Fancy food meets standard pub decor? I had the opportunity to stop by TavCo, as it's known by the locals, with a large group of friends after our dinner location of choice (ahem, Colony) was packed. Our server did an excellent job taking care of my double digit party, and we weren't without food or drinks for very long. What seemed interesting to me was that the food seemed classier than what you'd expect for a neighborhood bar. And not that it's a bad thing for a neighborhood bar to have above average food, but the way TavCo looks, I wouldn't expect to be a little on the pricey side. There are only a couple vegetarian options on the menu. I got one of them - a portabella wrap. It tasted ok but was comically small. (are you calling me fat, TavCo?) I wished I'd gotten the butternut squash soup special that one of my friends got. Or some of the garlicky smelling fries another friend got. Or probably just about anything else. Oh well. I'd definitely go back to TavCo to try out some more of their fancy eats or for a drink or five.
(3)
Heather W.
Went to The Tavern Co on a Saturday night. The bar was packed but was able to get a table for four right away. I had the homemade veggie burger, not bad. Next time I want to try the portabella caprese wrap. The service was fine, the waitress was friendly. If you're in the Cleveland Heights area, check it out.
(4)
Katherine M.
Fun place, good people, pub food! Would like to see a vegan option or 2, but they custom made something for me. Will be back for brews!
(4)
Rob P.
TavCo used to be the place to go for those "too good to be true" specials that actually were true. It was the kind of place that you would think, "this can only exist in Cleveland." Then the ownership changed. At first I was promised that the new owner would keep everything the same. How many times has that been said when a bar changed ownership? TavCo has attempted to go upscale. Once the kitchen renovation was complete a new menu appeared with the now popular "upscale pub" fare. Meh. I never wished TavCo would change. I liked it exactly the way it always was. Now I don't feel excited about the prospect of going here anymore. It's not like I won't pop in occasionally or suggest it as a meeting place for a quick drink, but it's not the place it used to be.
(3)
Reena S.
Came here on a Friday night with five people. The food was great, though it took ages to come out. Our waiter was very attentive but was a downer and unpleasant to be around. I'd come back but not with the same waiter.
(3)
Michael B.
I go to the Tavern Company 3 or 4 times per month. For a while I lived around the corder and I walked there every couple of days for a beer or two. To me, and to many who walk into the TavCo, it is THE place to go on Lee Road when you want a drink with friendly faces and a really nice, reasonably priced meal. Great beer, wonderful staff, wonderful service, outdoor seating and NO attitude. Go - it's a wonderful, locally owned and operated place.
(5)
Whitney B.
Super busy...could have used more help. Got the normally delicious burger and it was over done. I won't slay them this time because its normally great but wasn't my favorite visit.
(4)
Sarah J.
Perfect for a casual night on the patio. I kind of like that it is crowded! Food is about what you would expect but the service is really fast and friendly.
(4)
Lord Edwin C.
I like Tav Co. The beer, alcohol and liquid selection is pretty good here. The food is above average pub fare. My favorite dishes on the menu include their brisket burger (hearty, flavorful and unctuous) and the flatbread with figs and goat cheese (special, light-ish and balanced). Their different aioli options are nice ways to perk up your fries and onions rings. One thing that bothers me is the constant smell. In addition to their male restroom always appearing unattended, their main dining room often has a faint smell of urine and sewage. It's unsettling and once, my friends and I left because the smell was too overwhelming. Also, we tried using the check-in offer for a free bottle of wine and were told by the staff this was not an agreement with Yelp. They had no clue the offer was being run (and still is as of today!).
(3)
Mike R.
TavCo is a solid pick for the Cedar Lee neighborhood. As far a bar food goes, they are pretty solid. I usually go with the BDG, due to my love of food with fried eggs on top, but most everything I've had is pretty good. The service is fine, but nothing to write home about. The beer selection is sound and the drinks are pretty stiff. I wouldn't say they are a destination spot, but if you live close they are worth a visit from time to time.
(4)
W S.
Love the food. Terrible and rude service. I've been to tavco approx 50 times, often for brunch, but I will not be going back. Several times I have shown up at 11:10 (the opening time is posted on the door as 11 and on the web as 10:45) only to be rudely told that they are not open yet. I mentioned that the sign is incorrect and both times the male bartenders (amazingly there were 2 rude bartenders) said "well were not open now". This wasn't an isolated incident either. The service has been consistently rude, inattentive and poor almost every time I am there. The only reason I am giving 2 stars is because the food is so good.
(2)
Rachel W.
This place could easily be a 4 star or even 5 star if their bartender hadn't been so standoffish. Drinks were fine. They have Strongbow and the mixed drinks were of an acceptable strength. Service was ok time-wise. It was pretty busy when we arrived so we decided to sit at the bar, mostly because it looked like there was only one server for all the tables. The service was prompt but I can't explain how awkward this bartender made me feel. No attempt to be cheerful, smile, or talk to us at all. Would not even make eye contact with us most of the time. Have no idea how this man makes any tips. There was another bartender who seemed fairly friendly, but he was mostly waiting on the tables. In hindsight I wish we had sat at a table. My turkey burger was really good and the fries were ok. I won't come back here because of their bartender, which is too bad because they have a lot of other good things going for them.
(3)
A B.
