The Parting Glass

About

Saratoga's Original Irish Pub

Story

History:

It is said to be the oldest continuously-run bar and restaurant in Saratoga Springs.

Lou Rocco opened the bar formerly known as the “Royal Spring Tavern” (named for a mineral spring beneath the building) which had opened in the early part of the 20th century and put his family name on it going forward

Rocco’s was a full bar serving Italian food and soon became well know for its thin crust pizza. A wall divided the front room into two sections.

The Lake Avenue-facing corner door was from the old days; installed to allow women to enter (since they were not allowed on the bar side of the room).

When it first opened, the restaurant and bar occupied the entire 5000 square feet of open space. As the years passed, Lou Rocco converted the back section to occupy a union hall, a plumbing shop and a carpet shop (with a car garage) in what is now the Dart Hall, with a second bar.

The Pub (front room) bar is made of tiger oak, straight grain oak and Honduras mahogany; with a history of approximately 75 years. Its antiquity and beauty inspired the present owners to purchase the property and restore it to its original beauty. It was built in 1936, by Frank K Spalt, who was a personal friend to Gerald King, who lived next door to Mr Rocco.

It was built in two months in his garage and brought into the present building in pieces. The Spalt family has a history of cabinet making dating back to 1868. The carved faces on the high front of the back bar represent Father Time as described by the carving of the four seasons, with it as central figure.

In 1981, the property was purchased by Joan Desadora and family and established as The Parting Glass — Saratoga’s Original Irish Pub and Restaurant.

Since the 1990’s, it received the honor of being voted a Top Ten Irish Pub in the country by USA Today and #3 Irish Pub in the World by Ireland of the Welcomes magazine.

As business increased, it expanded into the back room (the Music Room, which has hosted at least seven Grammy winners) and then into the area that is now the Dart Hall. We even sometimes extend the business into the parking lot, where a tent can be erected alongside the outdoor patio. There is a second story that is used for storage, but it is said that Lou Rocco had rooms upstairs that he used for guests.

An old Irish proverb states that the last drink of the night is “The Parting Glass.” The beautiful Irish song by that same name wishes everyone a safe journey and joy-after having after having their drink. Thus derives the name of our pub.

We celebrated our 38th anniversary on Saint Patrick’s Day, 2019.

We are proud to be a part of the revival and continuing success of Saratoga Springs.