The Tavern
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The Tavern 1779

4.6
·1k reviews·Abingdon, United States

Upscale American & German cuisine in a 1779 inn with cozy, period decor & a shady brick terrace.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, easier seating

CrowdLow
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The Tavern

The Tavern 1779

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, easier seating

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Upscale American & German cuisine in a 1779 inn with cozy, period decor & a shady brick terrace.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"The atmosphere elevated the whole experience because you are surrounded by history, we loved it."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Ahead for Inside

Reservations are essential for indoor or covered terrace seating, especially on weekends.

🚶‍♀️ Walk-in Patio Option

The back bar/patio is great for walk-ins, offering a nice ambiance.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Ambiance

Historic Ambiance

Dine surrounded by history in a cozy, 1779 inn with charming period decor.

Shady Brick Terrace

Shady Brick Terrace

Enjoy your meal or drinks on a picturesque outdoor terrace, perfect for a relaxed evening.

Duck and Lamb Dishes

Duck and Lamb Dishes

Savor expertly prepared duck and lamb, highlighted by guests as standout menu items.

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Planning Your Visit

Reservations are Key

The Tavern 1779 is popular, especially on weekends. Reservations are highly recommended for indoor or covered terrace seating. Walk-ins might find space in the back bar/patio area, but be prepared for potential waits.

Embrace the Atmosphere

This historic inn offers a unique ambiance with period decor. While some dishes might prioritize flavor over presentation, the quality and historical setting elevate the dining experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier seating
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons (walk-in)
Why
Outdoor seating available
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Nice place for an anniversary dinner?

🎯 Book Ahead for Inside

Reservations are essential for indoor or covered terrace seating, especially on weekends. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walk-in Patio Option

The back bar/patio is great for walk-ins, offering a nice ambiance. Reddit

reddit.com

What are some of the most underrated or overlooked restaurants in HarCo?

reddit.com

Are there any other towns like Floyd that are cute , quirky, small/historical ?

✨ Embrace the History

The atmosphere is a major draw; enjoy the period decor and historical charm. Reddit

🍸 Creative Cocktails

The bar is well-stocked with expertly made cocktails, including unique house specials. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Ahead for Inside

Reservations are essential for indoor or covered terrace seating, especially on weekends. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walk-in Patio Option

The back bar/patio is great for walk-ins, offering a nice ambiance. Reddit

✨ Embrace the History

The atmosphere is a major draw; enjoy the period decor and historical charm. Reddit

🍸 Creative Cocktails

The bar is well-stocked with expertly made cocktails, including unique house specials. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Tavern 1779 is lauded for its incredible historic atmosphere and quality food, particularly the duck and lamb dishes. While service can be slow during busy periods and presentation sometimes takes a backseat to flavor, the unique ambiance and well-made cocktails make it a memorable dining destination. Many recommend reservations for indoor seating.

"We called to get reservations but they were fully booked all weekend. They have an outdoor area though that opens 30 mins earlier so we went and we were pleasantly surprised at the amount of space it had. Good drinks and good food. Ordered the filet medallions and wanted to not like it due to the total lack of presentation, especially for the price (you eat with your eyes first) but the quality and seasoning was so good we had to overlook it. They only reason it was a 3 out of 5 service was because they had only one bartender on an extremely busy fall foliage weekend and it took forever"

Carla Fishback

"My family and I had a great time here! The service was excellent and the food was pretty good, the duck and lamb dishes were our favorite. The atmosphere elevated the whole experience because you are surrounded by history, we loved it."

Sarah Dugas

"Incredible experience all around!
Everything we order was wonderful and the outdoor ambiance was picturesque. Service was slow but they were busy and understaffed.

Appetizers: Smoked Norwegian Salmon & Oysters Rockefeller
Entree: Springer Mountain Chicken and Risotto (+ house salad with orange balsamic) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The table bread was fresh but the butter had a weird flavor profile. Apparently the kitchen gets to experiment, which is neat, but they missed the mark with chocolate and something else.

It's recommended to make reservations if you'd like to sit inside or under the covered terrace. Otherwise, the back bar/patio area is nice for walk-ins."

