After being closed since last July, the Tavernette Inn, Pub and Eatery, 111 West Main St., opened again Tuesday under new management. I waited a couple of days and dropped in for a cup of coffee and a chat with John Hill.
He is half of the husband and wife team of John and Kelly Hill, who have undertaken the job of bringing back one of this area’s favorite eateries. John Hill appears to be loving every minute of it.
I asked him how the reopening went.
“Tuesday was crazy, crazy busy,” said John Hill, who thought it was fun that community members mingled and visited while waiting.
According to John Hill, folks who have gone to the Tavernette for years were pleased to see that the impressive collection of antique toys is still intact. Models of cars, trucks and fire engines from the 1930s or so still inhabit glass cases along the wall. It is an eclectic grouping of collectible toys that would make any antique lover drool.
The booths and retro tables and chairs are all the same as before. But everything has been, as John Hill describes it, “Freshened up.”
Since the restaurant opened in 1939 when smoking was allowed, freshening up included removing the accumulation of many years of smoking.
“We hired a crew to come in and clean the tar and nicotine off the walls,” said John Hill.
The result is a brighter dining area. The copper hood over the central fireplace in the main dining room now shines. The ladies restroom is all new and spiffy. I was told the men’s room has a Cincinnati Reds theme.
I loved that the old wooden and red metal booster seats for children are still stacked above the coat racks. How many “grown-up” customers once sat in those?
“There is meaning in everything. People can come in and relate,” said John Hill.
He is particularly pleased with the display of his grandfather’s collection of antique Jim Beam bottles in the bar area.
“The bar has been upgraded a bit. We added more lighting to brighten things up,” said John Hill.
Another thing that has remained the same is that “Mr. Pat” still tends that bar. People have been greeted with his friendly wave for more than 30 years. Most of the serving staff is local, which is good news for the employment scene in the community.
Chef Brian Black has also returned to make many of the favorites that made the Tavernette famous. The menu still includes favorites like batter-fried walleye, steaks, seafood, homemade coleslaw and homemade onion rings. Frequent words in the menu are “homemade” and “generous.” I also loved that “substitutions by request” was included.
By popular demand, the Tavernette’s famous relish tray is back with more options. Daily specials not on the menu will add even more variety. The regular menu and a map are on the Tavernette website at tavernetteinn.com. The restaurant is also on Facebook.
The Tavernette’s hours are 3-10 p.m. from Tuesday to Thursday and 3-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The kitchen closes a bit earlier. The Tavernette is closed on Sundays and Mondays, except on Mother’s Day.
For reservations or carryout, call 937-849-0423. No personal checks will be accepted, but VISA, Master Card and Discover cards are welcomed.
When I asked about being open eventually for lunch, Hill replied, “I hope so.”
I hope so, too.
About the Author