Ah, good ol' Black Rock (heaven forbid you call it 'Bridgeport!'), CT. There was a time (in my twenties) when I was a regular out in Black Rock, frequenting such long gone places like The Black Rock Castle, The Field, The Bitter End, Black Rock and Blue, etc. Then something happened. I would say that I grew up, but I know many who would disagree with that statement. So let's just say that I got older. You see, the Black Rock nightlife scene is wonderful if you're twentysomething looking for a casual night out somewhere where you can dress like a vagabond, stumble in and out of bars that are adjacent to one another, and get plastered without having to spend a whole lot of money. Now I don't mean to sound all high and mighty and above all of that, it's just that I can no longer pass for 26 (despite my best efforts), and out in Black Rock on a Friday night I can't help but feel like an overdressed square peg in a round hole. And if you're not a twentysomething in Black Rock, then you're probably an artist, an aging hippie of some sort, or a lifelong Black Rock native, the kind whose blood boils when their beloved coastal community is referred to as 'Bridgeport.' Artists, hippies, natives...they're all good people, it's just that I would stick out like a sore thumb around them. So aside from the killer pizza at Fire Engine Pizza Co. and the savory bites at Hub and Spoke, I avoid Black Rock. But having heard so much about Tautog Tavern over the last year or so, I decided to try to put aside my Black Rock hangups and show a good buddy of mine a fun time over a drink or two. Walking into Tautog Tavern last night with a bit of a narrow mind in regard to the surrounding area, I wasn't expecting much. In fact, my first impression was, 'Yep...typical dark and dingy Black Rock dive bar.' At each end of the bar were two seemingly lonely middle-aged men, nursing a beer (the twentysomethings were probably still at work or at the gym), while some Led Zeppelin blared. I was convinced I had made the wrong choice for happy hour. Fortunately, my mind was quickly changed. We were greeted by the bartender, who was pleasant and kind. I can't recall her name (I think it was Kerry?), but in talking with her, we quickly learned that she is well-cultured and well-traveled. Unlike most female bartenders who try desperately to be flirty or call their male patrons 'doll' or 'sweetie' in hopes of getting a better tip, Kerry was mellow and seemed to be a genuine conversationalist. I was also quite appreciative of her recommending I order the well vodka (and letting me sample it first) as it was nearly half the price of my usual Stolichnaya. A bartender doing the opposite of the upsell? Unheard of! I was impressed. I was also impressed that the drink was strong. My buddy and I took a quick look at the happy hour bar bites menu and ordered both the Pimento Cheese Fries and the wings, which were served in Sweet Thai Chili Sauce. Both were excellent, and the portions were hearty. The latter was a refreshing summer change to the usual greasy and sticky buffalo wings. The price was right, too. As I've always felt that drinking and music go hand and hand, I'm quite fond of any bar that has a TouchTunes digital jukebox, which allows you to program and pay for your music using your smartphone. Not many bars that I frequent in this area have this, but Tautog does, and I was delighted to be able to put together a setlist of music that I enjoy drinking to. When the setlist ended, the bartender asked what else we might like to hear. I suggested some Steely Dan, and she loaded up TouchTunes with a seemingly endless string of their hits and deep cuts. The bottom line is this- the overall vibe at Tautog Tavern is a good one, making an outsider like me feel very welcome. People were mellow, and there was even the most docile and beautiful German Shepherd hanging out in the place. And while it's highly unlikely that you'll find me cutting the rug there on a Saturday night alongside some unkempt millennials who are slugging down PBR while some jam-band plays (apparently the Tautog Tavern is a Black Rock hub for live music on the weekends), I will most definitely be back there sooner rather than later for happy hour. Hell, I may even stay for dinner as the menu looks quite good and the service was top-notch. read more

