+1 518-584-9791
Nestled along the scenic shores of Saratoga Lake in Malta, NY, Carson's Woodside Tavern offers a delightful blend of classic American comfort food and a lively tavern atmosphere that charms both locals and visitors alike. Specializing in hearty pub favorites with an upscale touch, this American restaurant and bar is a destination for those craving robust flavors paired with a laid-back yet vibrant dining experience.
The menu at Carson's is impressively diverse, boasting standout dishes like their crispy, golden Fish and Chips with tender flaky fish, and the deeply savory French Dip sandwich that promises perfectly roasted beef softened by their signature au jus. For soup lovers, the rich, caramelized goodness of their French Onion Soup offers a soul-warming start or accompaniment to any meal. Wings aficionados will find the Buffalo Garlic Parm Wings tantalizingly spiced, while the sweeter and smoky edge of Shrimp Wrapped in Bacon adds a decadent twist for adventurous palates.
If you’re in the mood for sandwiches, the Bacon & Gouda Burger stands out with its smoky, creamy depth, and the inventive Steve’O Hot Sandwich – featuring turkey bacon and unexpectedly crisp green apple – delivers a surprising balance of sweet and savory notes that truly excite the taste buds. The menu further showcases crowd-pleasers like the Quesadilla, Steak Fajita Wrap, and lighter fare options such as the Honey-Glazed Sea Scallops that melt delightfully with each bite.
Adding to the appeal is a well-curated drink selection, including local favorites like the Fiddle Head Beer and refreshing choices like White Claw and various signature mules that perfectly complement the flavors of the food.
Carson's Woodside Tavern exudes warmth and charm with its spacious interior and inviting patio that comes alive especially during warmer months. The outdoor seating, framed by picturesque views of Saratoga Lake and the distant mountains, creates a serene dining backdrop, seamlessly blending nature with conviviality. Whether you’re nestled inside by the crackling fireplace during winter or soaking up summer breezes on the deck, the ambiance feels both upscale and approachable — a refined tavern where comfort meets style.
The lively energy is elevated by frequent live music performances, from local bands like Accents and the ArtNShawna Trio, making each visit not just a meal but a memorable social outing. As reflected in glowing testimonials, the staff at Carson's consistently deliver impeccable, attentive service with genuine smiles, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere. Patrons appreciate the family-friendly vibe while also recognizing it as a fantastic spot to gather with friends for a night of great tunes, refreshing drinks, and satisfying bites.
In short, Carson's Woodside Tavern invites you to experience a thoughtful take on American classics paired with a stunning lakeside setting and upbeat hospitality. From the first savory bite of their signature dishes to the last sip of a well-mixed cocktail under the stars, it’s clear why guests leave feeling nourished, delighted, and eager to return.
Came from Myrtle Beach. This restaurant/bar is family-friendly. Opted for the food vendor on the patio as the wait inside was hours long. Lovely setting with Saratoga Lake in the background. Isaac at the outside bar was excellent, considering the patio was packed. The Accents are a great band. So much fun!
We went with office buddies to see the Art-N-Shawna Trio. The band was great - lots of upbeat music and excellent musicianship. Carson's has a very down-to-earth atmosphere where friends and families can enjoy themselves. But it's a great place for hanging out with buds at the bar, too. The staff was terrific very friendly with lots of smiles. Service was impeccable. We were catered to! Just all-round nice folks. I loved my blackened chicken wrap, and hubby truly enjoyed his fish and chips. We can't wait to go back!
We came in the winter and got the fish specials. They were amazing. Both the menu and seating area is very big. They also have a deck for in the summer. There was live music and the waiter was very nice. I think they are known for their sandwiches so we’d get those next time. It was definitely on the more expensive side for being a tavern. So it’s a little more upscale. But very good.
First time & Loved it! Great menu, with a lot of different ways to go choice wise. Started off with fried mozzarella w/malba sauce and also tried the sweet chili wings, which were both on point. I had the Steve’O hot sandwich for the main course, which had turkey bacon & green apple, yes I said it…green apple on a hot sandwich and it hit. Didn’t know what to expect and it was a wow for me. Excited to get back when I’m in town and check out the rest of the menu. Absolutely scrumptious.
Carson’s Woodside Tavern is a beautiful spot with a wide variety of comfort foods. We went for lunch on a late August afternoon when the weather was perfect and sat outside with a gorgeous view of Saratoga Lake and the mountains. Service was friendly and efficient, and the menu offered plenty of pub favorites. While nothing in particular stood out food-wise, everything was tasty, reasonably priced, and the setting really made the experience memorable. The atmosphere is relaxed, with outdoor seating and even Adirondack chairs if you just want to sit back and enjoy the view. Overall, it was a lovely experience, and I’d definitely return again.
Wings, burgers and sandwiches are awesome. Bar can always use an extra hand very busy on Sundays. Bands are always great choices! The view is amazing! Usually opt to sit in bar because we are never sure what time we will arrive and wait is long. Absolutely love the atmosphere on our way up to our upstate destination.
I started my meal with a steaming bowl of French onion soup. Its rich, savory broth was infused with sweet caramelized onions and topped with a perfectly melted layer of Gruyère cheese, creating a delightful, gooey contrast. The warmth of the soup enveloped me in comfort, and each spoonful delivered deep, complex flavors that danced on my palate. For the main course, I enjoyed a beautifully grilled salmon fillet, expertly cooked to perfection, with a crispy yet tender exterior that gave way to a moist, flaky interior. It was elegantly presented on the plate, accompanied by a decadent roasted red pepper cream sauce that added a luscious creaminess and a hint of smokiness. On the side, vibrant sautéed spinach, cooked just enough to retain its bright green color and slight crunch, provided a burst of freshness. Completing the dish was wholesome brown rice pilaf, fluffy and nutty, perfectly seasoned to complement the salmon's and the sauce's richness—the combination of flavors and textures made for a truly memorable dining experience.
We arrived here for a quick late lunch around 1:30 pm, but it took some time for the waitress to seat us, despite our lunch hour nearing its end. Another ten minutes passed before we could place our order. Our food finally arrived at 2:10 pm, as shown in the picture I took. This seems to be the typical pace of service in this area. We opted for the turkey sandwich with sweet potato fries, which tasted delicious but was larger than expected. Once again, we ended up sharing sandwiches. The dry rub chicken wings were flavorful but too dry for my preference, coated in Cajun seasoning.