G.C. C.
Yelp
While service could stand improvement, the varied menu, daily specials, rustic atmosphere, even the Happy Hour offerings have brought me back.
I dislike having to sort/swipe through cocktails to find food in their on-line menu. (Scanning a URL code is required.). Enlarging the sub-titles/sections "drop-down" would help; after three visits there, I still fell into the trap of my patience being tested while I read about $28 bottomless rose' while trying to ascertain if the Tuesday Tacos permitted choices among the three tacos. For those who are interested in their food first, this would facilitate visitors to move swiftly to choosing food items, THEN looking at what beverage might be a good compliment.
The Happy Hour food menu (composed mostly of fried finger foods), offers only a Watermelon Gazpacho as a healthy option unless you consider the white cheeses pizza as almost healthy. Select cocktails are offered at a reduced price, inviting me to try novelties I would hesitate to order at full price, such as my Cucumber & Mint Crush--think of a gin mojito with cucumber puree added, refreshing in warmer weather.
Back to the Tuesday Tacos--one may choose cubed beef, shredded pork, chopped chicken, or any combination thereof. I found the beef taco closest to what I've enjoyed in local food trucks or on the streets in northern Mexico.
In a prior visit, I tried the Pulled Brisket Sandwich. The smoky taste and chewy texture were perked by the pickled jalapeños balancing the Cole slaw. My friend, a Shaw resident, enjoyed the Chicken Sandwich, grilled. He liked the house sauce, an upgrade over mayo, or similar condiments. He stated he'd order the birch beer again in another visit.
On my first visit, I tried the Jambalaya Pasta, a savory mix with shrimp, chicken, and a mildly-spiced andouille sausage all contributing to a pleasant belly-warming experience, accompanied by a satisfying Shaw's Tavern Lager. My friend tried the Chicken Pot Pie. He liked the mild seasonings, the chunky chicken, and "plenty" of veggies. Also, the ample mixed spring greens salad disappeared rapidly. When we again returned for my Taco Tuesday experience, he opted for this dish again.
Noticing the crowded, festive pub atmosphere on a walk-by, I suggested seeking reservations to a friend when planning our first weekend dinner visit. Upon announcing myself after making the on-line reservation, the greeter seemed confused. Whether she sorted things out or just found us a 2-top table, we were directed to the QR code on the table. Service that evening was pleasant, although there was only one check-in between kitchen staff delivering the food and our finishing our dishes. We might have lingered for second beverages, but lost interest while waiting the return of a server.
Our weekend midday visit placed us in a near-raucous crowd of young-ish professionals, laughter everywhere as guests enjoyed themselves, taking group selfies, several requests for more beverages audible. A trashcan filled with empty sparkling wine bottles attested to the popularity of their Mimosa special. When a server made it to our table, she offered an apology for the delay, waving at the "We're really busy" crowd. Busy or not, it was disappointing that our sandwiches appeared before out beverage orders. When my friend wanted a condiment not on the table, I felt the need to seek the attention of the first available server, lacking any confidence our server would be seen in a timely fashion. Fortunately, our food was good, the merry crowd's mood infectious, and we enjoyed our meals. And then waited for the server to return so we might ask for our check. After perhaps 4-5 minutes, I again engaged another server to see if our server might prepare and bring the check. Summarizing these two paragraphs, the servers are pleasant, but they are either too busy, or lack service training which could improve the guests' experience and/or provide opportunities for additional sales if tables were visited more frequently.
The bare brick-face interior transports visitors back to another era. I felt like I was in a long-established neighborhood pub, minus decades of soot/cigarette smoke thankfully missing. Adding another bathroom might not be possible, given the age/configuration of the Tavern, but it would likely improve customer comfort. I will look forward to another visit, maybe even trying the Brunch-only menu offerings.
