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The Tavern Reviews List

The Tavern

From hanging glass beads to architectural artifacts and an original Brunswick bar painted in gold and turquoise, this is clearly not your father's steakhouse. The Tavern's menu features USDA prime beef, Australian Wagyu, organically raised Uruguayan beef, and organic free-range chicken, diver-caught Maine sea scallops, assorted fresh fish, cold water Rock Lobster Tails, and in season: oysters from both coasts, the Alaskan king salmon run, live Maryland soft shell crabs, morels, chanterelles, and porcini from hunters in Oregon and Washington, and fresh produce from local county farms. An award-winning wine list featuring over 1,200 selections, a great wine by the glass assortment, and an unusually well-stocked bar round out the Tavern's beverage program. And Now… The Tavern has moved to a new level. In preparation for the soon to be opened Tavern Lounge, The Tavern Dining Room has moved to newly remodeled and redecorated quarters upstairs.
See more The Tavern details
84 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
(84 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 84 reviews
5 stars
(52)
4 stars
(26)
3 stars
(6)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(0)
Food 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
Service 
4.6 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.6 / 5
Ambiance 
4.6 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.6 / 5
Noise Level
1.8 / 3
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • special occasion(58)
  • neighborhood gem(54)
  • fit for foodies(50)
  • romantic(50)
  • notable wine list(46)
  • vibrant bar scene(26)
The Tavern Reviews List
Review 1 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We ate in dining room on second floor in a small room opposite the main dining room. It was small, boring, with no ambience. The wait staff was competent. The food was ok but nothing special."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 2 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Superb

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/09/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"For our 27th anniversary we chose our favorite restaurant. Josh & Tom were excellent. The food, service & wine were wonderful which is why we keep returning, year after year! Great place!"
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
0points
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Review 3 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

PeaJae

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The Tavern is one of our favorite places to go. The food is fabulous and you couldn't ask for better service."
Dined on 04/27/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 4 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great food and service every

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great food and service every visit!"
Dined on 04/23/2013
 2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 5 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

GREAT food and service. It

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"GREAT food and service. It was a little loud as there were a few larger parties, but the noise did not detract from the overall experience. Awesome place!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
 2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 6 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

My husband and I regularly

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My husband and I regularly dine at The Tavern. The food, service and ambiance is outstanding."
Dined on 04/06/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
0points
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Review 7 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Like being in the Moulan Rouge,

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Like being in the Moulan Rouge, dining here was the gem of this past year!! Hands down best mussels my friend and I have ever tasted. Divine dining!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 8 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The Tavern was an interesting

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The Tavern was an interesting and good find. The food was delicious and fresh. There were many choices. The decor is almost over the top, with all the sparkly chandeliers, flowery wallpaper and doodads. It might have felt suffocating if the food wasn't so good and the service wonderful. The staff were attentive and friendly and knowledgeable. The selection of breads were delicious. All the chicken is organic/free range. Would definitely go again."
Dined on 04/03/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 9 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

We dined early so they were

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We dined early so they were not extremely busy. The staff was very friendly and attentive but didn't hover. Our food was very good but the baked French Onion soup for my taste could have used more onion and less bread. My husband and I enjoyed it and would go again as a special treat, or special occasion."
Dined on 03/30/2013
 2007
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 10 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great service and wine list!

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Great service and wine list! I always love the Tavern's eclectic/romantic atmosphere. We sat upstairs in the dining area... Next time I will be bringing friends back for a girls night downstairs in the Lounge... The menu is a little easier on my wallet (different menu downstairs that has more 'sandwich type options compared to upstairs entree's.) looking forward to y next visit back!"
Dined on 03/29/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The quality of the food and

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The quality of the food and service here is second to none. One of our favorite spots for an enjoyable adult evening out!"
Dined on 03/26/2013
 2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Many great dishes, but you

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Many great dishes, but you would be hard-pressed to find a better steak in all of Chicago!"
Dined on 03/25/2013
 2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic
0points
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Review 13 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The Tavern has long been a

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The Tavern has long been a go-to spot for a great dinner."
Dined on 03/25/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We always have great meal

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We always have great meal at the Tavern...Note there is a upstairs restaurant and downstairs bar...The Bar scene tends to be more lively and we love hanging out down there for hours with friends...For this occasion, we were dining in the restaurant on a Monday evening, which I think is a first...We're usually there on the weekend or later in the week when there are a lot more people...The restaurant gets a little more lively than the "quiet" I rated it when all the tables are full, but later on a Monday evening, there were only 5 or 6 tables seated when we arrived...The ambiance is great...You could spend the whole evening looking at the decor and you wouldn't see everything...Food and Service are always excellent value!"
Dined on 03/25/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 15 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

