There is something kind of intimidating about the American Hotel in Sag Harbor. You sort of think to yourself, am I fancy enough to be here? Should I be in sport jacket? Can I get a table without a reservation?
Should I buy one of these cigars they have for sale?
The fact is, however, The American Hotel is a pretty relaxed place to have lunch, especially on a nice day in the fall. Yes, the menu can get a little fancy. There are plenty of items that are $40 or $50 an entrée, but they also have a great selection of sandwiches that are served with homemade potato salad.
For me, the American Hotel isn’t really about the food, it’s about the old-world appeal of the atmosphere. Sitting outside on the elevated porch and watching the bustle of Sag Harbor Village while you’re sipping on a club soda with lime that everyone thinks is gin and tonic sort of feels like you’re in the wild west. It’s old-fashioned, and that’s the point. Aside from the ambiance, the staff is just completely on point. Everyone is so poised and professional and highly knowledgeable about the menu, impressively so. Little details like your individual sourdough bread served on a hot plate or your silverware which includes a butter knife, two forks, and two knives, let you know you’re in an elevated place.
I was there for lunch though, and I’m a simple man, and I was in the mood for a sandwich and that’s just fine if you are at the American Hotel. Yes, they have it, and yes, it’s a pretty damn good turkey club. I also ordered a vegan pureed cauliflower soup made with a base of coconut milk and balsamic vinegar drizzle which was sensational, and I’m not really a soup man.
Also at lunch, we had a crab cake sandwich which is deep-fried and has curry added into the crab cake giving it a unique flavor and kick. This is served on a toasted English muffin and served with potato salad. Very satisfying.
If you’re like I am and you’re crazy about French fries, you are out of luck, the American Hotel does not serve French fries. Why you ask? I didn’t ask, but they were pretty quick to let me know that they didn’t serve them. My guess is because…well, just look at the name of the restaurant.
This is the part where you laugh.
Don’t let the American Hotel fall off of your radar. It’s not too fancy, it’s just right. And it’s a great restaurant in Sag Harbor Village. If you can get a table outside and people watch, even better.
