Very cool college town restaurant. Eclectic menu. Love the mushrooms, floating in butter. I have tried lots of dishes over the years--you cannot go wrong.
(4)
Jeff J.
A friend and I had dinner here last night after searching for a good local place via Google. After a couple of beers (good selection), I ordered walleye w/ wild rice and veggies. My colleague ordered salmon. We were both very impressed by the food and the friendliness of the staff. It's an old-fashioned looking place with brick walls nicely preserved. And being on the Cannon River, the atmosphere on the outside patio and deck is nice - weather-permitting of course. I'll definitely eat/drink here again the next time I'm in Northfield.
(4)
Leslie W.
Three stars because the wait staff was friendly and my husband loved his French toast and sausage patties. Only $4.75 for his meal so that's a steal. But I, unfortunately, ordered the Mexican omelet which is really just their version of a breakfast burrito and I paid extra to add the chorizo. It was on the bland side and I'm pretty sure their chorizo is just ground beef with hot sauce added so maybe it was a good thing that their was barely any in the omelet. Maybe a good place for the cheap breakfasts (daily specials are under $5) but I probably would never order anything beyond a $5 special again.
(3)
Sandy B.
Lovely 1870's decor. Average food chicken dinner. Soft tacos were small and the waitress forgot the sour cream Water did not get refilled :-(( Back hall area dirty like you might expect mice or rats to crawl into the cooking and food prep areas.
(4)
Marilyn S.
Very good service and an excellent atmosphere. Perhaps I ordered the wrong item. I went for the sirloin - I couldn't resist a steak for less than 20. I ordered med rare and got well done. After a long day's journey, I was too tired too complain and wait for a re-do. The Caesar salad was good - oddly the tomatoes and olives worked. The dressing was excellent- just the right amount of garlic! Tasty potatoes and fresh home baked bread made my meal. My recommendation: Get the salad, but not the steak. Both the indoor and outdoor areas are beautiful.
Sorry, just stopped in for a beer late afternoon. If you want to run a tab, they take your credit card. No one else in town does this, and after having number stolen so many times, I won't let it out of my sight. Bartender then lectures me on how they can't trust their customers. WTF. Evening staff is usually very nice I have to say, but I was shocked by the afternoon bar tender. Come on, it's a small town. Very limited food, but decent. You cannot order from associated restaurant downstairs. Good music, but WAY too loud. I go to a bar to socialize; it's impossible to hear with the live music volume.
(1)
Isaac S.
The environment in this restaurant is very relaxed. The waitress we got is one of the nicer ones I've had over the years, anywhere. Food was also decent. The only thing is the rice in my Thai chicken wrap was a little hard but not intolerable and I wish the ceilings were a little higher. Nevertheless I highly recommend this place anytime.
(4)
John H.
Breakfast continues to be excellent, and cheap. See many other reviews that give the Tavern 4- or 5-stars for breakfast. My review is for lunch, which today was very poor, almost 1-star. My chicken salad was disgusting, some of the chunks of chicken were close to raw, and the dill dressing they were swimming in was watery and ill-tasting. My "New England" clam chowder was also not good: it was loaded with celery (which is NOT supposed to be in New England clam chowder), and the soup base was mostly cream with almost no hint of clam flavor. I thought I'd give the Tavern another shot for lunch, but today's meal confirmed what I have learned from previous visits: Go to the Tavern for breakfast, not lunch or dinner.
(2)
Keith W.
Had a great dinner here with the Carleton College defensive line coach on my son's recruiting visit to that great institution. Friendly wait staff, excellent food, great menu selections. I had the Tavern Potatoes appetizer, which was big enough for three to share, and the Rib Tips, which was more like a stew than what I expected. Lots of thin-ish gravy, potatoes, carrots and onions. Excellent flavor. I would have given this review five stars if the food had been just a bit hotter when it came out of the kitchen. I was surprised that in the well below freezing MN winter, every meal I had out was a little less hot than I would have liked.
(4)
Sarah N.