I wanted to like this place but I got bad vibes. We first walked in and and there was only 1 bar stool (party of 2) so we sat at a high top. They could have easily fit another 3 stools at the bar; people were actually standing in the places stools could have gone. The place felt like an old neighborhood bar where guys went after work for a beer before heading home. Everyone seemed to know each other. Besides the bar scene it was empty. I walked to the bar and asked for menus and a few beers. We had to go to the bar each time to order. We got the buffalo wings and Sikorsky sliders. Food took a while but it was worth it. The wings were breaded so they had a nice crunch to them. The sliders were great - grilled chicken, bacon, sharp cheddar and cracked pepper mayo. The food was really good, I always appreciate a breaded wing. The beer and wings were supposed to be on happy hour at $5 each as noted on the menu. When we got the bill we were charged full price for everything. We asked the bartender why they weren't discounted and he explained that they weren't on HH. We asked him to look at the menu and he said he would honor the prices but the menus were wrong...? I wonder how many times people were charged full price for these items before and didn't take the time to look at the bill. I don't know if that's a normal practice in this place but its a shame because I definitely will not be going back. read more

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This is a review I meant to write from this summer: This place looks ancient inside but it's charming old school neighborhood bar with really good food. Sliders are good, also got the buffalo chicken egg roll which was really crunchy. There's usually a dog hanging out inside, well behaved and friendly. I don't mind that at all. It's such a soft environment. As far as drinks, there is not a very good draft beer selection, basically your usual basics and a seahag. Why not some local craft beer?! Service was great until our waitress disappeared (went home?) I ended up going to the bartender to cash our our lunch check from the table. Still we will likely be back because the food is yummy. read more

Tautog Tavern - Bars Near Me - Bridgeport, Connecticut

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Tautog Tavern is a neighborhood bar that has better than average food. We came on a Sunday afternoon, and even being the only ones there the food took an inordinately long time. This would be understandable if the place was packed but for the first two hours we were there we were the only ones there. Sure, it was between lunch and dinner... But a neighborhood bar should have at least a few people at the bar watching the game on a Sunday I would think. Appetizers Or delivered in a span of about 30 minutes, and main courses took at least 40 minutes from the time my burger got delivered until the rest of the groups fish and chips came. The bartender was very friendly and helpful, and the food was reasonably priced. Still, the wait, especially the wait between first and last plates served, will probably be the reason why we wouldn't choose to visit again. read more

the food right now is off the chain. reasonable price; incredible quality and flavor. Hidden gem.

Above average menu- Excellent presentation and service. Bar atmosphere ---but has "Connect Four"! Pictured is what we had: a burger and very good fries () and red curry with chicken (). read more

Tautog Tavern - Bars Near Me - Bridgeport, Connecticut

Nope. Not happening, Don't even bother. The service here is and the food is not nearly worth the price.

Feels like a neighborhood joint. Who doesn't like a dark cozy spot to get a good craft brew & hide out? Bartender was pretty peppy & talkative, ready to serve. TVs are set low, music was 90s mix, decent craft beer options & house cocktail concoctions, slightly uncomfortable wood booths, immaculate restroom. The house made potato chips are served @ room temp & we found them to be oily. The truffle fries were decent. Their house made pickled veggies are excellent though. Next to the infamous Acoustic Cafe so I'd venture to guess they get over flow from them Thur-Sat. Better parking option in the rear of the building. read more

A nice neighborhood tavern. Jason the bartender was quick with a cold beer and made some recommendations on the limited menu. I ordered the hamburger, the house specialty, and got a nice platter of burger, fries, and sandwich toppings (lettuce, tomato, red onion and pickle spear). While the food was good, I wouldn't call it great or the best hamburger I've ever eaten. In summary... I'd come here again, but I wouldn't make it my first choice. read more

Tautog Tavern - The house specialty burger. - Bars Near Me - Bridgeport, Connecticut