I go here all the time, mainly just to watch some football and have a nice meal. It's a dive/sports bar - with better food. I always recommend their salmon row salad. It is phenomenal. Their burgers are quite good as well, and the fries are great. I've even picked up food from here on occasion and been very happy with their take-out as well. Just like most sports bars, they have a number of TVs in the bar area and a well-stocked bar. The bar area is spacious, and although there is usually a good amount of people there when I go, there is usually a few spots at the bar and a table or two open as well. I absolutely recommend Tavern Co. if you're interested in a nice bar to grab a Great Lakes draught, watch some football, and have a really great meal.
(5)
Kerensa B.
Food is only okay, overpriced and portion sizes are tiny. Service is terrible and extremely slow. I had the veal meatloaf with mashed potatoes. About a playing card sized bit of meat resting on maybe 3/4 cup of mashed potatoes. Two of the thinnest pieces of asparagus I have ever seen. This was supposed to come with salad but never received. Our server dropped off the food and disappeared for a long time so there was no real opportunity to ask about it until everyone else was done eating. In addition, I get that this is supposed to be some kind of Cleveland Hts institution. But it felt like hanging out in someone's grubby basement. This was underscored by the state of the bathrooms which were nastier than a truck stop. We can only hope that the men's bathroom is actually clean and the kitchen staff was male.
(2)
Rhoda G.
Wow, this neighborhood joint was packed for a Monday night. I came here for dinner with my cousins and we were immediately drawn to the $9 Monday night special - 1/4 burger with your choice of cheese (smoked gouda for me), fries/onion rings, and pint of beer/glass of wine. What made me excited about this place was that they served Yuengling. I was somewhat surprised that I saw it on the board and the server told me that they just got a couple of months ago. I have only had Yuengling in the state of PA when I was in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. It's so hard to find it in other states. Our meals itself were okay. We had to send our burgers back because they were undercooked. I do wish that our burger buns were toasted. I really did like the onion rings though. Decent neighborhood bar.
(3)
Nancy F.
This is a great bar with really good food. The hamburgers, fries, and sandwiches are great. I have to repeat this - the french fries are really great, some of the best in town. The specials can vary in quality, sometimes they are just okay and sometimes they are amazing. The flatbreads are usually a great choice. Overall, the food here is reliably good. The bar area is fun and friendly - the side room is okay for overflow. In warm weather it is nice to have the patio option. The only negative, and I hope they read this - is the ladies room. It is absolutely the most disgusting bathroom I have seen in the US. The floor, fixtures, walls, everything needs to be replaced. It is broken down and filthy. I have to go with the theory that the kitchen is a lot cleaner.
(4)
Kaitlin D.
I'm on the fence concerning TavCo. We went for some beer and food one night and I was so distracted by the menu!! In a good way, of course. I couldn't for the life of me decide between the Thai wrap, the apple sandwich, the chicken sandwich, and the turkey burger special. It was all so tantalizing! I went with the special and regret it. I couldn't stop thinking about that apple sandwich after taking my first bite of the burger. Needless to say it wasn't entirely thrilling, and the shallot aoli was good, but way too strong. The fries, on the other hand were delicious! Couldn't go wrong with those! My boyfriend had onion rings and we swapped some fries and rings. Both were tasty! The service was good and the meal was good, but I was hoping for spectacular.
(3)
Joseph M.
Neighborhood bar with consistent and quality food. The owners care about their customers and neighbors. The specials are always great and the standard menu is solid and thoughtfully prepared. The atmosphere is comfortable and welcoming. Patio is average sized but well decorated. Can be a good wait for dinner on Friday and Saturday. Keep it up!
(5)
Vishal P.
Well, since this place changed ownership a year or so ago, they've tried to "upgrade" their food. So the famed $5 burger night has been replaced by a $9 burger night. But, honestly, the food seems to be missing something... some extra spark or flavor that brings the dish together and makes it stand out. I've been there for Sunday brunch, as well, and, while the dishes sound fantastic & fancy (with items containing goat cheese & braised pork), they were not that impressive. Given the effort & ingredients that they seem to be putting into their dishes, I expect something more from them. On the positive side, they've got a decent set of beers on draft, and the servers are congenial. You can usually catch the owner there behind the bar (he got his start working at Brennan's across the streeet!)
(3)
Brian E.
Really good bar food * excellent service = a great local establishment we will visit frequently. Our server was awesome. Don't know his name, but he followed us outside because we left our 3 yo sons apples at the table. He's always quick and friendly that makes for an enjoyable dining experience.
(5)
Harry A.
Nice place. Friendly staff. I dont drink but the beer prices seems cheap. I went there at 6:30 on a friday - deep into happy hour. You'd think the place would be packed with happy hour drunks. QUITE the opposite - it was PACKED WITH RUG RATS. it was like every person on earth has 3 toddlers and they were out dining on a friday night. So there's the welcoming families thing.Next the food. Well I was in the mood for a nice steak - unfortunately I picked the wrong place on Lee for that. DO NOT GET THE HANGER STEAK. They charged me $25 bucks for this thing and it was a WTF Steak. I was warned it was not a bone in steak and just 10 ounces. well I think I got jipped 2 or 3 ounces and charged about 7 or 8 bucks too much. It was good, not great but good. DId I mention they charged me 25 BUCKS for this thing?? I loved their bread budding. That was great. Will I go back? hard to say. Definately NOT too early - dont care for rug rats. and Im definately sticking to burgers from the menu if I do.
(3)
Jamie B.
