Have driven by this place a number of times over the years and it had me curious, so I finally gave it a go. I have heard this place was a big hit with snowmobilers in the winter and that the fried perch was delicious. I stopped by around 6:30 on a Friday and to my surprise I was the only person there. The Colonial Lodge is most assuredly a dive. The inside and out both could use some work. I was greeted by the friendly owner (who appeared to be the only one working) and he quickly took my drink and food order. I opted for the perch sandwich. As I was waiting for my food a regular came in and told me how good the food was there. After a few minutes my food came out and yes indeed the perch was awesome! read more

We got the local perch sandwich. It was pretty good fish. I don't think it was necessarily caught same day - I would guess fresh-frozen - and I'd probably not make a trip out just to eat here. But we were in the area for the Sothern Tier stables horse riding, and happy to have this place. Feels like the place has seen better days, but the guy behind the counter was friendly and down to earth and it was great to buy a meal from him. read more

Everyone apparently raves about the perch (most popular item on the menu). And I'll add my endorsement. My fave fish done really well. Excellent hand cut fries. Looking forward to trying other things on the menu. read more

First things first...my girlfriend and I needed a place for dinner after seeing a play at the Merry Go Round Theater in Auburn. Someplace different. It was only 20 minutes away. Now the place is totally unassuming...more like a hunting lodge. But we were game so in we went. Very rustic and not the phoney rustic chic. Unfinished floors but a nice bar and nice little round tables. Cozy. Authentic. With two 5 star pluses: A great lake perch dinner - bones removed - 5 pieces...and a side. We both got hand cut fries. These were a tad greasy, but in the way that British fish and chips are. Tasty. If that's not your thing they offer mashed or vegetables. The second: Andy, who we assumed to be a one man show, greeter, waiter, bartender and cook. He is not a world class host or social animal. He's like your most likable next door neighbor and fits the place perfectly. The meals were $20 each but the beer was very reasonable. This was a totally fun experience and we'll likely return. read more

Colonial Lodge at Bear Swamp - Perch dinner...slightly after I started...oops! - American Near Me - Moravia, New York

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Everything was fresh and prepared from scratch. We had appetizers and entrees and it was all very good. The owner was friendly and graciously answered all of our questions. We will be back. read more

The food is phenomenal; including the local perch, the escargot, and the ravioli. We'll worth a destination drive or rerouting when driving up the lake. read more

Great fresh perch dinner! My husband and I have taken friends and family never a complaint!

This place is a hidden gem! One of my favorite places to eat. If you come through here please try there delicious Perch fish dinner. The owner is super friendly and a great guy. Amazing homemade food worth eating and relishing the moment. Absolute treasure of a find! My barber referred this place to me and my fiance. Superb restaurant!!! A+++ 5/5 stars! Thank you!! read more

Tasty pub food. My husband reports this is the "best and freshest fish" he's had ... ever! And he's from Florida! (Wait ... what about that redfish I filleted and grilled within two minutes of him catching it at Fort DeSoto that one camping trip 30 years ago? Guess that memory been replaced.) This is an interesting restaurant that isn't' fancy or much to look at and even caters to summer hiking or winter snowmobiling crowd, so the food has to be outstanding. Excellent burgers and onion rings, and the lemonade required refills, it was that thirst-quenching. read more

Pulled in after a hike at bear swamp , thought it was closed , glad I went and opened the door . Was greeted by Andy ( The owner ) . Who was such pleasure . We ordered a couple of cocktails and the swamp chicken wings delicious sauce . Place is unassuming. Don't pass it up . After reading other reviews wish I had ordered the perch as well. Dan came out from the kitchen and was such a nice guy too . Will certainly be back to order other specialties . read more

This place is way off the beaten path, but I mean that in the best way possible. We got no cell phone service, which meant we actually had to enjoy each other. I ordered the chicken tenders with fries. Everything on my plate was clearly handmade. The chicken was hand cut and breaded. The breading was a corn meal type breading, which made the tenders nice and crispy. The chicken was very juiced and well done. I love a hand cut fry and these were like fair fries. Completely delicious! The staff was very friendly! Our server was very quick with suggestions on things to enjoy in the area and directions home. I highly recommend a drive out to this place. A really great place to catch up with friends, or a quiet date. read more

Even after reading other reviews I was a little hesitant as we pulled in to this very unassuming Roadhouse looking eatery, but the service by the owner/waitress was marvelous and friendly and the food was terrific. I had the perch sandwich and fries (excellent) others had the butternut squash ravioli (also great). The carrot cake for dessert was delicious. Overall a great meal. I'll definitely revisit next time I'm in the area. read more

Fried haddock sammich was pretty good. Can't really complain. Able to seat our big family and accommodate us for a birthday dinner.