I make it a point to come to Tautog whenever I am in the Black Rock area. I really enjoy the atmosphere, the staff and the pickle backs! The space itself is nice. It's pretty spacious and even on busy nights it doesn't feel TOO crowded or like you can't move around without bumping into someone. There is plenty of seating at the bar and there are also cool booths to hang in. I personally enjoy the rocking chairs that are placed out front during the spring/summer seasons. The staff I have encountered are swell! Emilie, Corey and Pat are just terrific. They always know what their customers want. They are efficient and very attentive. You couldn't ask for better bartenders. I recommend the pickle backs! I also recommend Emilie's Bloody Mary. It's kick a$$! The food in this place is great too! I suggest the tomato soup and fried pickles. If you end up in the Black Rock area and want to go to an awesome pub, go to Tautog. You won't regret it :) read more

Tautog Tavern - Piggy Back Pickle Backs - Bars Near Me - Bridgeport, Connecticut

Terrible service. Cash only. I let the guy know I didn't have cash however the bar accepts cards. I didn't know if I had the option to pay the bar instead of the kitchen since they were separate . Guy just walked away and didn't tell me. Very rude service read more

If you don't know Pat LaFrieda beef, you're seriously missing out. There are no better burgers than those made with that! And it's not easy to find places that use it, especially with the prices you can find at Tautog. They also pickle their own veggies and you can order a bowl of them or find them used throughout other menu selections. The brussel sprouts are the best I've ever tried. For a small, casual pub with a local's vibe, the food (although minimal) is outstanding. There are a ton of slider selections and you can mix and match them as you want. They are all amazing. At happy hour, the sliders on their menu are mix and match 3 for just $10 - a total steal! But their regular prices are already a great deal compared with the area. There is great live music there on different nights of the week. Tautog Tavern is definitely worth a try. read more

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Hello fellow foodies...do not listen to the reviewers saying bad vibes, etc. The food at Tautog is fantastic. Scotch menu, great. It is a little dive bar on Fairfield Ave in BPT (born &raised) , but that makes it all the better...and yes, there is a weird slow period where you might find only 5 people inside, but that is the best time to relax n eat, before all the youngsters come. As soon as night falls, the music starts, it gets crowded. It's is all about the food & scotch. read more

Great place to watch Sunday night football! Great music, good food, and wonderful staff. Happy to find this spot.

A Small Very Friendly Tavern. The food may be the Best on Fairfield Avenue in Blackrock. A new food Item The Pork Rice Bowl is a Must Try. Add the Friendly Bar Staff, Live Music and The Owner Who is always Friendly and makes sure everything is to your liking you will not be disappointed. read more

Tautog Tavern - Bars Near Me - Bridgeport, Connecticut

Corie, the amazing one-woman-show bartender makes a mean St Germain cocktail, pickle backs (more to come later on that), wonderful grilled cheese, house-made mustard and a tasty, spicy gumbo: all reasons you should visit this establishment. It's a casual pub atmosphere where, much like Cheers, it seems everybody knows each other's name. I had never heard of, much less tried a pickle back prior to a couple weeks ago. They were...shall we say: interesting. A shot of whiskey is poured and downed, immediately followed by a shot of a small-batch home-made pickle juice. You have to try it to understand. read more

As a Brit now living in the US it's so hard to find a good pub in the British sense of the word. The Tautog Tavern fixes that. Great ambience, neat decor, friendly staff and full of locals. The food is delicious too - local grass-fed beef makes an awesome burger - that part is quite un-British..! We just moved to Black Rock and are very pleased to have found this place - our new local. read more

Tautog is definitely my favorite place to get steak. I have had the burger more times than I can count and always end up getting cheddar, balsamic caramelized onions, and bacon - even though it would be fine on it's own...bacon just makes everything better! The brussels sprouts and creamed spinach are a good alternative to the truffle fries which I seem to be addicted to :) The truffle sprouts (brussels sprouts with truffle oil and bacon) and the iceburg wedge (iceburg salad w/a fried egg on top) have been my favorite specials so far besides the sweet cream Timothy's ice cream sandwiches. The wall hangings, antique lamps, weathered mirror, and cool bar all make the restaurant/bar feel very inviting and cozy - especially in the glow of candlelight. I feel like it's very different from previous bars in that location and the menu is really unique to the area. I also love eating in booths and there are a bunch to choose from. read more

