Cloverleaf Tavern — Restaurant in Caldwell

After lunch here last Saturday, my noble chum and I discussed how we keep inexplicably forgetting about Cloverleaf as a legit local spot to eat, despite its reputation and the fact that we've both been here a few times with almost universally positive opinions. I can't explain the oversight, but this was a very pleasant reminder that the quality hasn't diminished over the years.

One quibble I have to bring up immediately - Cloverleaf had the BEST crab dip I've ever had. I am mystified that they would remove that from the menu. I don't know if that was a COVID casualty or what, but I was very glum that I couldn't order that as an app again. RIP. Interestingly, it appears to be on the online menu as a special, so maybe it's only available in certain instances? That's a superstar contribution that should be an option at all times. Anyway.

My chum and I were both pretty famished and got the Cheese Curds app ($11.50) in lieu of the aforementioned, dearly departed crab dip. Very solid entry - I liked how the cheese was bursting out at the seams (not sure if that's officially considered a selling point or not). Knowing that I was in good hands, I went for the plain hamburger ($14ish), cooked rare (I won't do rare with an unknown establishment - you run the risk of your dish loudly mooing on the plate versus just quietly mooing). Delicious and remains one of the best in the area. It is mystifying to me how few places truly master the almighty bovine, but this is certainly one of them. Perfectly cooked and delicious.

We also each got a nice little nip for our beverage. This place is VERY well known for its beer but I don't have an interest in drinking bread. I did notice that they didn't seem to have their MBA (Master...of Beer Arts? I think?) plaques out anymore, which I remember a lot of the 20-something guys at my old job just being over the moon about. It was a good promotional device at the very least, so I'd be curious to know what happened with that. Anyway. I went with the Cinnamon Citrus Tea Punch from the cocktail menu, which had my 2023 spirit chum bourbon in it. Very refreshing though a little light on the bourbon. I gauge the alcohol content by how rosy my cheeks are after the first drink, and I think they were still pretty porcelain. Perfectly pleasant though.

The service was excellent. Everything came out promptly, and we even had a random staffer stop by to compliment my Save Kittens hat on the table. The cherry on top? On my way to the restroom, one of the managers asked how the experience was going. Top-notch shizzle right there. Also, I think this is a very legit price point for what you're getting - I was honestly expecting some of these dishes to be closer to $20, and my wallet still felt pretty heavy when I left.

Both of us are going to try not to let Cloverleaf wander off our radar again any time soon. Very strong recommend. (Please bring back the crab dip to the...

We love our neighbors over at the Cloverleaf Tavern! We have enjoyed their unique authenticity for years, long before Banshee came into existence. Cloverleaf is no ordinary Irish Pub with a few trendy craft beers.... They are the real deal! There is no other Irish Pub like them, this side of the Pond. They are my go-to place when I'm in the mood for burger, wings, and a Guinness. But that's to be expected. The rest of their Menu is what will really know your socks off! From their world re owned Hot bubblen crab dip, to their Asian lettuces wraps or sliders there's something for everyone, even the kids! My son, now 10 years old, had been joining us their since he was born, and still, if you ask him right now. Who makes the beat pizza around, hem will answer a with astonishing quickness and authority, CLOVERLEAF (BAR PIE) which comes with a more than paportional side, your choice... (he always orders the abundantly rich and creamy Mac & Cheeae) Don't get me started on their Beer list, if your into craft beers. We'll then. You're in for a suprise! They have one of the biggest and best selections I have ever come across anywhere ever! They change things up on the regular weather . It's their food special Menuz where everywhere there's always something, or if they are spotlighting their New Weekly/Monthly flights and Brewing Co.

And case you were wondering, yes they are super kid friendly and have a great kids Menu, it truly is a place to bri g the entire family. Next time you decide to stop on in. Remember to do two things, try the bubblen crab dip and look for the floor manager if you're their during the day, his name is Kyle. If you run into him ask him what he recommends this weekz and lastly, while in conversation, if you are facing the front entrance, point directly across the street to the brick and motor store and let him know Banshee sent...

I’ve been coming to Cloverleaf Tavern for years, always holding out hope that it would live up to its potential. Unfortunately, my most recent visit will be my last—because I’m still trying to process how a place I once enjoyed managed to deliver arguably the worst hospitality experience of my life.

Our party of three (with a toddler in tow) was seated by a hostess at 5:45pm on the side patio. She told us to pick a table, which we did, and a few moments later she dropped off the menus, and let us know someone would be bringing a high chair. Great! Ten minutes later, we watched that high chair get dropped off—angrily, at a completely different, unoccupied table about 15 feet away. No eye contact. No acknowledgment. Weird…

We waited. And waited. Ten more minutes passed with no server, no greeting, no water—nothing. So I walked back inside to ask what was going on. Before I could even finish my sentence, the same grumpy hostess quipped back at me, “You need to be seated by a hostess to get service.”

Interesting… because we were seated by a hostess. And she was quite literally standing next to you, actually. So unless this place runs on some kind of Hunger Games-style seating protocol, it sounds like your staff could use a refresher on basic communication.

Between the passive-aggressive attitude and the complete lack of service, it’s safe to say we won’t be returning. There are plenty of other restaurants in Essex County with an expansive beer selection and mediocre pub fare where you can be treated like an actual guest and not an...