Tavern on State

We arrived at Tavern with modest expectations, but we were blown away by the experience. Every dish we tried—from the appetizers to the main course to the dessert—was outstanding, bursting with freshness and flavor. Our server, Dan, elevated the visit even more with his excellent service. We wholeheartedly recommend Tavern to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience!

In a world where everyone is EXPECTING a tip for doing the bare minimum, this place is what you’d expect as far as service goes. Absolutely worth it. They go way beyond any service from any other restaurant and should be awarded for it. When I think of customer service, this is what comes to mind, and is the standard of how I’ll rate other places from now on. Oh did I mention the food is delicious? Every thing. This is a place to come and just try everything. Very fresh. Very tasty. Great for sharing and stepping outside your normal palate.

My wife and I recently ate here on our first visit to New Haven. The short review is that Tavern on State fully lived up to its stellar reviews, especially as the most innovative restaurant in town. From the appetizers to the strawberry shortcake dessert every dish showed the care and attention of the kitchen. The wait staff was friendly and helpful. The tavern itself was a place most out-of-towners would wish was replicated in their hometown. I hope we can visit again.

We truly enjoyed our first visit to Tavern on State and will definitely return for another next level culinary experience. The menu is always changing to reflect the fresh ingredients currently in season. We shared some small plates and entrees to be able to experience as much as possible. All the dishes were amazing.

Back again w Dan serving and he was on point w suggestions. Lemon Pea Risotto & Filet cooked to perfection with a sauce that just hit home. Go!

Great place, great atmosphere, great service but most importantly OUTSTANDING FOOD! The grilled octopus was one pf the best I had. The risotto, a rare right balance of aldante yet extremely creamy with the super well calibrated lemon zest…. oh and that pomegranate tart 🥰😋🤯

5. This is my favourite restaraunt in New Haven. We’ve tried a bunch as we’re new to the city and this stands out by far, have been twice already and looking forward to my next trip. Food is excellent- the menu changes frequently but there are a few main stays. Most recently ordered the beet and plumcot salad, and the mushroom and corn appetizer. I am dreaming about the mushroom and corn- I almost ordered a 2nd One I liked it so much. The food is thoughtful and creative without losing focus (no weird foams and unnecessary extras). Love how many veggie items are available where the star of the dish is the vegetable. Also ordered the fried chicken which felt very Hungarian inspired and was super light and delicious. Finished with the Ube tart. Cocktails are creative, you can also order any beverage- and they’re happy to accommodate. Service was excellent. This time we sat at the bar and Liz made me a special drink with lemon and ginger which was lovely! The atmosphere is vibrant and buzzing even on a very rainy night. Will be back, soon!

Hands down really good food. Go here if you’re in the area for sure. The only thing we weren’t crazy about was the pomegranate tart for dessert. For appetizers: the snap pea salad was killer, octopus was also very good. For entrées: the porgy was outstanding, as was the pork Milanese. The burger was good, but not something I would really go back for. Service: our server, Caelyn, was very honest and did a great job giving insight as to what we should get and what quantities made sense. For 4 people we got out of here for about $250, this is with drinks and a little bit of everything, so pricing wise it really isn’t bad for the quality and service.

Love the inside and the vibe this place provides. Was really excited for the food and sadly was let down. Started with grilled octopus and it was overcooked and a bit bland. The entree was a fried chicken with collard greens and kimchi. It was all one note and the best thing about it was that the chicken was perfectly cooked. Ended the night with a sticky toffee cake, which was hands down the best dessert I have ever had. Will comeback for drinks and dessert. Will not stay for the food

This was our first time at Tavern after having it on my list of restaurants I've wanted to try for a super long time! I was not disappointed!! Everything was so delicious. Cocktails were vibey and perfection. So many options to try. We got so many different plates- beef tartare with chips was a huge hit and the pickles in it took it to another level! We also had the blood sausage, which I typically would not order but I highly recommend giving it a try. It was insanely delicious and flavorful. My husband got the chicken for his main and that was seasoned perfectly. I tried the gnudi which was incredible. My one regret is that we didn't save room for desert but we'll have to come back soon!!