Not sure what's going on but its no longer a favorite. Some apparently thought it was a good idea to change the menu from great gastropub fare to mostly boring, and fried, bar food. Gone are the blistered green beans and killer deviled eggs. Replaced with fried everything. Brussels sprouts are, thankfully, still on the menu. Fish taco tasted great but smelled too fishy for cod. Please Tautog rethink this new direction. read more

BEST BURGERS EVER! One Saturday night, craving nice juicy cheeseburgers, we went to a popular, local burger place (which shall remain unnamed - but which you may be able to guess by the end of this review); only to be told that we had to wait over 1 hour to be seated. So, we checked into Yelp for alternatives and came up with Tautog. After trying Tautog, we now can't settle for burgers anywhere else. The beef comes from Pat LaFrieda, the famed butcher in NYC, and is every bit deserving of its accolades. Owner/Chef Dave prepares the burgers to your desired perfection, and artfully presents the meal on a wooden board, alongside chopped lettuce, tomato, pickled provisions (a/k/a veggies) and a clay flowerpot (yes, a flowerpot!) full of perfectly crisped french fries. Before indulging in our burgers, we started off with an appetizer of Irish Nachos ... which is an interesting twist on the traditional nachos, but oh so satisfying and full of flavor in every bite! The dark potato chips (the "twist") are homemade and amply covered in tasty chili, cheddar, jalapeños, scallions and sour cream to provide the ultimate, satisfying treat! Having now been there over a half-dozen times, we can say that Tautog is an unexpected, unconventional, and very unpretentious gem...with a friendly and attentive staff....it's the perfect place for a tasty burger (or other tasty pub food) and a cold beer...now, we wouldn't even think of going anywhere else for a yummy burger.....Tautog is definitely our new "Plan A!" read more

This place is awesome. I went in with my girlfriend randomly when the spot where we wanted to go was closed. We had dinner and drinks at the bar around 5:30 on a Thursday. It was quiet when we went in and I smelled a hint of smoke - it definitely would attract the old man smoker sort of crowd. I didn't notice it after the first few minutes. This place straddles the line between pub and dive. For me that's perfect. The bar itself is probably a 4 star place, but the food completely exceeded my expectations. The chef was tenderizing meat to order and the menu is short and sweet. The sea salt fries were awesome. My schnitzel came with an apple compote and my girlfriend said her fish and chips were great. Entrées range $10-15. Worth it. Big portions. Corie seemed really nice and was very helpful. We were the youngest there (20-somethings) and most people were middle aged. That's fine for me. I can't comment on the weekend crowd. Go for the food and Ten Penny on tap! read more

What are you waiting for? This place is laid back, great bar food. I'm in my happy place. Get here now. read more

Tautog Tavern - Bars Near Me - Bridgeport, Connecticut

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Cool warm vibe. I like to come to this place after a loins night at either the acoustic or BRYAC. Beer selection tends to 1-2 surprises in rotation read more

Really dick of a bartender. I asked for a beer list because I have cataracts and can't see well and he LITERALLY growled at me. He came back later, I took more than 2 seconds to order a mixed drink and he yelled at me and told me If i was"trying to jump over to the counter to get his attention I should know what I want" in a loud snarl of a voice but I was just sitting there patiently. Then he walked away came back and told me to pay for the drinks that were placed next to me (that I did not order) and then told everyone there was a girl at the bar who wasn't paying for her drinks. Not the brightest. He was older and had a ponytail. Don't treat a new customer like garbage; still wish I had asked to speak to a manager. read more

One of my favorite places to go for a drink and a bite to eat in the Black Rock / Fairfield area. Definitely a neighborhood bar, it has a pretty good list of beers and a surprisingly diverse menu. It's a dark, relaxing bar that plays great music and usually has a couple different games on the various TVs. Bar tenders and service are super friendly and enthusiastic and the patrons all seem interested in just hanging out and relaxing. A nice respite from some of the rowdier crowds at different bars in the neighborhood. Highly recommend getting their sliders, and check out their happy hour for awesome specials. read more

What a great place! The atmosphere was different than I expected based on their online menu, but I think that made me like the place even more. Great food and service. Every I ordered was fantastic, but the brussel sprouts were the standout. read more

Hunter running the kitchen is the only thing going for this place.

