Emily was fantastic! So friendly and so knowledgeable! Split the grilled octopus and tavern burger! Delicious 10/10 recommend for those who enjoy sharing read more

Tavern On State - Grilled octopuswith fingerling potatoes - American Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

A low-key atmosphere with top-notch drinks and dishes. While we didn't get to try the drinks as we were in a rush, the drinks on everyone else's table almost made us abandon our plans. We split two of the salads - the little gem Caesar and butt lettuce with muscat grapes along with the grilled octopus with chili butter (yes, chili butter, and it was the accompaniment to octopus I never knew I needed). The whole meal was fresh, and filled with complex flavor. A delicious New Haven destination. read more

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Delicious. Would recommend the veal, octopus, steelhead trout, and coconut sundae. The veal was country fried and served with a lovely white sauce and salad. The steelhead trout was served with smoked roe. The octopus came with some potatoes and chillies. The coconut sundae was dairy free with fresh almonds and toasted coconut shavings. Everything was so impressive. There was a 10 minute wait on a Wednesday night for two. We waited at the wine bar next door (unaffiliated). read more

Tavern On State - Pulpo - American Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

I want to give Tavern on State five stars. I really do. They make some amazing food. And their menu is seasonal and a little experimental, which I love. You will see things on the rotating menu you won't see anywhere else. Of course, this is a double-edged sword. With experimentation comes failure. Generally, everything I've had as been great. But then you'll have something and its just ok and you're like... damn. That was 23 bucks. I ordered a roasted chicken and this thing came out with a full chicken claw deep fried. Just sitting there on the table, like a reminder that I choked the life out of this chicken (sorry!) myself. Am I a monster? My dish might think so! We got a beet salad and it was SO good. They were like... weird beets? Idk. It was awesome. My other issue here is not necessarily the restaurant's fault but it is a small space and you are kind of on top of each other, NYC-style. Which means if you are here for a romantic date, you're also going to be on a date with the people sitting next to you. Service is excellent. Never had a problem with the waitstaff, always attentive without being overbearing. Pure food-wise, I'd say its probably a 5, but I gave it a 4 based on a bit of weirdness and a few misses and also just being on top of each other. I just don't like people that much. Maybe that's a me problem. read more

Tavern On State is one of those places that you HAVE to experience in person. Words don't do this cozy establishment justice, especially when it comes with a cute little alleyway strung with lights. It's what I imagine Europe to look like. There is so much care that goes into every single dish served up at this hidden gem, tucked away out in Eagle Rock. Their rotating menu is inspired by the seasons and every ingredient is sourced at their peak. By the time you read this, you likely won't be able to find the same dish, but I guarantee that every brainchild of Shane McGowan will have you swooning. What hit it out of the park for us: Crudo with kiwi, microgreens and herring roe - bright, light, refreshing Grilled Octopus with an addicting chili butter, crispy fingerlings - tender, charred, warm, hearty Lamb Burger - hearty, served with a cool dollop of tzatziki Oysters - fresh, briny, disappeared in seconds. Foie Gras - quite literally the BEST FOIE GRAS I'VE EVER HAD. It was melt-in-your-mouth amazing, like an ultra-creamy, ultra-flavorful pat of cold butter. I'm still dreaming about the foie gras and am so sad that as of this writing, the foie gras is not currently being offered on their menu. French Dip Burger - cheesey, gooey, toasty, the grown-up version of your favorite childhood grilled cheese. There's nothing delicate about this French Dip and I wouldn't believe you if you told me you could eat it without getting juices everywhere. That cheese pull was practically made for an Insta boomerang shot and I'd like a quart of that consomme to go, please and thank you. If you appreciate a restaurant that respects Mother Nature's bounty, Tavern On State is it. Promise me you'll come running (and take me with you)!! read more

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Tavern on state is such a unique spot with fun and delicious dining options. The cocktail menu is always fun and interesting, and they rotate their menus depending on the season. Never disappoints. It is pricier so well suited for a special night out. read more

Yummy. The steak was grilled nicely medium rare. The polenta had fresh corn kernels and tasted so flavorful. The octopus looked artful and (according to my dad) was delicious. Burgers had by the 11 year olds were much loved and I got to steal their fries. My only complaint was the patio high top chairs - wobbly. Waitstaff attentive and kind. Love this place. read more