I love the Tavern of Northfield Restaurant! I ordered a veggie sandwich and a bowl of gazpacho, and they were both really good. I asked our waitress if they make the sandwich bread in the restaurant and they do! She said that they try to make everything on site at the restaurant and I could taste that! My husband ordered the Tavern potatoes and they were the best "american style" fries we've ever had. I just wish we lived in Northfield so we could go more often!
(5)
Mike E.
Love the quaint bar and restaurant, haven't tried the deck yet. Food is great and bartender and waitresses very friendly.
(4)
Jessi W.
We had intended to go to another bar in town on a visit to Northfield, but luckily it was closed and we ended up at The Tavern. Now, this is a favorite place of ours. The food is excellent, far from typically bland and/or over-fried/salted Midwestern fare, and the service is always swift and friendly. The first visit I ordered the clam chowder. As a former Californian who's used to really good seafood, I have only one word: YUM! Lots of chunks of clam floating in a super creamy broth. ::drool:: Most recently I enjoyed their lunch special, an Asian Chicken stir fry (I don't think that's the actual name, but the server will know what you're talking about!) and it was SO delicious. Coming from an Asian American, that's saying good things. I haven't been able to peruse any of the little shops around, or take a look at the hotel adjoining The Tavern, but that's in the near future. Splendid location and easy to find.
(4)
Zachary F.
My favorite place for breakfast in Northfield. Beautiful old historic building, along the Columbia River. The breakfast special is a bargain. The Carmel rolls are two bucks, and the coffee is delicious. If you're going to be in town looking for a place this is it.
(5)
Casey N.
After some internet research we settled on The Tavern for lunch in this unfamiliar town. The menu sold me, many vegetarian options that looked appealing. The atmosphere is quaint and feels like a European pub. My lunch date and I split two sandwich entrees and we're very impressed with both. The service was meh, one of those situations where you feel like you should hurry up because you're bothering the waitress who couldn't crack a smile to save her life. That said, it didnt damper the meal. Most of all the check came and we were surprised at how cheap it was. We split the bread pudding and two entrees and our tab was $20. Amazing for the quality. Will definitely return when in the area again. A find.
(5)
Mick V.
Had the alfrado with parmesan chicken Yummmmmmmm loved it
(5)
Scott S.
FLY INFESTATION = MAJOR CLEANLINESS PROBLEM This was a HUGE disappointment, as the first few times we went to the Tavern, we couldn't wait to go back. But here is the rub - those were all in the winter. Now we noticed a few flies around the restaurant, but we didn't really think a lot about that. That all changed coming back in August and September. In August, we still enjoyed the food but noticed a lot of flies. You would be swatting at them frequently during the meal. OK, that was once. Then in September, it was a swarm. We were sitting in one corner of the building, and they were so bad, we really couldn't eat. We wondered if it was just that corner. We moved and it was just as bad. We noticed others having the same problem. All we could think is the Restaurant Impossible and what this probably means. There are no other restaurants we went to around the location that have ANY flies. Not even a few. This is not a good sign. I can't recommend the Tavern.
(1)
Benjamin S.
The Tavern Restaurant is a dependable Northfield standby. You're guaranteed to find something on their extensive menu that appeals to you and any guest you may happen to bring. I recommend their extensive selection of sandwiches wraps, and burgers. The standard entrees are also quite good (try the roast duck!). The Italian and tex-mex items are unmemorable at their best, and can be quite bland and heavy. The tavern potatoes, a side offered with many entrees, are deliciously seasoned and are quite good. The chili and soups of the day are also good picks. My favorite tavern offering are the breakfasts. They're hot, fresh, and very reasonably priced. I have yet to order a single breakfast item I did not like. Highly recommended.
(3)
Robert H.
The best place for a cheap morning-after breakfast in Northfield. Get there before 11am Saturday or 12pm Sunday and order the four dollar Tavern Special: two eggs, hash browns, choice of meat, and toast. The portions aren't huge, but the price is cheap. Pair it with $1.50 bottomless coffee and leave jittery and full.
(3)
Susan C.
Sweet little hometown eatery! They pack 'em in there! Busy, a little noisy but food was really great! Park in the rear on the river side and walk through the back like a local! :)
(3)
Christyn K.
