Our first visit was toward the end of our week at Chatauqua. Next year will find us dining there earlier. It was an excellent experience. My wife ordered chicken korma and I chose pork chops. Both were pleasing choices. Our server was young - and likely new. She was impressive! My wife frequently orders chicken, therefore she is an excellent judge regarding what she was served. I seldom order pork chops because I have been disappointed too many times. This was an exception. My pork chops were prepared well and I enjoyed every bite. read more

I've eaten at 2 Ames twice - once in 2023 and again in 2024. The 2023 experience was pretty bad, but yet, we tried it again in 2024, hoping for the best. This year was equally bad, so we won't be going again. Here's why. FOOD. It's okay, but it's not that good. Between the 2 visits and 4 people, we've ordered a decent variety from the menu. Nothing stuck out as especially good. Most food was left uneaten. SERVICE. The staff is kind, but highly ineffective. It took them multiple trips to the table just to get drinks out, water cups filled, etc. We had to wait at least 30 minutes for the appetizers and another 25 minutes for most of the entrees. We then had to wait another 15 minutes for the last entree to be served - and then it was prepared wrong. And this was on a slow night. LOCATION. Can't be beat if you're staying on the grounds. It's right by the Plaza. If you are looking for good food and service, there are better options (like the Intermezzo) on the Chautauqua grounds. read more

Pleasant ambience, Good service, wines. Sauces delicious. Seafood is not fresh. Pricey for the quality.

Finishing up an overpriced dinner right now. Husband ordered a $50 steak that is beyond tough. My curry squash was fine. But watch out for the meat. Husband just told me to add "loud and cramped." read more

The food is great here. We come back every summer. Staff is friendly and the chef is great. Creative menu and craft cocktail menu keeps us coming back. Old charm of Chautauqua views located in bestor plaza square. We have had lots of things on menu and haven't had anything I haven't liked. Brussels and naan appetizers was delicious too. read more

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YES!!! Chautauqua has a bar, and not just a bar- practically a speak easy it's so awesome (just not hidden) :) "Good fences make great neighbors" drink is superb, I literally want to go everyday it's that good. Tastes like a beautifully concocted, savvy savory drink that you can't stop at just one. Bar tender is a magician! Live music, tonight it was jazz and they were great as well. Front room opens up for standing room or their are more tables on second level to look out over the park plaza. read more

2 Ames - "Good fences make great neighbors" - mezcal drink - you can't just have 1!!! - New American Near Me - Chautauqua, New York

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I'm only giving it one star because, through no fault of 2 Ames, after we were seated and looked at the menu..we left..I don't know about others ( because it was 1/2 full) but I couldn't find one thing on the menu I'd even consider..the menu is VERY different..in my defense, I've eaten there before and there was at least a burger on the menu ( and fish on Fridays) and, that menu is still listed somewhere online when looking up 2 Ames..so I went ( before a concert at the Amphitheater ) hoping to get in and out in time..no such luck..I just couldn't justify spending $200 on 4 people for food I knew I couldn't/wouldn't eat.. read more

We are longtime customers of 2 Ames. This is our first time dining with them this season. The service was quite slow but that is to be understood when new staff are being trained at the start of the season. What is not to be understood is that we were served an arugula salad with bad arugula, comprised of wilted and yellow leaves, and burned naan. More concerning was a dirty restroom at 5:30 pm with dirty sink, floor,, commode and overflowing trash can when the restaurant had just opened at 5pm. And, the light switch fell off the wall leaving exposed wiring. We hope they turn things around. read more

My family and I went to 2 Ames for Taco Tuesday and we ordered 1 Carnitas, 2 Carne Asada, 2 Nashville Hot Chicken, and 2 Fish. Our overall favorite were the Fish tacos since they had great flavor. We thought The Nashville Hot Chicken was going to be more flavorful but ended up being pretty basic because the spice was diffused by the sweet honey. Lastly, we had the Carnitas and the Carne Asada, the Carnitas were bland and I don't recommend them, but I was most disappointed by the Carne Asada since this is my favorite taco to get, the steak tasted like nothing, and the sauce wasn't there. Granted, the staff seemed overwhelmed by the number of people at the restaurant, and I hope in the future they take more time to prepare their dishes and improve their level of service. read more

