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Ideal Tavern, Southington, CT

Ideal Tavern

4.8
4.8
678 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American

Make a reservation

2 people
9:30 p.m.
Booked 7 times today
  • Charming
  • Great for craft beers
  • Good for groups
Ideal Tavern is a Gastropub serving modernized, New American classic cuisine, craft cocktails and select beers in a charming, rustic atmosphere!

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm Lunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Sun 3:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (860) 863-5444
  • Website
    http://www.idealtavern.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    George Giotsas
  • Catering
    With a top notch local celebrity chef we offer a one of kind catering experience that is one hundred percent customizable to your needs.
  • Private party facilities
    Our indoor and outdoor spaces are available for private events. All menus are customizable to the individual parties needs and wants. Please contact us during business hours for more detailed information.
  • Location
    142 Center Street, Southington, CT 06489
  • Neighbourhood
    Southington
  • Cross Street
    Center Street and North Liberty Street in Southington CT.
  • Parking details
    Parking lot to the rear of the building.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

Smalls&Shares

  • Crispy Brussels SproutsUS$12.00

    Cubed Bacon, Caramelized Apple, Honey Maple Glaze, Parmesan

    • Cauliflower PopcornUS$16.00

      Tempura Batter, Sweet Thai Chili Sauce

      • Ideal NachosUS$16.00

        Black Beans, Cheddar, Jalapeños, Pico de Gallo, Avocado Crema, Red Onion Add: chicken 6, Short Rib 8

        • Fried CalamariUS$15.00

          Crispy Calamari with Cherry Peppers & Marinara

          • MusselsUS$15.00

            P.E.I Mussels, Italian Chorizo, Cannellini Beans, White Wine Sauce, Tuscan Bread

            • Roasted Pork BellyUS$16.00

              Vietnamese BBQ, Smashed Cucumber Salad, Sweet Soy

              • Ricotta MeatballsUS$12.00

                Beef and Pork Meatballs, with Marinara & Ricotta

                • Eggplant StackUS$16.00

                  Panko Crusted Eggplant, Fresh Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, EVOO

                  • Mad Mac US$18.00

                    Rigatoni, Spicy Cheese Blend, Seasoned Bread Crumbs

                    Greens

                    • Mixed Greens

                      Pomegranate arils, apple, goat cheese, candied pecans, maple ginger vinaigrette

                      • HalfUS$9.00
                      • FullUS$14.00

                    • Caesar

                      romaine, parmesan, crouton, shaved radish, caesar vinaigrette

                      • HalfUS$9.00
                      • FullUS$14.00

                    Greens Addition*

                    To Any Salad Add:

                    • Grilled SteakUS$10.00

                      • Grilled ShrimpUS$9.00

                        • Buffalo ShrimpUS$9.00

                          • Blackened ShrimpUS$9.00

                            • Grilled ChickenUS$6.00

                              • Crispy ChickenUS$6.00

                                • Blackened ChickenUS$6.00

                                  • SalmonUS$9.00

                                    • Blackened SalmonUS$9.00

                                      Flatbreads

                                      • Genovese FlatbreadUS$17.00

                                        Pesto, roasted garlic, tomato, mozzarella, balsamic reduction

                                        • Backyard FlatbreadUS$18.00

                                          grilled chicken, truffle ricotta, bacon, caramelized onion, hot honey, arugula

                                          • Fall FlatbreadUS$18.00

                                            parsnip puree, butternut succotash, grilled onion, mozzarella

                                            Handhelds

                                            Offered With a Choice of House Fries or Side Salad. Please ask about additional upgrades

