The Tavern Restaurant

Review summary

1. B

   Bhavna

   Philadelphia

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 3

   we dined at The Tavern yesterday evening and unfortunately did not have a good experience. We were celebrating our daughter's birthday and did not enjoy dining at that restaurant. To start the host welcome was not good and was very cold. After that the server was okayish but we did not even get our bread basket. All through the dinner we felt rushed. There was not even a 5-minute gap between courses. We were not even asked about dessert and we didn't feel welcome at all. While exiting the restaurant- no greeting again. The food was fine but some of the dishes were not great.
   

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2. M

   Mark

   Philadelphia

   4 reviews

   3.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   The Tavern is a wonderful restaurant and one could easily recommend it for DINNER, not for Lunch. The food was delicious, the service was fairly attentive, but as we know, you don't get a second chance to make a good first impression. It was going to be so easy. I checked the website making sure lunch was served on a Saturday. Yes, it was so I made a Noon reservation (the time the site said it opened). So, on this cold day, we arrived at 11:55 AM to find the entry door locked. I could see the staff standing inside, then some walking by the windowed door, seeing but ignoring us. Recognizing that we were, in fact, early, the two old people and our granddaughter shivered for what was a long 5 minutes. The manager opened the door at 12, greeted us with "Hello, How are you?". My response, "Very cold!". At which time she said, "Excuse me" because we were in the way for her to exit and unlock the door from the outside. Thereafter, we were allowed in to the warmth of the lovely indoors. Taken to a very nice table and received our menus. The server appeared shortly thereafter and I asked for a Lunch menu to which I learned that there is none. The menu is an excellent, full service dinner menu that the Tavern should be proud of. So, after some personal whispering about going to one of the many other Downtown State College restaurants, I noted that we could enjoy the Wagyu burger and as hearty as it will be, it is and was easily shared with our granddaughter. Our meal was fine and Faith's service was good. But I am sorry to say our attitudes did not recover. I have been an active patron of the Tavern for some 30 years. Until my circumstances changed, we were beyond regulars. The transformation of the restaurant and menu were needed and it was an excellent change. So, my story ends with the obvious suggestion: When you saw the three people outside your door in 20 degree weather, break the rules and invite them in. Tell them you'll be with them in a few minutes!
   

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3. N

   Neeru

   New York City

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Food was good. The service was outstanding and we had a great time.
   

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4. R

   Robb

   New York City

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 5

   I really loved everything except the fact that using this app to book a reservation is meaningless if you select an occasion. I selected birthday and there was no acknowledgement of the birthday. I guess it didn’t occur to me I’d have to tell them twice. Was a bummer since I was trying to make the night special. I guess I won’t expect to celebrate at this place in the future. It’s a shame because it was one of the few places in this small town we have enjoyed.
   

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5. L

   Linda

   VIP

   Los Angeles

   7 reviews

   2.0

   7 reviews

   Dined on January 19, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 5

   Disappointing. Bar is nice. Food was not hot and entrees came out shortly after our appetizers even after we told our server to please space it out. Asked for window seat and did not get even though it was not busy
   

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6. C

   Christopher

   Central Coast

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 18, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 2

   Service not good. Food not good. Wine glasses smelled of bleach. Seated in very noisy section at a large table even though had reservations for two well in advance. Will not go again.
   

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7. C

   CJ

   Washington DC

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on January 18, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Very good experience. Able to accommodate food allergies. Good service. Many menu options.
   

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8. M

   Michael

   VIP

   Philadelphia

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on January 11, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Wonderful dinner in State College. Second time dining at The Tavern, will definitely return.
   

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9. s

   susan

   Philadelphia

   3 reviews

   4.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on January 11, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   We ordered two prime rib dinners. Both meals were melt in your mouth. Appetizer was good. But I did have to go out to the front and ask for someone to locate my waiter we waited app 35min after we were done with main dish .We were gonna order desert but waiting 35min for the waiter to return decided it was time to leave
   

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10. D

    Donna

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 10, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5

    Wonderful food and atmosphere. Adequate portions and well presented. Quaint tables and climate. Service could be improved, we were brought coffee and not asked for milk or cream? Otherwise, highly recommend this restaurant.
    

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