This place is so much more than "bar food"! We came in the door and were immediately greeted by the guy behind the bar who turned out to be the owner. We ordered wings and a turkey burger and a smokey apple sandwich for our dinner. The wings were meaty and had a wonderful taste. The two entree's were out of this world. After a long talk with the owner it turns out that all the food is made in house. The place does not even have a freezer!!!!! When I say made in house I mean everything.....salad dressings, turkey burger, everything! I am not sure where this chief came from but WOW!!!
(5)
Andrew S.
Look. I'm not writing this for the food. It could be awesome, I don't know I have never tried it. I like the feel of the Tavern on Tuesday night trivia night. I have now been constant, and probably loser, or second loser about four times. It is quite a fun little evening. The bar tender (Sara?) is super nice and high spirited, they have good beers on tap, and the trivia is fun. I had some fries once. They were good. I can't remember the name of the woman who runs the trivia, but its normally a pretty good crowed. No one gets over the top, and it must have the Case crowd or at least some smarties because I do horribly every time. It runs from 10 till midnight on Tuesdays. So get you a team together, get you some beers, sit back, relax at the night before the hump, and make yourself feel dumb. It works for me.
(4)
Melissa A.
Solid brunch. Super slow service. It seemed like there was only one server when we were there on Father's Day, and she was doing a pretty good job, all things considered.
(3)
John C.
Great service. Very good food. Nice outdoor area. Full disclosure - I've never eaten inside the bar. We usually get a table in their outdoor seating area, which is standard outdoor seating with lights and wrought iron table/chairs. The inside bar/seating area has a funny odor that I'm not a huge fan of, although I do like the mounted game heads over the bar. The food is very good for a gastropub - fish and chips, wings and flatbreads are very good. The service outside is always very good, too. My GF and I are regulars here. We'll see how we like it when it gets cold out and the outdoor seating disappears.
(4)
Robert T.
I have been to TavCo a few times in the past 4 years. The more recent the visit, the better the experience. The new ownership has done a wonderful job of cleaning the place up. The menu is much larger, and the food is really good for "Bar Food". They carry the traditional bar fare along with some more interesting options. We split a flatbread with Apples, Prosciutto, Dates, and Goat Cheese. Awesome! They run specials thoughout the whole week. We were there on a Tuesday night and the four of us did Trivia. I was skeptical as it was my first time every doing it, but we ended up having a blast. Even got a few bucks off our bar tab. One one side of the place you have the bar with some booths, and the other side has more of a restaurant feel. Food is defiantly better than the Cedar Lee "Pub", and this place doesn't turn into a punch palace. Seriously, how do you beat 16 ounce PBR's for 2 bucks??
(4)
Shawn Paul G.
My partner and I love the new TavCo. The menu has plenty of offerings that venture beyond traditional "bar food". We are both food snobs, and are usually less than impressed by most bar menus, but this place has won us over. Time after time we show up and are excited about the specials... Last night we both had a cream of asparagus soup that was absolutely decadent. I had a garden burger that has me craving one today, and my partner had a delicious red pesto and gouda chicken sandwich that was perfectly seasoned and moist. P.S. the tavern fries are my new favorite local fries. We would highly recommend this place to anyone seeking a super casual environment with a well crafted menu.
(5)
S N.
I have been here twice in the last month and. both experiences were disappointing. The first time was the day that the owner of The Colony was killed. My friend had made reservations to sit on the patio but when we arrived we were told that we couldn't sit on the patio even though people who had arrived after us were seated there and there was room for our party. We sat inside and the place was packed with people who worked at The Colony or friends of people who worked there or people who knew Jim Brennan and were mourning his death. Service was understandably slow that night and I don't hold that against them. I think they were totally unprepared for the number of people who showed up. What I do have a problem with was not honoring our patio reservation. The second time we ordered carry out. We looked at a menu on line and when I called to order I was given a total that seemed way too high for what we ordered. We looked at the menu again, added up the prices and my husband called back to inquire about the discrepancy. He was told that the prices had recently gone up but they had not changed them on the web site yet. They also failed to tell me when I ordered, that when they ask "do you want fries, onion rings or a salad with your burger" they charge extra for the salad but not for the fries or onion rings. My husband tried to make the point that they should be more explicit about this and if they didn't have time to change their prices on their website they should honor the prices that are printed there. He tried to argue this point again when he went to pick up the food but was told there was nothing that anyone could do. The food on both occasions was good but not great and we won't be hurrying back there because of these customer service issues. I look forward to The Colony opening up again for many reasons, one of which is that I would go there any day instead of going to the Tavern Company.
(2)
Karen R.
I use to frequent Tavern Co (TavCo)10 years ago but mainly for a bar scene and never tried their food. Until Thanksgiving weekend, my brother-in-law suggested that we all go there for dinner. I thought he had grown two horns on his head because I was baffled at the notion of eating at TavCo-- BUT we thought we'd give it a whirl and I am so glad that I gave it the chance that it so well deserves. My first dining adventure I had ordered the soft shell crab sandwich and it was fantastic! The crab was delicate yet crispy without being greasy or overtaken by the batter and it was accompanied by a mound of delicious french fries! Since that meal, I've been a frequent diner at TavCo. I think they have one of the best burgers around and I recently tried their Hangar Steak special and OMG it was phenomenal!! The meat was cooked perfectly and was tender and those mashed potatoes are to die for! Creamy, buttery, silky-- everything a mashed potato should be! I use to go to the Colony to eat but since finding out that this place has better food, I haven't returned to Colony -- I find their food a bit on the greasy and burnt side. If you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere for a drink or somewhere to get really delicious food, think about heading to Tavern Company for your next meal! You won't regret it!!