                                            • Impossible BurgerUS$16.00

                                              Grilled marinated onion, lettuce, tomato, cranberry aioli, smoked gouda

                                              • Ideal Burger*US$17.00

                                                Sunny egg, bacon, lettuce, tomato, bearnaise aioli

                                                • Nashville Hot ChickenUS$15.00

                                                  breaded chicken, chili oil, lettuce, pickles, aioli

                                                  • The Classic BurgerUS$15.00

                                                    Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle

                                                    • CubanoUS$16.00

                                                      Crispy pork belly, pulled pork, pickles, cheddar, garlic lime aioli, ciabatta

                                                      • Bourbon BBQ BurgerUS$17.00

                                                        Fried onion rings, maple bourbon aioli, chipotle BBQ, smoked gouda

                                                        Large Plates

                                                        • Ideal CacciatoreUS$24.00

                                                          Roasted half chicken, saffron tomato sugo, cubanelle pepper, herbed rice

                                                          • Flat Iron SteakUS$28.00

                                                            Marinated steak, grilled smoked gouda polenta, roasted broccolini, chimichurri rojo

                                                            • Atlantic SalmonUS$28.00

                                                              Toasted farro, mushroom blend, parmesan basil butter

                                                              • Braised Short RibUS$30.00

                                                                Brown sugar braised, parsnip mash, asparagus, frizzled onion

                                                                • CodUS$25.00

                                                                  Pan seared cod, roasted tomato caponata, potato pancetta vinaigrette, verde

                                                                  • Shrimp RomescoUS$26.00

                                                                    Spicy garlic shrimp, red pepper cream sauce, kale, parmesan, papperdelle

                                                                    • Mac N CheeseUS$17.00

                                                                      White cheddar, smoked gouda, fusilli, garlic & herb bread crumbs

                                                                      • Mushroom BologneseUS$22.00

                                                                        Mushroom blend, tomato cream gnocci

                                                                        • PomodoroUS$20.00

                                                                          San Marzano tomato, basil, spaghetti, broccolini pesto, crostini

                                                                          Cheese&Charcuterie

                                                                          served with: pickles, mustards, spreads, pretzels choose 4 for 17.00 or choose 6 for 30.00

                                                                          • Meats

                                                                            Prosciutto-di Parma,Soppressata-dry salami, Hot Capicola-spiced cured pork,

                                                                            • Cheeses

                                                                              Daily rotating selection-please call to ask!

                                                                              Last updated: February 17, 2024

                                                                              What 678 people are saying

                                                                              Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                              Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                              4.8
                                                                              4.8 based on recent ratings
                                                                              • 4.8Food
                                                                              • 4.7Service
                                                                              • 4.7Ambience
                                                                              • 4.5Value

                                                                              Noise • Moderate

                                                                              Loved For

                                                                              • Connecticut

                                                                                Contemporary American

                                                                              • Hartford

                                                                                Best Food

                                                                              • Hartford

                                                                                Best Value

                                                                              • Hartford

                                                                                Great for brunch

                                                                              • Hartford

                                                                                Child-friendly

                                                                              • Hartford

                                                                                Innovative

                                                                              • Hartford

                                                                                Good for groups

                                                                              • Hartford

                                                                                Healthy

                                                                              • Hartford

                                                                                Neighbourhood gem

                                                                              • Hartford

                                                                                Lively

                                                                              Review summary

                                                                              AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                              Ideal Tavern offers a delightful dining experience with "awesome" food and "excellent" service. Guests rave about the braised short ribs' "depth of flavor" and the diverse menu catering to all tastes. Although it can get a bit noisy, the vibrant atmosphere adds to the charm. Highly recommended!

                                                                              678 Reviews

                                                                              1. Mark

                                                                                Connecticut

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                This was our first time at Ideal Tavern and we were impressed with the casual atmosphere, the intimacy of the surroundings and farmhouse/industrial decor of the dining area and bar. The service was outstanding, and the food was incredibly delicious. Dessert was remarkable! We will definitely be returning! The prices were on the higher side, but very reasonable considering the quality of the ingredients and the talent of the chef.

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              2. Meg

                                                                                New York City

                                                                                3 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                3 reviews

                                                                                Dined on November 15, 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                The wait staff was wonderful, and the atmosphere was welcoming. We had delicious food (apps and mains), and we were able to catch up with friends, feeling welcome and without feeling rushed. It's a great spot we've been to before...and we'll return to it again!

