Village Tavern Inn

We’d assumed this little place was mostly burgers and fries, so the menu was a pleasant surprise. My steak lunch special on a winter visit was delicious and cooked just right, with savory sides of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and mashed sweet potatoes. Service was quick, friendly, and welcoming, and the wide choice of wines from local vineyards made this a fitting stop in Finger Lakes wine country.

We lost all the money we’d paid and couldn’t even get anyone to respond. Calls, emails, and texts went unanswered when we asked for a refund, though restaurant vouchers would have been fine too. My husband and I had booked a suite in December for a winter getaway after the owner told us Christmas in the Square was fun. We gave plenty of notice when we needed to move the trip to January because we both got COVID and didn’t want to travel and spread it. Then in January we were told a pipe had burst and our suite had water damage. They offered another suite, but it had no king bed, just two queens in separate rooms. No thanks. It was a terrible way for the “new” owner to treat customers, and I wouldn’t recommend the Village Tavern Restaurant and Inn.

My wife loved her omelette, and my steak and eggs came just how I like them, perfectly rare. We were seated on a small porch with a pleasant view and atmosphere. Traffic could make it noisy, I imagine, but it was quiet while we were there, so we could enjoy a leisurely meal and conversation. The food was tasty, portions were generous, and the prices felt fair for the quality. We’d driven around Keuka Lake from Watkins Glen during our weekend in the area, and stopping at the Village Tavern and Inn in Hammondsport for an early lunch around 11:30 AM was one of the day’s highlights. The waitress and owner were both warm and welcoming. We’d happily return when we’re back in the Finger Lakes.

Paid $25 for a bland smashburger with bacon at this dusty tavern. I’ve never had a burger that tasted like nothing. And $4 for two slices of bacon is absurd. I’m starting to avoid restaurants in Hammondsport.