I always heard about Tavern on State from friends, but given that it's relatively far from Yale's campus, I never bothered to go. As I approached Tavern on State, nestled in the heart of East Rock, CT, I experienced a quaint yet modern hub led by the talented Chef Emily Mingrone, which has swiftly positioned itself as a cornerstone in the New Haven culinary scene. With an unassuming facade, the room's warmth greets you as you step in, a fine blend of wood and leather setting a cozy yet sophisticated ambiance. - Pork Schnitzel: With mustard cream, grilled red endive, bagna cauda, and charred lemon, the schnitzel was a pleasant combination of textures, crispy on the outside with a tender interior, the mustard cream adding a tang that cut through the richness, making each bite a narrative of flavors. I would ask for less salt next time. 4/5. - Tavern Burger: A hearty assembly of pickles, lettuce, tomato conserva, and cheddar fondue, accompanied by crispy french fries (which might have been better than McDonald's). The burger was an homage to the classic, but the cheddar fondue added a modern twist that elevated the narrative to a contemporary setting. 5/5. - Grilled Octopus: A spectacle of culinary artistry with chili butter, crispy fingerlings, and pickled peppers. The octopus was tender, the chili butter a pleasant embrace, and the crispy fingerlings a comforting base, showcasing the breadth and depth of flavors. It's not the freshest or most tender octopus I've had, but overall, it's still quite pleasant. 4/5. Make sure to reserve a seat of time as their space is relatively small and is usually fully booked.

Beautiful ambiance, wonderful staff which is fun and professional. Food to satisfy your taste buds and drinks to delight your soul. You will always love tavern on state for any occasion.

Emily was fantastic! So friendly and so knowledgeable! Split the grilled octopus and tavern burger! Delicious 10/10 recommend for those who enjoy sharing

Food/ Drinks: 10/10 I can't say the entrees are worh it, although it's plated nicely. But their lavender ice cream and shortbread dessert and cocktails were amazing! Service: 10/10 Our bartender was suoer friendly and attentive! Ambiance: 10/10 It's a dim and intimate setting, perfect for a date night!

Three and a half stars! Had a nice girls night here a few weeks ago, lovely cozy ambiance, especially for a date, lovely server and we definitely didn't feel rushed. I picked the burger which is something I rarely eat, and it was really good, but mainly because the things I'd chosen ahead of time from the website were old menu items and replaced by something very different nutritionally and flavor profile, so I ended up choosing a replacement that really wasn't me. Water choices were still, sparkling and tap - be aware that still will cost you $22 for 3 people. As much as the burger! Food was definitely on the pricey side, even for New Haven and with so many places to eat, I know we can do better!

Great for an intimate dinner. With the ambiance of a French bistro, this place makes patrons feel very chic and cosmopolitan. The service is attentive. The cocktails were enticing and unusual. The food selections were interesting and our two meals were deliciously prepared. One can sit at the bar, at tables inside, tables out front, or tables in the covered alleyway. Relatively pricey.

I want to give Tavern on State five stars. I really do. They make some amazing food. And their menu is seasonal and a little experimental, which I love. You will see things on the rotating menu you won't see anywhere else. Of course, this is a double-edged sword. With experimentation comes failure. Generally, everything I've had as been great. But then you'll have something and its just ok and you're like... damn. That was 23 bucks. I ordered a roasted chicken and this thing came out with a full chicken claw deep fried. Just sitting there on the table, like a reminder that I choked the life out of this chicken (sorry!) myself. Am I a monster? My dish might think so! We got a beet salad and it was SO good. They were like... weird beets? Idk. It was awesome. My other issue here is not necessarily the restaurant's fault but it is a small space and you are kind of on top of each other, NYC-style. Which means if you are here for a romantic date, you're also going to be on a date with the people sitting next to you. Service is excellent. Never had a problem with the waitstaff, always attentive without being overbearing. Pure food-wise, I'd say its probably a 5, but I gave it a 4 based on a bit of weirdness and a few misses and also just being on top of each other. I just don't like people that much. Maybe that's a me problem.

