I'm right on the fringe of 3 and 4 here, but I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt for now and go 4 for the time being. I went here today with my kids and some friends and their kids (ages 6 to 8 months). It being a Sunday at 1ish, we figured we'd miss the lunch rush and be able to cruise in and out. Somewhat surprisingly, it was pretty much full (which isn't a bad thing), but we got lucky and were able to sit within about 10 minutes. The place is quite fun with walled-off bar and table areas that adjoin at the front with an open space and the small music stage. The decor was cool with rough cut wood everywhere and TVs playing the Olympics (go US curling team!). And even though it was really busy, it wasn't all that loud given the number of people. Once we got seated though is where things started going off the rails a bit. It took a little bit for our server to come see us and then even more time to take our orders. The whole time she seemed either disinterested or distracted and certainly in a rush. I also got that same kind of vibe from the other servers I saw bouncing around too. In any event, we got our orders in and then it took them quite a while to come out as well even though we didn't get anything really special - pot roast poutine and side salad for me, cheeseburger and fries for my son, pizza with black olives for my daughter, and then our friends got chicken fingers and fries and I think maybe another cheeseburger or something. All in all, I think we ended up being there around an hour and a half through no fault of our own. For a beverage, I ordered myself an espresso martini. Now, mind you when I asked for a cocktail menu, they had none. They also "only" had 3 or 4 kinds of gin, to which our server told us that's not actually what it's called the "Gin" Mill for (not sure if that was sarcasm or serious). Either way, not really what I was expecting but oh well. It is a pub after all. On the flip side of that, I saw what looked like some really excellent looking cocktails being served up at the bar. Seems like a missed opportunity to me. On the food side, my side salad was pretty basic - lettuce, green pepper, tomato, and onion. I asked for balsamic and ended up getting two ranch. Oh well, I still like ranch. The pot roast poutine was absolutely epic though. Is it trying to actively kill me? Of course it is with all that fatty meat, greasy fries, and gravy. Aren't I allowed to splurge for the sake of you readers out there though? The roast was melt in your mouth tender and some big chunks of it to boot. I brought about 3/4 home and it made excellent leftovers for dinner too! The pizza was solid with a good cheese to sauce ratio, a nice, fluffy crust, and good overall taste and texture. I got a bite of my son's (plain) cheeseburger and it was also quite good with quality-looking bun and some really nice sear marks on the burger. The fries weren't my favorite with the sort of weird crunchy texture-style that like a Burger King has, but that's really just my personal preference. At around 230 is when the band started playing, which was an older couple playing some country tunes. My kids decided to go out and dance for a couple minutes, which the musicians seemed to get a kick out of. It was tough to make out the words she was singing, but it was a fun vibe regardless and it wasn't obnoxiously loud either. All in all (and cheating looking at some of the other reviews), it seems like this place has some front-of-house issues that need addressing but their food and drink are pretty solid. Since there's not a ton of food choices in town, I'd consider going again, but with EBC and others in walking distance, I guess there's not really any compelling reason that I should when I only make it down this way a couple times a year. read more

See all

Walked here from my hotel to get a quick lunch before hitting the slopes and as I walked in, I noticed they had a live band playing, VERY loud might I add. Had to wait longer than normal for the hostess to seat me. It's was extremely difficult to communicate with the server due to the volume, however, I ordered the French onion soup, not bad. This establishment has the historical charm, but I could've done without all the dead Wildlife creatures hanging out all over the walls. FYI, some individuals like myself, prefer seeing them alive, especially while you're eating. But, each for their own. And I have to agree with other reviews on service being extremely slow . read more

Strange day in town with a power outage impacting nearly half the business district limiting dining options. Ended up here by default and it turned out not to be a bad thing. Decor is a throw back to the days of, well Gin Mills. Woody and cute. Service was quick and friendly with an extensive menu explained by our waitress. Went with the Gin Mill Special version of beef on weck and I would recommend you do the regular version instead. Found the cheese detracts from the beef, the onion strands not noticeable and it just makes things messier. Wings were good and crisp. The fried pickles were fabulous and everyone was more than satisfied with their meals. read more

