The Tavern In Ab - Long Bar Harbor

It was almost if we were in a scene from outlander. It felt like we were able to step back in time and experience the wonders of what the world use to be. Being here with all the welcoming people was one of the most rewarding experiences. We also just happened to see a few of the same people from the creeper trail we had walked earlier there. Great time even better food. I hope I get the opportunity to enjoy this place again. I can only image what it’s like during the holidays!

I love historical buildings, and this one is the oldest building, this side of the Appalachian Mountains. We sat outside, where the old was paired with a more modern feel, as far as the lighting and tables are concerned. Avery was our server and was very personable and knowledgeable about the menu. He seemed to know exactly what I would like and he wasn't wrong. I was going to get the bacon wrapped scallops, but he suggested the scallops au grautin instead and still hooked me up with the grit cakes that were calling me to the bacon wrapped option. They were fantastic! The garlic Parmeson salad dressing he just knew I would love, did not disappoint either... in fact, I may or may not have used a piece of bread to get the last little bit of it on the plate. The butter for the bread was a raspberry and white chocolate butter... what?! Try putting the knife and bread down when that is on the table. The cocktails were inventive and equally delicious too. It's a bit pricey, but well worth it. You won't be disappointed either.

The finest in a town blessed with many excellent restaurants. Perfect German fare, superlative execution, historic venue, and wonderful hosting!

My wife and I went to the Tavern for our Anniversary and expected at least good service considering the price! The waitress was nice enough at first, then was missing to the point that we felt abandoned. After being given our drinks, she never once came back to see if we would like a refill or another drink. I was right at the point of going down myself to get another drink for us at the bar before she finally returned, totally unapologetic and uninterested. Same thing with the meal, never returned to see how things were going until we were finished. I would not have written this review if the Jambalaya I ordered had not been so spicy hot that I could not finish it, and I love spicy food! My wife's Brussel Sprouts were very tough and under cooked. We are very tolerate people, but felt like we paid a very high price at the Tavern and did not get our money's worth!

The Tavern has always been my go-to favorite restaurant in Abingdon for birthdays, anniversaries, and impressing visiting guests. Unfortunately, I had a middling at best experience a little over a week ago. We had guests from Atlanta and I wanted them to experience the best of our area. We had reservations for 6:30 on a Wednesday night, so the restaurant was not crowded. There were many minor to major issues. Here was what we experienced: 1 My husband asked for sparkling water. The waiter was unsure if the Tavern carried any, would have to check. 2 The appetizer special was some sort of oyster on the half shell dish. My husband and female guest were splitting it. Server did not bring app plates or appropriate cutlery. I asked the waiter for oyster forks, he wasn't sure if they had them. He eventually brought them, but said they were the last two. Seriously? You have a special but can't be bothered to stock appropriately? 3 Husband got salmon over rice. Rice was COLD. Server did bring out fresh, but honestly, it's getting embarrassing at this point as we had hyped the restaurant. 4 Conversation between male guest (MG and waiter (W : MG: I'll have the such and such cocktail W: Excellent choice! My favorite! MG: Do you recommend the scallops or Weinerschnitzel? W: I would go with the scallops MG: What dessert do you recommend? W: I couldn't say. My palette is different from yours. We have (proceeds to list off the desserts which are on the menu. 5 MG's scallops were excellent. My food was meh, husband's, even with hot rice, was subpar. FG didn't say. 6 Waiter brought the check and hovered over me to take my card without allowing me the time to look it over. I should have told him to back off but I didn't want to create a scene. Our guests loved the atmosphere and history of the Tavern. I was incredibly unhappy as it was by far the worst service and food that I have received there. I called the Tavern the next day to voice my displeasure. I told Varrie all of the above. I informed her that I wanted to let them know how unhappy I was rather than posting a negative review. She said that she appreciated that and would pass on my concerns to the owner. She then asked if a free dessert on my next visit would be acceptable. I told her I didn't want that, I would just appreciate a call from the owner so that I would feel like I was heard. Ten days later, and he hasn't called. The Tavern has lost my business. In short, we had an Olive Garden experience for Tavern pricing. Not its finest effort.