Tavern on Merrimack — Restaurant in Lawrence

Fun atmosphere and a friendly, competent server. The food isn't anything special - egg rolls were pooled with grease and over-fried (can be an oil temperature problem) and the chicken tenders had to be returned because they were still raw inside (also probably an oil temp problem). The drinks were reasonably priced and strong, and the environment both inside and out back is conducive to socializing in a low-key way. I'd go back but would probably stick to French fries and a drink.

Update: went back and tried the Cuban and house burger. Both were competently executed and flavorful, and paired with hot and fresh battered fries. Drinks were also tasty and reasonably priced. Two entrees, two cocktails, and one NA beverage came out to under 60 before tip. I'll update the food score a point...

This is a nice quaint place. Clean and inviting. The service was great and very friendly. The food was not the best though. The three of all had French Onion soup. When it came out it wasn't very warm, which I could deal with, but it tasted very wrong. At first we thought it was way too much thyme, but then we weren't sure if that's what it was. None of us made it past 3 spoonfuls. I also had the Cuban sandwich. I felt that was a little on the bland side. Their fries, however, were amazing. We ordered seconds in that. The waitress was very understanding and took the soups off our bill. We still tipped her well as it wasn't her fault. I might try again if I'm in the area just to see if the soup had a bad day. Overall it...

I'm glad I ordered fries just in case, because my luck with anything pasta is usually bad. I ordered the veggie pappardelle pasta with chicken, but alas...it never came with the chicken. Definitely not a vegan, so I ate as much as I could with chili flakes and went to town with the fries. Otherwise, the tavern's staff and regulars definitely have a fun personality. I was wearing a costume for a Spartan event prior and they couldn't help being curious and laughed together about it. The vibe differs because you'll walk right into a round table for the bar and the friends of the tavern. Then you'll go right and sit in church pews? I may come back again just to relax and have a few beers with friends since they live...