Small but mighty! I had one of the best burgers that I've had in a long time. Definitely make reservations otherwise you probably are going to get a table. It looks like there are 6 to 8 bar seats and 6 regular tables on the floor. Fancy-smanchy cocktails Low lights but a lot of volume from other patrons...maybe because of the smallness or the acoustics of the space. Friendly staff that can tell you about the cuts of meat and their associated butcher.

First visit, was solid. I'd go back. Positives: great ambiance, creative inspired menu, great custom cocktail selection, knowledgeable server, prompt service, parking not hard to come by on Saturday night. Couple things that could improve. We sat in the alley space. It's honestly not bad with the Christmas light strings and heaters. It was chilly wet night too. The issue is that it feels very cut off from the rest of the restaurant. It's a totally different scene from inside to outside. There is a black (opaque) metal door separating the spaces that kind of slams shut over and over while the servers come and go. The chairs and tables outside are not very comfortable especially for taller people. There are no paper menus and my cell service was not good, so I could not get the menu. After ten minutes of fighting my phone they brought me an iPad. I just don't want to do electronics when out to a nice dinner. Food was all very good save the cod dish. Fish was good but the sides were some mushy stuff. Bring $$$.

Awesome restaurant on State St. Be sure to make a reservation - it gets busy! It's also small on the inside so better for smaller parties. The menu has some classics like your burgers, but also some inventive, tasty dishes. Their drinks are also awesome! Lots of inventive items with your classic drinks as well. Next time I go, I'd love to sit at the bar to see the bar staff work their magic. Would definitely recommend, especially for a date!

Had the chicken sandwich; wife had burger. Omg. So delicious. You have to try it. No wonder it was written up in the New York Times. Personal experience: so tasty and the French fries were even great. Hot and stayed warm. Definitely a winner!

I did not call for reservation prior so I knew it would be hit or miss for seating, they were able to seat at the bar which was wonderful. The restaurant is small but has a a cozy feel. Drinks were great, food was also good, portions are quite small so definitely prepare for that aspect. - little too small for the price in my opinion but nonetheless the food was good. Overall great experience.

Amazing drinks and delicious plates , the attention to detail at this establishment is incredibly hard to come by these days, my fiancé and I were very impressed , the roast chicken was probably the best I've had anywhere ..Trendy laid back atmosphere makes this an overall great dining out experience ..I highly recommend

Overall we were underwhelmed by our entire experience. Start with the positive- drinks were great, and the person behind the bar knew what she was doing whipping out stellar cocktails for us (seated at bar) and the rest of the half full restaurant. Now the just ok.... We had reservations about 10 days in advance; but when we arrived- told our choices were bar (backless stools) or alley (no thanks). I did mention the half full dining area(still half empty when we left btw).... Lamb sausage, good flavors, good combo with pea shoots, but meat was mealy. 7/10 Rabbit (may have been a special) braised in milk and served with wild rice was just ok, it reminded me of something put together with two leftover ingredients that didn't belong together. No finesse, and pretty high salinity. Crudo with fluke - the fish was fresh, paired with honeydew (sorry I found it odd and didn't work) and seaweed. I think it's possible that someone might like this, just not either of us. The "half" chicken (actually is a half a breast) not half a chicken. It was cooked perfectly; however, just destroyed with salt again. It came with farro and castlevetrano olives (more salt) that just basically ruined dish. Dessert was a date cake and came with a Greek yogurt dollop. The cake was on the dry side, yogurt was tasty, but overall for the price, the food is just ok. Inside of the restaurant is cute, if only we got a table?? I guess if we ever went back we could Resy up 2 months in advance and ask for one.

