We weren't sure what we were walking into here- the Yelp ratings aren't the best, but they scored high with a TripAdvisor award in 2018. It's not fancy, but it is down home- salt of the earth eats and folks. We had soup- which were both delicious! The other entrees were good, a solid 4. It could be a bit cleaner (check floor pics), but that kinda adds to the character of the place. It had the largest and oldest urinal I've ever seen! read more

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I ate at the American Hotel of Lima NY today for lunch. Delicious! The food is honest and comforting. The owner, Pat rocks! He is always ready with a hotel story to tell! The hotel has been in his family close to 104 years and under Pat's management for 50 plus years! Pat is accommodating and a great bar tender! The waitress was right on top of providing excellent service and had a great sense of humor! Some folks I know have been under the impression that the American Hotel of Lima was permanently closed, but be assured they are not. They remain open Tuesday-Saturday serving food from 11am-3pm and 5pm-8pm however the bar is open 11am-8pm. A loyal customer. -Jean N. read more

Love the food the atmosphere and staff!! Take a step back in history! We had a flatbread with chicken ham and Swiss cheese it was loaded!

There has been an American Hotel on this site since about 1790. The first two were made of wood. The present day building was built in 1840. After two fires in the 1850's, it was rebuilt in 1861 by Mr. Mosley. The hotel has been owned and operated by the Reynolds family since 1920. It is still operated as a hotel, the second floor rooms are available for rent. The Reynolds family has always resided on the third floor of the hotel. 8 Soups made daily - a must for your Yelp Bucket list read more

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Returning here after many years, we were not disappointed by the variety of sandwich choices. The long list of potential soup choices is shortened to 2 per day. On this day, there were two bland options. The bowl of soup is an 8 oz serving. My sandwich was made on the tapered end of days old deli rye bread - small, tough, and nearly tasteless. My partner's salad on a small dessert plate was a few pieces of iceberg lettuce, 2 grape tomatoes, and a generous slice of yellow onion. The owner's dog sniffed at our food giving the impression the meal would be his if our attention lapsed. My partner's soup was OK. The worn floor needs washing. The ladies room is up ~2 dozen steps. Over $40 for a small soup, lame side salad, and a stale mini-sandwich. I remember it being a better option. Enjoyed the historic decor and B&W movie on a tiny screen. read more

Homey atmosphere, homemade soups and other entrees. I had the Italian sausage soup, and it tasted like my Mom's. The fried baloney was sinfully good! read more

We liked the reviews on this place so we ventured in. The homemade soups of which you could pick from about 7, were delish. The sandwiches were old school, liverwurst, fried bologna etc. They gave you a choice of breads and my husband wanted to try pesto flat for his sausage sandwich. Waitress explained that the pesto bread was like a small pizza with tomatoes on top. She said but we could throw a piece of sausage in. He said oh ok. Thanks ! Well that one stinky piece of sausage ended up costing us an additional $18.00 on top of the $16.00 for the small pizza! Sorry but we won't be back. read more

We came in and there were three other tables there. The waitress notably sighed and looked displeased that we were there. We sat down and waited as she asked a table of three men if they were paying cash or credit. The one guy said he was paying with credit she sighed rolled her eyes and walked off. After all of my aunts took turns going to the bathroom, they wanted to check the place out because it has so much history. The waitress said would be with us when she can. We ended up leaving the waitress was clearly miserable and didn't want us there. The place looked rather dirty so I don't really like we missed out on anything. If your looking for a good meal and good atmosphere just go across the street to milk and honey cafe you'll enjoy your experience more than you ever could at this place. read more

Amazing little Mom and Pop slice of paridise. The food was outstanding, the service was Wonderful, I look forward to coming back. Thanks Pat, Amazing place. read more

Great soups in a historic building that retains the feeling of a traveler tap room. I highly recommend the clam and sausage soup if you are lucky enough to be there when it is on the menu. Soup menu has about 200 choices and the owner rotates through them with about 8 each day. Freshly made sandwiches and delicious himemadeflatbreads round out the menu and play a supporting role to the soups. Menu includes throw back sandwiches such as fried bologna which I had. They also have Limburger cheese sandwiches. My husband had a very well prepared burger. read more

American Hotel - Hotels Near Me - Lima, New York

This is a cute old place, a real flashback. The atmosphere is hotel tavern . The sandwiches were good and there were plenty of beers to choose from. The waitress was very nice. The service turned out to be slow. There was a rather loud gentleman in a group of six that seemed to dominate. read more

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soup, best around period!! i have enjoyed many meals there, service and food is just great! did i mention the soup?