I live in NYC and am a simple food snob: I like good food in any form. Hot dogs, sushi, it doesn't matter. I had dinner at 2 ames 2 nights in a row. That good. They serve good food at its absolute best. Inventive and uncomplicated. Yes, both at the same time. The grilled carrots were so good that my vegetarian wife now expects so much better from my cooking. The crab meat carbonara was one of the best past dishes I have ever had. Generous, generous, generous with the crab meat. And the sauce was so tantalizing. I was full and had to eat more. I want to come back and try the ceviche and the turkish salad and all of the other things that I didn't order. Thank you for creating this food oasis. read more

Our server Danny was the bomb! It's a big deal that I'm writing this months after being here and I still remember his name. This was our first time there and we had a photo shoot after so we needed quick and asked a ton of questions. Very us. I ended up getting the hot dog and Daniel got the Rueben. This hot dog was so dang good. There were a few sauces that were super spicy but oh so good and the pickled carrots! So many crazy flavors but they worked so well together. I very much enjoyed my meal and it was way different than what I was expecting. The Rueben was a win for Daniel as well. We also ordered a lemon drink and a hot chocolate. But good, Daniel ordered his hot and cold and they were both so unique and delicious. It almost tasted alcoholic but it wasn't. My hot chocolate was the most rich hot chocolate I've ever tasted. It was almost too much in the small much I got. I had to share otherwise I would have turned to chocolate. So tasty!!! Definitely a unique place with a ton of character and great staff. We so enjoyed our experience. read more

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First, a chef, owner, or manager reads me the menu on the phone (who does that) then a beautifully energetic and friendly manager takes my order; next a lovely server pours out more kindness; finally chef delivers delicious food exactly to our requests. I've always enjoyed 2 Ames but this year it has seriously stepped up its game. I'm a skeptic about Chautauqua food but 2 Ames is restoring my faith that a world class facility like the institute can truly have world class food. 2 Ames is now a quintessentially American part of our Chautauqua experience. Bravo fellas. You do this place proud! read more

We got the fried chicken sandwich and a cocktail and it was way more than expected. Good mix of flavors, perfectly fried chicken. Would definitely go back again. read more

So I'm a few sips into my new favorite cocktail - The Depeche Mode - I'm expressing my "Devotion" to 2 Ames! This is the place to go for amazing cocktails, great food and one of the best chefs in the east - chef Danny has created the perfect environment for before, during and after - cocktails and cuisine you'll keep coming back for. read more

2 Ames - Half way through the succulent Depeche Mode cocktail - pink gin with hints of peach, vanilla and honey with just a kiss of lemon twist... - New American Near Me - Chautauqua, New York

Lovely addition to Chautauqua. Super friendly staff who are passionate about the coffee drinks and gave me free samples. They have some tasty small plates during the day and it's a trendy hipster cocktail spot at night. Love the eclectic decor and glad there is a hang out spot for the younger crowd here. Often will see performers relaxing with a drink after shows. read more

Just love this place! The perfect addition to not only the Institute, but the Chautauqua area in general. Food is always delish and drinks are always great too. Love that the menus change frequently as well. Great staff, welcoming atmosphere and live music on the weekends. What more could you ask for? Kudos 2 Ames! read more

2 Ames - Fish and Chips + Burger....Delish! - New American Near Me - Chautauqua, New York

This is the best dining place to hit Chautauqua...in forever! All the food is delicious and the decor is so welcoming and homey. Truly a breath of fresh air; brought to life with the creative and visionary staff whose deep love for Chautauqua shines through. June 2020***They have adapted to the current health crisis and are providing delivery and contactless pickup at their side window. They have a very nice curated little grocery- including homemade baked goods, coffee drinks, and an extensive beer and wine list-with hopes to add more this summer. read more

We dined at Two Ames last night and loved it so much we went there for lunch today. In the parched food desert of the Chautauqua Institution, Two Ames is an oasis of flavorful corn and kale salads, perfectly grilled halibut, fresh pasta with tender shrimp, risotto, broccoli rabe, and exquisite pies. The soups and sandwiches at midday are yummy too. And you will not find a better vibe anywhere. The servers are lovely, attentive, and wildly busy, so please be grateful grateful and kind. read more

