American Hotel

3.5 star rating
20 reviews Rating Details

Category: Hotels  [Edit]

49 Main St
Sag Harbor, NY 11963
(631) 725-3535
Price Range:
$$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
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20 reviews in English

  • Review from Evan S.

    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Glen Head, NY

    5.0 star rating
    5/17/2012

    My wife and I had mothers day lunch with our daughter and her boyfriend.  I have to say that I was impressed with every aspect of the meal.  From start to finish it was the total "class" experience at an exceptional value.  The menu was a four course price fix at $50.   Not bad at all.  We had the crab cakes, gaspacho and cream of asparaus soup, liver terine for starters.  All four were expertly prepared and served.  Not one of them missed!  100%

    Main coureses were also spot on.  I had the Cod (which I normally do not like) and the others had the roast beef and salmon.  All excellent.  The only comment is that the menu described the roast beef as a rib eye.  

    Deserts were also excellent....decident all they way!  

    The service stood out however.  professional, courtious adn descrite.

    If your a foodie.  This place is a must.

    I read some of the other reviews commenting on the small bathrooms and size of the space.....this is part of the charm!

    Oh yeah,  I almost forgot.  We stayed overnight in room 2A totally completed the experience.  One of the best B&B rooms/suites out there!

  • Review from Ty W.

    • 73 friends
    • 36 reviews

    East Hampton, NY

    3.0 star rating
    1/25/2012

    This was one of the places my husband (then-boyfriend) and I would frequent on our weekends in the Hamptons (years before we moved here full-time).  It was famous for the wine list (which is as thick as a phone book), the big bartender who looks straight out of a Dickens story, and the cigar smoking.  I have to admit, I haven't enjoyed it as much since the cigar smoking was stubbed out.  We used to love swigging our cognac amidst the fragrant cigar smoke, playing chess and feeling like we were at a very special place.  

    I recently had a business lunch there, and I have to say, the food is pretty good, nothing spectacular, just solid good food.  I like the little atrium tables for lunchtime, as it lets the sun in and seems like dining in a greenhouse.  

    Summertime gaspacho is incredible and the mushroom risotto is to die for.  The barman knows how to make a drink, I think he's been there the whole 20 years I've been going to the Hamptons.  But the scene leaves a lot to be desired.  

    It's really not for young trendy bar-hoppers... the crowd is definitely over 40, lots of expensive divorcees and people trying to hook up, and the crowd is almost obnoxiously white.  I mean, I can imagine Thurston Howell III will pop in at any given moment with the spacy trophy wife, sans Gilligan.  

    But if you've NEVER been, then you MUST.  It's an institution.  It's the American Hotel, after all!

  • Review from N M.

    • 1 friend
    • 19 reviews

    New Suffolk, NY

    4.0 star rating
    5/14/2012

    I was taken there for my birthday which coincided with Mother's Day so all that was offered was the prix fixe holiday menu.  My wife and I ordered separately and shared everything:  Crudetes with a nice tangy mayonaisse, followed by an excellent gaspacho, maybe the best crab cake I've ever eaten (and I'm no stranger to Eastern Shore, Md),  duck liver terrine with an amazing chutney.  Perfectly broiled salmon and a deep beefy flavored dry aged rib eye roast, served medium.  RE the beef: we found the well done outer portions to be the most flavorful.  I would not hesitate to order end cuts here.  The side veggies were up to the same standard as the entrees, ie perfectly cooked and seasoned.  We chose the black current sorbet for dessert as we were too stuffed for anything more substantial (and we couldn't even finish that).

    The wine list is very impressive, First Growths to North Fork selections.  We chose the Lieb Cellar blanc de blanc méthode champenoise which accompanied our surf and turf meal perfectly.

    Service was good: correct, somewhat impersonal.  That's okay, we went there to dine, not be loved.  We were fortunate to be seated in the very pleasant atrium, which we shared with one other party.

    The only cons are minor.  The place is very tight, so you feel like you're always bumping into someone or thing.  (The men's room defines the term "water closet".)  The other "con" might be viewed as a "pro" by some.  The portions were too large.  As this is not the kind of place you exit with a doggy bag, it's just  a shame to leave such solid well prepared food on the plates.