See all

Very cute inside and we were seated promptly. We were there for lunch and they had an extensive menu with reasonable prices. My pot roast melt was very good and my friend's hot roast beef with mashed potatoes were enjoyed as well. Our server was efficient but the only thing that took away stars was that she wasn't friendly at all. We hated to ask for anything. This is something that will make me think twice about going back. read more

See all

Seat yourself. Plenty of seats for everyone. They have live music on the weekends. Food was so tasty. Burgers, fries, sweet potato fries and fried bologna sandwich. So worth every bite. Server was friendly. Restrooms were extremely clean. Full bar! Prices are fair. read more

The Gin Mill - Bars Near Me - Ellicottville, New York

See all

Awful experience. Ordered two meals from the bar, then manager came out and said I was only allowed to order one so the weren't going to serve me the second. Craziest worst service for no reason I ever experienced. Bar tender ignored me after she gave me the check for the one meal. Highly recommend to avoid this place at all costs. read more

The inside is super cozy and interesting mix of decor. It has some Nice ski decor among other things like a shark. It was really nice inside. The menu is a mix of sandwiches, burgers, apps, wings. Bar food type stuff. We ordered the gin mill burger and gin mill wrap. Ordered the pretzels as an appetizer. The pretzels were really tasty as was the cheese they came with. The burger was ordered medium but it came well done and seemed to be a prefab patty. It had a special sauce on it but was still sort of dry so I added ketchup. It was ok. Not the greatest but not the worst. The wrap was ok as well. The server was attentive but kind of a flat mood. Nothing too bothersome though. I'd go here again but maybe try something different. read more

The Gin Mill - Gin mill wrap - Bars Near Me - Ellicottville, New York

See all

Great dive ski bar with fun late night music. The kitchen is open late and we love the wings. read more

The Gin Mill - Bars Near Me - Ellicottville, New York

See all

From out of town, but been here several times in the past, however my last visit left a bad taste in my mouth. I typically eat all the meat off the bones on chicken wings, but these could have used a few extra minutes in the fryer. Our waitress didn't stop back to check on us until almost after our meals were eaten. I certainly wasn't looking for a free meal, but ended up nibbling on all but 2 wings in hopes of winning at the game of "the runs roulette". The waitress eventually stopped by and I explained that I normally eat all of the meat on the wings, but these left a bit to be desired. She explained that they flash cook their wings and that it was normal to see red/pink. She then asked if I wanted a box for the 2 leftover wings and then handed me the check. Like I mentioned, I played roulette since she didn't even stop back until we were finished and tired from a long evening, but extending an offer to make a new order togo would have been appreciated. read more

The Gin Mill - Bars Near Me - Ellicottville, New York

Burgers were great Service was great Will be back Sweet potato fries... yummy Ambience typical bar read more

We stopped in after a morning of skiing for an après cocktail. It was not busy yet so we were able to easily get seats at the bar. We were quickly greeted by a friendly and helpful bartender who served up a lovely mimosa and Bloody Mary. We decided to get a little snack as well and chose the basket of sweet potato fries. The food came out quickly and was crispy and hot. There was a generous side of honey for dipping as well. Fries could have used salt but other than that everything was good. The Gin Mill is a popular, casual bar and restaurant in the main strip in Ellicottville. There is a good amount of seating but it's often very busy. The menu offers a lot of bar food type options and is usually consistently good. The inside is decorated with a mix of taxidermy, ski resort signs and some cute and quirky themed items. All which makes for this a fun local place to grab a bite. read more

See all

A group of us took a road trip from Fairmount City PA just to visit this Rustic Gem! Didn't realize it was located in the heart of "ski land. Beautifully decorated as a remembrance of a Gin Mill. Our service was spot in! She was very attentive and friendly, explained some food choices and was just a very pleasant server. As you can see by the pictures, the food was very large and very good. read more

See all

Went on a Monday. Service was amazing and very reasonable pricing for upscale pub food. There's a reason they've been in business for many years! read more