This was my second time at Tavern on State. First was when they had first opened and I got a chance to meet the owner who was so sweet. Her energy made me want to return which I did. I brought my friends here as this was their first time and we all had such a blast. We sat outside in the back and although we got bitten up by the bugs, we had a great time. I got the fries at the recommendation of the waitress, (who I loveeeeeee btw), and a special drink made by Patty the bartender. The fries were semi salty but still authentic which I liked. My friend got the anchovies toast which too were salty but that's by design. I liked that as well. I just really love the staff here. Even if I didn't like the food I would still come. They make the experience so much fun. I shall be back and I recommend everyone to come here! read more

Tavern On State - American Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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First visit, was solid. I'd go back. Positives: great ambiance, creative inspired menu, great custom cocktail selection, knowledgeable server, prompt service, parking not hard to come by on Saturday night. Couple things that could improve. We sat in the alley space. It's honestly not bad with the Christmas light strings and heaters. It was chilly wet night too. The issue is that it feels very cut off from the rest of the restaurant. It's a totally different scene from inside to outside. There is a black (opaque) metal door separating the spaces that kind of slams shut over and over while the servers come and go. The chairs and tables outside are not very comfortable especially for taller people. There are no paper menus and my cell service was not good, so I could not get the menu. After ten minutes of fighting my phone they brought me an iPad. I just don't want to do electronics when out to a nice dinner. Food was all very good save the cod dish. Fish was good but the sides were some mushy stuff. Bring $$$. read more

I've been dying to check this place since it opened and finally met up with some friends for some dinner here. The place is the old cojones so super small but it was spaced out nicely and felt safe with their covid 19 protocols. One of my friends and I split the Cesar salad to start which was great! Our other friend raved about his bowl of mushrooms he chose to start. We all opted for burgers, and my all American double was so good. Like a very elevated Big Mac! The fries were sooooo good. So much so I polished my whole plate! Loved the vibe and food can't wait to come back when it's warmer to sit on their alley patio. read more

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Everything was great; The service the food, the ambiance, everything. It wasn't until I tried to surprise my friend with a piece of cake and candle because it was his bday that things got alittle upsetting. I ordered a slice of cake, and paid my tab at the same time. I waited 20 mins for the cake and personally had to approach my server to ask about the status of the cake as my friend kept asking why we were still sitting and waiting after i had already paid the tab, so i ordered another drink to try and cover it up. so was incredibly disappointed esp since i was in the restaurant industry as a server myself. I wasn't given reassurance, I had to personally go seek it. I wouldn't go back with someone i was trying to impress. read more

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Overall we were underwhelmed by our entire experience. Start with the positive- drinks were great, and the person behind the bar knew what she was doing whipping out stellar cocktails for us (seated at bar) and the rest of the half full restaurant. Now the just ok.... We had reservations about 10 days in advance; but when we arrived- told our choices were bar (backless stools) or alley (no thanks). I did mention the half full dining area(still half empty when we left btw).... Lamb sausage, good flavors, good combo with pea shoots, but meat was mealy. 7/10 Rabbit (may have been a special) braised in milk and served with wild rice was just ok, it reminded me of something put together with two leftover ingredients that didn't belong together. No finesse, and pretty high salinity. Crudo with fluke - the fish was fresh, paired with honeydew (sorry I found it odd and didn't work) and seaweed. I think it's possible that someone might like this, just not either of us. The "half" chicken (actually is a half a breast) not half a chicken. It was cooked perfectly; however, just destroyed with salt again. It came with farro and castlevetrano olives (more salt) that just basically ruined dish. Dessert was a date cake and came with a Greek yogurt dollop. The cake was on the dry side, yogurt was tasty, but overall for the price, the food is just ok. Inside of the restaurant is cute, if only we got a table?? I guess if we ever went back we could Resy up 2 months in advance and ask for one. read more

A new favorite, I don't get by there often, but TOS is the only place where I can get a coconut painkiller any time of year, and given that it is considered a tropical drink, that is a major feat. The servers are always friendly, and no matter what I've eaten, it's always been made with love. I may go to get one more Painkiller before 2022 is over but I'll definitely go more than once a season in 2023. read more

