BY LAURA GRUHLKE | Arts & Entertainment Reporter | The Statesman
Food: 4.5/5
Prices: 3/5
Atmosphere: 4.5/5
Service: 4/5
Within walking distance from campus, the year-old Tavern on the Hill has almost everything you could ask for in a restaurant.
Upon arriving to the parking lot of Tavern it can be very discouraging. The parking lot does not do the size of the restaurant justice. You can spend almost as much time looking for a parking spot as you do waiting for a table.
Once you find a spot though, it only goes uphill from there.
Having gone to Tavern on the Hill many times over the last year, I have yet to order something I didn’t like.
I would classify myself as a picky eater and the menu can be slightly intimidating because there are many unique options to chose from. Every time that I have taken a chance and tried something new, I have not been disappointed.
The prices on the menu are reasonable. Entrees come with a side of kettle chips. The let-down here is it’s a dollar upcharge for fries. Somehow paying $10 for a burger or sandwich is totally fine with me, but now paying $11 for it to come with fries seems to make a difference. Although getting fries is a necessity because dipping them in their specialty pub sauce is the best part of the meal.
Tavern has a few different areas to the restaurant and each gives off a different atmosphere.
The bar area, which is seat yourself, is dark and has a chill vibe to it. The bar area also includes booths big enough to fit up to six people.
The main dining rooms are very well lit and have lots of natural light during the day that gives it more of a fine dining atmosphere.
Tavern is also the home of Duluth’s largest outdoor patio. Though the patio season is drawing to a close, they offer a fireplace and outdoor heaters around the patio. They also offer blankets for customer use if the heaters aren’t cutting it.
The service at Tavern has been nothing short of excellent. The managers must make it a top priority to hire a friendly staff. I am always greeted with a smile when I walk in and the wait staff is very outgoing and helpful. The only problem I’ve had is spending a little longer than usual waiting for my food to come.
If you decide to make a trip to Tavern on the Hill, which I highly recommend that you do, these are the things you should remember.
If you are going at a popular time (lunch or dinner rush), allow yourself extra time to find a place to park. No matter what you order, make sure you get a side of their pub sauce with it. And lastly, don’t be afraid to try something just because it seems a little different. You will most likely enjoy it.