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Ideal Tavern, Southington, CT

Ideal Tavern

4.8
4.8
677 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American

Make a booking

2 people
9:30 pm
Booked 9 times today
  • Charming
  • Great for craft beers
  • Good for groups
Ideal Tavern is a Gastropub serving modernized, New American classic cuisine, craft cocktails and select beers in a charming, rustic atmosphere!

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm Lunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Sun 3:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (860) 863-5444
  • Website
    http://www.idealtavern.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    George Giotsas
  • Catering
    With a top notch local celebrity chef we offer a one of kind catering experience that is one hundred percent customizable to your needs.
  • Private party facilities
    Our indoor and outdoor spaces are available for private events. All menus are customizable to the individual parties needs and wants. Please contact us during business hours for more detailed information.
  • Location
    142 Center Street, Southington, CT 06489
  • Area
    Southington
  • Cross Street
    Center Street and North Liberty Street in Southington CT.
  • Parking details
    Parking lot to the rear of the building.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

Smalls&Shares

  • Crispy Brussels SproutsUSD 12.00

    Cubed Bacon, Caramelized Apple, Honey Maple Glaze, Parmesan

    • Cauliflower PopcornUSD 16.00

      Tempura Batter, Sweet Thai Chili Sauce

      • Ideal NachosUSD 16.00

        Black Beans, Cheddar, Jalapeños, Pico de Gallo, Avocado Crema, Red Onion Add: chicken 6, Short Rib 8

        • Fried CalamariUSD 15.00

          Crispy Calamari with Cherry Peppers & Marinara

          • MusselsUSD 15.00

            P.E.I Mussels, Italian Chorizo, Cannellini Beans, White Wine Sauce, Tuscan Bread

            • Roasted Pork BellyUSD 16.00

              Vietnamese BBQ, Smashed Cucumber Salad, Sweet Soy

              • Ricotta MeatballsUSD 12.00

                Beef and Pork Meatballs, with Marinara & Ricotta

                • Eggplant StackUSD 16.00

                  Panko Crusted Eggplant, Fresh Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, EVOO

                  • Mad Mac USD 18.00

                    Rigatoni, Spicy Cheese Blend, Seasoned Bread Crumbs

                    Greens

                    • Mixed Greens

                      Pomegranate arils, apple, goat cheese, candied pecans, maple ginger vinaigrette

                      • HalfUSD 9.00
                      • FullUSD 14.00

                    • Caesar

                      romaine, parmesan, crouton, shaved radish, caesar vinaigrette

                      • HalfUSD 9.00
                      • FullUSD 14.00

                    Greens Addition*

                    To Any Salad Add:

                    • Grilled SteakUSD 10.00

                      • Grilled ShrimpUSD 9.00

                        • Buffalo ShrimpUSD 9.00

                          • Blackened ShrimpUSD 9.00

                            • Grilled ChickenUSD 6.00

                              • Crispy ChickenUSD 6.00

                                • Blackened ChickenUSD 6.00

                                  • SalmonUSD 9.00

                                    • Blackened SalmonUSD 9.00

                                      Flatbreads

                                      • Genovese FlatbreadUSD 17.00

                                        Pesto, roasted garlic, tomato, mozzarella, balsamic reduction

                                        • Backyard FlatbreadUSD 18.00

                                          grilled chicken, truffle ricotta, bacon, caramelized onion, hot honey, arugula

                                          • Fall FlatbreadUSD 18.00

                                            parsnip puree, butternut succotash, grilled onion, mozzarella

                                            Handhelds

                                            Offered With a Choice of House Fries or Side Salad. Please ask about additional upgrades