(4)
Camilla G.
TavCo is a good, unpretentious neighborhood joint with a really solid, interesting menu. The bartenders are friendly and easygoing. At mealtimes it's generally very easy to get a seat. And it's quiet, too! Check out the burger, the flatbreads, and their Sunday brunch. All of which are phenomenal!
(4)
Alexander B.
New-ish ownership! The bad news: The Monday night $5 burger-beer special is gone. The good news: The food is better! But I'm still torn. Bad news: I miss the authentic homeyness of TavCo days gone by. Good news: The service no longer sucks! (In fact, it's really good). So what's my problem, right? Am I just a nostalgic bar mollusk? I don't know. My one real complaint is that the bathrooms still look like dive bar bathrooms. If they'd just take all that money they are making on their new $9 burger-beer special (!!!) and put it into a new bathroom, I might be sold for life. Or better yet, if they'd just lower their prices a little bit, this mollusk might just attach to a new hull. Anyway, the new TavCo is definitely worth a try.
(3)
Diana M.
We stopped in here after dinner for a drink. It seems like a great neighborhood bar to hang out and relax!!
(3)
Adam C.
Great local bar that has been a staple on lee rd for over 20 years! Nice local atmosphere and pretty good bar food. Beer and food prices are average for the area. A must stop on the lee rd. bar crawl.
(4)
Amy T.
People "in the know" refer to it as "Tav Co." Don't I sound elite? If only yelp would agree and bestow some elite love on me. Anyways, they have a fun patio and a laid back vibe. Stop by Mondays and make it a date night ($5 movie at Cedar Lee and Monday specials at Tav Co.)
(4)
Rob S.
I really, really want to dig this place, but every time I've been here with a group (around four people or so), the service was slower than New Edition's excellent slow jams. Also, when we asked to have seperate checks, the server looked at us like we told her we stabbed her mother. I would understand, but generally the process of splitting checks is criminally easy. Regardless, the food and beer selection is good, and there certainly are worse things than sitting outside on a cool summer night while slowly getting drunk with friends.
(3)
Anthony C.
Service is just awful. If you want bar food go to brennens colony.
(1)
Mee Gon S.
This is one of my favorite places on Lee Road. The moment that you walk through the door you are greeted with a huge smile and hello. Whether you are sitting at the bar or at a table, the service is always exceptional. Everything on the menu is great but you can never go wrong with any of their burgers. The MO burger is my personal favorite. Smoked mozzarella, caramelized onions, and mushrooms on a handmade bun. Life is great when eating that! The Veggie burger is excellent as well. It is made in house, served with greens on-top, a great aioli and a handmade multi-grain bun. It's a beautiful thing!
(5)
Tony M.
I thought this place was going to be a winner by the reviews here but I was wrong. The calamari came out hot after a 15 min. wait but the sauce was bland at best. $11 not well spent. My buddy ordered the thai chicken wrap which also left something to be desired as the sauce was the same as on tje calamari and the sauce wasn't sweet or chili or garlicky as it claimed to be. My chicken salad was okay, but the dressing was a vinegarette but it was more like an oilette maybe with a hint of vinegar. The decor looked like a tavern if by tavern you mean someone's crappy basement. I should have gotten a burger, those looked better. Also evidently they had specials but I only heard them being said by our waiter while walking by another table on the way out.
(1)
Antonio C.
Love this place!!! The service is beyond phenomenal!! The owner is very personable and the server was beyond super!! Now, the food: all I can say is.. Wow!! The calamari was excellent, the hamburgers are beyond great, oooh, the polenta!!! I'm Sicilian, and I had to almost swear my mother was in the kitchen!! It was that close!!!
(5)
Jenn G.
The best part about Tav Co is by far the Monday Night burger and a beer for $5. I am not a huge fan of red meat or hamburgers, but they are very good! The rest of the food is pretty good as well. The drinks are always made well and all of the bartenders are nice, I have never had a bad experience there. They have other specials throughout the week, but I pretty much only go on Mondays.
(4)
P W.
The few times that I have been here, I really enjoyed the food. The drink selection is not too extensive and the food menu is small. The atmosphere makes up for these shortfalls. The burgers are really good. The salads also are always fresh and use baby greens for the smaller side salad. The service is usually ok. This is just a nice neighborhood place to grab food and drinks without making a huge production out of it. If I lived closer, I probably would be here more often.
(4)
Adam B.
Although the fireplace and moose head on the wall give it a cool cabin feel, the new menu is pricey and too fancy for the bar setting. Tav Co used to be a place for an over priced beer and above average bar food but they re-did their menu. Now it is over priced beer with an expensive snooty menu! Veal, mussels, $21 pork chop! A shared app, dinner and two drinks will cost you over $35/person for this tiny local bar. Ok if that is what you are looking for.
(2)
J.J. C.
Nice beer selection. Really solid food since the new management. Weekend brunch is great too, especially since its still under the radar so no super long wait like some places.
(5)
Kevin N.
This is a pretty good place to get a beer and burger on Lee Road in Cleveland Heights, but the thing is, it's not just a pub/burger joint. You can take people here that want to eat such exotic fare as "Spinach Salad", "Chicken", or "Mussels". Yes, this place does indeed have quite the selection. The prices are decent, as well. Disclaimer, I'm not 100% sure about the 4th star, but I have always had good results, so i'm giving them the benefit of the doubt. For now.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Roxanne O.
