The Tavern — Restaurant in State College

This was our first family trip to the Tavern since the remodel. We were absolutely elated that it finally reopened, as we go there about 6 times a year. We were ready for some good Tavern fare. Our server arrived shortly after we were seated and we ordered our drinks, two amaretto sours and a diet soda. Our server returned a couple moments later to relay that they had no amaretto, so we all decided to just get sodas. No big deal, as when the time came to order our entrees we were beyond excited when our party was assured that the prime rib had not changed. So excited in fact, every person at the table ordered it in varying proportions with their chosen sides. Two members of our party ordered ranch dressing with their salads. They were quickly informed that that was no longer an option at The Tavern. Instead they were offered a creamy Parmesan type of dressing, the waiter said it was very similar to ranch dressing. Not having a real choice they agreed to try it. This dressing was nothing like ranch. The salads sat untouched. No one seemed to notice this and some doubt about our dining decision for the evening seemed to loom in the air. Our entrees came. Great! We thought ‘Finally, as long as the entree is good the evening is a win!’ Imagine our surprise when we found that the prime rib HAD changed! I mean not the cut of meat itself, how can a cut of meat really change? But the sauce- the sauce that had always made the entire dish, the peppercorn/red wine sauce- was gone. In its place was a basic gravy type of liquid. ‘Let down’ doesn’t even begin to describe the atmosphere at the table. When questioned the waiter apologized. He explained that during his training he was told nothing had changed regarding that specific entree and we were certainly not the first diners to inquire about this. Not a plate was cleared. At this point we were just hoping to cut our losses and order a classic piece of toll house pie or a toasted coconut ball for desert and call it a night. But alas, that was also too much to ask. Of course these items were also permanently removed from the menu. Go figure. The remodel is ok, however do not go back to this restaurant expecting it to be anything it ever was. It isn’t even close. No part of it is. The food was mediocre at best. It seems that more thought went into an attempt at taking ‘The Tavern’ in a more ‘upscale’ restaurant experience/direction, rather than focusing on the customers or the menu. We walked away from our experience that evening disheartened, agreeing that we would happily pay all the new prices, happily accept all the new changes- if they would just bring back some of the old menu! Change is good- sometimes. In this case it took away a long time jewel of the State...

Long time resident moving out of the area. My wife and I made a list of restaurants we wanted to hit before moving. The Tavern made the list because of all the memories we have had eating here over the years. We were super excited to have a nice dinner here. The Tavern is a very historic/iconic restaurant in State College. This used to be a 4 to 4.5 star restaurant. The prices were middle of the road and the food and service were great. Now the decore is in disrepair. Many repairs that are needed have just been neglected. The food is hit or miss. My wife and I started in the bar with an old fashioned and an amoretto sour. The sour was pretty good the old fashioned was watered down and poor quality. But hey, only 11 bucks with tip so you get what you pay for. I was ok with that. The restaurant was fairly empty on a Friday night which is odd. So we were seated right away. We were seated in a room with a giant fireplace. I am pretty sure it used to work. It no longer does. Now it is filled to the brim with firewood. I looked up at the ceiling and the roof looked like it is ready to collapse. Soon our server arrives. Not to long of a wait but I question why there is any wait at all, the restaurant is almost empty. We order glasses of wine. We knew the wine we ordered. It was awesome. For dinner I had a spinach salad, steamed broccoli, garlic mashed potatoes and veal cutlet in a brown tarragon sauce. My wife had the same except she had rice instrad of the potatoes and she had grilled salmon in stead of the veal. Our salads came out immediately. They were very good A little lacking with mushrooms based on what we used to get there but I really enjoyed mine. It took a while to get our dinners. When they arrived the dishes were scorching hot. Not sure why the timing was off but I suspect our server. My meal was good. Not great. My wife's was terrible. Her salmon was low quality and very fishy. I took a taste and told her to send it back. She went ahead and are it. Our server over all was just OK on a night he should have been great. We planned on having coffee and desert. We were so disappointed we just left. If you want to roll the dice and are feeliing lucky The Tavern may be a good option. Otherwise I would pass, at least until they make...

A friend and I decided to head up to State College for the Memorial Day weekend. We got in a little late, around 8 on a Friday evening, and found that The Tavern was open and highly recommended by the hotel staff.

We arrived around 8:30 on Friday evening. Warm atmosphere and friendly staff. Not busy so we were sat right away. Was only about a 2-3 min wait for someone to come over and take our drink orders. My friend ordered the Lobster Cobb Salad and I ordered the Seafood Bouillabaisse. Food took about 15 minutes or so to come out.

Lobster Cobb: This dish is very linear and one-dimensional. The components are just spread out over a rectangle plate and the lobster is off to one side overtop of some greens...almost like an afterthought. My friend said that the lobster was a little over-cooked, but I never tried it myself. I just remember seeing tons of what looked like arugula in the center and then some lobster and a sliced HB egg off to the side. Just seemed to have not been well thought out and a tad bit over-priced.

Seafood Bouillabaisse: Since I love pasta (especially angel hair) and seafood, this dish seemed like a no-brainer. Presentation was nice. Angel hair in the center and the bouillabaisse around the pasta in a circle. Now, I realize that it was the end of the night, but the pasta was clumped together and dry. Not quite sure what they cook their pasta in, but it seemed to be lacking some oil maybe? I don't know. Just very clumped together and dry. The seafood components of the sauce were pretty good, but just seemed rushed and thrown together. For instance, when you see mussels as 1 of 4 different seafoods in a bouillabaisse, you know there are only going to be like 5 or 6 mussels, which there were. But 1/2 of the mussels were empty shells with no floating mussels in the sauce. The 2 pieces of halibut were also tough and overcooked. Shrimp and clams were good.

Overall, a warm atmosphere with attentive staff, but some of the dishes seem to be way overpriced for what you actually get. Almost as if their prices are driven by past reputation and people just pay because they are a well-known establishment. Probably won't be back, only because State College is a bit of a hike from Gettysburg and there are many many other options in...