The American Hotel

In our family’s travels to the East End, we almost always make it a point to visit Sag Harbor on the return trip from Montauk, mostly because of the abundance of good food! The American Hotel has been an old favorite, and I even rank it among my all-​time favorite restaurants. The atmosphere is very comfortable, and in our last experience we sat on the side with the skylight. Most of the restaurant portion is very living room-​esque and comfortable, but the skylight room has vines and plants which gives a comfortable outdoorsy feel, almost like a patio.
The music selection, both live and in the background, is jazz. Judy Carmichael and other notable Long Island jazz players perform regularly, and when they aren’t behind the beautifully ancient Steinway grand in the dining room, the soundtrack features the laid-​back solo tracks of Art Tatum and Chet Atkins, among others.
Anyway, the atmosphere is always enjoyable, but on to the food and service. The service is always attentive and knowledgable, and the wine list is staggering– a must-​see for any connoisseurs! A favorite appetizer is the duck pâté, which comes with a thick mustard (mostly seeds!) and a fruit preserve which compliment each other beautifully– savory, sweet and punchy all at once. Another is the blue crabmeat and avocado cocktail, which is always fresh and smooth. A favorite entrée is the croque monsieur, but last time I ordered the Lobster BLT, which was, in a word, dynamite. It came on this brioche-​type roll (but not as sweet), and had perfectly proportioned amounts of fresh lobster, thick cut slices of bacon and succulent tomatoes and lettuce. I also enjoyed their ginger ale, which is the Fevertree brand– not too sweet nor bitter, with a refreshing snap.
Usually we’re too full to get individual desserts, so we get coffee/​tea and share a bananas foster, which is a nice cap-​off to the meal. The Earl Grey is also well-​balanced, not sure of the specific blend but just enough black tea and just enough bergamot.
For such great service and near-​perfect culinary delights, naturally it’s a pricey treat. But it’s well worth it, the care in preparation and presentation is as delightful as the taste, and the comfortable atmosphere is perfect to sit down with your special someone or the family and take it all in. Can’t wait to go back!