The only thing keeping this from 5 was the hostess staff. They did their job and got us to the seat but we did not feel very welcome. The food was great. Octopus was cooked just right and the chili butter was a compliment to it. The pickled shrimp was my main course and had complicated ingredients but when put together was very balanced and tasty. The sweet potatoes and vegetable salad were the stand outs. The chef really knows vegetables. Emily was great. The restaurant was cute.

Tavern On State is one of those places that you HAVE to experience in person. Words don't do this cozy establishment justice, especially when it comes with a cute little alleyway strung with lights. It's what I imagine Europe to look like. There is so much care that goes into every single dish served up at this hidden gem, tucked away out in Eagle Rock. Their rotating menu is inspired by the seasons and every ingredient is sourced at their peak. By the time you read this, you likely won't be able to find the same dish, but I guarantee that every brainchild of Shane McGowan will have you swooning. What hit it out of the park for us: Crudo with kiwi, microgreens and herring roe - bright, light, refreshing Grilled Octopus with an addicting chili butter, crispy fingerlings - tender, charred, warm, hearty Lamb Burger - hearty, served with a cool dollop of tzatziki Oysters - fresh, briny, disappeared in seconds. Foie Gras - quite literally the BEST FOIE GRAS I'VE EVER HAD. It was melt-in-your-mouth amazing, like an ultra-creamy, ultra-flavorful pat of cold butter. I'm still dreaming about the foie gras and am so sad that as of this writing, the foie gras is not currently being offered on their menu. French Dip Burger - cheesey, gooey, toasty, the grown-up version of your favorite childhood grilled cheese. There's nothing delicate about this French Dip and I wouldn't believe you if you told me you could eat it without getting juices everywhere. That cheese pull was practically made for an Insta boomerang shot and I'd like a quart of that consomme to go, please and thank you. If you appreciate a restaurant that respects Mother Nature's bounty, Tavern On State is it. Promise me you'll come running (and take me with you)!!

Loved it! It was hard to decide what to order so I deferred to the bar tender. He recommended the octopus and the cauliflower and boy was I not disappointed. Cocktail selection is very innovative and I had a lot of fun with it. The ube tart was a strong closer. Five stars.

Ahhh, sweet sweet Tavern on State. Booked a table to avoid a wait. First time for dinner, cocktails are great. Would the food be as lovely as my date? Got a bit of everything you'll see a Noah's ark, but culinary. A land and sea menagerie all well worth the higher fee. The octopus stood out the most, a delectable sauce for dipping toast. Must be charcoal grilled? We asked the host. Somehow just a grill-top roast! The burger needs a mention too I'm still craving it, and so will you. Juicy, meaty, it will imbue a lust for always ordering two. Tavern on State, a wonderful time. An instant new favorite of mine. I just moved here, and what a great sign that my neighborhood has a place so fine.

I have been a few times recently & each time it has been great. Friendly service, great mixologists, perfectly cooked burgers, the citrus salad was really good as well. It's on street parking.

A low-key atmosphere with top-notch drinks and dishes. While we didn't get to try the drinks as we were in a rush, the drinks on everyone else's table almost made us abandon our plans. We split two of the salads - the little gem Caesar and butt lettuce with muscat grapes along with the grilled octopus with chili butter (yes, chili butter, and it was the accompaniment to octopus I never knew I needed). The whole meal was fresh, and filled with complex flavor. A delicious New Haven destination.

A new favorite, I don't get by there often, but TOS is the only place where I can get a coconut painkiller any time of year, and given that it is considered a tropical drink, that is a major feat. The servers are always friendly, and no matter what I've eaten, it's always been made with love. I may go to get one more Painkiller before 2022 is over but I'll definitely go more than once a season in 2023.

