creative or distinct. Good location, excellent attentive staff.

Food was exceptionally good, hearty fare that tapped a primal need for sustenance. Portions were generous as well. Service was acceptable but nothing extraordinary. The building itself was pleasingly old, retaining some of it's quirk. Recommended and would dine here again.

Amazing food, very hearty! Our waiter was also the nicest woman in the world and super welcoming :) Only 1 star off due to us having a reservation at 6:45 but still having to wait till 7. Speaks to their popularity though!

Food was great, service outstanding, ambiance was really nice! Worth a trip there. Love that it is an old building with stone walls.

Old world charm with a long history I love the Olde Bryan Inn. It feels like you stepped back to the 18th century with modern conveniences. Who doesn't love the locals pewter mugs hanging from the bar. The hostess and waitress were incredible and super friendly. Anything we asked for we got. The food was excellent. I crave turkey dinners and The Bryan inn definitely delivered. Real turkey not pressed fake turkey like you get somewhere else. This is the real deal. The French onion soup was perfect and exactly what a French onion soup should look like. If I'm ever back in Saratoga Springs this is the first stop.

Amazing food and service. Warm ambiance of a country Inn. Rave review for the prime rib. We were a party of 12 and everyone ordered something different from pork chops, old fashioned fried chicken, to bizarre sounding ribs w Mac/cheese. Everyone was thrilled.

A short while back I was in town for a weekend conference, stopped in for dinner. Loved the Turkey dinner-- stuffing and gravy were nothing short of amazing. Everything tasted like it was made from scratch--homemade cooking hmm. The only negative is that the space to wait for take out is very small on a cold packed day. Service was okay--was told I'd wait 40 min but we waited over an hour and I think that was because I went in and asked, otherwise I think we would've waited longer. The staff were nice, no complaint there. I would come back.

Incredibly rude hostess. The rest of the staff is lovely & were apologetic. They did their best to make up for a truly baffling & disappointing start.

Perfect stop on a bitterly cold and snowy winter's night. Snag a seat at the bar by the fireplace, or a table in the dining area (also with fireplaces). I'm all about the fireplaces. Food was just ok, but the service was spectacular, the drinks were great, and the atmosphere is cozy with a dose of history.

More than a meal, the atmosphere makes it a real old tavern experience. A great reason to leave the Main Street and pop over for a French onion soup.

A very welcoming and relaxed atmosphere - everyone who works here seems to really enjoy themselves. We had outstanding service from Sophia! The quality, quantity and timing of the food service were all top notch. I had the special mushroom soup - delicious. I also had the Haddock with mango sauce special and it was so tasty! We split a very large piece of vanilla cheesecake and it was perfect!

Love the history of this restaurant! Super charming. Our family of six had a meal there tonight. Four of us did not care for our meal. The fifth, had the salmon salad, said it was fine. We ordered the Caesar salads, fried cheese sticks, fried mushrooms, fish & chips, and fried chicken. It could be that we are from the south and have a different preference, but we did not enjoy the meals. The seasoning was not that appetizing and all the fried food was overcooked. The fresh vegetables were not seasoned well and were prepared undercooked. Overall, the prices seemed fair. We didn't try the desserts but sounded good.

Visiting with family and had a large party of 10. They were easily able to accommodate us with a reservation the day before. Everyone's food was very tasty. We love the old historic building, it's always so cozy! Service was great too.

The ambience is lovely and very historic. The service was friendly and prompt. The food was nothing to write home about. The burgers were just okay. Spinach salad gave me stomach issues and the turkey dinner was huge but kind of bland.

Great food and atmosphere! Very rustic looking! Recommended to us by a local and we were not disappointed.

Just went here and food was good and enjoyed the atmosphere. We had a large party and stayed for like 1.75 hours and spent plenty. At the end of the night I was waiting for the check for 20 minutes and that didn't bother me until the manager came out and told me I was lingering and that they needed the table. It was more disappointing that he went right to insulting me before even asking nicely. He obviously realized his mistake and walked away. Would never go back though.

I just came in for the sundae. Although the menu says that "Each sundae comes with at least two spoons!" there was a lot of empty space under the whipped cream. There was very little ice cream and what was there was melted. The sundae was basically a cookie or two in melted ice cream with hardly any fudge and a few chocolate chips on the top. At least the server was nice.

If they had 6 stars... I would give it. From the decor to the friendly atmosphere, you feel welcome. The service is perfect and the food is old school pub food. You feel like you're in an enchanted place. And great Guinness.

Chris the bartender was just fabulous !!! So efficient and friendly !!!! Our meal was perfect as always !!! Always a pleasure!!!!

We stopped here on our way home from Montreal because someone recommended it. It could NOT have been better. The bartender was so lovely. The place is stunning. The food was delicious. I'd come back in a heartbeat if it wasn't so far from home. We will definitely be back when we're back this way.