The Old Library Restaurant & Inn

I had my wedding and reception here and everything seemed wonderful at first. Great price, came with a wedding coordinator, and a beautiful room. The day of the wedding though, the coordinator didn’t show up, they locked us in the room where we were having our ceremony (when we were walking back down the aisle to start a greeting line after the ceremony), and one of the staff members stole my wife’s iPod Touch. The staff was also rude about having to delay serving the food since everything had to be delayed after getting locked in the room. They reimbursed us for the iPod and gave us a gift card to their restaurant for our troubles. How generous. Of course we wanted to eat there again after that! I wanted to rate this place 1 star, but my wife still loved the venue and the food, so I’ll give it 3 stars.

Just called to make a reservation. Was told they are only open for parties, weddings, and other events currently.

Haven’t been in a few years but LOVE the desserts! Great service. best place to eat in Olean.

After four years of having a son at St. Bonaventure, we’ve had to go to this restaurant at least once a semester, generally for some sort of function. It is, as other reviewers have said, just «meh». Pricy, boring, adequate but far from outstanding. The building is lovely, but that’s about the only thing for which I can really muster up any enthusiasm. If you find yourself in Olean, please do yourself a favor and skip The Old Library, and visit Chef’s Bistro instead (see my review). If you are any bit of a food enthusiast, you’ll be glad you did.

We went here for Sunday brunch this morning. It runs from 10 – 2:30. It was very reasonably priced (about $ 15 per person) and consisted of pastries, hot dishes, a carving station with beef, turkey, and ham, omelettes made to order in front of you, Belgian waffles, fresh fruit, soup, and a salad bar. Drinks included coffee and fruit juices. The waiter was very attentive and the atmosphere was wonderful (it even included a gentleman playing the piano while you ate). I definitely recommend the Sunday brunch!

The food at The Old Library never disappoints. The scope of the menu is impressive ranging from homemade Gnocchi to Seared Ahi Tuna. It seems anyone could find something appealing to their palate.
The Table-​Side made Caesar Salad is an absolute must as well as the gigantic Candy Apples.
The atmosphere and history of the building is sure to impress anyone.
The bar is gorgeous and very well stocked.
Waitstaff is always courteous and professional.
Whenever I have business in the sticks of New York I am sure to make a detour to The Old Library, there is no better place within an hour.

When I was growing up, The Old Library was reserved for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries and graduations. I hadn’t been there for well over 10 years when we recently went back for my Grandmother’s 80^th birthday party. There were close to 20 of us in a back room. They were accommodating and service was good, but the food was really disappointing.
I got the Roast Long Island Duckling and it was so dry, we were joking that it reminded us of the Griswold turkey. Every time that my cousin asked for another beer, our server would bring him a completely different beer than the one before it. He jokingly said, «Well, I guess it’s my fault since I didn’t specify WHICH beer». Whenever I asked one of our family members «How is your _​_​_​_​_​?» I would get a lackluster «meh» or «it’s ok». I do agree with other reviewers that the salads are very good; especially the Caesar salad that is made at the table. Luckily the good company and a fair amount of alcohol made up for the regrettable meal.
The building is gorgeous inside and out and the atmosphere could be described as romantic if it wasn’t so loud. Granted, there were several parties going on that night, but there was no conversation to be had other than with those in my immediate vicinity. I just think the layout of the building, with the bar and reception area in the big, open entryway lends itself to sounds bouncing all over the place (kind of ironic considering that it’s a library).

EPIC! This is officially my favorites restaurant. Food is beautiful original and delicious. And the staff is so nice and friendly. This is a must for anyone who loves fine dinning. Me and my wife had 3 courses of unbelievable food in large portions and drinks for under $ 90. I would have gladly paid twice that. The presentation was so good and professional.

Being close to Olean, I’ve been to this restaurant many times. I’ve never been disappointed as this is one of the best restaurants in the world. Like the Beefeaters restaraunt in Bradford, this restaraunt is as its name applies. A former library. The’ve even kept old books on the shelves in the dining area that I’ve looked through once or twice. This restaraunt has the absolute best food and unmatched service. Even live piano most days. I love their sunday brunch it’s one of the best programs their is. I

Well being from LA there isn’t much in Olean in comparison.
Talk about small towns, it looks like you’re stuck in a movie or Disneyland’s Main Street.
Having said that, they have REALLY good food. I’ve been here twice and not been disappointed. I LOVE their caesar salad. it’s made fresh, no dressing from a bottle. in fact i was there with a group and got to see them make it in front of us. Had their shrimp scampi which was yummy and finished off with a cake (i can’t remember what it was, but it had peanut butter something in it). I have to agree with about the caramel, chocolate covered apples. I only had a wedge or two but they’re so AMAZING. not too sweet and the apple’s flavors just pop in ur mouth.

This was a stop on a recent graduation in Olean, NY.
Yummy rolls and salted bins of butter to start you off.
Try the prime rib if you’re feeling carniverous. There is also a smokin hoisin marinated salmon. Also, don’t pass the spinach salad with warm bacon dressing.
And the DESSERTS! They even have a chocolate and caramel covered apple that the staff will split in half for you, cut one half and wrap the other to take away.
Can’t go wrong with this spot. Enjoy.