Town Square Tavern — Restaurant in Keene

We had a small group in on a Saturday evening. The experience was a roller coaster from the start. It was our first time in, and my initial impression when we walked in was, this place looks nice, it was almost completely full, and we were greeted politely by the host, off to a great start. We sat at the bar, which we normally do when we go out, and were pleased to sit there. As soon as we sat, things went down hill. The vibe in the restaurant, between staff members, was incredibly tense. It was very clear that not a single one of them wanted to spend another minute in the other's presence. At least for that night. There was tension coming from the kitchen to the wait staff all night. I was sitting as close to the open passthrough to the kitchen and had the benefit of hearing some amazing one-liners that included "Don't get mad at me, that's just what they asked for," "Stop f*ing up my food," "Do not do that ever again," and my personal favorite was a question and response between two staff members (investigating the whereabouts of another staff member) "What happened to (server's name)?" "Not sure, did they die?" You could cut the tension with a knife, and our entire group felt pretty awkward. If ever there was a place that needed to improve the culture among employees, this was the poster child. There didn't seem to be a dedicated bartender. We waited at least 10 minutes to be acknowledged by someone behind the bar, and another 5 to actually get our drinks. It seemed like servers were taking turns manning the bar and it was definitely a bit discombobulated back there. To be fair, once we got our drinks they were good. Cheers. The person who seemed like the manager, gave us an order of the deviled egg appetizer on the house as it seemed like it was mistakenly made for someone else who either didn't want it, or didn't actually order it. We didn't order them, but they were very good! There was some debate within our group as to the consensus of the food. One person in our group ordered an item and found out a few minutes later, they were out of it. It was later in the evening, this happens, understandable. Another person complained at the portions, mentioning they thought they were too small. I ordered the pork chop dinner, and I absolutely loved it. Portion was fine, and it tasted great. Clean plate club member over here. Kudos to the chef on that one. Once we finished our meal, we had one more cocktail, at which point the tension in the room had at least sum-what dissipated. But not before our server asked if we were "good" because she would be having her dinner now. One last dash of awkwardness. Some might say the prices were too high, but I don't hold that against any restaurant. We chose to go out, I'm not in the restaurant business, I don't know what things cost or what it costs to operate a restaurant, so it is what it is. No complaints from me in the price department. If my main course wasn't so good, this would have been a 1-star review. I can't emphasize enough how poor the environment was between the staff for the first half of our visit. We were very close to leaving before we placed an order. It was later on a Saturday evening, we were seated, so we decided to stay. I personally don't like feeling as if I am intruding, or that I am an inconvenience, to any staff member in the hospitality industry. You're supposed to feel welcome and not be wondering if you're about to witness a brawl between staff members. Not really a relaxing way to unwind on a Saturday night. This team needs to hash out their differences after hours, not during the busiest shift of the entire week. Because of the tension and uncomfortability of the environment, I don't plan on returning any time soon. I think I let the smoke settle before coming back. Shout out pork chop and...

Dining Review: Town Square Tavern, Keene, New Hampshire

Nestled in the heart of Keene, New Hampshire, Town Square Tavern offers a delightful dining experience that perfectly marries a cozy atmosphere with a vibrant menu. From the moment you step through the door, you’re greeted by a warm ambiance that invites you to unwind and indulge.

The décor strikes a balance between rustic charm and modern sophistication, making it an ideal spot for both casual gatherings and special occasions. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring that every aspect of your dining experience is top-notch.

To start the evening, we opted for the signature appetizer: crispy calamari served with a zesty aioli. It was perfectly cooked, with a light batter that didn’t overpower the tender squid. The accompanying sauce added just the right kick, setting the tone for the meal ahead.

For the main course, I chose the pan-seared salmon, which was a standout. Cooked to perfection, the salmon was flaky and infused with a delightful herb crust, served atop a bed of creamy risotto and accompanied by seasonal vegetables. The flavors melded beautifully, showcasing the freshness of the local ingredients.

My dining companion selected the Tavern Burger, a mouthwatering creation piled high with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a tangy house-made barbecue sauce. Each bite was a delicious explosion of flavor, and the hand-cut fries on the side were the perfect accompaniment—crispy on the outside and fluffy within.

To round off the meal, we couldn’t resist dessert. The chocolate lava cake, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, was the perfect sweet finish. The rich, molten chocolate paired with the creamy ice cream was pure bliss.

Overall, Town Square Tavern not only lives up to its reputation but exceeds expectations with its exceptional food, inviting atmosphere, and attentive service. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this gem in Keene is a must-visit for a memorable dining experience. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their...

Biggest plus in my opinion? No BOOKING! Which was a surprise to me, and a lucky shot for my 2nd try at a tipping establishment. First come first serve, is the best practice in my opinion (as long as I'm first lol).

They were pretty fast with the food delivery, and the apricot salad we blind ordered was actually amazing.

If they had any vegan dishes besides salad, would have definitely rated 5*

Update:

So, my 2nd visit to the restaurant. What can I say, the owner is quite an outstanding person!

He explained to us that about every dish can be made into a vegan dish! You may think, yeah, well usually making a dish vegan takes away from the flavor, that is what I expected as well! Except, the people in the kitchen know what they're doing, and fully deserve their wages, because the dishes were made vegan, without sacrificing flavor. Whatever your heart desires, Luca can make it happen!

If I did not know that the food was vegan, I would have not believed if you told me it was, and I have been to many vegan places, in many states. So far Lucas is #1 on my list, the fact that they are willing to do the extra mile to not leave out the vegan population speaks for itself! I visited a considerable amount of places where the response is sorry salad is the only vegan item.

If you are vegan, and you are looking to spoil yourself with some delicious food, I can not think of a better place to recommend! 10/10

PS: Price wise, I believe it's super reasonable. At Panera it costs us $30 for 2. At Lucas $60, however, you must consider the fresh produce, the food is made on the spot for you, instead of being frozen god knows for how long, and the service is just not comparable. We also had ordered 5 dishes. Very affordable for what you get in my opinion.

Update: The above is no longer true, the ownership has changed, and it has not been the same since. Menu changed, and quality...