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              3. Kacie

                                                                                Tampa

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                1 review

                                                                                Dined on November 15, 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                highly recommend for any occasion- really good food and I love their seasonal specials. :)

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                                                                              4. JIMF

                                                                                New York City

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                Dined on August 3, 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                food was awesome so was the service!!! i am a freqent flyer here!!!! be back soon!!!!

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              5. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                New York City

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                Dined on July 21, 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                My wife and I went to dinner tonight with our Son, Daughter-in-law and Grandson. As has been the case in previous visits the food was delicious and the service was friendly and attentive. I'm always shocked why the restaurant is not full but selfishly it does work in our favor. Hopefully word of how great this restaurant is will spread and business will pick up.

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                                                                              6. AmyA

                                                                                Caribbean

                                                                                4 reviews

                                                                                4.0

                                                                                4 reviews

                                                                                Dined on July 17, 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 4
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 3
                                                                                The food was good and the service was great. The air conditioning was not working and it was VERY HOT AND HUMID. They should have tried to find some fans or something.

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                                                                              7. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                Mississippi

                                                                                4 reviews

                                                                                vip
                                                                                5.0

                                                                                4 reviews

                                                                                Dined on July 11, 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                Our server, Kyle, was really good. He was very attentive and engaging.

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                                                                              8. SueV

                                                                                Atlantic City

                                                                                8 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                8 reviews

                                                                                Dined on July 11, 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                Delicious food. Great service. Love the Prix Fixe offerings.

                                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                                              9. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                Connecticut

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                2 reviews

                                                                                Dined on July 5, 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                                The staff and the service was excellent. We had teens and a vegan at the table and everyone had plenty of options to select from the menu. Everyone enjoyed their food.

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                                                                              10. PeterG

                                                                                New York City

                                                                                65 reviews

                                                                                5.0

                                                                                65 reviews

                                                                                Dined on July 2, 2024

                                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                                I hadn't been to the Ideal Tavern in a while, so I was very happy to experience that the service and food were still terrific! Because of its design, it is somewhat noisy, even away from the very energetic bar area. BUT... that does not detract from the overall positive experience. I ordered their Ricotta Meatballs, which were terrific, and I will definitely order again! But my entree choice exceeded even that... their braised short ribs with mashed potatoes and gravy were perfect! I am not a cooked carrots fan, so I ordered extra mashed & gravy, making it a great option. You expect short ribs to be tender - and these certainly were... but there was a "depth of flavor" to them that set them apart from others I have had. The Ideal Tavern is HIGHLY recommended!

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                                                                              FAQs

                                                                              Ideal Tavern offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (860) 863-5444.

                                                                              Ideal Tavern is rated 4.8 stars by 678 OpenTable diners.

                                                                              Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                              Make a reservation

                                                                              2 people
                                                                              9:30 p.m.
                                                                              Booked 7 times today

                                                                              Order delivery or takeout

                                                                              Google Map for Ideal Tavern

                                                                              142 Center Street, Southington, CT 06489

                                                                              Additional information

                                                                              • Cross Street
                                                                                Center Street and North Liberty Street in Southington CT.
                                                                              • Neighbourhood
                                                                                Southington
                                                                              • Hours of Operation
                                                                                Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm Lunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Sun 3:00 pm–8:00 pm
                                                                              • Price
                                                                                $30 and under
                                                                              • Cuisines
                                                                                Contemporary American
                                                                              • Dining style
                                                                                Casual Dining
                                                                              • Dress code
                                                                                Casual Dress
                                                                              • Parking details
                                                                                Parking lot to the rear of the building.
                                                                              • Payment Options
                                                                                AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                              • Executive Chef
                                                                                George Giotsas
                                                                              • Additional
                                                                                Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                                              • Website
                                                                                http://www.idealtavern.com/
                                                                              • Phone number
                                                                                (860) 863-5444
                                                                              • Catering
                                                                                With a top notch local celebrity chef we offer a one of kind catering experience that is one hundred percent customizable to your needs.
                                                                              • Private party facilities
                                                                                Our indoor and outdoor spaces are available for private events. All menus are customizable to the individual parties needs and wants. Please contact us during business hours for more detailed information.
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