Stumbled upon this little charmer and so happy to have found it! Got seated immediately on a busy Sunday morning. Waitress was attentive and polite. Everyone in my party thoroughly enjoyed their food... and I REALLY loved my cheese, artichoke, and olive quesadilla - it even came with lots of sour cream, guacamole, chips, and some lettuce and tomatoes! We finished with a lovely piece of carrot cake for dessert and all left satisfied and happy. The interior resembles a brick basement pub with wine bottles hanging in the alcoves. Very comfy and hospitable. A must-visit for anyone from out of town!
(5)
Gabriel U.
Having gone to Carleton, I've probably eaten at the Tavern a couple dozen times. You honestly can't beat a full breakfast for under $3 (although I don't know what it costs currently), but about 1/10 of the times I ate here I got sick afterward. Definitely not as big of an issue when you're a student on a budget, but now I'm not so sure I'd eat the breakfast again. Dinner menu is a little of everything, and because of that I don't think they do any one thing particularly well. Well, I guess I think some of their sandwiches are pretty decent. I was a big fan of the parmesan peppercorn chicken sandwich.
(3)
Matt Y.
I've been coming here with friends and family for years and it's definitely one of the best places to eat in northfield. The food is great, especially their breakfast. The patio is right by the river when it's warm enough out. Great place for good, relaxing meals.
(4)
Danger H.
The service is good and the food is not bad. Very interesting building with a maze of hallways and stairwells. This establishment is part of the Archer House and features an upper level lounge / bar with a patio view of the river and a ground level restaurant / patio area.
(3)
Dan F.
These guys (and girls) are the closest thing you're going to get to an American diner-style breakfast in Northfield. My sister used to be a waitress here, and they always do a good job. But I'm not here for the breakfast, I'm here for the drinks. I'm here for the dimly lit barroom, the one upstairs. A good breakfast service alone doesn't get you four stars in my book. So head upstairs and enjoy a pint, from the friendly barkeep (Christian). This is where my group of friends and I always come if we're not interested in full Northfield exposure, which we seldom are. Some positives: there are many nights when they have live music. Jon Manners has got some serious skills, check him out, doesn't cost a damn thing. Also, talk about barroom snacks, they have peanuts in the shell AND gardettos. This gives your mouth something to do when you are forced into that awkward conversation with a long lost highschool buddy. "Oh yeah, wife and three kids huh? Cool." *crunch crunch crunch.* But seriously, come here before you go and get gouged at the contented cow, or get assaulted and libeled at Froggy Bottoms. And if you still don't know where it is I'm talking about, just go to the front desk of the Archer House and ask where the Tavern bar is. She (or he) will surely shake their head in mild disgust, and point you in the right direction. 'Another one bites the dust,' they'll say to themselves, as they resume idly leafing the pages of the latest home and garden magazine.
(4)
Ben S.
I used to eat breakfast at the Tavern more often then I ate it at my house. I have moved away from N-field recently and miss it terribly.
(5)
Steven W.
Great find in Northfield. Salads were great, steak sandwich order by one of the gentleman was cooked to perfection. Would come back again if ever in this area.
(4)
Jan D.
Very good food. Fast service. Price was right and very inexpensive. Food was very good. Homemade bread, and soup of the day was to die for..
(4)
marluk A.
Great breakfast options - lots of variety. Lunch & dinner good too. Brownie sundaes for dessert!
(4)
Bigby S.
Cheap breakfast, decently priced lunch and dinner menus doesn't save this place from its extremely bland food selection. Think meat and potatoes midwest. Spice is nonexistent and neither is the taste. This place prides itself on being homemade, but it sure don't taste it. But, for Northfield it is one of the few options they have, and it has remained a local favorite for decades. The upstairs lounge is another story. Cool crowd, decent drinks, and great atmosphere.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast, Lunch 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 Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes
Kevin B.
Very cool college town restaurant. Eclectic menu. Love the mushrooms, floating in butter. I have tried lots of dishes over the years--you cannot go wrong.
(4)Jeff J.
