Siro’s To Continue Building on Last Year’s Success

By Saratoga Report Publisher Dan De Federicis

A few years ago it would have been fair, more than fair in fact, to say Siro’s Restaurant was not the top-end establishment it was 15-25 years ago. The food became average and there were some notable bumps that were widely reported. Current owners Peter and Jake Spitalny, a father and son team who purchased the venerable restaurant and bar in 2019, are determined to bring Siro’s back to the top of the Saratoga dining scene. By many accounts, they are well on their way.

The two owners, as well as longtime general manager Kevin Decker, spoke to Saratoga Report about their plans for the restaurant at 168 Lincoln Ave that has been serving patrons since 1945. Peter Spitalny set the tone by noting that “We always say Siro’s is back on track. You can lift your spirits here.”

They highlighted with pride the return of respected chef Elliot Vogel, who first joined them last year. He is a “premier chef” noted Jake, the younger Spitalny. “His food was raved about universally.” Vogel is on leave from his excutive chef position at Daley’s on Yates in Schenectady to be the chef at Siro’s for the Saratoga track season, which is more fully explained in this Times Union article.

The trio talked about the revamping of the dining room that was completed in 2022, the first time it was upgraded in 20 years. This year they’ve upgraded the kitchen as well as the outside area. “This was to make Siro’s what it should be,” noted Decker. “Our outside food program was a big success.” That program included fresh shrimp, clams, oysters and hot food choices, as well as ice cream.

Jake Spitalny proudly announced that there are VIP upgrades inside – and for those outside “a massive 25×25′ outdoor screen to stream the races and then the Yankees games.”

The elder Spitalny laid out the vision. “It is the Siro’s experience we are striving for,” he noted. “We want to make absolutely certain all of our guests have a wonderful Siro’s experience.”

Decker has been with Siro’s for 13 years. He noted he has seen some hard times at Siro’s during that period. He credited Jake and Peter Spitalny with not only improving the beloved establishment, but saving it. “There are not a lot of people who want to step up, make an investment and hit a home run,” he declared. “If it wasn’t for Peter and Jake, Siro’s would be a parking lot. Thank them for this.”