Some places in a town are just part of the fabric of the place. They’re woven so deeply into its history and character that it’s impossible to imagine the village without them. The Sherwood Inn is that place in Skaneateles, and has been since 1807.
The story starts with Isaac Sherwood, who built a tavern at the edge of a cedar swamp as the headquarters for his stagecoach business. Over two centuries later, the inn still stands at 26 West Genesee Street. It overlooks the north end of Skaneateles Lake and the restaurant inside remains one of the most enduring dining experiences in the Finger Lakes.
The menu is rooted in Classic American fare and the kitchen executes it with care and an eye for quality. The kitchen calls certain dishes “Sherwood Classics” — ones so beloved they never leave the menu. The Yankee Pot Roast and the Baked Scrod Christopher are two such examples. Alongside these, the kitchen rotates seasonal selections with the market, showcasing the freshest local seafood, steaks, chops, and produce from across New York State. The French onion soup frequently tops the list of local favourites. Similarly, the duck confit starter is rich and beautifully done. Furthermore, Wine Spectator magazine has recognised the wine list, which leans heavily into Finger Lakes producers — and that feels exactly right.
There are two ways to dine here. The formal dining room is warm and elegant without being stiff. The tavern, meanwhile, keeps things a little more relaxed and suits a quieter evening perfectly. Both share that same sense of unhurried, gracious hospitality that the Sherwood has built its reputation on. Additionally, the occasional wine pairing dinners are worth keeping an eye out for — multi-course affairs with vineyard representatives that make for a genuinely special evening.
Find them at 26 West Genesee Street. They’re open seven days a week from 11:30am. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends.
Looking for the perfect base to explore everything Skaneateles has to offer? Our vacation rental The Cattails puts it all within reach — browse, eat, and explore at your own pace.