Fancy food meets standard pub decor? I had the opportunity to stop by TavCo, as it's known by the locals, with a large group of friends after our dinner location of choice (ahem, Colony) was packed. Our server did an excellent job taking care of my double digit party, and we weren't without food or drinks for very long. What seemed interesting to me was that the food seemed classier than what you'd expect for a neighborhood bar. And not that it's a bad thing for a neighborhood bar to have above average food, but the way TavCo looks, I wouldn't expect to be a little on the pricey side. There are only a couple vegetarian options on the menu. I got one of them - a portabella wrap. It tasted ok but was comically small. (are you calling me fat, TavCo?) I wished I'd gotten the butternut squash soup special that one of my friends got. Or some of the garlicky smelling fries another friend got. Or probably just about anything else. Oh well. I'd definitely go back to TavCo to try out some more of their fancy eats or for a drink or five.
(3)Heather W.
Went to The Tavern Co on a Saturday night. The bar was packed but was able to get a table for four right away. I had the homemade veggie burger, not bad. Next time I want to try the portabella caprese wrap. The service was fine, the waitress was friendly. If you're in the Cleveland Heights area, check it out.
(4)Katherine M.
Fun place, good people, pub food! Would like to see a vegan option or 2, but they custom made something for me. Will be back for brews!
(4)Rob P.
TavCo used to be the place to go for those "too good to be true" specials that actually were true. It was the kind of place that you would think, "this can only exist in Cleveland." Then the ownership changed. At first I was promised that the new owner would keep everything the same. How many times has that been said when a bar changed ownership? TavCo has attempted to go upscale. Once the kitchen renovation was complete a new menu appeared with the now popular "upscale pub" fare. Meh. I never wished TavCo would change. I liked it exactly the way it always was. Now I don't feel excited about the prospect of going here anymore. It's not like I won't pop in occasionally or suggest it as a meeting place for a quick drink, but it's not the place it used to be.
(3)Reena S.
Came here on a Friday night with five people. The food was great, though it took ages to come out. Our waiter was very attentive but was a downer and unpleasant to be around. I'd come back but not with the same waiter.
(3)Michael B.
I go to the Tavern Company 3 or 4 times per month. For a while I lived around the corder and I walked there every couple of days for a beer or two. To me, and to many who walk into the TavCo, it is THE place to go on Lee Road when you want a drink with friendly faces and a really nice, reasonably priced meal. Great beer, wonderful staff, wonderful service, outdoor seating and NO attitude. Go - it's a wonderful, locally owned and operated place.
(5)Whitney B.
Super busy...could have used more help. Got the normally delicious burger and it was over done. I won't slay them this time because its normally great but wasn't my favorite visit.
(4)Sarah J.
Perfect for a casual night on the patio. I kind of like that it is crowded! Food is about what you would expect but the service is really fast and friendly.
(4)Lord Edwin C.
I like Tav Co. The beer, alcohol and liquid selection is pretty good here. The food is above average pub fare. My favorite dishes on the menu include their brisket burger (hearty, flavorful and unctuous) and the flatbread with figs and goat cheese (special, light-ish and balanced). Their different aioli options are nice ways to perk up your fries and onions rings. One thing that bothers me is the constant smell. In addition to their male restroom always appearing unattended, their main dining room often has a faint smell of urine and sewage. It's unsettling and once, my friends and I left because the smell was too overwhelming. Also, we tried using the check-in offer for a free bottle of wine and were told by the staff this was not an agreement with Yelp. They had no clue the offer was being run (and still is as of today!).
(3)Mike R.
TavCo is a solid pick for the Cedar Lee neighborhood. As far a bar food goes, they are pretty solid. I usually go with the BDG, due to my love of food with fried eggs on top, but most everything I've had is pretty good. The service is fine, but nothing to write home about. The beer selection is sound and the drinks are pretty stiff. I wouldn't say they are a destination spot, but if you live close they are worth a visit from time to time.
(4)W S.
Love the food. Terrible and rude service. I've been to tavco approx 50 times, often for brunch, but I will not be going back. Several times I have shown up at 11:10 (the opening time is posted on the door as 11 and on the web as 10:45) only to be rudely told that they are not open yet. I mentioned that the sign is incorrect and both times the male bartenders (amazingly there were 2 rude bartenders) said "well were not open now". This wasn't an isolated incident either. The service has been consistently rude, inattentive and poor almost every time I am there. The only reason I am giving 2 stars is because the food is so good.
(2)Rachel W.
This place could easily be a 4 star or even 5 star if their bartender hadn't been so standoffish. Drinks were fine. They have Strongbow and the mixed drinks were of an acceptable strength. Service was ok time-wise. It was pretty busy when we arrived so we decided to sit at the bar, mostly because it looked like there was only one server for all the tables. The service was prompt but I can't explain how awkward this bartender made me feel. No attempt to be cheerful, smile, or talk to us at all. Would not even make eye contact with us most of the time. Have no idea how this man makes any tips. There was another bartender who seemed fairly friendly, but he was mostly waiting on the tables. In hindsight I wish we had sat at a table. My turkey burger was really good and the fries were ok. I won't come back here because of their bartender, which is too bad because they have a lot of other good things going for them.
(3)A B.