A favorite place for good ole homemade food and friendly people. The holiday decorations set off its historic style. Our go-to place for a simple meal in a relaxing setting. Like visiting small town family. read more

My wife and I met my father here for lunch yesterday. For all the glowing reviews we heard, we were very disappointed with the overall experience. I ordered a bacon cheeseburger. For $10, that should include something, like fries or even chips. Nope; just the burger. It was okay but not great. For 3 extra I got a CUP of clam chowder, which was watery and bland. The menu says they prepare the soups fresh. The taste and consistency suggest that they put it all together several days in advance, freeze it, and then heat it up in a saucepan when it's ordered. My wife had a chicken salad that was about the size of your typical side salad. For 9 more dollars, we expected a meal-sized salad. She did enjoy her meatball soup with marjoram. Dad had a turkey wrap that tasted bland. It looks like the decor hasn't been updated since the place was built (1800's?); the floor tiles are definitely ancient, worn, gouged, and dirty. There's no A/C, which makes for a miserable experience on a day that's humid and in the high 80's. There's also these weird and dingy curtains that get on you every time there's a breeze, there's floor fans blowing crud everywhere, and the overall atmosphere feels tired and gloomy. None of us will be coming back. read more

Wonderful old style bar and diner. Soup and sandwich type, with great proprietors that are fun to speak with about history and family. Could use some work on cosmetics but if that is what you want, go to Mortons. Much fun here. Best, JimT read more

Walking in this establishment feels like walking into 1930. It's not the cleanest place I've eaten, and it won't accommodate many simultaneous diners. Despite this, I find myself coming back again. It's cozy and has a small town vibe. The food here has always been delicious. From what I understand, they're known for their soups and chicken spiedies. I've had several of their soups and the chicken and they're always great. While the French onion soup isn't exactly traditional, I find it to be one of my very favorites. The chicken sandwich is easily 2 meals worth of food and the prices are great for what you get. My only real problem regarding the food is that they rotate the soup selection. You may not always get the one you want, but there are always many choices. Highly recommend this place if you're in the area. read more

American Hotel - Cheeseburger - Hotels Near Me - Lima, New York

This place is a rustic icon, a rural Mecca, an upstate landmark. It is beautiful, offbeat and worth any sort of drive from Rochester or Syracuse. The burgers are straight butter, marvelous. The Limburger sandwich is what makes it all worthwhile. plus a Genny naturelment.. read more

We've been going here for decades and treasure Rose and Pat and the whole experience! Went today and had an amazing meal of chicken spiedies with Swiss and grilled onions and bowls of 2 fabulous soups. Going back soon with friends. read more

The restaurant and bar are OK (the much-celebrated soups are actually hit or miss), but the hotel is not adequate for anyone with other options. We reserved a room with no private bath, just a shower and a sink. The sink was dirty and rusting away, the shower was right out of a prison, the window had large cracks, and the room had stains, dirty accessories, crumbling dressers, and pillows marked "Property of Aid to Hospitals." The shower was surrounded by peeling linoleum, and the carpet was poor office-grade. It's the worst hotel room I've ever stayed in. The staff were polite and the price was low, but the facilities were terrible. The following weren't dealbreakers, but didn't help: There are no B&B amenities such as breakfast, but nor is there maid service. Wifi is available in the restaurant area, but not in the rooms. read more

