July 5, 2010

"I just wanted to send a quick note to thank you for all you did for me so we could have a great rehearsal dinner. We only had positive comments from all attending about the location, food, drink and staff. You made my life much easier and made it possible for me to put together a great party from a great distance. Thanks to all the staff at the restaurant as well."

Barbara Ochandarena

Saratogian - The Spirit of Saratoga - June 2010

"It's not surprising that we've chosen a burger from the stable of Circus Cafe since they've won The Saratogian's Best Burger award more times than we can remember. But it's their Sante Fe Burger -- a burger that brings a little of the Southwest to the Northeast -- that has people talking. It's a blend of flavors you wouldn't normally associate with a burger, but a combination of ingredients and textures makes it a winner!

...the burger saves you the $500 roundtrip airfare to New Mexico and it's quickly becoming an enemy to that state's Chamber of Commerce.
Click here to read article

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The Post Star -4/28/10

"With its eye-catching design and reliable menu and staff, Circus Cafe has become one of the city's shining attractions."

Click here to read article

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The Giving Circle's 4th Annual -4/28/10

Winner!
2010 Best Dessert on Broadway

(Bananas Foster Bread Pudding)

Mardi Gras Cajun Cook-off

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The Saratogian -3/12/10

	THANKS FOR VOTING US 2010 SARATOGIAN "READER'S CHOICE BEST OF AWARDS" WINNER:
* Best Burger * Best Family Restaurant * Friendliest Service

The Saratogian presents the "Best of the Best" for 2010

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Customer Email -1/15/10

I just wanted to take a minute to tell you about the exceptional service that we received the other night and constantly receive at your restaurant.

There are many places to go out in Saratoga, but few we frequent for a simple reason. "Exceptional, charismatic, attentive, timely, service." There are bartenders at all of the bars and restaurants in Saratoga, but WE will continue to go back to a very select few because of the way we are treated so consistently.

Mike has consistently raised the bar for other servers and bartenders in the area. He is smart, funny, witty, attentive, creative,and he makes the drink the way you like it.... EVERYTIME!

For example. He knew I wasn't feeling well but knew I kinda wanted a drink. He thought for a minute and then he said,"How bout a little drink, like 1/2 of one. SO cute and out of the box and a creative way to make, me, the customer very happy. I declined, but I appreciated that sweet little suggestion and it gets filed in my happy experiences with bartender file in my brain forever.

I enjoy you both, your restaurant, and your food very much and I just wanted to let you know my thoughts.

I would also like to mention the other tall blonde fellah, I can't remember his name but he is wonderful as well. He was our Server the last time we were in. He listens well and seemed genuinely interested in our stories and told a few himself....he is very engaging!

Just unforgetable experiences, over and over.....and this is what makes the Circus Cafe SUCH A WONDERFUL VENUE. Thank you for the many years of catered parties, dinners for special occasions(getting engaged!)and for being the concientious beautiful people that you both are.

Thank you so much for everything Cristel and Colin! Hope 2010 is the BEST!!!!

See you in the Spring!

Much Love,
Tamara and Johnny
BAR-B-QSA

Customer Letter - 8/09/09

I was in your restaurant last Monday and I have to say I was very impressed. The food was great and the service was outstanding. I had a wonderful time and I will definitely be back. Keep up the great work.
 
Robert Malkus
The Standard Restaurant

 

Times Union - 7/27/09

"The venerable Comedy Works, which has brought top comic talent to the Capital Region for 26 years, will begin producing evenings of comedy in a Saratoga Springs club on Aug. 7."
Click here to read online article

Happy Rambler - 7/6/09

"Circus Cafe is fun for all ages. Great lunches and early dinners for families and a fun later night scene for the big kids. Excellent food and staff. This is one of Saratoga's best!"
Click here to read online article

New York Post - 6/28/09

"...Head to the main drag, Broadway, for dining and shopping; stop for a bite at the whimsical Circus Cafe, decorated with red velvet curtains and old circus posters"

(in article on top recommended summer trips from NYC:
Click Here to read article)

New York Post - 6/27/09

"...get the Big Top Bruschetta at the Circus Cafe in Saratoga Springs...."

