Tailgate Tavern — Restaurant in Aiken County

First of all, before I get into the friendly service and perfect location in "The Alley", you need to understand that the food here is SO MUCH better than what you might expect. Tailgate Tavern is not a "bar that serves food", it is a restaurant that serves delicious home style food...that just happens to have an inside and outside bar. Big difference. And I will go on record saying this, and I stand by it, Tailgate Tavern has the best Caesar Salad in Aiken. Period. I know how that sounds, but trust me, whoever makes the Caesar salad figured out that what makes a really good Caesar salad is a good representation of fresh parmesan cheese to balance the tanginess of the dressing. Darn it's good! The fried chicken, burgers, and meatloaf are amazing; and the mashed potatoes and lima beans (regular sides which they always offer of the menu) taste like they were made by your grandmother in her own kitchen. You just don't expect to get this quality of food in an establishment that, for all intents and purposes, looks like it's an ordinary bar in The Alley.

If you're not familiar with The Alley, it is a collection of restaurants and entertainment establishments in downtown Aiken that is located, literally, in a large alley surrounded by businesses that operate on the busiest streets in downtown Aiken. It's a perfect spot for eating and entertaining and is a popular spot in Aiken. As you walk through The Alley and you come across Tailgate, you might think this is only the "sports bar" that is obligatory for places like this, but it's so much more. The service is great and very friendly.

Highly...

Came here for a late lunch with the family during the week on a quick trip into town. It was towards the end of lunchtime with 4-5 tables seated - mostly outdoors. Long story short - it looked like there was one server for all the non-bar tables and he may not have had the experience required for that. It took nearly 30 minutes for us just to order, got our drink orders wrong, took about 15 minutes just to get the check after we asked (at this point we were the only table) and while he was nice he was clearly over his head. If you sit outside, especially towards the seating closer to the road, know that you will be in the smoking area for the day-drunks from the bar and when not choking on that, the stench from the dumpsters in the alley will punch you in the face every time there is a breeze. We moved to another table, got our food, which was pretty good overall - although very overpriced (recommend the Gyro) and paid our bill (finally). Took more than an 1hr 20 minutes to get food for three adults and two kids. I'd go up the road or wait for...

Last 2 visits worse service in aiken county. Had several open tables when we arrived and the same server we had last time said sorry no tables and dont know when we will have any. Mind you we see the tables. Bar tender came over and asked what was said and told us oh no sit at this table and I'll get drinks started for server. We had same server as last time and she was training a new guy. Said it was his first night. Then she left and never returned. The trainee tried his best to help us out but had no clue what he was doing or anything about menu or drinks. Said they didnt have multiple beers that were on the menu so we went to bar tender who informed him they did in fact have them. 3 out of 4 meals were excellent but the 4 meal was not only wrong but horrible. Server/first night trainee said it was actually his fault. He tried his best but that server/ trainer should never be in charge of training or server in my opinion. Awesome bartender great food cooks do great job but exceptionally poor service. We will see if next time...