  • Review from Benjamin M.

    • 55 friends
    • 27 reviews

    Cutchogue, NY

    4.0 star rating
    1/26/2012

    People love to rip the Hamptons. There are even websites devoted to it, but this place is unrippable. Yes, expensive, but worth it when you can feel history dripping from the ancient beams. Won't drop names of the famous who gather here (okay, a few: Peter Mattheissen, E.L. Doctorow, Jimmy Buffett) because, you know, uncool. Great old bar with moose head, killer scallops, and, if you're overserved, rooms to let upstairs that may or may not be haunted by the spirits of drowned whalers of yore. A must visit.

  • Review from andy t.

    • 253 friends
    • 421 reviews

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    7/26/2011

    This historic old hotel and its restaurant are very cool indeed.

    Located on Main Street in Sag Harbor, the place reminds me a bit of the Jerome Hotel in Aspen, where the first elevator west of the Mississippi was created.

    And like it's cousin in the Rockies, the American Hotel is also a place where you just might spot some celebs. On a recent Friday night, I saw some big dudes from the Giants, an NBA star who recently won the championship and was told U2 had been there the night before.

    As for the food it's muy excelente. I had the sirloin steak au poivre and it was prepared flawlessly. My buddy had the pork chop, also a good choice.

    Service is prompt and professional. There's a bar in the front that gets packed on weekends.

    This place mixes old school with new school, and the result is a damn good dining spot.

  • Review from Julie T.

    • 17 friends
    • 42 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    3.0 star rating
    10/3/2011

    My parents made me go.  On any given night, theres at least 7 drunken women at the bar with FAR TOO MUCH plastic surgery.  Everyone here thinks they are very important. It's a joke.  However, you will see some old time celebs.  I think every time I have gone, I've seen someone.
    The food is great though! =]

  • Review from Al S.

    • 2 friends
    • 27 reviews

    East Elmhurst, NY

    4.0 star rating
    2/8/2012

    Yes I'm a fan and have been here many times. The only negative part about it is the amount of seriously OLD people that go here. It makes me think I'm in the movie Cocoon every time I'm there. Does make for good people watching though.

  • Review from Kat S.

    • 220 friends
    • 656 reviews

    Seaside, FL

    5.0 star rating
    8/4/2008

    Okay this is probably the most special gem in all of the hamptons.

    First of all- I go there in my pajamas all the time.  Its a classy place but remember its the hamptons where shabby chic rules.  You know someone is from out of town because they're dressed to the nines (that goes for all hamptons spots).  Beach cover-ups, and flip flops welcome.  

    I always get the mushroom risotto, and a great malbec by the glass.  The American Hotel has a BIBLE of wines that would make any oenophile blush with intimidation.  

    The staff is amazing, and knowledgeable.  Consistent help that has been with the restaurant for years.  Its a very comfortable space.  Do not let the decor (like an old school boy's club) intimidate you.  Its a place to relax.

    Weekdays around 5 there is a help yourself fondue in the parlor.  Its fun to sit with friends and play backgammon, or grab a cigar and sit outside and people watch.  I prefer rainy Sunday afternoons sipping wine, and reading my friend's tarot.

  • Review from Michael S.

    Coral Gables, FL

    1.0 star rating
    7/20/2009

    Un drinkable wine at the lower end of the by-the-glass price range. Water that costs more than wine. Uninterested and uninteresting bartenders. No offer of bar chips for us but a large plate for the passing staff. Possible mafiosa staff meeting.

    (By the way, if you want a wine "bible" that is not obscenely overpriced and full of real gems, not just the catch-all names, go to Burns Steak House where they not only have the wine but the food to go with it.)

  • Review from Mrs F.

    • 11 friends
    • 324 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/16/2008

    It's my in laws' frequent haunt, but I've only been here once last summer.  

    Have the risotto!  

    Great atmosphere, good for families with seniors and elementary age kids.  They are helpful with celiac inquiries.  Old school upscale resto but with a relaxed atmosphere ie. you can laugh and joke with your family, as the resto is lively but sloppy dress is not welcome.