A few weeks ago I went in with my father and brother to try out the new kitchen. It turned out to be an extremely pleasant surprise that included some of the freshest food I have had in the Fairfield area! The menu isn't large and it has some very different dishes, so at first I wasn't sure. But once we dug into the food our minds changed very quickly! We had the Abe Lincolns (a sort of fried oyster wrapped in bacon) and the chili. Both were amazing! The chili had great flavor but my father and I like our food a little spicier than normal, so we asked for some hot sauce. Instead of hot sauce the chef, Steve, made a homemade spicy salsa to add because he "wanted to give us some spice without ruining the flavor". How cool is that? It did the trick too; spice with all of the flavor. We then had a steak sandwich special and the Ham and Cheese sandwich with a side of tomato soup. The Ham and Cheese was excellent, but that steak sandwich might have been the best I have ever had, no lie! Too bad it was a special, because it became an instant favorite! Since then, we have gone back in and had the burgers, fried vegetable medley, and the homemade Jelly Doughnuts (which are made by the Chef's wife). Common theme here: everything was delicious and very fresh! That's the main reason I gave it five stars! I have grown up in Fairfield and I have never had food that tasted this fresh. You can tell it's all homemade with fresh ingredients. You don't see that too often in this area. The bar itself is very nice with a very attentive and fun staff, it's sort of quiet right now because I don't think people know about it but I bet that changes as people hear about the food. So it may seem unimposing from the outside, but go in there and try some of Steve's creations. I can guarantee you will not leave upset that you did! read more

I have been a resident of Black Rock for many years and I can tell you that this location has turned and burned a few owners/partnerships and names. But Tautog Tavern is a welcome addition to the neighborhood and I feel that if they continue with the great menu and their creative chef, this place will reign for dining options in Black Rock. The new owners have given this space a simple and cozy upgrade with an antique bar and breakfront. There are some booths, high tops and other tables throughout accented with blue gingham table clothes and mason jars. Their chef, Steve is a culinary school graduate, he is not a line cook and their food and ingredients definitely don't come out of a Sysco food truck. Every meal I have had at the Tautog Tavern has been delicious, the sandwiches and steaks are served on wooden cutting boards which adds to the presentation of good wholesome food, the condiments, sauces and pickles are all made in house and you can taste the difference. I especially enjoyed the steak so I've had it three times in the last 2 weeks. Try it, you'll love it. The "tavern like" atmosphere is cozy, warm and friendly, the only thing missing is a fire place. Tautog Tavern is a great place to stop in and have dinner after work or a great meeting point for dinner before heading out on the town. This is a great neighborhood pub where you can go alone for dinner or drinks and have great conversation with the staff , owner or other patrons. The menus is great, a bit unique for bar fare. If you're looking for wings and quesadillas, there are plenty of other places you can go on the Avenue.If you're looking for wholesome, locally sourced ingredients I highly recommend Tautog Tavern for dinner or lunch. It's a much needed spot for Black Rock's growing community. read more

I love this place; it's comfortable and casual, Johnny and Britney are so nice, and their sliders are tasty!

Great food! Friendly Service with a smile. And great fun! Johnny Brit and Justin are all wonderful. Live music is great. The menu speaks for itself and constantly rotating craft beer taps. Can't go wrong!! read more

This place is literally what is wrong with our country. Disgusting patrons, rude bartenders. I am ashamed that I spent even $1 here. If I could give this dump ZERO stars, I would. Gross environment, gross food, gross staff. read more