Everything the service for one I had to go to the bar to get my drink. I had to go to the bar to get ice. I had asked the waitress what a special day was nachos were terrible. Everything on them was chunky jalapeños were extra extra hot can't eat not one bite. Beef stew was no more than beef soup And a Polish platter was kielbasa from the grocery store and Mrs. cheese pierogies. read more

The Gin Mill - Suppose to be nachos ! Yuk not tasty at all jalapeños are so hot. - Bars Near Me - Ellicottville, New York

I've been 3-4 times and we went with friends this past weekend. Always good food. Served was really nice and quick despite being very busy. We've had live music most of the times and it's always good. This Friday's band took requests too. Highly recommend. read more

Absolutely fantastic!!! We had Beef n Wick with fries. Probably the best I have ever had. I can't wait to return. Nicki was our server-she could not have been more attentive-they were BUSY! Music was very entertaining. I STRONGLY recommend this gem. Thanks, Charlie and Lind read more

It's good stuff. Fun spot. It's good singers. You GOTTA turn the music down. You can't even talk to the people you're sitting with.

Good food always a good time when you go it is amazing 10 out of 10 recommend the food is good the workers are nice and it is always clean

Had a group of 10 guys comfortably settled at a corner of the bar. Great food, great music. Had a great night. However, when I went to the Johnson for a tinkle, a guy came out of the stall - obviously laying cable - he did not wash his hands. I came back to my seat at the bar, and it was the bar tender letting it crust on his fingers! Disgusting. read more

Après ski stop. Live music and definitely a local mountain vibe. Good beer selection. Bartenders very attentive.

What a cute little place this is! Actually, it's quite spacious! There's a spot for live music ( which there was in progress). It was easy listening music and you could still talk while eating. The menu was pretty easy to navigate and something for everyone. The prices were great and the portions will fill you. Our waitress was very attentive and made us wait for nothing. She was there every step of the way. The bathroom was really clean. Really enjoyed myself! read more

See all

Food is always good. Service is always slow. Waitress was nice. Always good live music and laid back atmosphere. If the kitchen could keep up it would be 5 stars. read more

We came here put our name on the wait-list. Checked the wait-list and I was second in line with a 16 minute wait. Then 10 minutes later we checked and we are next in line with a 28 minute wait. What!!!??? I go to hostess and inquire.... She implies that I do not know how to read.... Really. The place looks great and the bartenders and waiterscarecworking hard. Food looked great but the initial service was a put off. Not planning on coming back unless there is a change. By the way I am a teacher so I am capable of reading and understanding. read more

Food is excellent, prices are fair, service was decent. I love the inside decor, it makes you feel like you're inside a hunter's lodge. I always eat here when I'm visiting Ellicottville. read more

How is this place open??? 1. Burgers were completely raw... I could of molded it into a new shape still. 2. The staff has no desire to participate in the dining experience. There was a 20 minute wait so we stopped at the bar. The bartender asked if we were getting food. We said no and her response was "Good! I have no interest in dealing with food". 3. We came for breakfast... waited to be seated, and was then informed that they are now only serving lunch.... fine. We then sit down and are informed they can't take an order for 20 minutes and it will then be at least 45 minutes for food. 4. The mimosas are brown and taste like creek water. 5. The onions in the French onion soup were completely uncooked... as in still purple and crunchy. Also whoever chopped them needs a lesson.... you need to peel the top layer off and maybe don't leave the center in. 6. While they offer breakfast for occasions.... they shouldn't. (Which is why we were ok the second time had to be lunch). Words to describe this place: feeble, poor. read more