  • Review from Valerie R.

    • 4 friends
    • 39 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/20/2009

    Overall 4 Stars...because it's the only decent adult restaurant in Sag Harbor with food and ambiance to match (not like "adult" but like not full of twelve year olds on the make.)

    Atmosphere: A+ with the fireplace
    Crowd: 40+ (which is actually a plus in my book)

    Food: A-Some might think it's expensive but you can pay the same or more for worse nearby so it's definitely worth the money for the quality! Excellent perfectly cooked and seasoned filet.

    Wine: A, an overwhelming excellent wine list (about 4" thick) and priced accordingly.

    Service: C+ Efficient with an attitude; tried to seat us in the empty room off the main dining room where there was no one else, had to ask to order drinks & refills of water. Not even a half-hearted attempt at "Can I get you anything else?" or "How is everything?" Total disregard and non-existent follow through after you order. Don't even think that you'll be getting a "Thank You" on your way out.

  • Review from Maximilian F.

    • 1 friend
    • 5 reviews

    Southampton, NY

    5.0 star rating
    7/11/2011

    The Amercan Hotel
    located in Sag Harbor, NY
    is one of my favorite eating spots in Sag Harbor.

    There are very few restaurants in Sag Harbor that I love.

    Although the restaurant is somewhat classic and old world it has the best food in Sag Harbor.

    I can never go wrong with what I order as I always ask a hundred questions to the waiter as I love to be well informed on the specials and how my choices are prepared.

    Some of my favorites are as follows:
    Blue Claw Crab Cocktail
    Oysters Rockefeller
    Sauté Bay Scallops
    Risotto Primavera
    Liver and Onions when in season

    The waiters are very polite, informative and courteous.

    Maximilian F.
    House Manager
    Southampton, NY

  • Review from Tracy K.

    Syosset, NY

    4.0 star rating
    3/10/2009 2 photos

    I recommend the American Hotel in Sag Harbor... I stopped in this first warm Saturday afternoon in March..for.. a late lunch...

    Great wine selection. The largest wine selection I have seen yet. So large was the book, that I asked the waiter to find me the Long Island wine selections. If you are willing to spend $1750 for a rare wine from say the wine celler of the last king of Spain... this is your place... Alternatively for $35 -40... you can get a fantastic reserve chardonnay from the Northfork of LI... Pair this with a their wild salmon entree with a reduction glaze, teeny tiny yummy dark hardish potatoes... snap peas.. warm and cooked to a nice textrue...  Also good was Gav's fresh sea scallop & shrimp grilled & tossed over a mild salad. So delicious.

    The house bread is brimming with chewy, crusty, sourdough flavor. Carbs be damned.

    We had a table immediately inside the "spring is here" open front door.... in the dimly lit drowsy first dining room near the big old dark bar... others sat out side on the porch/patio..

    The only thing wrong with this picture perfect place, and best table for this time of day & time of year & delicious late lunch was my companion Gav's protesting when I said "Sure bring us the Banana's Foster" ..... I am way to easy. I think he said "No WAY" as he knew we couldn't possibly survive it......  I think I said "I'll stop back next weekend with my mother...". The waiter smiled heartily & sincerely. He said he does not look forward to the rushing crowds of summer.... where it never lets up... & it doesn't especially in this institution of Sag Harbor ...  he has kids and works too many hours... If you see this dad looking waiter.. tip well...........& smile often!

  • Review from Liz S.

    Dallas, TX

    5.0 star rating
    7/8/2010

    I'm not sure why this place is only averaging 3 stars. I had a wonderful experience. Our waiter was a star. No joke. He mentioned that he had been there since breakfast, but was still smiling and laughing and gave great descriptions of the menu, was very helpful in recommending a wine (this place is heaven for wine connoisseurs I hear) and just generally awesome.everything we had was so delicious it brought a tear to our eye. We loved the cozy and elegant setting, it felt like decades earlier. Most memorable: the foie gras terrine. The chef's specialty. Also not to miss the duck, scallops and the desserts!!! Definitely one of my favorites in the Hamptons. Dress code is pretty flexible, but I enjoy dressing up. For me it's part of the experience. If you're in the Hamptons at all, you need to go.