I had been here when they first opened several months ago. Was a nice enough place, but was only serving premade frozen meat pies, so I didn't order any food. I came back after hearing that they had a whole new menu, and was very impressed. The atmosphere is very warm and inviting. Cool antique lamps on the ends of the bar, and old antique wooden bar, and booths. The walls are adorned with vintage photos of old Bridgeport. Cory, the bartender was attentive and helpful and fun. Very interesting and unusual menu. We tried the deviled eggs, which were not exceptional, but a great bar snack as deviled eggs should be. They came individually in these mini dishes topped with fried leeks, and served with a pickled pepper. Couldn't wait to try the Scotch egg, which is a hard boiled egg, encased in sage sausage, and breaded and fried. I had never even heard of this, but it was as good as it sounds. It is served with some sort of mayo sauce, but I thought it was great with the house mixed Coleman's mustard that they have. Would also have been good with Tabasco. Wanted to try the fried oysters, but will have to get those next time. I had a burger which is a Pat LaFreida patty that the owner goes to NYC for three days a week. I like how it came out on a cutting board with pickled green beans, onion and pepper. It was cooked perfectly medium rare. The only complaint is that the cheese wasn't melted, so I think it may have been sitting for too long. The fries were ordinary, and also did not come hot enough. I would recommend that they cut the potatoes in house. I love the salad situation. They have a whole section of the menu devoted to it, and you get to pick among a bunch of options. First which type of green(romaine, spinach, kale or mixed greens. Then, which type of cheese, meat, pickled and raw vegetables. There is a charge for each, which I think is good, because you don't get charged for things that you don't want. I got the mixed greens with pickled green beans and raw mushrooms, onions and celery. They serve it in a big wooden bowl, which I love. The house dressing was I think a creamy bleu cheese. Chris, the owner was there, and having dinner with his wife and young child. This gave the place a very family feel to it, and he's a great guy. I had the pleasure of speaking with him. I definitely will be going back. read more

Good sliders and beer selection! Can mix the sliders you choose! A bit dark in there but overall good place to grab a bite !!

This is the best burger I've ever had in my life (nyc, seattle, San Fran, LA, San Diego, Texas and Miami included in that comparison).

Bartender takes your card without asking to close or keep it open.-makes that decision for you. They have an imaginary poster stating their $10cc minimum. You better order $10+ of alcohol and throw away any responsibility. read more

Haven't been here for years now... the years have not been kind. Just off puttingly dirty... neglected... I couldn't even think of eating here... our bartender well.. she seemed to suffer from the same malaise as the place itself. read more

my husband and i went here a few days before christmas and i was asked for a credit card before i even ordered a drink. The food was aweful and it was nearly impossible to get one of the 3 bartenders attention. the male older bartender with the stringy hair was completely rude to the people sitting next to us and seemed so bothered to even be there. St the end of the night i asked for my check and the girl bartender handed me the bill for 140 dollars, i had only had 2 beers and some apps mind you. i asked who was on my bill amd she said me and all the people sitting in the corner, none of which came with me or should never have been on my tab. my tab was supposed to have been my and my husband. why didnt she ask who was on my tab as soon as she asked for my credit card, standard protocol for a bartender. To top it off, this place scammed my husband and me by ripping off our credit card numbers and info with a cc skimmer then proceeded to take out over 2500 dollars between both of our cards at various atm's on the day before christmas. i dont recommend this place to anyone. they should be shut down. my only hopes is that the police we filed a report with actually investigate this place thoroughly and arrest the people responsible. read more

Tautog is a place you can call home. The interior is warm and you can find a point of interest at every turn. The open doors in the warm weather along with the rocking chairs out front are very inviting. The staff is attentive and a lot of fun. Emilie has The Pickleback cornered in CT! The menu is a bit different, but does not disappoint! Burgers are the best in town! Add an unpretentious clientele and sparkling clean restrooms and what more could you ask for? Love my Tautog!!! read more

They literally carded me 4 times in one night. The bouncer out front asked for two forms of ID - fine. When I finally got inside, the bartender also asked for two forms of ID and had another bartender come over to confirm my ID's were legit. The whole process took way too long and everyone was so rude about it. I quickly drank my drink and went to another bar. I get that I look young but come on - that was just ridiculous. I don't plan on coming back. read more