We had reservation for 2, and hostess sat us at a 2 top next to the door on a cold evening. We ask to be seated at an adjacent 4 top and told no. Yet that table was shortly later given to another party of 2 who had the same server. I needed to wear my jacket during dinner because of the cold each time the door was opened, and waiting patrons would stand against my back. The food and service was decent, but our seating made for a poor dining experience. There are so many restaurant options in this area and each customer experience should be the best you can offer. You have lost us as customers.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 2
M Pesh
My favorite local watering hole.I’ve been going to Ideal Tavern for years now and I absolutely love it. The food is always on point, great selection of craft beers and even better craft cocktails. The bartenders are always friendly and attentive and the atmosphere is amazing. And they ALWAYS are playing the best music. Whatever playlist they’re using it has always been on point for years. Can’t recommend Ideal Tavern enough, my favorite spot in Southington.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Truffle Fries, Flatbread Pizza, Chicken and Waffles
One of the best in SouthingtonI truly love this restaurant, with it’s rotating menu and beautiful building it’s my go to for dinner in Southington.ATMOSPHEREThe building is set in downtown Southington among numerous other bars and restaurants and even a brewery (WitchDoctor Brewing Company). The outside is well labeled from the street and parking is available around back. The inside has an industrial/rustic feel which makes sense as it takes its name from an old forging company in the area. I consider the dress to be smart casual, but nobody is going to be turned away for their outfit.SERVICEI have never had a single issue with the service at Ideal Tavern, the wait staff is always very attentive and friendly. I have not interacted very much with the bar staff, but I have never gotten an incorrect drink, so they must be good!FOODNow for the important part, the food! Ideal runs a rotating menu that changes with the season, they try to source ingredients locally, so the rotating menu is a necessity. The ingredients always taste fresh and the chefs know how to put it all together. The one complaint I would have is that some nights the dishes can be a little saltier than normal. Since the menu is rotating it’s hard to recommend items but if they have them the Crispy Brussel Sprouts and “Ideal” Nachos are excellent appetizers, the Ideal Burger is delicious and unique with it’s egg and truffle aioli, and the Braised Short Ribs are extremely rich, almost to the point of hard to finish in one sitting.DRINKSIdeal has a great rotating tap list that always seems to have a good selection of every type of beer. Although I have not tried any of their cocktails they have a massive selection of classics and custom drinks.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Smoke on the Water, Flatbread Pizza
nelson71
Food was only ok. It was super super noisy and cold in the restaurant. They were out of martini glasses om a Friday night so my Manhattan was in a half filled coupe glass which seemed ok. Everyone raved about the pizza but it was more like a small boboli than a Flatbread. Long drive for mediocre food and half filled drinks..
SaturdayOut
Great burger, tasty nachos, great service. One too many tables squeezed in front of window, a little chilly too, had to leave our coats on but overall excellent food, great service, nice beer list. Plan on returning.
Kathleen M.
We had never been to IT! It was amazing! Our server Michael was fabulous! Very friendly and attentive to all of our needs! The food and drink were delicious! The food was meticulously prepared! We will be back!
ASMED
The food was very good. However, we were disappointed in the entree portions for the Prix-Fixe menu. Honestly, they were overly small and didn't include some of the advertised ingredients. We would have better benefited to order from the regular menu.
Kevin Colacrai
Great date night.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This restaurant is a hidden gem. We truly enjoyed everything about our visit. The drinks were delicious and the food was meticulously prepared. Our server Michael was great! Very friendly and attentive to our needs. We will definitely be back!
We enjoy happy hour at Ideal tavern and wanted to give dinner a try. Not the best experience. Service was okay. The food was good but portions were small. The deal breaker for me was the noise level. It was obnoxiously loud. I will stick with happy hour!
mm1979
Second time coming here. The food is wonderful. We ordered the eggplant stack which was delicious. Was craving a burger and fries and the bbq burger was awesome and cooked to the right temp. My partner order the special halibut which he said was great. We shared the tiramisu which is house made and perfect. I can't say enough about Aaron the server. This is the second time I've had him and he is sweet, attentive and quietly funny. Overall this place is a great find in Southington.
Matthew Jones
Great, place to relax, Eat and chit-chat with friends!