A friend and I had dinner here last night after searching for a good local place via Google. After a couple of beers (good selection), I ordered walleye w/ wild rice and veggies. My colleague ordered salmon. We were both very impressed by the food and the friendliness of the staff. It's an old-fashioned looking place with brick walls nicely preserved. And being on the Cannon River, the atmosphere on the outside patio and deck is nice - weather-permitting of course. I'll definitely eat/drink here again the next time I'm in Northfield.
(4)Leslie W.
Three stars because the wait staff was friendly and my husband loved his French toast and sausage patties. Only $4.75 for his meal so that's a steal. But I, unfortunately, ordered the Mexican omelet which is really just their version of a breakfast burrito and I paid extra to add the chorizo. It was on the bland side and I'm pretty sure their chorizo is just ground beef with hot sauce added so maybe it was a good thing that their was barely any in the omelet. Maybe a good place for the cheap breakfasts (daily specials are under $5) but I probably would never order anything beyond a $5 special again.
(3)Sandy B.
Lovely 1870's decor. Average food chicken dinner. Soft tacos were small and the waitress forgot the sour cream Water did not get refilled :-(( Back hall area dirty like you might expect mice or rats to crawl into the cooking and food prep areas.
(4)Marilyn S.
Very good service and an excellent atmosphere. Perhaps I ordered the wrong item. I went for the sirloin - I couldn't resist a steak for less than 20. I ordered med rare and got well done. After a long day's journey, I was too tired too complain and wait for a re-do. The Caesar salad was good - oddly the tomatoes and olives worked. The dressing was excellent- just the right amount of garlic! Tasty potatoes and fresh home baked bread made my meal. My recommendation: Get the salad, but not the steak. Both the indoor and outdoor areas are beautiful.
(3)Taylor H.
This place has an amazing old world atmosphere. Finding a seat may be a challenge because the door is hidden in the alleyway. You may feel awkward if you do what my husband and I did, we entered through the hotel entrance and found ourselves in a labyrinth. After a few turns and confusion we found ourselves basically in the kitchen. Oops. Take the time to go to the alleyway entrance... it's past the patio area. Once in our seats the place was amazing. I ordered tomato bisque soup, which is the best soup I've had at a restaurant. Chicken pesto entrée was delightful and HUGE. I had literally 2 meals. The patio is a wonderful place at night and is lit beautifully. Inside is perfect for a cozy cup of soup on a dreary winter day. Can't wait to go back for the soup!
(4)Zea M.
Sorry, just stopped in for a beer late afternoon. If you want to run a tab, they take your credit card. No one else in town does this, and after having number stolen so many times, I won't let it out of my sight. Bartender then lectures me on how they can't trust their customers. WTF. Evening staff is usually very nice I have to say, but I was shocked by the afternoon bar tender. Come on, it's a small town. Very limited food, but decent. You cannot order from associated restaurant downstairs. Good music, but WAY too loud. I go to a bar to socialize; it's impossible to hear with the live music volume.
(1)Isaac S.
The environment in this restaurant is very relaxed. The waitress we got is one of the nicer ones I've had over the years, anywhere. Food was also decent. The only thing is the rice in my Thai chicken wrap was a little hard but not intolerable and I wish the ceilings were a little higher. Nevertheless I highly recommend this place anytime.
(4)John H.
Breakfast continues to be excellent, and cheap. See many other reviews that give the Tavern 4- or 5-stars for breakfast. My review is for lunch, which today was very poor, almost 1-star. My chicken salad was disgusting, some of the chunks of chicken were close to raw, and the dill dressing they were swimming in was watery and ill-tasting. My "New England" clam chowder was also not good: it was loaded with celery (which is NOT supposed to be in New England clam chowder), and the soup base was mostly cream with almost no hint of clam flavor. I thought I'd give the Tavern another shot for lunch, but today's meal confirmed what I have learned from previous visits: Go to the Tavern for breakfast, not lunch or dinner.
(2)Keith W.
Had a great dinner here with the Carleton College defensive line coach on my son's recruiting visit to that great institution. Friendly wait staff, excellent food, great menu selections. I had the Tavern Potatoes appetizer, which was big enough for three to share, and the Rib Tips, which was more like a stew than what I expected. Lots of thin-ish gravy, potatoes, carrots and onions. Excellent flavor. I would have given this review five stars if the food had been just a bit hotter when it came out of the kitchen. I was surprised that in the well below freezing MN winter, every meal I had out was a little less hot than I would have liked.
