Red Dog Bar & Bistro — Restaurant in West Jefferson

We have been customers of The (Hotel) Tavern for many years. Like all establishments, they have had their ups and downs with food and service, but overall we have had good times and good food there. As locals, it has been wonderful to have a place to go year round. But, I am sad to say, our most recent experience there was beyond disappointing. We were very excited to finally see their outdoor space open for enjoyment. We stopped in about 1pm on a Friday afternoon. There were plenty of outdoor tables available and we were seated right away. Unfortunately, that was the end of our pleasant experience. We waited for a server to show up...and waited...and waited. Fifteen minutes with no water, no one taking a drink order, or for that matter, even acknowledging that we were waiting. Twice however, someone showed up with food orders that we were actually meant for other diners. But, still no one to take our order. At three different times Sherman walked past us without acknowledging that we were there or inquiring as to whether we had been served. He was bussing the table next to us when we finally decided to leave. My husband made the comment to me that we would go to New River Brewery where we could at least get waited on, and Sherman had the nerve to LAUGH out loud - as if we were the ones being unreasonable. That's a shame. We did go to New River Brewery where we sat outdoors, got served immediately, and enjoyed a refreshing beer while we waited for our food.

My advice to The Tavern is to pay attention to your customers and stop acting like you are doing us a favor by being open. You are not. Those who show up at your restaurant can eat anywhere and will spend money where their patronage is appreciated. The summer tourist business will keep all West Jefferson businesses going for a season, but those of us who will be year round patrons expect, and deserve, better than what you showed to...

Wow! Just wow! While I appreciate you believing your servers, I can assure you that any acknowledgement of the wings taking longer than the entree WAS NOT any point of conversation at the time the order was placed. After the fact when we asked is when we were told that the wings take longer. Either way a business who serves appetizers should know they come out first. No harm done but duly noted. This was a more than honest and fair review that was positive as well as concerns noted. Guessing concerns of paying customers means nothing to this establishment ….1/24/2024

Shrimp and grits were awesome BUT I have never ordered an appetizer anywhere (wings) and told at the time we received our entree (shrimp and grits), after asking about the appetizer, that the wings took longer and therefore weren’t available to bring out first. WTH??? Isn’t that part of waitressing and the kitchen? We were almost done with our entree when the appetizer came out. We were given 2 small to go containers for a dozen wings. When asked about a larger container, for like a larger to go meal, we were told they had run out of large containers. Really??? The front door staff was definitely disorganized when customers came in. No personal greeting except when leaving. Definitely felt rushed when no where near done with our entrees we are asked if there would be anything else and given the check. People don’t mind waiting on a table if the food and service are where they need to be. First impressions are lasting impressions. Great food isn’t the only thing that makes a...

Old review for old location from 5 years ago: Good food and a nice atmosphere

New review from September 2021: I ate last Saturday with my wife. We got there around 5 PM and were about the last persons to be seated immediately. There was live music which was just starting and that pleasantly drifted from the bar area to the dining area without being too loud. When we left there were at least thirty persons waiting to be seated. The place is popular for good reason.

We were served by Garret. He was very attentive, courteous and helpful. We had coconut shrimp as the appetizer which was very tasty. I had the Tavern burger with cheese. It was cooked to the right temperature that I asked for (medium rare) and was very juicy and tasted good. The fries were hot and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and the pickle was delicious. My wife had the shrimp alfredo which was cooked perfectly. The shrimp were neither undercooked nor rubbery, the pasta still had a little bite like it is supposed to and the sauce was quite flavorful.

There was only one problem. By the time we finished eating, we were full and did not have the space in our stomachs to try desserts which looked really good on other...