Dover Gardens Tavern — Restaurant in Westlake

I honestly hate even writing this because I love the place, but I had a bad experience recently. Sat down on a Tuesday(Feb 7) with a friend to get some wings. Two people behind the bar and the place was nowhere near busy. A good amount of people, yes? Not enough to make it okay to not get served or even LOOKED at once in 15 minutes. The friend I was with mentioned the female bartender working had been slightly racist towards him last time he was there and that he wouldn't doubt if it happened again. Well yeah after 15 minutes of her and the other guy looking at us multiple times, I approached while they were BOTH cleaning off a table. I'm in the service industry myself and I can tell you, 2 people don't need to be cleaning off a table with 3 cups on it. I asked her if there was any specific reason they haven't even came over once and she just went "Oh! Sorry" and went directly into the kitchen. I left immediately and didn't even bother waiting for her to come back. I won't be recommending anyone to go back there if you have racist staff. If she can't do her job as effectively for a client with a different skin color than her, then she needs a different job. I'm well aware of her name but to save her from being harassed publicly I decided to leave it out. Do with this review...

Entering was like walking into a retro 1980s rock bar with plenty of chairs and tables to sit, you could shoot a new huey lewis and the news video here so much space. Choose either at the bar or at any table you want. Music is wonderful 90s 80s 70s Mowtown and a bit in-between.Our server came right over to our table, we ordered our drinks and they came out within 2 minutes. Placed our order of the demon burger medium and the chicken caeser wrap both with fries. Drinks were poured nicely crown and ginger for the lady. The burger was cooked perfectly medium with the Cajun heat on point too. Only issue with it was the bacon is the size of Wendy's bacon, and only 1 strip cut in half, needed a bit more blue cheese over the burger just not the middle. Caeser wrap absolutely perfection and just like the fries some of the best fries I've had. Great customer service, but that burger; charge a buck or so more (will gladly pay) for; extra the blue cheese crumbles switch to two strips of thick cut apple or cherry wood bacon give the sweetness too that Cajun heat. All in all loved it here we will be back. Thanks for having us. Recommend for...

If you're looking for top-tier hospitality, look no further than Dover Tavern—and especially the phenomenal service from Eliza and Payton. From the moment you walk in, they make you feel like a valued guest, balancing professionalism with warmth in a way that elevates the entire experience. Their attention to detail is impeccable, ensuring every order is just right while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to return.

Eliza brings an incredible energy to the bar, always greeting guests with a genuine smile and an effortless ability to make everyone feel at home. Payton, delivers service with precision and grace, anticipating needs before you even have to ask. Together, they create an unbeatable duo that transforms an ordinary night out into something special.

Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, Eliza and Payton go above and beyond to make sure your experience is nothing short of amazing. Their dedication and passion for what they do shine through in every interaction, making Dover Tavern not just a place to eat and drink, but a destination for exceptional...