Dave Portnoy doesn't just buy houses; he buys vibes. If you’ve followed "El Presidente" for more than five minutes, you know he’s a creature of habit. He likes his pizza thin, his bets high, and his summers in Upstate New York. So, when news broke about the Dave Portnoy Saratoga house, it wasn't exactly a shocker to the Barstool faithful. The guy has been a fixture at the Saratoga Race Course for years, usually seen screaming at a horse that’s fading in the final furlong.
But this house is different. It’s not a $42 million Nantucket compound or a flashy Miami mansion. It started as a humble ranch. Honestly, it was kinda the "anti-mogul" move until the bulldozers showed up.
The 5th Avenue Gamble
In March 2023, Portnoy’s company, Smokeshowcity LLC, dropped $1.4 million on a property at 70 Fifth Avenue in Saratoga Springs. For most people, $1.4 million is a life-changing fortune. In the world of Saratoga real estate—specifically the area abutting the legendary Oklahoma Training Track—it’s basically the entry fee.
The original structure was a 1,500-square-foot ranch built in 1961. It had three bedrooms and two and a half baths. It was modest. Simple. Some might even say boring. But Dave didn't buy it for the 1960s linoleum or the cozy living room. He bought it for the backyard.
See, the property lines up directly with the Oklahoma track. You can literally smell the dirt and hear the hooves hitting the ground from the patio. For a guy who lives for the track, it’s the equivalent of a basketball junkie living inside Madison Square Garden.
Why He Tore It Down
Most people buy a million-dollar house and move in. Not Dave.
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He almost immediately went to the Saratoga Springs Zoning Board of Appeals with a plan: demolish everything. The goal wasn't to fix the leaky faucets. He wanted a custom-built, four-bedroom "track house" designed specifically for summer hosting. The new plans, drafted by Balzar & Tuck Architecture, completely flipped the script. We're talking:
- A basement fitness room (probably for those rare moments he isn't eating pizza).
- An outdoor pool and patio area.
- A massive bar and grill station.
- Outdoor televisions positioned so he can watch the races while... watching the races.
The neighbors? Well, Bobby Flay is right down the street. It’s becoming a bit of a "Millionaire's Row" for horse racing enthusiasts.
The Controversy and the Zoning Board
Saratoga is a town that takes its history seriously. You can't just roll in and start knocking things over without a few raised eyebrows. Portnoy had to seek a variance because his grand vision for the new build pushed some of the local lot-line restrictions.
The meeting at City Hall in July 2023 was a whole thing. People were curious if "El Pres" would show up in a Penn State sweatshirt to argue his case. In the end, it was mostly about the technicalities—how close the pool was to the track and the height of the new structure.
The board eventually gave the green light. Why wouldn't they? The man is basically a one-man tourism bureau for the city every August.
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How It Fits Into the $100 Million Portfolio
To understand the Dave Portnoy Saratoga house, you have to look at the bigger picture. As of early 2026, Portnoy’s real estate portfolio is sitting at a staggering $100 million.
- Nantucket: The $42 million crown jewel.
- Miami: A $14 million waterfront spot (that recently had some nasty mold issues, leading to a new $27.75 million buy in Islamorada).
- Montauk: A $9.8 million getaway for when the Hamptons vibe is needed.
- Saratoga: The "cheap" $1.4 million lot that likely cost another $2-3 million to rebuild.
It’s interesting because the Saratoga spot is clearly his "work/play" house. It's where he films the summer content, hosts the Barstool crew, and runs the Saratoga "One Bite" reviews that locals either love or hate.
What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a misconception that this house is a year-round residence. It’s not. Saratoga is a ghost town in the winter compared to the madness of the summer meet. Portnoy’s house is a seasonal fortress. It’s designed for the 40 days of Saratoga racing.
Also, despite the "Smokeshowcity LLC" name, this isn't a corporate Barstool office. It’s his personal deed. When the cameras aren't rolling, he’s actually just a guy who wants to sit by a pool and watch horses run in circles.
The Miss Peaches Factor
You can't talk about Portnoy's homes in 2026 without mentioning Miss Peaches. The internet's favorite rescue pitbull has basically taken over his life. When the Saratoga house was being renovated, fans were more concerned about whether there was a fenced-in yard for Peaches than where Dave was going to sleep.
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The new backyard setup is essentially a dog's paradise, minus the part where she might try to chase a multi-million dollar thoroughbred through the fence.
Actionable Insights for Saratoga Visitors
If you're heading to the Spa City and want to catch a glimpse of the "Portnoy Effect," here’s how to do it without being a creep:
- Morning Workouts: You don't need to stand outside his front door. Head to the Oklahoma Training Track (public access is usually available) in the early morning. You’ll see the same views he has, and you might actually see him leaning over his fence with a coffee.
- The 5th Ave Walk: Fifth Avenue is a public street. It’s a beautiful walk even if Dave isn't home. You can see the contrast between the old Saratoga cottages and the new modern builds like his and Bobby Flay’s.
- Pizza Pilgrimage: Check his past reviews. He’s hit almost every spot in town. If you want the "Dave experience," go to Marinos or DeFazio's (technically Troy, but close enough) and see if his scores hold up.
The Saratoga house represents the "New Saratoga." It’s flashier, louder, and more expensive than the old days, but it brings a level of energy that keeps the town relevant. Whether you're a "stoolie" or just a real estate nerd, you have to admit—the guy knows how to pick a location.
The house is finished now, the pool is open, and if the wind blows the right way, you can hear the starting bell from his living room. That’s the dream, right?
Next Steps: If you are planning a trip to the track, check the local Saratoga Springs property records or the latest "Barstool Show" clips to see if Dave is hosting a live stream from the patio. Just remember to keep your bets small and your pizza bites "one only."