(4)Sarah N.
I love the Tavern of Northfield Restaurant! I ordered a veggie sandwich and a bowl of gazpacho, and they were both really good. I asked our waitress if they make the sandwich bread in the restaurant and they do! She said that they try to make everything on site at the restaurant and I could taste that! My husband ordered the Tavern potatoes and they were the best "american style" fries we've ever had. I just wish we lived in Northfield so we could go more often!
(5)Mike E.
Love the quaint bar and restaurant, haven't tried the deck yet. Food is great and bartender and waitresses very friendly.
(4)Jessi W.
We had intended to go to another bar in town on a visit to Northfield, but luckily it was closed and we ended up at The Tavern. Now, this is a favorite place of ours. The food is excellent, far from typically bland and/or over-fried/salted Midwestern fare, and the service is always swift and friendly. The first visit I ordered the clam chowder. As a former Californian who's used to really good seafood, I have only one word: YUM! Lots of chunks of clam floating in a super creamy broth. ::drool:: Most recently I enjoyed their lunch special, an Asian Chicken stir fry (I don't think that's the actual name, but the server will know what you're talking about!) and it was SO delicious. Coming from an Asian American, that's saying good things. I haven't been able to peruse any of the little shops around, or take a look at the hotel adjoining The Tavern, but that's in the near future. Splendid location and easy to find.
(4)Zachary F.
My favorite place for breakfast in Northfield. Beautiful old historic building, along the Columbia River. The breakfast special is a bargain. The Carmel rolls are two bucks, and the coffee is delicious. If you're going to be in town looking for a place this is it.
(5)Casey N.
After some internet research we settled on The Tavern for lunch in this unfamiliar town. The menu sold me, many vegetarian options that looked appealing. The atmosphere is quaint and feels like a European pub. My lunch date and I split two sandwich entrees and we're very impressed with both. The service was meh, one of those situations where you feel like you should hurry up because you're bothering the waitress who couldn't crack a smile to save her life. That said, it didnt damper the meal. Most of all the check came and we were surprised at how cheap it was. We split the bread pudding and two entrees and our tab was $20. Amazing for the quality. Will definitely return when in the area again. A find.
(5)Mick V.
Had the alfrado with parmesan chicken Yummmmmmmm loved it
(5)Scott S.
FLY INFESTATION = MAJOR CLEANLINESS PROBLEM This was a HUGE disappointment, as the first few times we went to the Tavern, we couldn't wait to go back. But here is the rub - those were all in the winter. Now we noticed a few flies around the restaurant, but we didn't really think a lot about that. That all changed coming back in August and September. In August, we still enjoyed the food but noticed a lot of flies. You would be swatting at them frequently during the meal. OK, that was once. Then in September, it was a swarm. We were sitting in one corner of the building, and they were so bad, we really couldn't eat. We wondered if it was just that corner. We moved and it was just as bad. We noticed others having the same problem. All we could think is the Restaurant Impossible and what this probably means. There are no other restaurants we went to around the location that have ANY flies. Not even a few. This is not a good sign. I can't recommend the Tavern.
(1)Benjamin S.
The Tavern Restaurant is a dependable Northfield standby. You're guaranteed to find something on their extensive menu that appeals to you and any guest you may happen to bring. I recommend their extensive selection of sandwiches wraps, and burgers. The standard entrees are also quite good (try the roast duck!). The Italian and tex-mex items are unmemorable at their best, and can be quite bland and heavy. The tavern potatoes, a side offered with many entrees, are deliciously seasoned and are quite good. The chili and soups of the day are also good picks. My favorite tavern offering are the breakfasts. They're hot, fresh, and very reasonably priced. I have yet to order a single breakfast item I did not like. Highly recommended.
(3)Robert H.
The best place for a cheap morning-after breakfast in Northfield. Get there before 11am Saturday or 12pm Sunday and order the four dollar Tavern Special: two eggs, hash browns, choice of meat, and toast. The portions aren't huge, but the price is cheap. Pair it with $1.50 bottomless coffee and leave jittery and full.
