One of Coronado’s newest restaurants, The Tavern, gets an overall “good” in my opinion, with a “great ” expected once the kinks are worked out!
Décor & Atmosphere: Great!
Food: Yummy!
Service: Good
DECOR & ATMOSPHERE
Walking up to The Tavern, on Orange Avenue near the Del, I was pleasantly surprised by many things. The restaurant took full advantage of the perfect weather in Coronado by placing a large, open window along the sidewalk, as well as providing an outdoor seating area that is dog friendly!
Walking down the stairs into the darkness of The Tavern, once my eyes adjusted from the bright sunlight, the bar surprised with me with its’ unique décor.
Most of the materials gave the entire place an industrial, used, and old feel, as if this bar had been located there for many years. The bar top and part of the floor is made from a recycled gym floor that the owners found in Temecula but is originally from a school in the mid west.
With lighting provided mostly by antique chandeliers, the atmosphere was that of an authentic, old bar with splashes of character just waiting to be noticed. I was also pleased to see pops of color in the teal candleholders and booth tables, as well as the cleanly displayed alcohol against a large brick wall.
Taking a booth near the sidewalk window, I noticed that the kitchen could not be seen from the restaurant.
Looking around, three large flat-screen TV’s were located for most in the bar to see playing the college football games airing that Saturday afternoon. Although the restaurant was not crowded, there was a group of nearly thirty people gathered at the far end to watch the game.
After my meal, I knew my review would not be complete without checking out the bathroom. The unusual doors of both the men’s and women’s restrooms was enough to draw me in! Using an old police station door for the men’s and an ornate glass door for the women’s, the rustic bathrooms only increase the ambiance of the old bar.
FOOD & MENU
Ordering the BLT, a Jalapeño Burger, and one glass of beer, our bill totaled at $29. Unfortunately, the B.L.T. was something you can make yourself for a much higher price. I was hoping for a little spice or fancier presentation. While I was not impressed by my B.L.T., my boyfriend’s burger and the fries were great! He ordered his burger cooked “medium” and was pleased to see that the cook had prepared his food appropriately. The food was served at the right temperature and with great timing as well.
There are quite a few salads to choose from on the menu but only two hamburgers; either a standard cheeseburger or the jalapeño burger. Being that it is a bar, I hope to see more burgers on the menu but am happy about the salad options! Maybe the Coronado crowd is full of “salad eaters?”
The menu, which is posted outside the restaurant, has a variety of food including: corn beef and hash, pasta dishes, and chicken tenders.
SERVICE
I have to say that although everyone I encountered during my visit was pleasant, they all seemed to still be confused. There was no hostess and we stood there for a few minutes trying to figure out if it was “seat yourself” or “wait to be seated.” I finally asked, normally a hostess is there to seat you but no one was there that day. Our waitress did not know the price of the beers or the times of happy hour and I was surprised to see the bartender and two servers with their long hair not tied back.
HAPPY HOUR, LIVE MUSIC, & EVENTS
Daily happy hour runs from about three to six I was told, but saw signs for four to seven online. There is also a late night food menu since The Tavern is one of the few places open until 2a.m. on the island. After speaking with Tara, one of six owners, there are plans to make a more final menu for The Tavern soon.
“We wanted to open even though we are still working things out,” said Tara.
The Tavern has and will continue to host live music, including local band “Ron’s Garage” but has promised to only host smaller bands as to be polite to their neighbors. Also, The Tavern hosted an after party event for The Wampler Foundation’s event. Already showing great support, The Tavern is off to a good start!
Talking with Tara got me more excited than I already was about The Tavern, she has great ideas that I can not wait to see implemented. With themed nights such as family night in the near future, I plan to look for more specials and great improvements to an already exciting new place to enjoy in Coronado!
Overall I am extremely excited and optimistic about this new restaurant, with a great location, unique atmosphere, and creative ideas, I hope to see The Tavern thrive in Coronado! I encourage everyone to give this new restaurant a try and write your thoughts below.
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More photos and info from eCoronado about The Tavern
The Tavern
1310 Orange Avenue
619-437-0611
Happy Hours: 4pm-7pm and 10pm-2am.
The B.L.T. and french fries
The Jalepeno Burger, fries, and beer.
looking into The Tavern from the sidewalk window
Tavern entrance and outdoor, dog-friendly patio
Bar area with TV screens
