New restaurant coming to former Circus Cafe in Saratoga Springs

PHOTOGRAPHER: Erica Miller

Shoppers walk past the old Circus Cafe in February 2017

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SARATOGA SPRINGS — A new restaurant is expected to occupy the former Circus Cafe on Broadway next month.

Burnt Hills-based Pig ‘N Whistle is opening its second location at the site of the former Circus Cafe, which closed in September after owners Christel and Colin MacLean decided to focus their efforts on Saratoga Juice Bar, also on Broadway.

Pig ‘N Whistle co-owner Jordan Bush said he’s been looking for the opportunity to expand in the Capital Region.

“I’ve been looking all over and Saratoga is a great fit,” he said. “It’s a happy-go-lucky town and I think we’ll fit in very well.”

Bush said the menu will be scaled down and a Saratoga Springs flair would be put on the item names and food presentation.

“I wanted a more vibrant menu,” he said.

Appetizers include tuna tartare and a Bavarian pretzel, while specialties such as prime rib will be offered on Friday and Saturday.

Bush added that there will also be Irish-American-inspired items on the menu.

“We’re an Irish-American family, so we specialize in that,” he said about his father, Todd, who owns the Burnt Hills location.

There will be a 17-seat bar as well as more than 100 seats indoors and outdoors.

Bush said he’s looking forward to getting involved in the local community.

“I’d love to work with other restaurants and keep the locals happy, and coming in,” he said.

Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, said businesses that are engaged with the community are the ones that succeed.

“There’s very little vacancy on Broadway, so every vacancy creates challenges for a community,” he said. “The best communities are walkable and bikeable, and have activity from building to building.

“It’s detrimental to those that don’t have activity, so it’s great to see it reopen.”

Bush said he anticipates opening the Pig ‘N Whistle’s Saratoga Springs location by July 20.

“I’m excited to get this up and running,” he said.