                                            • Impossible BurgerUSD 16.00

                                              Grilled marinated onion, lettuce, tomato, cranberry aioli, smoked gouda

                                              • Ideal Burger*USD 17.00

                                                Sunny egg, bacon, lettuce, tomato, bearnaise aioli

                                                • Nashville Hot ChickenUSD 15.00

                                                  breaded chicken, chili oil, lettuce, pickles, aioli

                                                  • The Classic BurgerUSD 15.00

                                                    Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle

                                                    • CubanoUSD 16.00

                                                      Crispy pork belly, pulled pork, pickles, cheddar, garlic lime aioli, ciabatta

                                                      • Bourbon BBQ BurgerUSD 17.00

                                                        Fried onion rings, maple bourbon aioli, chipotle BBQ, smoked gouda

                                                        Large Plates

                                                        • Ideal CacciatoreUSD 24.00

                                                          Roasted half chicken, saffron tomato sugo, cubanelle pepper, herbed rice

                                                          • Flat Iron SteakUSD 28.00

                                                            Marinated steak, grilled smoked gouda polenta, roasted broccolini, chimichurri rojo

                                                            • Atlantic SalmonUSD 28.00

                                                              Toasted farro, mushroom blend, parmesan basil butter

                                                              • Braised Short RibUSD 30.00

                                                                Brown sugar braised, parsnip mash, asparagus, frizzled onion

                                                                • CodUSD 25.00

                                                                  Pan seared cod, roasted tomato caponata, potato pancetta vinaigrette, verde

                                                                  • Shrimp RomescoUSD 26.00

                                                                    Spicy garlic shrimp, red pepper cream sauce, kale, parmesan, papperdelle

                                                                    • Mac N CheeseUSD 17.00

                                                                      White cheddar, smoked gouda, fusilli, garlic & herb bread crumbs

                                                                      • Mushroom BologneseUSD 22.00

                                                                        Mushroom blend, tomato cream gnocci

                                                                        • PomodoroUSD 20.00

                                                                          San Marzano tomato, basil, spaghetti, broccolini pesto, crostini

                                                                          Cheese&Charcuterie

                                                                          served with: pickles, mustards, spreads, pretzels choose 4 for 17.00 or choose 6 for 30.00

                                                                          • Meats

                                                                            Prosciutto-di Parma,Soppressata-dry salami, Hot Capicola-spiced cured pork,

                                                                            • Cheeses

                                                                              Daily rotating selection-please call to ask!

                                                                              Last updated: 17 February 2024

                                                                              What 677 people are saying

                                                                              Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                              Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                              4.8
                                                                              4.8 based on recent ratings
                                                                              • 4.8Food
                                                                              • 4.7Service
                                                                              • 4.7Ambience
                                                                              • 4.6Value

                                                                              Noise • Moderate

                                                                              Loved For

                                                                              • Connecticut

                                                                                Contemporary American

                                                                              • Hartford

                                                                                Best Food

                                                                              • Hartford

                                                                                Best Value

                                                                              • Hartford

                                                                                Great for brunch

                                                                              • Hartford

                                                                                Child-friendly

                                                                              • Hartford

                                                                                Innovative

                                                                              • Hartford

                                                                                Good for groups

                                                                              • Hartford

                                                                                Healthy

                                                                              • Hartford

                                                                                Neighbourhood gem

                                                                              • Hartford

                                                                                Lively

                                                                              Review summary

                                                                              AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                              Ideal Tavern offers a delightful dining experience with "awesome" food and "excellent" service. Guests rave about the braised short ribs' "depth of flavor" and the diverse menu catering to all tastes. Although it can get a bit noisy, the vibrant atmosphere adds to the charm. Highly recommended!

                                                                              678 Reviews

                                                                              1. Mark

                                                                                Connecticut

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                This was our first time at Ideal Tavern and we were impressed with the casual atmosphere, the intimacy of the surroundings and farmhouse/industrial decor of the dining area and bar. The service was outstanding, and the food was incredibly delicious. Dessert was remarkable! We will definitely be returning! The prices were on the higher side, but very reasonable considering the quality of the ingredients and the talent of the chef.

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              2. Meg

                                                                                New York City

                                                                                3 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                3 reviews

                                                                                Dined on 15 November 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                The wait staff was wonderful, and the atmosphere was welcoming. We had delicious food (apps and mains), and we were able to catch up with friends, feeling welcome and without feeling rushed. It's a great spot we've been to before...and we'll return to it again!