Delicious. Would recommend the veal, octopus, steelhead trout, and coconut sundae. The veal was country fried and served with a lovely white sauce and salad. The steelhead trout was served with smoked roe. The octopus came with some potatoes and chillies. The coconut sundae was dairy free with fresh almonds and toasted coconut shavings. Everything was so impressive. There was a 10 minute wait on a Wednesday night for two. We waited at the wine bar next door (unaffiliated).

My wife and I have been coming to Tavern since they opened- consistently the best food around. To this day Chef Emily still astounds us with her flavor combinations and her sauce work. The cocktail menu is the best in New Haven, no contest. Tavern is always top of my list of recommendations to friends and visiting family- if you haven't been yet, you're missing out. Todays winner: corzetti with rock shrimp, chestnut cream & red sorrel. The comfort pasta you didn't know you needed in your life.

The vibe is great. Loved the decor. We walked in as they were about to close and they still sat us for a round of cocktails and dessert if we were up for it. The service was very good, aesthetics i loved and drinks was

This place is ridiculous. Was here for 45 min with no drink; gas fumes on the back patio plus mop water smell; idiotic management since we actually TOLD HER we were hoping for a quick drink and would be out within 25m. Not to mention she wouldn't let us order drinks - she said a server would come; two came successively after 10m. Again no drinks came.

Best burger I've had in awhile. Good service. Pretty interior. Definitely adding to my Favorites!

I had high hopes for Tavern on State, especially after hearing multiple recommendations. Marketed as a 'food experience', it sadly fell quite short of that promise. Our meats were overcooked, and I question the freshness of some ingredients. The seating was cramped and the chairs uncomfortable. The restaurant was so packed that they couldn't fit another soul inside. A consistent 5 person line formed for the restroom, and to make matters worse, the wait staff showed little awareness by often blocking the entrance and aisles - a potential fire hazard. Given my experience, I can't see myself returning to Tavern on State, which is a real disappointment considering the buzz I'd heard.

I have eaten here twice and loved it both times. Make reservations as it is small and quint. I sat at the bar both times. The staff made me feel right at home. I had the lamb burger both times and was not disappointed either time. I had a salad with my burger. The wine selection is excellent. Definitely give this place a try, you won't be disappointed.

Loved every second at Tavern on State. Food is astounding, so is service. Highly recommended.

Fantastic spot. I love Fairhaven Oysters (by the same people), so I was excited for dinner here and it did not disappoint. Long cocktail list; I got the featured old fashioned which was excellent. Our order: * Burrata with lamb bacon and plums - three little burrata balls, and the bacon was excellent * Tavern burger - I happened to get the burger at Fairhaven Oyster too; this was more or less the same but excellent at both places. They own a butcher shop as well, which I think influences the quality and consistency of the meat. Also comes with a huge pile of excellent McDonalds-style fries * Pan seared half chicken - Moist and tasty, fantastic polenta and fried shallots * Chocolate caramel pie - Top notch pie; I'm a sucker for any kind of chocolate torte like this and it did not disappoint. Can't wait to go back to try more stuff; everything on the menu seemed great

I've never given a five star review for any restaurant in CT, this is hands down the most delicious food we've ever tasted. The appetizers are phenomenal (get the Corzetti appetizer!) the burger and chicken sandwich are a tie for me ( we often each get one and split them) and the chicken entree has been the best one yet! The salted caramel pie is worth the calories, and the drinks are exceptional. The staff is so friendly and knowledgeable, it's an outstanding restaurant experience overall!

Just redownloaded my Yelp to come here and say how much I liked the place. Nice ambiance, super friendly staff, and the food was delicious. I personally tried the octopus and the beef carpaccio, but everyone else was happy with their meals too. They do change the menu every month tho

Everything was great; The service the food, the ambiance, everything. It wasn't until I tried to surprise my friend with a piece of cake and candle because it was his bday that things got alittle upsetting. I ordered a slice of cake, and paid my tab at the same time. I waited 20 mins for the cake and personally had to approach my server to ask about the status of the cake as my friend kept asking why we were still sitting and waiting after i had already paid the tab, so i ordered another drink to try and cover it up. so was incredibly disappointed esp since i was in the restaurant industry as a server myself. I wasn't given reassurance, I had to personally go seek it. I wouldn't go back with someone i was trying to impress.