This place is ridiculous. Was here for 45 min with no drink; gas fumes on the back patio plus mop water smell; idiotic management since we actually TOLD HER we were hoping for a quick drink and would be out within 25m. Not to mention she wouldn't let us order drinks - she said a server would come; two came successively after 10m. Again no drinks came. read more

The only thing keeping this from 5 was the hostess staff. They did their job and got us to the seat but we did not feel very welcome. The food was great. Octopus was cooked just right and the chili butter was a compliment to it. The pickled shrimp was my main course and had complicated ingredients but when put together was very balanced and tasty. The sweet potatoes and vegetable salad were the stand outs. The chef really knows vegetables. Emily was great. The restaurant was cute. read more

I have eaten here twice and loved it both times. Make reservations as it is small and quint. I sat at the bar both times. The staff made me feel right at home. I had the lamb burger both times and was not disappointed either time. I had a salad with my burger. The wine selection is excellent. Definitely give this place a try, you won't be disappointed. read more

My wife and I have been coming to Tavern since they opened- consistently the best food around. To this day Chef Emily still astounds us with her flavor combinations and her sauce work. The cocktail menu is the best in New Haven, no contest. Tavern is always top of my list of recommendations to friends and visiting family- if you haven't been yet, you're missing out. Todays winner: corzetti with rock shrimp, chestnut cream & red sorrel. The comfort pasta you didn't know you needed in your life. read more

I have been a few times recently & each time it has been great. Friendly service, great mixologists, perfectly cooked burgers, the citrus salad was really good as well. It's on street parking. read more

Fantastic spot. I love Fairhaven Oysters (by the same people), so I was excited for dinner here and it did not disappoint. Long cocktail list; I got the featured old fashioned which was excellent. Our order: * Burrata with lamb bacon and plums - three little burrata balls, and the bacon was excellent * Tavern burger - I happened to get the burger at Fairhaven Oyster too; this was more or less the same but excellent at both places. They own a butcher shop as well, which I think influences the quality and consistency of the meat. Also comes with a huge pile of excellent McDonalds-style fries * Pan seared half chicken - Moist and tasty, fantastic polenta and fried shallots * Chocolate caramel pie - Top notch pie; I'm a sucker for any kind of chocolate torte like this and it did not disappoint. Can't wait to go back to try more stuff; everything on the menu seemed great read more

Wow !!! Food was great had this place on my list of places to go for about a year finally came here enjoyed every bite. I had the " boneless half chicken over melted leeks with pomme purée, hen of the woods mushrooms & leek ash " And my girlfriend had the " pan roasted halibut with butterball potatoes, chanterelle mushrooms, caulilini & dill " AMAZING she normally doesn't finish her food but she cleaned the plate this time. Highly recommend. Will be back. read more

Tavern On State - pan roasted halibut boneless half chicken over melted leeks - American Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Glad to finally get to Tavern On State after several recommendations from friends. My husband I split the caesar salad as a starter and it was great--nice lemon favor in the dressing. He had the veal chop, also excellent with a very nice sauce. I had the coq au vin and it also was very well done. The chef flavored everything perfectly. Only two minor negatives, while I like dim lighting to create intimacy, it was a bit too dark. Also, with such flavorful and diverse food, need better wines, perhaps a Sancerre and a red Bordeaux. read more

What a great meal!! Eke rated our son's graduation from Yale Law School here. Every single dish looked and tasted delicious. To the chef: you are creative and gifted!! We also loved the innovative cocktails! read more

Tavern On State - Cocktails were fantastic! - American Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Tavern on State may just be the best restaurant in New Haven. Perhaps most impressively, they are among the best in three categories. First, if you're looking for truly elevated local ingredients with an impeccable fine dining flair, Tavern on State is an excellent choice. Second, if you want the most interesting and delicious cocktails in the city, state, maybe tristate area, they've got you covered. Finally, if you just want to cozy up with an excellent burger or fried chicken sandwich and fries, you couldn't pick a better spot. The space they occupy has turned over a handful of times in the last several years. I sincerely hope they stick around--this is one of the most compelling restaurants I've been to in years. read more