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              3. Kacie

                                                                                Tampa

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                Dined on 15 November 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                highly recommend for any occasion- really good food and I love their seasonal specials. :)

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                                                                              4. JIMF

                                                                                New York City

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                Dined on 3 August 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                food was awesome so was the service!!! i am a freqent flyer here!!!! be back soon!!!!

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              5. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                New York City

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                Dined on 21 July 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                My wife and I went to dinner tonight with our Son, Daughter-in-law and Grandson. As has been the case in previous visits the food was delicious and the service was friendly and attentive. I'm always shocked why the restaurant is not full but selfishly it does work in our favor. Hopefully word of how great this restaurant is will spread and business will pick up.

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                                                                              6. AmyA

                                                                                Caribbean

                                                                                4 reviews

                                                                                4.0

                                                                                4 reviews

                                                                                Dined on 17 July 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 4
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 3
                                                                                The food was good and the service was great. The air conditioning was not working and it was VERY HOT AND HUMID. They should have tried to find some fans or something.

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              7. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                Mississippi

                                                                                4 reviews

                                                                                vip
                                                                                5.0

                                                                                4 reviews

                                                                                Dined on 11 July 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                Our server, Kyle, was really good. He was very attentive and engaging.

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                                                                              8. SueV

                                                                                Atlantic City

                                                                                8 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                8 reviews

                                                                                Dined on 11 July 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Delicious food. Great service. Love the Prix Fixe offerings.

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              9. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                Connecticut

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                Dined on 5 July 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                The staff and the service was excellent. We had teens and a vegan at the table and everyone had plenty of options to select from the menu. Everyone enjoyed their food.

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                                                                              10. PeterG

                                                                                New York City

                                                                                65 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                65 reviews

                                                                                Dined on 2 July 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                I hadn't been to the Ideal Tavern in a while, so I was very happy to experience that the service and food were still terrific! Because of its design, it is somewhat noisy, even away from the very energetic bar area. BUT... that does not detract from the overall positive experience. I ordered their Ricotta Meatballs, which were terrific, and I will definitely order again! But my entree choice exceeded even that... their braised short ribs with mashed potatoes and gravy were perfect! I am not a cooked carrots fan, so I ordered extra mashed & gravy, making it a great option. You expect short ribs to be tender - and these certainly were... but there was a "depth of flavor" to them that set them apart from others I have had. The Ideal Tavern is HIGHLY recommended!

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                                                                              FAQs

                                                                              Ideal Tavern offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (860) 863-5444.

                                                                              Ideal Tavern is rated 4.8 stars by 677 OpenTable diners.

                                                                              Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                              Make a booking

                                                                              2 people
                                                                              9:30 pm
                                                                              Booked 9 times today

                                                                              Order delivery or takeout

                                                                              Google Map for Ideal Tavern

                                                                              142 Center Street, Southington, CT 06489

                                                                              Additional information

                                                                              • Cross Street
                                                                                Center Street and North Liberty Street in Southington CT.
                                                                              • Area
                                                                                Southington
                                                                              • Hours of Operation
                                                                                Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm Lunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Sun 3:00 pm–8:00 pm
                                                                              • Price
                                                                                $30 and under
                                                                              • Cuisines
                                                                                Contemporary American
                                                                              • Dining style
                                                                                Casual Dining
                                                                              • Dress code
                                                                                Casual Dress
                                                                              • Parking details
                                                                                Parking lot to the rear of the building.
                                                                              • Payment Options
                                                                                AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                              • Executive Chef
                                                                                George Giotsas
                                                                              • Additional
                                                                                Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                                              • Website
                                                                                http://www.idealtavern.com/
                                                                              • Phone number
                                                                                (860) 863-5444
                                                                              • Catering
                                                                                With a top notch local celebrity chef we offer a one of kind catering experience that is one hundred percent customizable to your needs.
                                                                              • Private party facilities
                                                                                Our indoor and outdoor spaces are available for private events. All menus are customizable to the individual parties needs and wants. Please contact us during business hours for more detailed information.
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