What can I say ...it's basically my favorite restaurant ...the food is off the charts! The drinks too! Tell the bartenders what you like and they'll make a great selection for you if you have trouble choosing. I'm celiac and have been able to have some amazing choices (although I can't have it all, I'd bet money that any choice is the right choice here. Discovered this place on a surprise weekend away brewery bounce I did for my boyfriend last year 2021. This year we were back and it was an absolute must of course. He was extremely happy about surprising him to be back at our new favorite place to have dinner in New Haven. The menu changes often but if the beet appetizer is in there: DO IT. And the vegetarian entree with the mushrooms (that I insisted we split as an app before we ate our entrees lol)....is my new favorite thing. I'm obsessed with mushrooms and it was insanely good. I'm dreaming of it while I write this Haha. I cannot wait to be back!!

What a great meal!! Eke rated our son's graduation from Yale Law School here. Every single dish looked and tasted delicious. To the chef: you are creative and gifted!! We also loved the innovative cocktails!

I've been dying to check this place since it opened and finally met up with some friends for some dinner here. The place is the old cojones so super small but it was spaced out nicely and felt safe with their covid 19 protocols. One of my friends and I split the Cesar salad to start which was great! Our other friend raved about his bowl of mushrooms he chose to start. We all opted for burgers, and my all American double was so good. Like a very elevated Big Mac! The fries were sooooo good. So much so I polished my whole plate! Loved the vibe and food can't wait to come back when it's warmer to sit on their alley patio.

Tavern on State may just be the best restaurant in New Haven. Perhaps most impressively, they are among the best in three categories. First, if you're looking for truly elevated local ingredients with an impeccable fine dining flair, Tavern on State is an excellent choice. Second, if you want the most interesting and delicious cocktails in the city, state, maybe tristate area, they've got you covered. Finally, if you just want to cozy up with an excellent burger or fried chicken sandwich and fries, you couldn't pick a better spot. The space they occupy has turned over a handful of times in the last several years. I sincerely hope they stick around--this is one of the most compelling restaurants I've been to in years.

Best restaurant in new haven! Come here very frequently and always feel welcome and at home. The food is out of this world and the drinks are just as tasty! Highly recommended. Their co owner and head chef was recently named chef of the year for CT. Soon to open an oyster bar in new haven! Must come here!

Wow. Where do I even begin. Came here with a friend for an early dinner. We were the first ones in the restaurant which is super cozy and welcoming. The waitress provided great recommendations, most of which we took. We shared the popovers, little gem ceaser, grilled octopus, and roasted chicken with polenta. The popovers were OK, probably wouldn't get them again. Salad and octopus were both very good. I loved the potatoes in the octopus dish and the chili butter wasn't too spicy (I'm a wimp when it comes to spice). The real star of the show though was the chicken. You may be thinking to yourself "but it's just chicken." I had the same thought. But trust me. This chicken is different. Crispy on the outside, super juicy on the inside. Paired with the creamiest polenta I've ever had and fresh truffles. The menu changes regularly, but this is a must try if the option is available. Delicious cocktails, amazing food, AND great service?! This place is a win all around.

Tonight was my first experience at Tavern. It was one of the top five meals of my life. Food is impeccable and the cocktails original, consistent and delicious. I had the octopus for appetizer - perfectly prepared with a chili sauce that complimented but didn't overwhelm. And the smashed potatoes - holy crow. Main was the lamb burger. Tender and juicy and wicked tasty. Dessert was the piece de resistance. Coconut sundae. If you like coconut like I do this is the epitome of desserts. Go here. Don't pause. Just do it.