An Amazing Meal

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"This is our second time at the Tavern and it makes me wonder why we waited so long between trips. I had the Shrimp Acapulco for an appetizer and my wife the steamed mussels. Both were exceptional. For entrees I had the 8 ounce filet which was perfectly charred on the outside, tender on the inside - the taste made me slow down and savor each bite. My wife had sautéed striped bass which she loved. I did taste her entree and really enjoyed it. I may order this on our next visit. It's just so difficult to say no to that filet...
The entrees are served ala carte, so for our sides my wife chose wild rice and assorted mushrooms. These were also extraordinary delights. Our waitress was warm, knowledgable, and attentive; the service outstanding.
"
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 16 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Way too loud.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Food was good but the noise made the restaurant unbearable. It was so loud you cannot have a conversation. The loudness alone will prevent me from ever going there again."
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2006
0points
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Review 17 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great service, never an empty

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great service, never an empty glass. Dinner was delicious. Just wish the volume in the restaurant wasn't so loud. Not sure if it was the restaurant itself or if it was the lower level action rising up to us."
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
0points
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Review 18 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The Tavern was awesome! We've

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The Tavern was awesome! We've actually walked past here dozens of times on our way to the bar next door,
Which happens to have the same owner. Great food selections, very creative chips with caviar. The menu is only surpassed
By the wine list, quite extensive.
"
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
0points
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Review 19 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Tavern

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Always a winner! Meat is cooked perfectly every time. Great time!"
Dined on 02/01/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
0points
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Review 20 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Memorable Valentine's Day

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Just new to the neighborhood, this restaurant was recommended to us. We went for Valentines day. Book early for holidays, they fill up fast. We enjoyed the calamari as appetizer and I enjoyed the Tavern filet as a main course. There is wine by the glass menu that works for us as my husband & I don't generally agree on wine. We split a gelato dessert and it was an enjoyable evening."
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 21 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

So so

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Ordered boned in rib eye, it was well cooked. The meat was of good quality. But did not feel the service, the ambiance or the food was anything special. Everything wasjust ok. And with the prices, I expected more. The waitress never stopped by to check on us, after someone else delivered the food. I liked their choice of bread though. Ordered lobster ravioli too, and it was less than appealing visually and tasted just ok. Macaroni Grill was better. Will not be returning.
Also, if you want awesome steak, go to Joe's prime steak and seafood. It is way better, in service and food and its not even comparable - they're in a different class. If you want ambiance with ok steak, then Tramonto's would be better."
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2006
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Review 22 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Looking for a great one?

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This was the first time we've dined upstairs at the Tavern. Previous visits had been in the downstairs area, but it's been changed to a new configuration. The atmosphere is delightful and the food and service excellent. It's one of the best restaurants, for ambiance and food, on the North Shore."
Dined on 02/18/2013
 2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great Place to Dine

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
"Great place to dine, this is our second time at the Tavern. Romantic ambience great service and food. One of our favorite places on special occasions or a,night out."
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2012
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

A wonderful local spot, but

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"A wonderful local spot, but worth the trip if you are coming from Chicago or the other suburbs. We have been here twice and no disappointment either time. The beef is outstanding, but the fish is excellent as well. The side dishes are a treat, especially the garlic mashed potatoes. Ask for the wine list if you are a lover of fine wines, over 1,600 bottles in their cellar."
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 25 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

A little pricey, but very

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
"A little pricey, but very enjoyable and would go back often."
Dined on 02/13/2013
 2008
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 26 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Food was very good as advertised

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Food was very good as advertised and as written on open table. I took my wife to Tavern for a special valentines dinner and she loved it. Many excellent choices from seafood to steaks and duck. Downstairs is a nice place for predinner cocktails and upstairs is a unique elegant dining environment. Overall, the foods was great, but the service was astonishing."
Dined on 02/13/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 27 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Amazing!

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"While visiting Libertyville, we were looking for a quiet place to have a wonderful dinner. We found it at The Tavern. Not only was the food great, the service was amazing. Some of the best we have ever experienced. We highly recommend The Tavern!"
Dined on 01/26/2013
 2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 28 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The food & wine was very good.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The food & wine was very good. Great choice of steak & fish dishes. My first time there and will definitely go back."
Dined on 01/25/2013
 2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 29 for The Tavern
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Good, not Great.

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My wife had one of their $45 steaks - not much flavor and it wasn't that tender either. I had a fish dish which was excellent. We had two sides - garlic mashed potatoes and the creamed spinach. Both were good, not excellent. We also had the asparagus soup which was good but too salty. Overall the food was fair. The ambiance is exceptional and the service top rate. Don't know if we'll ever go back because the price did not justify the food."
Dined on 01/25/2013
 2008
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Tavern
Based on the average of (55) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.6 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.6 / 5
7 out of 7 recommend this product
Food 
4.6 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.6 / 5
Service 
4.7 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.7 / 5
Ambiance 
4.6 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.6 / 5
Noise Level
1.8 / 3
Moderate