My "better half" has wanted to try this place for some 40 years, and yesterday, he got the chance. Maybe it was better in times gone by, but today, it's just a "townie bar" that happens to still serve food. We'd heard that they were famous for their soups, but on a 90° day, you would think that they would have at least one cold soup; gazpacho, vichyssoise, or something. Instead, on a 90° day, they had N.E. clam chowder, stratchitella, and some concoction called "garbage plate soup". Skipping the soup options, we decided on a Crab salad sandwich and a bacon cheeseburger. As another poster remarked, it appeared that the guy tending bar and taking the orders was also cooking the food. We waited some 40 minutes for 2 simple orders to be served. The crab sandwich was O.K., but served with nothing to accompany it, on a too-small plate, The burger was also served on a too-small plate, with huge rings of raw onions, and a cold, soggy bun. It was tasty, but poorly served. The facilities are best described as either "dilapidated" or "ramshackle", depending on your opinions. I can see no earthy reason to go any distance to eat here. Chain restaurants up in Henrietta look good compared to this place. I don't expect it to last much longer the way it's run right now. read more

Like a traveling through time, the American Hotel can be a little disorienting, but it is so worth it. Drinks are affordable, the food is good, the soups are AMAZING, and the atmosphere... Let me tell you about the atmosphere. Such a special space. Filled with great special people. Seriously, the American Hotel is like a trip back in time. read more

Such a beautiful, old school bar. Love it here. read more

American Hotel - Hotels Near Me - Lima, New York

Great place. Love the chicken speidies....the soups and cookies....charming atmosphere.

Only 2nd time there, soups are good and tried the turkey Reuben, which was also very tasty. Unfortunately they need to clean the place up a bit. My husband and I both used the restrooms and they were "disgusting" to put it mildly. I understand wanting to keep the old time feel, but could clean it up. Ladies room smelled and floor, sink and toilet filthy. My husband said men's room had strong urine smell, floor filthy as were windows. He won't return because as he says if facilities that dirty, what does kitchen look like? Too bad, because this is landmark. read more

SO CUTE!! Like my gram's house was!! That sums up the atmosphere in the American Hotel restaurant--and I totally dig it!! We've been here a few times. It's a bit of a haul for us, but it's a fun day trip or a spot we pick when visiting family in Rochester. American is a bar and restaurant, that is still family-friendly when we've been in at lunchtime. The dining room isn't huge, maybe ten tables or so, still spread out nicely. There are several homemade soup specials everyday. I LOVE soup, and love trying the different options here. Chili, split pea, chicken noodle, creamy soups, brothy soups, more exotic flavors; there are at least half a dozen homemade soups on the board each day, which will change each time you come in. Every one I have tried has been savory, smooth and satisfying. There are several sandwich options, too, if you want to pair your soup with something more substantial. A lovely time to come into American is around the holidays. After Thanksgiving, they really deck it out with beautiful, old-timey trees and rustic decor. Visit anytime though! This sweet slice out of the past is a great way to slow down, enjoy some soup, and exhale your stress for a little bit while you step back in time. read more

Good food, great soup. Atmosphere brings you back to a simpler time. Good place to eat with your grandparents.

Live fiddle music in the background on the Sunday we stopped by - a nice touch for anyone looking for a time machine ride with their meal. Soups were really wonderful with modest portions. We followed a previous review recommendation and went old school with liverwurst and fried bologna sandwiches, topped with thick slices of onions...(perhaps a little too authentic for most patrons under 65). Great 90 year old bar in the back, homemade cookies with the check, plus an interesting history of the place printed on the menu. Not the cheapest soup and sandwich combo in the world, but a nice pitstop for a slice of upstate's past. read more

A favorite place for good ole homemade food and friendly people. The holiday decorations set off its historic style. Our go-to place for a simple meal in a relaxing setting. Like visiting small town family. read more

American Hotel - Diningroom is dressed up for the holidays - Hotels Near Me - Lima, New York