(in article on what Senators should do while in Albany for the weekend)

Customer Letter - 4/15/09

Dance 10 studio from Barneveld NY near Utica ... yes the group of 40 people who went NUTS for the Cotton Candy Dessert you served us...

We all had a wonderful time and it was a perfect atmosphere for the group. Food was great no complaints from the crew or dancers. Moms liked the diverse menu.

CJ thanks for taking care of all of us....

Many girls bought the shirts of course... some wanted more cotton candy. They enjoyed the Dance Museum but the Circus Cafe was memorable ... and will be for a long time..

Glad everything worked out for everyone...

Laura from Dance 10 Studio....
 

Customer Letter - 8/25/08

Hello! Just wanted to write a quick note to thank your restaurant for an enjoyable experience a few weeks ago on August 4th. While vacationing in the Adirondacks, my husband and I decided to spend the evening in Saratoga to celebrate our 2nd anniversary. We chose the Circus Cafe for dinner and are so glad we did! The service was great all around (and I apologize for not remembering our server's name!) and the food was awesome! I enjoyed the chicken fajitas and the portion was big enough to make a burrito to take home for later! My husband loved the lasagna and our server surprised us with some blue cotton candy for dessert... very thoughtful! We also got directions to the "racino" and recommendations of other places to go. I've been working in a very service oriented restaurant for years and often get frustrated when dining in other places that don't meet my expectations, but the Circus exceeded them! We'll definitely visit again the next time we're in Saratoga and will also recommend to friends! And if you ever decide to open a place at the Jersey Shore, we'll be there. :)

Thanks again.
Meghan and Jay
Brick, NJ

Customer Letter - 8/08/08

Best Burger in 47 years!
Just wanted to drop you a note to say that your burgers are unbelievably good! I took my kids up to Saratoga for a few days and we ate in your place twice it was so good.. Kids loved it.. Good job! Reminded me a lot of a place here in Newport RI called the Brick Alley Pub.. not as eclectic as your place but the fare was similar.. But your char broiled burger is by far better!

Jon

New York Post - 4/15/08

article on spas; stopped in for a “quick lunch at colorful, circus themed restaurant...”

Philadelphia Inquirer - 4/13/08

"Hit happy hour at the Circus Cafe, 392 Broadway, where you can wash down the great onion rings ($7) with your $4 margaritas."

The Washington Post - 3/23/08

"I was diverted by the lure of the $4 happy-hour margaritas at the Circus Cafe..."
 

Customer Letter - 2/14/08

Dear Folks:

I stopped in on a lark after a trip to the post office and was pleasantly surprised. The bartender was friendly, helpful, speedy, intelligent, and entertaining. And he wasn't even the regular bartender! Awesome. I had a remarkably tasty and huge Black Forest ham sandwich with a blue cheese salad on the side and ate every bit, something I rarely do. The price was reasonable, to say the least, and paying for it wasn't agonizing because the experience surpassed by expections, and that's the key to acquiring a good rep and repeat business. I'll be back to sample the burgers and check out karaoke night. Keep up the good work and good vibes.

Steve

Spirit of Saratoga
        (A monthly magazine of The Saratogian Newspaper)
        December 2007
        by Stacey Morris

“You’ll never outgrow this Circus”

“Maybe you’ve had a bad day at work and just want to go some place where your identity will melt away for a few hours…Or maybe you’ve decided it’s time you made good on that promise to yourself as a kid to run away and join Ringling Brothers. The particulars don’t really matter. Just pick a reason and go: The Circus Café in Saratoga Springs awaits. Once you make your way past the hostess table and realize you’ve entered a room swathed in red velvet opera curtains, framed turn-of-the-century circus posters and life sized murals, you may think you’ve landed at a Cabaret in Berlin or a café in the heart of Prague. The Circus Café sizzles with personality. First, you’ll be escorted to your table by a server wearing a shirt that declares “I Tame Lions” or “Former Contortionist” or “Trapeze is My Art.”Then you’ll notice the menu itself, a showpiece in itself…" to read the entire review click here.