Had the chicken sandwich; wife had burger. Omg. So delicious. You have to try it. No wonder it was written up in the New York Times. Personal experience: so tasty and the French fries were even great. Hot and stayed warm. Definitely a winner! read more

Best restaurant in new haven! Come here very frequently and always feel welcome and at home. The food is out of this world and the drinks are just as tasty! Highly recommended. Their co owner and head chef was recently named chef of the year for CT. Soon to open an oyster bar in new haven! Must come here! read more

Tavern On State - Chicken - American Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Loved every second at Tavern on State. Food is astounding, so is service. Highly recommended. read more

Tavern On State - American Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Tonight was my first experience at Tavern. It was one of the top five meals of my life. Food is impeccable and the cocktails original, consistent and delicious. I had the octopus for appetizer - perfectly prepared with a chili sauce that complimented but didn't overwhelm. And the smashed potatoes - holy crow. Main was the lamb burger. Tender and juicy and wicked tasty. Dessert was the piece de resistance. Coconut sundae. If you like coconut like I do this is the epitome of desserts. Go here. Don't pause. Just do it. read more

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They try to accommodate too many diners in too small a space. It's loud, and the waiter servicing the next table is right on top of you because they have too little space. The service itself is excellent. The mushroom dish was terribly over salted, which is too bad because it had some excellent complimenting flavors that got lost.. The cod was well cooked but it was paired with greens that were far too bitter for such a delicate fish. They are trying to be creative, but losing the basics. There are a dozen better choices in the area at this price point. read more

I've never given a five star review for any restaurant in CT, this is hands down the most delicious food we've ever tasted. The appetizers are phenomenal (get the Corzetti appetizer!) the burger and chicken sandwich are a tie for me ( we often each get one and split them) and the chicken entree has been the best one yet! The salted caramel pie is worth the calories, and the drinks are exceptional. The staff is so friendly and knowledgeable, it's an outstanding restaurant experience overall! read more

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Trying to decide where to eat lately has become a chore and we were looking for somewhere new. Having heard only great things about Tavern on State, we decided to try it. Being in the food business I like to see what the trends are and who's setting them. This place is definitely a trendsetter! If there is foie gras or sweetbreads on a menu I'm ordering them. Tonight's menu had both! Heaven? You bet. There aren't many restaurants in the area that have the chops to do either, let alone do one or the other well. They knocked it out of the park. A watermelon radish salad was outrageous and prepared in a way in would have never thought with an unctuous chive butter. Not knowing what to expect, it was better than I had imagined. My wife had the clams and butter beans - outrageous. Dessert was a chocolate and salted caramel torte. The service was relaxed but proper. The bar staff are true artists and watching them concoct and mix cocktails the old fashioned way was a nice way to spend the time (we sat at the bar). The overall tab was reasonable for the quality of the food. Seems like the old guard in New Haven should be on notice. The chef/owner is doing it her way and killing it! read more

I've now been here 4-5 times and can confidently say TOS is very deserving of 5 stars. This place doesn't miss. Extremely consistent from the service to the food and everything in between. You can tell an extreme amount of thought goes into their ever evolving menu and cocktail list. Tonight I had the Zona Rosa cocktail which was amazing especially if you're a mezcal lover like me. The octopus? It's the fucking best I've ever had. Trust me. Get it. Wife had the halibut which comes in this light gravy with some delicious mushrooms. The fish was cooked perfectly. And lastly I had the jalapeño smash burger (again) and my god it's so damn good. Fries are so tasty too with that spicy aioli. The owners and staff seriously know what they're doing. Kudos to them. Can't wait to be back. read more

The meals that we got (crispy chicken sandwich, tempura cod sandwich) were very good (but not incredible) with generous portions including a ton of fries. Always appreciate a large volume of quality fries. It was also an appropriate amount of food for the price, which I also appreciate. A friend of ours made a special request for how his burger should be cooked and it came out perfect. We also had the seafood chowder, which I think had more potatoes and carrots than seafood, but it was delicious. I've heard the desserts are incredible but we were too full to try this time (a good sign!) but we will be back. read more

COVID - lots of outdoor seating available in front and side patios, felt reasonably distanced at all times. DRINKS - both cocktails I tried were delicious and beautiful! I tried Lost in Migration (might be only available on special during cocktail week) and Concrete Tiger (pictured). FOOD - burger was undercooked but they comped it in apology as well as our drinks. Really appreciative of the quality service!! read more

Tavern On State - American Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Burger at the bar. Nice fresh cocktail. Bartenders were attentive. Nice tavern feel. Perfect.