I go here all the time, mainly just to watch some football and have a nice meal. It's a dive/sports bar - with better food. I always recommend their salmon row salad. It is phenomenal. Their burgers are quite good as well, and the fries are great. I've even picked up food from here on occasion and been very happy with their take-out as well. Just like most sports bars, they have a number of TVs in the bar area and a well-stocked bar. The bar area is spacious, and although there is usually a good amount of people there when I go, there is usually a few spots at the bar and a table or two open as well. I absolutely recommend Tavern Co. if you're interested in a nice bar to grab a Great Lakes draught, watch some football, and have a really great meal.
(5)Kerensa B.
Food is only okay, overpriced and portion sizes are tiny. Service is terrible and extremely slow. I had the veal meatloaf with mashed potatoes. About a playing card sized bit of meat resting on maybe 3/4 cup of mashed potatoes. Two of the thinnest pieces of asparagus I have ever seen. This was supposed to come with salad but never received. Our server dropped off the food and disappeared for a long time so there was no real opportunity to ask about it until everyone else was done eating. In addition, I get that this is supposed to be some kind of Cleveland Hts institution. But it felt like hanging out in someone's grubby basement. This was underscored by the state of the bathrooms which were nastier than a truck stop. We can only hope that the men's bathroom is actually clean and the kitchen staff was male.
(2)Rhoda G.
Wow, this neighborhood joint was packed for a Monday night. I came here for dinner with my cousins and we were immediately drawn to the $9 Monday night special - 1/4 burger with your choice of cheese (smoked gouda for me), fries/onion rings, and pint of beer/glass of wine. What made me excited about this place was that they served Yuengling. I was somewhat surprised that I saw it on the board and the server told me that they just got a couple of months ago. I have only had Yuengling in the state of PA when I was in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. It's so hard to find it in other states. Our meals itself were okay. We had to send our burgers back because they were undercooked. I do wish that our burger buns were toasted. I really did like the onion rings though. Decent neighborhood bar.
(3)Nancy F.
This is a great bar with really good food. The hamburgers, fries, and sandwiches are great. I have to repeat this - the french fries are really great, some of the best in town. The specials can vary in quality, sometimes they are just okay and sometimes they are amazing. The flatbreads are usually a great choice. Overall, the food here is reliably good. The bar area is fun and friendly - the side room is okay for overflow. In warm weather it is nice to have the patio option. The only negative, and I hope they read this - is the ladies room. It is absolutely the most disgusting bathroom I have seen in the US. The floor, fixtures, walls, everything needs to be replaced. It is broken down and filthy. I have to go with the theory that the kitchen is a lot cleaner.
(4)Kaitlin D.
I'm on the fence concerning TavCo. We went for some beer and food one night and I was so distracted by the menu!! In a good way, of course. I couldn't for the life of me decide between the Thai wrap, the apple sandwich, the chicken sandwich, and the turkey burger special. It was all so tantalizing! I went with the special and regret it. I couldn't stop thinking about that apple sandwich after taking my first bite of the burger. Needless to say it wasn't entirely thrilling, and the shallot aoli was good, but way too strong. The fries, on the other hand were delicious! Couldn't go wrong with those! My boyfriend had onion rings and we swapped some fries and rings. Both were tasty! The service was good and the meal was good, but I was hoping for spectacular.
(3)Joseph M.
Neighborhood bar with consistent and quality food. The owners care about their customers and neighbors. The specials are always great and the standard menu is solid and thoughtfully prepared. The atmosphere is comfortable and welcoming. Patio is average sized but well decorated. Can be a good wait for dinner on Friday and Saturday. Keep it up!
(5)Vishal P.
Well, since this place changed ownership a year or so ago, they've tried to "upgrade" their food. So the famed $5 burger night has been replaced by a $9 burger night. But, honestly, the food seems to be missing something... some extra spark or flavor that brings the dish together and makes it stand out. I've been there for Sunday brunch, as well, and, while the dishes sound fantastic & fancy (with items containing goat cheese & braised pork), they were not that impressive. Given the effort & ingredients that they seem to be putting into their dishes, I expect something more from them. On the positive side, they've got a decent set of beers on draft, and the servers are congenial. You can usually catch the owner there behind the bar (he got his start working at Brennan's across the streeet!)
(3)Brian E.
Really good bar food * excellent service = a great local establishment we will visit frequently. Our server was awesome. Don't know his name, but he followed us outside because we left our 3 yo sons apples at the table. He's always quick and friendly that makes for an enjoyable dining experience.
(5)Harry A.
Nice place. Friendly staff. I dont drink but the beer prices seems cheap. I went there at 6:30 on a friday - deep into happy hour. You'd think the place would be packed with happy hour drunks. QUITE the opposite - it was PACKED WITH RUG RATS. it was like every person on earth has 3 toddlers and they were out dining on a friday night. So there's the welcoming families thing.Next the food. Well I was in the mood for a nice steak - unfortunately I picked the wrong place on Lee for that. DO NOT GET THE HANGER STEAK. They charged me $25 bucks for this thing and it was a WTF Steak. I was warned it was not a bone in steak and just 10 ounces. well I think I got jipped 2 or 3 ounces and charged about 7 or 8 bucks too much. It was good, not great but good. DId I mention they charged me 25 BUCKS for this thing?? I loved their bread budding. That was great. Will I go back? hard to say. Definately NOT too early - dont care for rug rats. and Im definately sticking to burgers from the menu if I do.
(3)Jamie B.