Times Union Blog (about our T-shirts!)
        June 12, 2007 at 9:30 am
        by Christen Deming, staff writer

The Saratogian is reporting this morning that longtime Yankee outfielder Bernie Williams was in Spa City this weekend with his family. Williams had dinner on Saturday and lunch on Sunday at the Circus Cafe, located on Broadway.

Owners Colin and Christel MacLean treated the ball player with complimentary cotton candy and an "I Tame Lions" t-shirt, one of the many sassy t-shirts are worn by the servers at the circus-themed eatery. My favorite? "Former Contortionist"

- Posted in General, Celeb sightings

Bernie Wiliams Dines at Circus Cafe! - 6/10/07

Former New York Yankee star and baseball icon Bernie Williams dined at Circus Cafe on Sunday, June 10th. Williams offered his "compliments to the chef " saying the food was "excellent" after enjoying lunch with a group of 10. He was in Saratoga Springs for his daughter's basketball conference which took place throughout the weekend.His daughter dined the night before with a party of 27 and liked it so much that she came back the next day with her dad and other guests.

 

"Winner - 2007 Best Burger, Lunch, Family Restaurant, and Open Mic & Karaoke!"

-The Saratogian, Reader's Choice Awards, March 2007
          

Customer Letter - 1/13/07

I wanted to thank all of your staff for a wonderful dinner on New Years Eve! My husband and I decided to take my parents and his Dad out to dinner that night. My Mom doesn't get out much since she is still recovering from a stroke. Also, just two days before, my mother-in-law passed away after suffering from Alzheimers for years. My father-in-law still wanted to go out that night so we kept our plans. We made reservations for 6:00 but due to a change in events we were ready to meet at the restaurant at 5:00. Even with the change, we were seated immediately. We ended up staying for almost two hours and never felt rushed in any way. The staff was wonderful, especially with my two year old daughter. It was a night out that we all needed, and The Circus Cafe made it a very enjoyable one! We love the food, service and decor!

Thank you!
Julie
 

Customer Letter - 1/10/07

John and I would like to thank you and your team for providing us a wonderful evening. Everything was better than expected. The service, food and drinks were outstanding. Our family and friends will be talking about the party for many years to come!!!!

We look forward to seeing you soon, thanks again!!!

Glen
 

Customer Letter - 12/14/06

Customer Email - 10/27/06

• Your staff is happy.
• Relationships seem to mean a great deal to them, as reflected in their attentiveness to customers and warm interaction amongst themselves.
• The quality of your food is incredible, which, in my mind, reflects a commitment to excellence.

"Winner - 2006 Best Salads in Saratoga!"

-The Saratogian, Reader's Choice Awards, March 2006
          

"The name drew us in to check out this Spa City eatery, and we weren't disappointed... Dusky lighting, deep red walls and velvet curtains added cozy elegance to the room, offset by the whimsy of the glimmering shapes... dangling from the high ceiling.  The menu: "Enticing", "delicious", and "tasty". "the service was excellent!"

-The Post Star, October 2005
          

"Winner - 2005 Best Burger in Saratoga!"

-The Saratogian, Reader's Choice Awards, March 2005
          

“The circus is in town and happily for us they’re here to stay…The big plates of mouthwatering food spoke for themselves. It was simple, not fussy and very good….If they gave awards for innovative décor, this place would win hands-down.”

-The Sunday Gazette, September 2004

“You’ve gotta see it to believe it…Broadway has been waiting for a place like this…These generous portions are also delicious.”

-Skidmore News, September 2004

“The Circus Café is up and running, with splendid service and fine, consistent food.”

- Metroland, August 2004

“You don’t have to be a big top enthusiast-or a kid-to enjoy the café…we ordered the Maryland crab cakes with ginger aioli, which were superb.”

- Times Union, October 2004