Stephanie Byers

What People Like

Historic ambiance
Quality food
Great cocktails

What People Dislike

Slow service
Presentation sometimes lacking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Yes, there is plenty of parking available in the area around The Tavern 1779, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach The Tavern 1779, as it's located in an area with ample parking. Public transport options may be limited depending on your starting point. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for indoor or covered terrace seating on weekends. The outdoor area is often available for walk-ins. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, but the outdoor area often opens earlier than indoor seating. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current hours. Reddit

While not strictly enforced, The Tavern 1779 leans towards upscale casual. Many visitors dress nicely to match the historic ambiance, but it's generally a comfortable dining experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Tavern 1779 offers upscale American and German cuisine, with a menu featuring hearty classics and creative specials. Reddit

Guests frequently rave about the duck and lamb dishes. The filet medallions are also noted for their quality and seasoning, despite a simpler presentation. Reddit

The menu offers a variety of dishes, and while specific vegetarian or vegan options aren't always highlighted, the kitchen is known to experiment. It's advisable to inquire with your server about current offerings. Reddit

The food quality is generally considered good to excellent, with an emphasis on quality ingredients and seasoning. Some dishes are praised for their flavor, while presentation might be secondary for certain items. Reddit+1

The bar is well-stocked, and the cocktails are expertly made. They also offer unique non-alcoholic options like honey lemon ginger ale. Reddit+1

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, the historic interior with its period decor and the picturesque outdoor terrace provide excellent opportunities for photos. Capture the charming ambiance and your delicious meals. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Tavern 1779 offers a unique historical setting that can be engaging for families. While the menu leans upscale, there are typically dishes that appeal to a range of palates. The outdoor terrace can be a more relaxed option for families with children, offering more space and a less formal atmosphere. It's advisable to check the menu beforehand for kid-friendly options or inquire about modifications. Reddit

Consider visiting during weekday evenings to potentially avoid the busiest crowds, which can make the dining experience smoother with younger children. The historical ambiance might spark curiosity and conversation, turning dinner into a learning opportunity. Reddit

🥂 Couples & Special Occasions

The Tavern 1779 is an excellent choice for couples seeking a romantic and memorable dining experience. The historic ambiance, with its cozy period decor, creates an intimate setting perfect for anniversaries or date nights. Making reservations for indoor or covered terrace seating will enhance the special occasion. Reddit

Indulge in their well-crafted cocktails and savor dishes like the duck or lamb, which are frequently highlighted as exceptional. The overall atmosphere, combined with attentive service (when not overly busy), makes for a sophisticated and enjoyable evening. Reddit+1

💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers

While The Tavern 1779 is an upscale establishment, budget-conscious travelers can still enjoy the experience. Opting for appetizers and drinks on the patio can be a more affordable way to sample the offerings and soak in the atmosphere. Reddit+1

Visiting during weekday evenings might also offer a slightly less expensive experience or easier access to seating without the weekend premium. Focusing on specific, well-regarded dishes like the filet medallions, which are praised for quality despite presentation, can also be a good strategy. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historic Charm of The Tavern 1779

Stepping into The Tavern 1779 is like stepping back in time. This inn, dating back to 1779, is meticulously decorated with period furnishings and historic details, creating a truly immersive dining experience. The cozy atmosphere is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. Many visitors highlight the ambiance as a significant part of their enjoyment, noting how it elevates the entire meal. Reddit

Beyond the interior, the shady brick terrace offers a delightful outdoor dining option. It's a picturesque setting, especially during warmer months, providing a relaxed environment to enjoy the cuisine. Whether you're seated inside by the fireplace or al fresco, the historical context of The Tavern 1779 is palpable and adds a unique layer to your visit. Reddit

While the presentation of some dishes might be understated, the quality and seasoning of the food are consistently praised. This focus on flavor, combined with the rich historical backdrop, makes The Tavern 1779 a destination for those seeking more than just a meal, but an experience. Reddit

Navigating Dining at The Tavern 1779

Securing a table at The Tavern 1779, especially for indoor or covered terrace seating, often requires advance planning. Reservations are highly recommended, particularly for weekend evenings, as the restaurant is a popular spot. Failure to book ahead could mean a longer wait or settling for the walk-in area. Reddit

For those who prefer a more spontaneous visit or can't secure an indoor reservation, the back bar/patio area is a viable alternative. This space offers a pleasant ambiance and is typically more accessible for walk-ins. It's a good option for enjoying drinks and appetizers or a full meal if you're flexible with your seating. Reddit

Service can sometimes be impacted by how busy the establishment is. During peak times, especially on busy fall foliage weekends, guests have noted that service can be slow due to being understaffed. While the staff is generally friendly and attentive, patience may be required during exceptionally busy periods. Reddit+1

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