(3)Susan C.
Sweet little hometown eatery! They pack 'em in there! Busy, a little noisy but food was really great! Park in the rear on the river side and walk through the back like a local! :)
(3)Christyn K.
Stumbled upon this little charmer and so happy to have found it! Got seated immediately on a busy Sunday morning. Waitress was attentive and polite. Everyone in my party thoroughly enjoyed their food... and I REALLY loved my cheese, artichoke, and olive quesadilla - it even came with lots of sour cream, guacamole, chips, and some lettuce and tomatoes! We finished with a lovely piece of carrot cake for dessert and all left satisfied and happy. The interior resembles a brick basement pub with wine bottles hanging in the alcoves. Very comfy and hospitable. A must-visit for anyone from out of town!
(5)Gabriel U.
Having gone to Carleton, I've probably eaten at the Tavern a couple dozen times. You honestly can't beat a full breakfast for under $3 (although I don't know what it costs currently), but about 1/10 of the times I ate here I got sick afterward. Definitely not as big of an issue when you're a student on a budget, but now I'm not so sure I'd eat the breakfast again. Dinner menu is a little of everything, and because of that I don't think they do any one thing particularly well. Well, I guess I think some of their sandwiches are pretty decent. I was a big fan of the parmesan peppercorn chicken sandwich.
(3)Matt Y.
I've been coming here with friends and family for years and it's definitely one of the best places to eat in northfield. The food is great, especially their breakfast. The patio is right by the river when it's warm enough out. Great place for good, relaxing meals.
(4)Danger H.
The service is good and the food is not bad. Very interesting building with a maze of hallways and stairwells. This establishment is part of the Archer House and features an upper level lounge / bar with a patio view of the river and a ground level restaurant / patio area.
(3)Dan F.
These guys (and girls) are the closest thing you're going to get to an American diner-style breakfast in Northfield. My sister used to be a waitress here, and they always do a good job. But I'm not here for the breakfast, I'm here for the drinks. I'm here for the dimly lit barroom, the one upstairs. A good breakfast service alone doesn't get you four stars in my book. So head upstairs and enjoy a pint, from the friendly barkeep (Christian). This is where my group of friends and I always come if we're not interested in full Northfield exposure, which we seldom are. Some positives: there are many nights when they have live music. Jon Manners has got some serious skills, check him out, doesn't cost a damn thing. Also, talk about barroom snacks, they have peanuts in the shell AND gardettos. This gives your mouth something to do when you are forced into that awkward conversation with a long lost highschool buddy. "Oh yeah, wife and three kids huh? Cool." *crunch crunch crunch.* But seriously, come here before you go and get gouged at the contented cow, or get assaulted and libeled at Froggy Bottoms. And if you still don't know where it is I'm talking about, just go to the front desk of the Archer House and ask where the Tavern bar is. She (or he) will surely shake their head in mild disgust, and point you in the right direction. 'Another one bites the dust,' they'll say to themselves, as they resume idly leafing the pages of the latest home and garden magazine.
(4)Ben S.
I used to eat breakfast at the Tavern more often then I ate it at my house. I have moved away from N-field recently and miss it terribly.
(5)Steven W.
Great find in Northfield. Salads were great, steak sandwich order by one of the gentleman was cooked to perfection. Would come back again if ever in this area.
(4)Jan D.
Very good food. Fast service. Price was right and very inexpensive. Food was very good. Homemade bread, and soup of the day was to die for..
(4)marluk A.
Great breakfast options - lots of variety. Lunch & dinner good too. Brownie sundaes for dessert!
(4)Bigby S.
Cheap breakfast, decently priced lunch and dinner menus doesn't save this place from its extremely bland food selection. Think meat and potatoes midwest. Spice is nonexistent and neither is the taste. This place prides itself on being homemade, but it sure don't taste it. But, for Northfield it is one of the few options they have, and it has remained a local favorite for decades. The upstairs lounge is another story. Cool crowd, decent drinks, and great atmosphere.
(2)