This place is so much more than "bar food"! We came in the door and were immediately greeted by the guy behind the bar who turned out to be the owner. We ordered wings and a turkey burger and a smokey apple sandwich for our dinner. The wings were meaty and had a wonderful taste. The two entree's were out of this world. After a long talk with the owner it turns out that all the food is made in house. The place does not even have a freezer!!!!! When I say made in house I mean everything.....salad dressings, turkey burger, everything! I am not sure where this chief came from but WOW!!!
(5)Andrew S.
Look. I'm not writing this for the food. It could be awesome, I don't know I have never tried it. I like the feel of the Tavern on Tuesday night trivia night. I have now been constant, and probably loser, or second loser about four times. It is quite a fun little evening. The bar tender (Sara?) is super nice and high spirited, they have good beers on tap, and the trivia is fun. I had some fries once. They were good. I can't remember the name of the woman who runs the trivia, but its normally a pretty good crowed. No one gets over the top, and it must have the Case crowd or at least some smarties because I do horribly every time. It runs from 10 till midnight on Tuesdays. So get you a team together, get you some beers, sit back, relax at the night before the hump, and make yourself feel dumb. It works for me.
(4)Melissa A.
Solid brunch. Super slow service. It seemed like there was only one server when we were there on Father's Day, and she was doing a pretty good job, all things considered.
(3)John C.
Great service. Very good food. Nice outdoor area. Full disclosure - I've never eaten inside the bar. We usually get a table in their outdoor seating area, which is standard outdoor seating with lights and wrought iron table/chairs. The inside bar/seating area has a funny odor that I'm not a huge fan of, although I do like the mounted game heads over the bar. The food is very good for a gastropub - fish and chips, wings and flatbreads are very good. The service outside is always very good, too. My GF and I are regulars here. We'll see how we like it when it gets cold out and the outdoor seating disappears.
(4)Robert T.
I have been to TavCo a few times in the past 4 years. The more recent the visit, the better the experience. The new ownership has done a wonderful job of cleaning the place up. The menu is much larger, and the food is really good for "Bar Food". They carry the traditional bar fare along with some more interesting options. We split a flatbread with Apples, Prosciutto, Dates, and Goat Cheese. Awesome! They run specials thoughout the whole week. We were there on a Tuesday night and the four of us did Trivia. I was skeptical as it was my first time every doing it, but we ended up having a blast. Even got a few bucks off our bar tab. One one side of the place you have the bar with some booths, and the other side has more of a restaurant feel. Food is defiantly better than the Cedar Lee "Pub", and this place doesn't turn into a punch palace. Seriously, how do you beat 16 ounce PBR's for 2 bucks??
(4)Shawn Paul G.
My partner and I love the new TavCo. The menu has plenty of offerings that venture beyond traditional "bar food". We are both food snobs, and are usually less than impressed by most bar menus, but this place has won us over. Time after time we show up and are excited about the specials... Last night we both had a cream of asparagus soup that was absolutely decadent. I had a garden burger that has me craving one today, and my partner had a delicious red pesto and gouda chicken sandwich that was perfectly seasoned and moist. P.S. the tavern fries are my new favorite local fries. We would highly recommend this place to anyone seeking a super casual environment with a well crafted menu.
(5)S N.
I have been here twice in the last month and. both experiences were disappointing. The first time was the day that the owner of The Colony was killed. My friend had made reservations to sit on the patio but when we arrived we were told that we couldn't sit on the patio even though people who had arrived after us were seated there and there was room for our party. We sat inside and the place was packed with people who worked at The Colony or friends of people who worked there or people who knew Jim Brennan and were mourning his death. Service was understandably slow that night and I don't hold that against them. I think they were totally unprepared for the number of people who showed up. What I do have a problem with was not honoring our patio reservation. The second time we ordered carry out. We looked at a menu on line and when I called to order I was given a total that seemed way too high for what we ordered. We looked at the menu again, added up the prices and my husband called back to inquire about the discrepancy. He was told that the prices had recently gone up but they had not changed them on the web site yet. They also failed to tell me when I ordered, that when they ask "do you want fries, onion rings or a salad with your burger" they charge extra for the salad but not for the fries or onion rings. My husband tried to make the point that they should be more explicit about this and if they didn't have time to change their prices on their website they should honor the prices that are printed there. He tried to argue this point again when he went to pick up the food but was told there was nothing that anyone could do. The food on both occasions was good but not great and we won't be hurrying back there because of these customer service issues. I look forward to The Colony opening up again for many reasons, one of which is that I would go there any day instead of going to the Tavern Company.
(2)Karen R.
I use to frequent Tavern Co (TavCo)10 years ago but mainly for a bar scene and never tried their food. Until Thanksgiving weekend, my brother-in-law suggested that we all go there for dinner. I thought he had grown two horns on his head because I was baffled at the notion of eating at TavCo-- BUT we thought we'd give it a whirl and I am so glad that I gave it the chance that it so well deserves. My first dining adventure I had ordered the soft shell crab sandwich and it was fantastic! The crab was delicate yet crispy without being greasy or overtaken by the batter and it was accompanied by a mound of delicious french fries! Since that meal, I've been a frequent diner at TavCo. I think they have one of the best burgers around and I recently tried their Hangar Steak special and OMG it was phenomenal!! The meat was cooked perfectly and was tender and those mashed potatoes are to die for! Creamy, buttery, silky-- everything a mashed potato should be! I use to go to the Colony to eat but since finding out that this place has better food, I haven't returned to Colony -- I find their food a bit on the greasy and burnt side. If you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere for a drink or somewhere to get really delicious food, think about heading to Tavern Company for your next meal! You won't regret it!!
