7 Unmissable Secrets Behind Lago By Druthers: The Rebranding That Transformed Saratoga Lake

The shores of Saratoga Lake have a stunning new landmark, and the story behind its transformation is one of the most exciting developments in the New York Capital Region's dining scene this year. As of late 2024, the popular waterfront establishment formerly known as 550 Waterfront has been completely reimagined and rebranded as Lago by Druthers, a satellite location of the renowned Druthers Brewing Company. This is more than just a name change; it represents a comprehensive overhaul of the atmosphere, menu, and entire guest experience, designed to bring a permanent "vacation vibe" to the heart of Saratoga Springs.

This deep dive into Lago by Druthers, updated for today, December 10, 2025, will uncover the seven crucial secrets behind this massive rebranding effort, from the elevated comfort food menu to the specific craft brews that anchor its identity. We will explore how Druthers Brewing Co. co-founder and CEO Chris Martell and his team have woven their signature ethos—providing guests with great choices—into a premier, family-friendly lake destination located at 550 Union Avenue.

The Complete Profile of Druthers Brewing Company and Its Newest Venture

While Lago is the newest star, it is built on the strong foundation of the Druthers Brewing Company, a highly respected name in New York's craft beer and brewpub scene.

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• Company Name: Druthers Brewing Company (Parent Company)
• New Location Name: Lago by Druthers
• Former Identity: 550 Waterfront (Druthers took over operations a year prior to the rebrand)
• Location: 550 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY (on the shores of Saratoga Lake)
• Official Rebranding Date: 2024
• Key Figure: Chris Martell (Co-founder and CEO)
• Concept: Elevated comfort food, handcrafted beer, and cocktails with a premier waterfront dining experience.
• Original Location History: Druthers opened its first brewpub in 2012 in the heart of the Broadway Historic District in Saratoga Springs.
• Other Druthers Locations: Albany, Schenectady, and Clifton Park (all within New York's Capital Region).

1. The Strategic Shift: Why 550 Waterfront Became Lago

The rebranding from 550 Waterfront to Lago by Druthers was a calculated move to align the location with the established, successful brand identity of Druthers Brewing Company. The previous iteration had been operating since 2020, but the Druthers team, led by Chris Martell, recognized the need for a fresh, distinct concept. The name "Lago," Italian for "lake," immediately anchors the restaurant to its stunning location on Saratoga Lake, promising an experience centered around the waterfront views. This was a deliberate effort to shed the "faux country club vibe" of the past and introduce a more relaxed, yet still elevated, atmosphere. The 2024 rebrand included a vibrant interior makeover, featuring boldly painted walls and yellow-accented dining chairs, signaling a complete break from the old identity and a full embrace of the Druthers "vacation vibes" ethos.

2. The Elevated Comfort Food Menu: Must-Try Dishes and Homemade Quality

Lago’s menu is a major pillar of the new concept, focusing on "100 percent homemade" elevated comfort food, handhelds, and specialty pizzas. While classic Druthers favorites are present, the Lago menu is curated to reflect a lakeside dining experience, featuring fresh seafood and seasonal selections alongside the brewery’s signature items. The goal is to offer amazing food that tastes better with a breeze off the lake.

Topical authority is built through specific, mouth-watering entities on the menu:

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• Signature Handhelds: The famous Druthers Burger and the new Lago Smashburger are staples, often paired with hand-cut fries and a house-made dipping sauce. The Drutherbird Fried Chicken Sandwich is another popular choice, showcasing the company's commitment to flavorful, creative comfort food.
• Appetizers & Soups: Starters include the decadent Lobster Bisque and the hearty Smoked Bacon & Corn Chowder, perfect for a lakeside evening.
• Salads & Greens: Lighter fare includes the classic Caesar Salad and the unique Apple Gorgonzola salad, which is noted as both vegetarian and gluten-friendly (V/GF).
• Pizzas: A selection of specialty pizzas, including the Classic Cheese Pizza and Pepperoni Pizza, are available, maintaining the brewpub's focus on quality, shareable items.

3. The Druthers Craft Brew Experience: Beers That Define the Brand

As a satellite location of the Druthers Brewing Company, Lago by Druthers naturally places its award-winning craft beer at the center of the beverage program. The beer list is extensive, featuring a rotating selection of seasonal favorites and year-round staples that have earned the brewery a loyal following across the Capital Region. These beers are designed to pair perfectly with the elevated comfort food menu.

Key Druthers Beer Entities to Look For:

• The Heavy Hitters: Beers like Double The Reason (a DDH Double NEIPA) and Druthers Superior (an Imperial Stout with a 10.2% ABV) satisfy the serious craft beer enthusiast.
• Lagers and Ales: The menu often features the Dark Encounter, a German-Style Dark Lager, and the All-In Amber Ale, a smooth, malty choice that pairs well with the Wood-Fired Pretzel.
• IPA Selection: The hoppy, American-style India Pale Ales are a core offering, with options like The Dare Double IPA being a popular choice.

4. The "Vacation Vibe" and Ambiance Overhaul

The core intention behind the Lago concept is to bring the feeling of a permanent vacation to the Capital Region without requiring a long drive. The physical location on Saratoga Lake provides the natural backdrop, but the design choices complete the vision. The interior is bright, modern, and inviting, a stark contrast to the previous establishment's aesthetic. This family-friendly lake vibe, combined with the dockside dining and refreshing lake breeze, makes it a premier destination for both locals and tourists visiting Saratoga Springs.

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5. Service, Ratings, and the Community Reception

The transition to Lago has been met with significant community interest. The restaurant is frequently praised for its great service and friendly staff, a hallmark of the Druthers brand. Online platforms reflect strong operational performance, with the venue accumulating a high "Happy-Factor Rating" based on order volume and accuracy, suggesting the team has successfully managed the high demand of a popular waterfront spot. The combination of reasonable prices and the unparalleled waterfront dining experience solidifies its position as a top-tier Capital Region dining choice.

6. The Broader Druthers Empire: Locations and Expansion

Lago by Druthers is the newest jewel in the expanding crown of the Druthers Brewing Company. The company started its journey in 2012 with its flagship Saratoga Springs location on Broadway. Since then, it has strategically expanded its footprint across New York's Capital Region to include brewpubs in Albany, Schenectady, and Clifton Park, demonstrating a clear growth trajectory and a commitment to the local community. Each location maintains the brand's core values of elevated comfort food and handcrafted beer, but Lago is unique in its dedicated focus on the lakeside dining experience.

7. The Future of Saratoga Lake Dining

With the successful rebranding and launch of Lago by Druthers in 2024, the restaurant has set a new standard for waterfront dining in the region. The focus on high-quality, homemade food, combined with the draw of Druthers' craft beers like the Dark Encounter and Double The Reason, ensures its status as a major culinary attraction. The location’s commitment to providing a full-service, family-friendly atmosphere with unparalleled views means that Lago by Druthers is not just a seasonal spot, but a year-round destination that has profoundly reshaped the landscape of Saratoga Lake’s social and dining scene.