Innovative cocktails, great burgers and fries were super crispy fries and awesome. Had the burrata appetizer and brownie sundae as well. Ambiance was very enjoyable with candlelit vibes and great and attentive customer service. Will definitely return for more! read more

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Came here for Saturday Brunch and was quickly seated. The restaurant has a cozy living-room-converted-to-restaurant feel with a center raised farmhouse table and individual tables on both sides. The menu looks great with options such as roasted bone marrow, burger, and a variety of egg benedicts. 1. Tavern Egg Benedict ($17)... (see picture) comes with 2 slices of toast loaded with ham and egg and a tasty hollandaise sauce on top. Everything tasted great except for the fact that the entire dish was extremely salty. While I do love strong flavors (e.g. one of my favorite cuisines is Shichuan food), it was difficult to enjoy an otherwise delicious meal. Unfortunately, I could not tell if the salt came from the egg, the sauce, or the ham. It definitely didn't come from the toast or the side salad! Speaking of which, the Tavern Egg Benedict does come with a side salad. Loved the light and refreshing lemon vinaigrette. I'm excited to come back again for dinner to see what else this restaurant has to offer! read more

Tavern On State - Tavern Eggs Benedict - American Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Perfect. Literally perfect. Amazing food, perfect menu, great cocktails . Wish they had a bit more elbow room but that's just because I'm selfish and I don't wanna wait for a res read more

Tavern On State - a glass of wine and a bowl of fruit - American Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

What an absolute hidden gem. My beau and I visited last night and had a pretty stellar evening all around. The atmosphere is wonderful and cozy. We were lucky it was a beautiful night and with the door open, it was just perfect. (I would suggest dressing in layers. Warm nights are probably very hot inside!) To the food! We sampled all across the menu. We shared half a dozen oysters which were just the right amount of spicy and bright. Consistency was perfect and they were beautifully cleaned. The burrata came after with honeycomb and it did not disappoint. As goes with any place, I always wish they gave you more bread but that's just being nit picky lol. For our enrtrees we had the rabbit which was spectacular. The sauce mixed with the farrow was earthy and rich. The scallop crudo was next and that was superb. The little peppercorns and dill were all beautifully complimented against the thinly shaved scallops. Then for dessert we had caramel chocolate pie on what can only be described as an oreo crust and my God was that good. Perfect balance of the two flavors and the consistency of the caramel was pure heaven. I could have easily eaten another slice without hesitation. The cocktail were fantastic. The Violette hour, I believe it was called, was divine. It was a lemon and lavender drink that tasted like a Creamsicle with a lemon kick. They seemed a little overwhelmed when we arrived, but the food all came out hot and delicious. Evening took about 2 hours start to finish which we were fine with. Service was perfectly spot on and all the staff members seemed genuinely happy about working there which says a lot about management. Total bill was $150 with tip for 3 alcoholic drink, 2 apps, 2 entrees and dessert and absolutely worth every penny. I cannot recommend this place enough. If you're lucky enough to snag a reservation here, go. You won't be disappointed. read more

My husband and I had wonderful drinks & food here this past weekend. Cute place with a rustic ambience and good service. We enjoyed the concrete tiger & medicina Latina drinks. We ordered the honey burrata & the carrots and split the American burger. All were delicious, especially the seasoning on the carrots! I would have ordered the chicken sandwich but was told it was thigh meat & not breast meat. Maybe they will change that. We were too full to try any desserts but look forward to on future visits. read more

The vibe is great. Loved the decor. We walked in as they were about to close and they still sat us for a round of cocktails and dessert if we were up for it. The service was very good, aesthetics i loved and drinks was read more

Tavern On State - Mezcal cocktail closest to me - American Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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