  • Review from Ed M.

    • 4 friends
    • 245 reviews

    Livingston, NJ

    5.0 star rating
    12/15/2010

    The American Hotel is what I call fine dining. They serve excellent American food. The decor is very nice and makes me feel as though I've stepped back into an earlier time when life was not so rushed. I've been there twice and was completely satisfied both times. The wait staff is quite attentive. The meal is prepared with care. The prices are a bit high but justified.
    If you want a special meal in the Hamptons this is definitely the place to go.

  • Review from Karen R.

    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Southampton, NY

    1.0 star rating
    9/12/2010

    I have lived in the area for over 20 years. I have avoided this place due to the attitude I've received here in the past but gave it another shot today. The man who waited on me said he has been there 14 years and he just could not have been any nastier. The food is just OK so it is beyond me why anyone patronizes this place. You can be abused for free, why pay for it? Life is short, go elsewhere.

  • Review from paul m.

    • 18 friends
    • 22 reviews

    New York, NY

    1.0 star rating
    6/8/2009

    Went back to American Hotel for the first time in years and was very disappointed.  The service was horrifically slow and pretty unprofessional.  The white wine was brought out at room temperature and insufficiently chilled for the rest of the night.  The shrimp cocktail was overcooked and the rest of the food just so-so.  It doesn't come anywhere near competing with the other regional fine dining spots like Robert's in Water Mill or even Della Femina in EH.  Am going to restrict my Sag culinary adventures to The Corner where at least they meet expectations.

  • Review from Eastend F.

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    East Hampton, NY

    5.0 star rating
    11/14/2010

    My favorite restaurant in the hamptons. Especially charming in the off season. Probably dined there 10 times and it's been consistently fantastic. If price isn't an issue this is the place to go!

  • Review from Christina v.

    Long Island City, NY

    2.0 star rating
    3/28/2010

    the service is absolutely deplorable.  they truly should be ashamed.

    im from long island, live in the city.  my boyfriend and i, early 40's dined off season, sat nite.  my family has been here and the decor is terrific, charming, warm, lots of character.  i had to call 4 times to make reservations.  they are only accepted the day before you visit.  however on another occasion i called to inquire about rooms and tom took my dinner reservation request. i called thursday to confirm sat's res and was told i had to speak with tom, because they don't take reservations in advance.  so i called friday and he had us down for friday, not sat.  i then requested a more intimate table.

    we were not greeted when we walked in and since we were early, we wandered to the bar and were met with a rude bartender, who was slamming bottles and uninterested in loosening up. clearly burnt out.

    it was a busy night and we sat in the bar room, our choice, near the fireplace.  the staff was dreadful, except for a young man who kindly showed us our choice of tables, when we left we tipped him and thanked him for being the most professional and had to tell him of the poor experience.  

    i had the scallops with mushroom risotto.  very good.  he had the salmon, underwhelmed.  I hate to say it, but 'good wedding food' is how i described it.  the salted cod 'special' appetizer was a blend of old cod and fresh cod and was tasteless.  it didn't have any garlic in it as it said.

    the 13 year veteran waiter was an embarassment.  it would have been fine if he couldn't describe/compare the three s.african wines we selected had he at least been capable of having some 'go to' wines as a salesman should when in a bind, as he clearly was.  he became nervous and unable to describe anything or satisfy our 'dry, heavy red' request.  it was unbelievable.  after our dinners were served the waiter was no where to be found.  he never came out of hiding for the rest of our evening.  our $85 bottle of wine sat on a ledge, out of our reach while we searched for someone to care for us.

    they are clearly thriving on their regulars and should simply close their doors to others, as they are displaying a poor portrayal of long islanders to visitors.

  • Review from Shelby M.

    • 0 friends
    • 21 reviews

    Marshfield, MA

    5.0 star rating
    8/5/2008

    The American Hotel is an old Sag Harbor landmark and I hope it remains as it is forever. Great restaurant, wonderful little old bar. A great place to relax and enjoy an evening. Just go there!

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