(4)Camilla G.
TavCo is a good, unpretentious neighborhood joint with a really solid, interesting menu. The bartenders are friendly and easygoing. At mealtimes it's generally very easy to get a seat. And it's quiet, too! Check out the burger, the flatbreads, and their Sunday brunch. All of which are phenomenal!
(4)Alexander B.
New-ish ownership! The bad news: The Monday night $5 burger-beer special is gone. The good news: The food is better! But I'm still torn. Bad news: I miss the authentic homeyness of TavCo days gone by. Good news: The service no longer sucks! (In fact, it's really good). So what's my problem, right? Am I just a nostalgic bar mollusk? I don't know. My one real complaint is that the bathrooms still look like dive bar bathrooms. If they'd just take all that money they are making on their new $9 burger-beer special (!!!) and put it into a new bathroom, I might be sold for life. Or better yet, if they'd just lower their prices a little bit, this mollusk might just attach to a new hull. Anyway, the new TavCo is definitely worth a try.
(3)Diana M.
We stopped in here after dinner for a drink. It seems like a great neighborhood bar to hang out and relax!!
(3)Adam C.
Great local bar that has been a staple on lee rd for over 20 years! Nice local atmosphere and pretty good bar food. Beer and food prices are average for the area. A must stop on the lee rd. bar crawl.
(4)Amy T.
People "in the know" refer to it as "Tav Co." Don't I sound elite? If only yelp would agree and bestow some elite love on me. Anyways, they have a fun patio and a laid back vibe. Stop by Mondays and make it a date night ($5 movie at Cedar Lee and Monday specials at Tav Co.)
(4)Rob S.
I really, really want to dig this place, but every time I've been here with a group (around four people or so), the service was slower than New Edition's excellent slow jams. Also, when we asked to have seperate checks, the server looked at us like we told her we stabbed her mother. I would understand, but generally the process of splitting checks is criminally easy. Regardless, the food and beer selection is good, and there certainly are worse things than sitting outside on a cool summer night while slowly getting drunk with friends.
(3)Anthony C.
Service is just awful. If you want bar food go to brennens colony.
(1)Mee Gon S.
This is one of my favorite places on Lee Road. The moment that you walk through the door you are greeted with a huge smile and hello. Whether you are sitting at the bar or at a table, the service is always exceptional. Everything on the menu is great but you can never go wrong with any of their burgers. The MO burger is my personal favorite. Smoked mozzarella, caramelized onions, and mushrooms on a handmade bun. Life is great when eating that! The Veggie burger is excellent as well. It is made in house, served with greens on-top, a great aioli and a handmade multi-grain bun. It's a beautiful thing!
(5)Tony M.
I thought this place was going to be a winner by the reviews here but I was wrong. The calamari came out hot after a 15 min. wait but the sauce was bland at best. $11 not well spent. My buddy ordered the thai chicken wrap which also left something to be desired as the sauce was the same as on tje calamari and the sauce wasn't sweet or chili or garlicky as it claimed to be. My chicken salad was okay, but the dressing was a vinegarette but it was more like an oilette maybe with a hint of vinegar. The decor looked like a tavern if by tavern you mean someone's crappy basement. I should have gotten a burger, those looked better. Also evidently they had specials but I only heard them being said by our waiter while walking by another table on the way out.
(1)Antonio C.
Love this place!!! The service is beyond phenomenal!! The owner is very personable and the server was beyond super!! Now, the food: all I can say is.. Wow!! The calamari was excellent, the hamburgers are beyond great, oooh, the polenta!!! I'm Sicilian, and I had to almost swear my mother was in the kitchen!! It was that close!!!
(5)Jenn G.
The best part about Tav Co is by far the Monday Night burger and a beer for $5. I am not a huge fan of red meat or hamburgers, but they are very good! The rest of the food is pretty good as well. The drinks are always made well and all of the bartenders are nice, I have never had a bad experience there. They have other specials throughout the week, but I pretty much only go on Mondays.
(4)P W.
The few times that I have been here, I really enjoyed the food. The drink selection is not too extensive and the food menu is small. The atmosphere makes up for these shortfalls. The burgers are really good. The salads also are always fresh and use baby greens for the smaller side salad. The service is usually ok. This is just a nice neighborhood place to grab food and drinks without making a huge production out of it. If I lived closer, I probably would be here more often.
(4)Adam B.
Although the fireplace and moose head on the wall give it a cool cabin feel, the new menu is pricey and too fancy for the bar setting. Tav Co used to be a place for an over priced beer and above average bar food but they re-did their menu. Now it is over priced beer with an expensive snooty menu! Veal, mussels, $21 pork chop! A shared app, dinner and two drinks will cost you over $35/person for this tiny local bar. Ok if that is what you are looking for.
(2)J.J. C.
Nice beer selection. Really solid food since the new management. Weekend brunch is great too, especially since its still under the radar so no super long wait like some places.
(5)Kevin N.
This is a pretty good place to get a beer and burger on Lee Road in Cleveland Heights, but the thing is, it's not just a pub/burger joint. You can take people here that want to eat such exotic fare as "Spinach Salad", "Chicken", or "Mussels". Yes, this place does indeed have quite the selection. The prices are decent, as well. Disclaimer, I'm not 100% sure about the 4th star, but I have always had good results, so i'm giving them the benefit of the doubt. For now.
(4)