Tavern in the Square — Restaurant in Salem

I am updating my review as a result of a new experience 5-11-2025 ... it all derives from "training and company expectations". Lowering the " Star rating to 3" and below. I visited the Bar and it was less than half full, so it wasn't busy- no excuses. #1. The waitress took my order and never checked back for "anything" until it was time to go. She had plenty of time "NO excuses", even walked right by my seat a couple times, and never checked in. However, I chatted briefly with another waitress. #2. My entrée' was the "Stake Avocado Salad" the Salad portion seems to be SHRINKING DRAMATICALLY. I wasn't satisfied at all with the portion.. I have had it several times before. The Stake- tips were not tender at all, too chewy...almost shoe leather... Management needs to review the Kitchen, what the cooks are putting out. Management needs train their Waitress and Waiters to the "Company's expectations and standards"- do you have any?? The- Tavern should be mandating their expectations.. and not let the staff do it their way! If a waitress or waiter cant take care of their customer they shouldn't be employed here, plain and simple. The customer is the absolute MOST important thing. The wait-staff should be making every effort to be attentive to help and assist the customer. Not taking an order and be gone................................then serve the bill/check. She deserved nothing for a tip, because she did "nothing" .. I was too good! """"" NEVER """"" again will I tip for horrible service, and" I will confront the server"! This will never happen again... I have had some excellent entrees and service here, but this time the food content was marginal and the help was horrible.. __ Previous review below... I've been here a few times. Its a casual environment and casual dress, not fancy... with booths, hi-top tables and a large bar and tv's making it convenient to watch some sporting events. Also there is a second floor, its a bit smaller. They offer a decent menu. I've had a couple items that were good, the "Avocado Stake Tip Salad" and "Baja Fish Tacos". The Tacos were good, and NOT a typical deep fried battered fish. So glad they had an option of something different than "deep fried battered". Service has typically been good and "some" of the bartenders have a great...

I visited Tavern in the Square at Tuscan Village last night at around 6pm, and it was a great experience overall. Even without a reservation, we were seated within 5 minutes of arriving. We were sent to the second floor and seated in a booth, which is always my preferred choice so that was a great start! Our server was super friendly and attentive.

For drinks, my friend had three "Boss Margaritas" (details in the picture), which speaks for itself, and I had two "Talk Tiki To Me" cocktails, which were just as impressive. Both were well-mixed, flavorful, and definitely worth ordering again, multiple times obviously!!

We started with the Rosemary Parmesan Fries with garlic aioli sauce, and they did not disappoint. They were crispy, perfectly salted, and had just the right amount of rosemary. For entrées, we both ordered the Sesame Salmon Bowl, and it was absolutely delicious. The salmon was crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and the mango salsa was top-notch. The portion size was generous without being overwhelming. To finish things off, we had the Warm Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie, which was easily one of the best I've had. It was crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and paired with delicious ice cream. A perfect way to end the meal.

The atmosphere was lively, though at times it was difficult to hear my friend over the music and surrounding conversations. I also noticed a security guard present--not something I typically expect at a restaurant, but it didn't impact our experience (except when he awkwardly stared at us while we attempted to take a selfie). The bathrooms were clean, which is always a plus. Parking, however, was a bit of a challenge, and with the cold weather, it made things slightly inconvenient.

Despite those minor issues, we had a great time and would definitely return. If you're looking for good food, strong drinks, and a fun atmosphere, this spot is worth...

I stopped in tonight after work for dinner and drinks, and this was my first visit. Our waitress was excellent—friendly, attentive, and quick. The food was solid; the burgers, fries, and fried pickles were good.

Unfortunately, the cocktail I ordered was a major disappointment. I ordered a Grey Goose martini with a splash of olive juice, a drink I’ve had countless times at other restaurants. What I received tasted watered down, more like water with a hint of olive juice than an actual martini.This is not a drink that’s hard to make or easy to mess up. Grey goose, vermouth, splash of olive juice- shake- pour. The only way this could be diluted from ice is if the liquid was warm or hot.. it was clear that what I was served was not Grey Goose. I know how I feel after drinking a martini and this was not that..

It left me with the impression that either lower-quality vodka was substituted while charging a premium price, or the drink was intentionally watered down to make an extra buck.. I can’t say for sure because I didn’t think I needed to watch them make my drink but it’s important to know- in New Hampshire substituting brands without telling the customer, and refilling bottles is illegal ( Statutes 179:40).

Either way, it felt like profit was being placed above customer experience. For that reason, I won’t be returning. I planned to spend a few hours there and have more cocktails, dessert etc. But because of this I closed out and went to Copper door for dessert and drinks. There are places across the street who have a consistently excellent dinner and cocktail experience. While this may seem like a bit much over a cocktail… it’s an expensive world and not a...