Really good food, owner very friendly, cook came out with great food; planning on going again soon! We had perch dinner with potato salad (excellent); fried pretzels & fried ravioli for apps (very good!); everything homemade! Check it out, you won't be disappointed! read more

First time going back to my home town restaurant since the new owner took over and waited an hour and a half for wings. Second and last time I went we ordered potato skins and fried ravioli which were cooked with a nuclear bomb. Burnt to a crisp and inedible. Also both occasions I had horrible service. read more

This was the worst dining experience we ever had . We waited 1 and 1/2 hours and received no food . We placed a 20 on the table to cover three beers and a club soda . The owner stood in front of my truck and refused to let me leave . He said was calling the police because we did not pay for the drinks . We went back inside and he found the 20 dollar bill . He then demanded we pay for the food or he would be calling the police. I did pay for the food which he did not ever give us . Then he again threatened to call the police because tires on my two wheel drive pick up spun in the ice in his parking lot . . We then left . My husband fell in all the ice and appears to have a broken hand . We will not be returning . read more

Really cute little lunch place. Wood burning fire place in the main dining area. The fresh perch was out of Lake Como and tasted delicious. Prices were great and the owners were very knowledgeable about the area. read more

Ate here for the first time earlier today and just had to write a review. I absolutely love how friendly and welcoming this place is! The staff made us feel right at home and even offered directions and suggestions on what to do in the area. For my meal, I had the hot wings, which I had heard are good. Boy are they! They're plump and meaty, and mine were perfectly cooked - a little crispy on the outside but juicy and tender. I totally recommend them. Next time I go back, I'm gonna try the perch, which is freshly caught from the lake nearby. If you're anywhere in the area, give this place a try! You won't be sorry. read more

We love this place for it's down home cooking, great choices from the menu and superior service from the owner. They cater to my family, especially my father, who can be hard to please. The fresh local perch is always an option and a regular choice of mine. read more

Fantastic little out of the way place. Looks very unassuming from the outside but don't let that deter you. Super friendly staff and great food inside. Four of us were there for dinner recently and it happened to be wing night so those were our appetizers. Wings were very well prepared with lots of interesting sauces to choose from (make sure you try the swamp)! Then we all had perch dinners. There's really nothing like fresh water perch and colonial lodge does a great job preparing them. Lightly breaded and very large portions. All the sides are house made and also very tasty. Strongly recommend this place for your next eating adventure!! read more

We drove from Cortland to go to this place. We haven't been in a few years, so we checked out the menu on line and their hours. This was 9/18/21 Saturday night. There were only 2 other ladies in there for dinner. There must have been a change of owners since our last visit and the menu was NOT what was on the internet. We ordered dinner and an appetizer. When they brought out our appetizer-they told us that they were out of fried chicken. Not as soon as the order went to the kitchen; but when they served the appetizer. So we ordered the chicken parm dinner with pasta. The bow ties had chuncked tomatoes on it; it seemed like liquidy salsa. I asked if we could have some bread, and he told us they have none, and do not serve bread. Their fish was breaded not battered as in the internet ad. Needless to say we were VERY disappointed, we will not return. We understand that every business is having difficulties due to COVID; however if these are new owners they need to remove the old menu and not bank on old customers, to keep their business afloat. " Fool me once.." I wish them well but it was not worth the cost and the tip. read more

Really really tasty perch and brats. The perch is local. On the sandwich it was perfectly lightly breaded. Nothing fishy. There were more expensive things on the menu but we had excellent food, two drinks, and spent less than $30! On 41a this spot is just minutes from Homer, Moravia, and Skaneateles. read more

One of the most amazing meals!!! The owners are the nicest people ever!!! My husband and I stopped in after a short camping trip on a whim and we will be going back many many more times.....I just wish that i had thought to take pix!!! The swamp nachos are out of this world with the homemade chow chow!!!! Holy cow we couldnt eat them fast enough! That has to be a regular menu item going forward!! We were debating to bring another order home with us....my husband had the coffee brownsugar rubbed steak and it was cooked perfectly with the most amazing flavor!! It just melted in your mouth!! I had the butternut squash ravioli with pesto sauce.....flippen banging!!!! I could have drankin the sauce!! Soooo yummy!!! I almost forgot to mention the pickeled zucchini and squash that was grilled perfectly that came woth my husbands meal.....zing zang bang!!! Awsome!!! And dont forget dessert what ever they are offering because the carrot cake filled oir dreams last night!!! Thank you colonial lodge for the smiling awsome service....the to die for food....and my new favorite restaurant!!! See you soon........ read more

Love this place. Not sure how the rest of their food is because I can't get past the totally awesome wings. The staff is exceedingly cordial without being overbearing -they make you feel at home. I live out of state now but I always, and only, go to the Colonial when I'm back up to Bear Swamp for a visit! read more

Dijon Haddock, fried haddock, perch and chicken parm were delicious. Natural cut french fries are a nice treat. Service was fantastic and made the visit well worth the trip... Friendly, helpful in deciding which of the entrees to choose from, and very efficient. The interior is cozy and the atmosphere relaxed and casual. It was a perfect way to spend our last evening in Skaneateles. read more

The Colonial Lodge ("Bear Swamp's Livingroom") is one of my favorite places on earth, and sports the greatest distance between pretension (zero) and the quality of the food (ten) I have ever experienced. They are famous for their perch dinner - fresh caught perch from the Finger Lakes and your choice of two sides - and frankly, it's what I order every time. But my wife and our guests, and there have been many, tell me wonderful things about everything else on the menu, especially the clam chowder, the butternut squash ravioli and the eggplant parm. In the winter you may encounter snowmobilers and cross-country skiers, and in the summer hikers and hayriders, but this is not just a place for outdoor types. The food is a revelation, and you can enjoy it with Finger Lakes wine by the glass or an excellent craft beer, in a setting where everyone feels comfortable. Sixteen miles down Skaneateles Lake, and it's a scenic ride, which I leave to others in the winter, but that gives me three seasons to eat perch. read more