We had reservation for 2, and hostess sat us at a 2 top next to the door on a cold evening. We ask to be seated at an adjacent 4 top and told no. Yet that table was shortly later given to another party of 2 who had the same server. I needed to wear my jacket during dinner because of the cold each time the door was opened, and waiting patrons would stand against my back. The food and service was decent, but our seating made for a poor dining experience. There are so many restaurant options in this area and each customer experience should be the best you can offer. You have lost us as customers.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 2
My favorite local watering hole.I’ve been going to Ideal Tavern for years now and I absolutely love it. The food is always on point, great selection of craft beers and even better craft cocktails. The bartenders are always friendly and attentive and the atmosphere is amazing. And they ALWAYS are playing the best music. Whatever playlist they’re using it has always been on point for years. Can’t recommend Ideal Tavern enough, my favorite spot in Southington.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Truffle Fries, Flatbread Pizza, Chicken and Waffles
Great place, very attentive wait
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Truffle Fries, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Popcorn Cauliflower, Ideal Burger
One of the best in SouthingtonI truly love this restaurant, with it’s rotating menu and beautiful building it’s my go to for dinner in Southington.ATMOSPHEREThe building is set in downtown Southington among numerous other bars and restaurants and even a brewery (WitchDoctor Brewing Company). The outside is well labeled from the street and parking is available around back. The inside has an industrial/rustic feel which makes sense as it takes its name from an old forging company in the area. I consider the dress to be smart casual, but nobody is going to be turned away for their outfit.SERVICEI have never had a single issue with the service at Ideal Tavern, the wait staff is always very attentive and friendly. I have not interacted very much with the bar staff, but I have never gotten an incorrect drink, so they must be good!FOODNow for the important part, the food! Ideal runs a rotating menu that changes with the season, they try to source ingredients locally, so the rotating menu is a necessity. The ingredients always taste fresh and the chefs know how to put it all together. The one complaint I would have is that some nights the dishes can be a little saltier than normal. Since the menu is rotating it’s hard to recommend items but if they have them the Crispy Brussel Sprouts and “Ideal” Nachos are excellent appetizers, the Ideal Burger is delicious and unique with it’s egg and truffle aioli, and the Braised Short Ribs are extremely rich, almost to the point of hard to finish in one sitting.DRINKSIdeal has a great rotating tap list that always seems to have a good selection of every type of beer. Although I have not tried any of their cocktails they have a massive selection of classics and custom drinks.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Smoke on the Water, Flatbread Pizza
Food was only ok. It was super super noisy and cold in the restaurant. They were out of martini glasses om a Friday night so my Manhattan was in a half filled coupe glass which seemed ok. Everyone raved about the pizza but it was more like a small boboli than a Flatbread. Long drive for mediocre food and half filled drinks..
Great burger, tasty nachos, great service. One too many tables squeezed in front of window, a little chilly too, had to leave our coats on but overall excellent food, great service, nice beer list. Plan on returning.
We had never been to IT! It was amazing! Our server Michael was fabulous! Very friendly and attentive to all of our needs! The food and drink were delicious! The food was meticulously prepared! We will be back!
The food was very good. However, we were disappointed in the entree portions for the Prix-Fixe menu. Honestly, they were overly small and didn't include some of the advertised ingredients. We would have better benefited to order from the regular menu.
Great date night.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This restaurant is a hidden gem. We truly enjoyed everything about our visit. The drinks were delicious and the food was meticulously prepared. Our server Michael was great! Very friendly and attentive to our needs. We will definitely be back!
Restaurantji Recommends
We enjoy happy hour at Ideal tavern and wanted to give dinner a try. Not the best experience. Service was okay. The food was good but portions were small. The deal breaker for me was the noise level. It was obnoxiously loud. I will stick with happy hour!
Second time coming here. The food is wonderful. We ordered the eggplant stack which was delicious. Was craving a burger and fries and the bbq burger was awesome and cooked to the right temp. My partner order the special halibut which he said was great. We shared the tiramisu which is house made and perfect. I can't say enough about Aaron the server. This is the second time I've had him and he is sweet, attentive and quietly funny. Overall this place is a great find in Southington.
Great, place to relax, Eat and chit-chat with friends!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was delicious atmosphere very accommodating.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great AmbianceGreat FoodGreat
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Traditional Charcuterie Board