Was traveling through the area and decided to walk around the institute on a beautiful day! Came across 2 Ames and thought the brunch sounded nice. Unfortunately, we sat for at least 20 min before a server came to our table. Another 45 min to get our food. It was mediocre at best and way overpriced for the serving. No toast with an omelette??? That's weird...and charged us for a refill on our coffee. Server never came back after delivering our meal and we had to walk downstairs to the bar area to get our check. Check was wrong and needed fixed. Overall , poor service . read more

Would like to give benefit of the doubt since they just opened for the summer, but the experience was terrible. Ordered chicken and waffles and received a 4oz piece of chicken and a rock-hard cold waffle. Don't be surprised when the food is below subpar and they add on a kitchen fee as well. Save your time. read more

Far and away the best restaurant in the region! Located on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution, 2 Ames has a hip, relaxed atmosphere and fabulous food. Start wih one of their magical salads -- the kale caesar's the best anywhere, and this great year for corn shines through in their fabulous corn salad. We loved the perfectly-cooked halibut and the stunningly spiced smoked lamb -- and don't forget to ask about the daily specials. Make reservations, especially for the 6-to-7 hour, because this place really fills up (and with good reason!) read more

This place is amazing! Love the place, food and staff. If you're looking for a home cooked meal with the best vibes head on over.

My G-d!! What a welcome breath of fresh air to Chautauqua. Cool, hip spot with gourmet food and amazing drinks. Chautauqua needs to do everything in its capacity to support this awesome restaurant so we can encourage others to come here and change what has been traditionally the most stale food and drink scene ever. Ive always said, youndont come to Chautauqua for the food but now you can! Come to 2 Ames for breakfast, lunch, or dinner....and then come for late night drinks! read more

2 Ames - Old Fashioned...the way it should be done! - New American Near Me - Chautauqua, New York

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First visit to Chautauqua-so glad this place is here. Unique charm with modern ambiance. Live music, first to serve alcohol at the institution and fantastic menu and wine selection. read more

Wishing these guys continued success. What a perfect addition to the Chautauqua Institute. We so enjoyed our breakfast and dinner this past week on our family vacation. Don't miss the Fish Fry! Caring staff, lovely atmosphere and great food. 100% recommend. We'll be back soon. read more

Beautiful restaurant in a converted historic Chautauqua home right on the corner of Bestor Plaza. Rotating menu with fresh ingredients, antique/stylish decor, friendly staff, and live music on some nights. Try the chicken soup! The tagliatelle- which they hand make an hour before dinner - is also great! My family has been coming to the Institute for years and find this spot to be a nice addition to the overpriced bar food that sometimes feels like the only other option! read more

Wow. The first establishment in the institution to serve alcohol. We came for my 30th birthday and was pleasantly surprised. The food was fantastic. I loved the atmosphere and the dining area- how homey! The guys who run the place are great, too. I crave cute little restaurants exactly like this, with similar decor, unique food and alcohol choices and friendly staff. This was just superb. I hope to make it back. Congrats, guys. You got a great little place here. I hope you thrive! This is the perfect place to try some unique food, drinks, and have good conversations. read more

Fabulous dinner tonight with friends! The haddock was outstanding as well as the burger, corn chowder,summer salad, and seafood rice bowl.The staff was very efficient, friendly, and professional! But the star of the show was the German chocolate cake made by their pastry chef, PJ. Great food in a fun atmosphere! read more

I couldn't tell you I went there in March took me an hour to get there and they were closed but it is not listed on there website they are closed soo not cool. Get it together and update ur info. read more

The service is fast. There is seating on the 1st and 2nd floors, meeting spaces, and bar. It is filled with charm, inside and out. They make food taste great with locally grown ingredients and herbs. I like the Chicken Salad; Prosciutto, Mozzarella, & Basil; the BLT, and the Ham & Gruyere. They make their own aioli, lemon-thyme vinaigrette, mascarpone with sage, and other well-crafted sauces and soups. Barista Wyatt crafts daily juice from fresh fruit and herbs for the ultimate summer thirst quencher. His coffee is out-of-this-world, and a customer proclaimed, "The best in Chautauqua!" Definitely try 2 Ames. read more