The Scarlet Vetter says: this restaurant would have received four stars for great food and excellent service but the atmosphere/music was between and 1 and a 2. I have been here four times in the past six months and each and every time it has been a terrible dining experience due only to the fact that there has been musical entertainment that is so loud that you cannot hear people sitting at your table unless you talk very VERY loud. This time, the meals we ordered were quite good. The Gin Mill Burger, the Beef on Weck, the Smokey Mountain Melt, Loaded Fries and a Side Caesar Salad were great. The service was fast, pleasant and efficient. The facility is nicely appointed including the bathrooms. But unless you have nothing to say to your dining companions or do not want to talk at all while eating, think twice about coming here when there is a musical act billed. Today as I write this review I am hoarse. After having bad loud dining experiences here on a Wednesday, Friday and a Saturday evening, I thought it would be safe on a Monday night, but we could see the single guitarist setting up and I was a bit dismayed. Then I thought, well, its a soloist. How bad can it be? Just as bad. While in the bathroom with the door shut, I could still hear every word....loud. It is possible that some people might disagree with me and might actually seek an entertainment venue for having a bite to eat. To me, when I go out to eat with people I like, I would like to be able to talk to them and have the music be more of a background thing. On top of it, this Monday evening musical act was only so-so. He did have some fans in the audience but they were at the bar and not dining with others. In the future, I will call and ask if and when musical entertainment will be there and avoid those days and times. read more

See all

The service was great, place was very nice with a fun atmosphere. The food was very good. I would consider it good quality pub food

Love the food and always get great bar service. I've tried everything on the menu at least once. Great atmosphere.

I've been here twice now - once after a Sunday hike and once during a bachelorette weekend. Both times food and drinks came out great. I had the reuben first time and BLT wrap the second time, both with sweet potato fries. All delicious. Its nothing fancy but a great lunch for any occasion. read more

The place was rather busy for a late lunch crowd. They had live music which is a nice touch. We had to wait just a few minutes before a table was ready for us. Service: It took some time for the waitress to get to our table, but the drinks came quickly. She would take a rather long time to come back and get our food order. We each got different menu selections and as is (i.e. no substitutions). The waitress appeared to be bothered. She showed little care of doing her job. No eye contact, no politeness; she was rather robotic. Meal: The food took a rather long time to get to us, but once served there were no issues with our orders. Each of us enjoyed our wraps or sandwiches. Overall: A nice place with standard menu options which is perfect for lunch. The live music is always nice and not disappointed in our visit. read more

Amazing food, Amazing atmosphere , AMAZING WEDNESDAY NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT. Unfortunately I'm just passing through this wonderful place. From Texas to Florida and now in New York. Service was Wonderful. I'm just enjoying everything. read more

The Gin Mill - Bars Near Me - Ellicottville, New York

See all

Great food great service fantastic music by the band, just an Al around good time and food was awesome!!

Of the few restaurants in E-Ville, this is the most like a good, casual bar and grill. The food is a pretty reasonable mix of burgers, sandwiches, and apps, with vegetarian options, but mainly it's very tasty and creative for what it is. And filling. Good draft beer selection to go with. The space is comfortable, dimly-lit, and evokes a local flavor that differs somewhat from the touristy feel of the area. Taxidermy, old grain sacks, and black-n-white photos adorn the walls, lit by dim Edison-style bulbs. Dark wood and black cast iron round out the feeling that it's an upscaled barnhouse saloon. The service is great too, speedy and empathetic. As broadly inviting as I could hope for. Prices reasonable but not cheap. read more

Service was horrible (Nicky) messed up the order and charged for items we didn't receive. The aroma of feet left a little to be desired. read more

Food was okay, little greasy and not a big bar menu but overall a good lunch spot right in the middle of town if you're walking around. We had a larger party and we're well taken care of and the service was excellent! read more

Restaurant was good and very busy no matter when you go. We went there for lunch on a weekday and this place was packed. Staffs were running all over the place. Ordered their Gin Mill weck sandwich, food took a while to come since they were busy and it was good. read more

See all

Wings were soggy when we ordered extra crispy, the server said the sauce makes them soggy after they are cooked crispy. The gin mill burger was cooked rare/raw when I ordered medium. I had the same burger about a month ago and it was a lot better. The bun was toasted, the toppings tats red fresh. The fries and fried pickles also tasted like the fryer oil was about a week or 2 past it's prime. read more

The food was really good and the server was very nice. The live music on a slow Thursday night was excellent.

Friendly, serves , Sunday band played food was very good , large wings, Beef on wreck was large fresh horseradish. The atmosphere of The Gin Mill was casual. read more

The gin mill weck is outstanding. This is a must order and if you love queso get it on the side. I highly recommend this meal. read more

The Gin Mill - Bars Near Me - Ellicottville, New York