GROSS!!! The American Hotel is a sad reminder of what happens to historic properties that are not maintained appropriately. Old, dirty, cracked and crumbling are just a few of the words that describe the current state of this establishment. No one in their right mind would book a stay in the hotel if they knew the state of disrepair that awaits. The restaurant dining area is dingy and very poorly maintained. I was saddened to think that this was a wonderful place in days gone by. Today it's just a dump that probably should be closed unless the current owners would be willing to spend several million dollars to make repairs, clean and bring the American Hotel back to it's former splendor. The menu at the restaurant consisted of different soups and very basic sandwiches. The waitress was also the cook and the busser and the bartender. I think she was the owner too. She recommended the yellow split pea with barley soup, which was served very hot in an old and dull blue melamine bowl with six crackers on a matching plate. The soup was thinner and not as flavorful as I would expect from a split pea soup and the gross bowl made my stomach turn. Overall impression = gross. I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich on rye bread. I selected cheddar and swiss cheese and although I thought I could see the swiss cheese on the bread, it had no taste. The bread was greasy but it was from grease and not butter. So gross. The sandwich was served on a very small Syracuse china bread plate with 2 pickles. Chips were at the bar and were extra. Cost of lunch = $2.50 for soda, $1.00 for refill, $5.95 for sandwich and $4.50 for the soup. Frankly, I wanted to leave and throw up in the parking lot. It was that gross. read more

I love this place!! It has been passed down in the family for decades, and has an old time feel to it. Rose, the cook who makes all the amazing soups, has her own cookbook you can buy there to try to recreate her delicious concoctions. They serve sandwiches and soups. That's it, except for seasonal side salads (mac, potato). They typically have 5-6 soups daily, and serve them piping hot. Pat, the bartender, makes a good bloody mary. They also have a spicy mustard you have to ask for that is tasty on all their sandwiches. This is not a fancy place. That's what makes it great. Highly recommend if you want some excellent homemade fare off the beaten path. read more

A very beautiful old hotel, worth a view and a drink, and the people working there were absolutely lovely...but neither of the soups we had were anything we would eat again (3 sisters and sweet and sour pork). Both were far too sweet and oddly flavored. The sandwich was fine, but none of the food was really worth the price. Strictly a place to appreciate ambience - but since there's little else in Lima to choose from, it's acceptable. read more

If you value a walk back in time with homemade soups and sandwiches, this is the spot! Proprietors Rose and her brother Pat have carried on the family run hotel and have added the best of Roses's soups along with cookbooks if you can match her culinary skills! Things are homey and hospitable, and if you're lucky enough, you might get a story of some times gone by! It's a favorite spot any time of the year! read more

If your looking for something other than soups and sandwiches then look elsewhere. The soups are home made and vary daily. I've been here countless times for lunch and have always loved my meal. Full bar with some local brews on tap. The wraps are delicious, but for something different their liverwurst or fried bologna were winners. Small little restaurant- they only serve lunch. Everyone is very friendly. And homemade cookies with your check! read more

This place is FANTASTIC. It has a warm, relaxed, old fashioned, European atmosphere. The food was prepared quickly and was especially tasty; the service was prompt and courteous. We had two different kinds of soup, a great burger, and a wonderful egg salad sandwich. And free cookies and a great big glass of bourbon. I'll plan to spend a weekend here next. I love it! read more

So adorable. I absolutely love it. Everything is homemade and they even sell their recipes! With the check they don't give you mints or chocolates, they give you homemade cookies! read more

One of my favorites. Soup and sandwich, with emphasis on Rose's fantastic homemade soup. Very nostalgic setting, love that they have big band music playing over the speakers in the dining room. read more

Totally enjoyed the creamy carrot-ginger soup. Along with a luscious tuna melt on toasted rye, and a fine pint of Rohrbach's Wee Heavy Scotch Ale to chase the goodness, I felt as if I'd found a very special eatery. My local friends who introduced me to AH claim they make the 20 mile trip to Lima from Rochester a couple times a week. What a find! read more

What a disappointment!! Old and ratty place- soup served in plastic bowls- a few crackers with the soup- I thought the salad would be a safe bet- forget it - they put dirty blueberries in the mediocre salad . the service was bizarre- old dogs wandering the room. This place is creepy. Save your money and go to the nearest fast food chain. read more

A FANTASTIC historic restaurant ! Go back in time and enjoy food like they used to make. Comfort food, soups like you have never had before and a bar out of two centuries ago. read more