Courtesy of The Wild Horse
Staff Report
Coinciding with the start of the 2024 summer meet at the Saratoga Race Course, a horse-themed tavern has opened in the Spa City.
The Wild Horse, so named because The Rolling Stones’ classic “Wild Horses” is one of owner Lucas White’s favorite songs, opened recently in the former Dango’s on Caroline Street.
According to a press release, “It was important to Lucas and (Managing Partner) Kevin (Decker) that the name include a music reference, given the focus on live music at the restaurant. It was also important to refer to the local horse racing scene.”
White was interested in purchasing Dango’s for years. He grew up in Loudonville where he attended Albany Academy and later Duke University. He now lives in Boston where he is a partner in an international asset management firm. His ties to the area remain strong, however, since his parents, aunt and uncle live in the Albany area. He is also a frequent visitor to Saratoga during track season.
Decker, the general manager at Siro’s and director of sales for a brokerage in Boston, came on board after a series of discussions with White in which he was inspired by White’s enthusiasm and vision for the property. Decker lives locally in Round Lake.
The duo purchased the building in September 2023 and have finished a complete rehabilitation of all three floors. A total of $250,000 in capital improvements have gone into the kitchen, which was moved from the first to the second floor.
“Any chef would be happy to work out of this brand new kitchen,” the press release stated.
According to the release, White and Decker are currently in negotiations with one of the area’s best chefs to oversee the kitchen and “expect to have an eclectic menu that encompasses wings, top-notch salads, and upscale raw bar items, in addition to other offerings.”
With the kitchen relocated, the first floor space was renovated into a large ladies restroom and a family restroom.
“The restaurant and bar were completely renovated by local craftsmen and will be unique to the Saratoga area,” according to the press release. “The back room has been converted to a large VIP room with a balcony overlooking the busy patio. In the off season the room will be opened for special functions, sporting events, and music offerings. Improvements were also made to the patio, including new gazebos, patio furniture, and outdoor bars.”
The press release noted that “Caroline Street is changing. A number of businesses have closed or been sold in the last couple of years, and there are big plans for mixed-use developments.”
“We feel the renaissance of Caroline Street starts with The Wild Horse setting the benchmark for other restaurants to follow,” said Decker.
“We wanted to go from a mostly seasonal patio bar business to a year-round entertainment venue focused on great food, live music, and fun,” said White. “The Wild Horse will be a unique addition to the Saratoga Springs community.”
The Wild Horse is located at 38 Caroline Street.
To learn more go to info@the-wild-horse.com.