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We had the most amazing 40 person charcuterie take out for a special dinner outside. They were amazing to work with, packaging it all in boxes for two. They food and service were outstanding. We also enjoyed many take out breakfast sandwiches over the weekend. I look forward to try other things on their menu. read more

I really wanted to like this place. The staff was very friendly and greeted us nicely when we came in. I brought a business associate here but literally had to apologize. First off, for lunch we literally had three options. They seemed like decent options though so I wasn't completely put out. We both chose the burger, I had mine with cheese. The burger came out and it was literally a burger in the center of a plain plate with absolutely nothing else. Not a piece of fruit, no chips, no drizzle of sauce, nothing. The cheese I had on mine was a slice of pre-wrapped cheese food like McDonalds. The burger tasted good but I hate leaving a restaurant hungry. The other problem was the cost. For two burgers, two hot teas, and a tea and a coffee to go it was $40. I don't mind paying for good food but this seemed like a, well it's Chautauqua we can do less and charge more kind of thing. read more

Absolutely fantastic Carnitas!!! 2 Ames has stepped it up this summer and their takeout is so fresh, so delicious, and obviously the best option within a 500 miles radius. I want to eat off the 2 Ames menu for every meal, and I just might. read more

Delicious good; fun cocktails; great atmosphere. The best restaurant in Chautauqua Institution.

We loved this place last summer but they closed for the winter and have a ways to go in getting back to their previous standards. First time we went this season we ordered coffees and a breakfast sandwich. Food was fine, if really slow (20 minutes to make a to go sandwich). Second time, they were a bit faster (15 minutes) but the egg white on the sandwich was totally raw and the English muffin was way too dense - almost like it had been frozen? Sadly inedible (and expensive). Might give them a third chance on the coffee, but after that disaster of a breakfast sandwich I'll skip the food next time. read more

Fantastic take out options during COVID-19. We have had take out lunch, dinner and a variety of alcoholic beverages. My son would eat the Oxtail Poutine everyday! Highly recommend!! read more

Welcome new addition to CHQ dining options. Great location and enthusiasm, think tapas menu and you won't be disappointed. Small plates, nice wine selection and draft craft beer. Enjoyed the poutine fries, hamburger was great. Three time fries were super. Progression of steak were canapé medallions with good toppings. Kale and apple salad was the best first course. Service was disjointed and confused, hope it improves with the season. read more

2 Ames - Downstairs and upstairs dining rooms on the corner of Bestor Plaza, corner of Pratt and Ames - New American Near Me - Chautauqua, New York

Cute place with live music and friendly service..... but they change your order from the time you order it and the server writes it down.... to the point that it is delivered..... and without notification. I ordered a Sangria (which was supposed to be red wine with fruit.... it said so right on the menu) and I was given a concoction of white wine, orange juice and fruit. When I questioned it, I was told that is how it's made now.... no apology.... no offer to get me something else. And a friend ordered a latte..... and after her first sip she was told "I hope you don't have a nut allergy because it was made with almond milk since we ran out of regular". Huh? Maybe next time let the customers know of changes before bringing out their items. read more

Ceilings are low, rooms are small and if diners are talking, the music is too loud so you can't hear the conversation at your own table. Also, I was too low in my seat at the table. Menu was limited. Trout was tasty, but the plate was drenched in butter. I'm not a fan of squash and zucchini -- both of which have little taste so when drenched in butter, the veggies were greasy and way too buttery. Same with the risotto which was also cooked in too much butter. I understand it's farm to table, but our waiter looked like he just left the farm with a dirty, scraggly beard and wore a hat inside. Just didn't do much for my appetite. We ordered drinks, but didn't order appetizers or desert and were in and out in 35 minutes. Servings were small. They charge for bread and butter. The drinks were skimpy. 2 Ames just felt like amateur hour... read more

My husband and I had dinner with friends at 2 Ames last night. The service was extremely slow and unprofessional. Several menu items were not available. Hamburgers were overcooked and the added sauce made it unappetizing. Save your money. read more