You know that feeling when you're hanging out with a group of friends, and someone brings a new person along, and they're warm, funny, and interesting, and by the end of the night you're like, "wow, this person is great," and afterwards you mention to your mutual friend, "hey, so & so was really cool, I really hope they come around again, what a fun night"? Tavern on State is the restaurant equivalent of that feeling. Every time I come here, I have a moment while I'm eating where I have to put my fork down, sit back, and take a few seconds to appreciate that I'm alive and happy and that there's still joy to be had in this world. Tonight that moment was during the coppa - a rolled coppa steak with pumpernickel stuffing, and braised cabbage. Perfectly seasoned and savory and like sinking into a bowl of the coziest Sunday by a fire wearing your favorite comfy clothes. Every single thing we ate and drank this night was excellent. Every time I'm at this restaurant, I feel like I'm part of a world where people enjoy life and the simple pleasures it has to offer, a brief escape from whatever the hell is even going on these days. Delicious and interesting cocktails, superb food that makes you feel weirdly emotional, friendly staff that work hard and clearly feel confident about what they are offering you. I don't know. This place is like waking up. It's like the day before Christmas break in the 90s at your elementary school when everyone is just doing fun art projects and eating cupcakes. There's no better dining experience in New Haven, in my opinion.

This place has definitely come into its own. We've been a few times since it opened and it seems to keep getting better and better. And love the sister businesses, Provisions on State and Fair Haven Oyster.

Wow !!! Food was great had this place on my list of places to go for about a year finally came here enjoyed every bite. I had the " boneless half chicken over melted leeks with pomme purée, hen of the woods mushrooms & leek ash " And my girlfriend had the " pan roasted halibut with butterball potatoes, chanterelle mushrooms, caulilini & dill " AMAZING she normally doesn't finish her food but she cleaned the plate this time. Highly recommend. Will be back.

Two of us dined at 8PM and shared several plates. Started with the popovers served with chive butter. Light and excellent. Next was the grilled octopus. Sauce was excellent but octo a bit chewy. I've had worse and better. On to the roasted bone marrow. Very good and served with toasted bread, Could have eaten two. Last was the duck and foie sausage served over buckwheat pancake. Not my favorite but you might like it. Service was excellent. Suggest reservations. No wine and $73 before tip

Trying to decide where to eat lately has become a chore and we were looking for somewhere new. Having heard only great things about Tavern on State, we decided to try it. Being in the food business I like to see what the trends are and who's setting them. This place is definitely a trendsetter! If there is foie gras or sweetbreads on a menu I'm ordering them. Tonight's menu had both! Heaven? You bet. There aren't many restaurants in the area that have the chops to do either, let alone do one or the other well. They knocked it out of the park. A watermelon radish salad was outrageous and prepared in a way in would have never thought with an unctuous chive butter. Not knowing what to expect, it was better than I had imagined. My wife had the clams and butter beans - outrageous. Dessert was a chocolate and salted caramel torte. The service was relaxed but proper. The bar staff are true artists and watching them concoct and mix cocktails the old fashioned way was a nice way to spend the time (we sat at the bar). The overall tab was reasonable for the quality of the food. Seems like the old guard in New Haven should be on notice. The chef/owner is doing it her way and killing it!

This was my second time at Tavern on State. First was when they had first opened and I got a chance to meet the owner who was so sweet. Her energy made me want to return which I did. I brought my friends here as this was their first time and we all had such a blast. We sat outside in the back and although we got bitten up by the bugs, we had a great time. I got the fries at the recommendation of the waitress, (who I loveeeeeee btw), and a special drink made by Patty the bartender. The fries were semi salty but still authentic which I liked. My friend got the anchovies toast which too were salty but that's by design. I liked that as well. I just really love the staff here. Even if I didn't like the food I would still come. They make the experience so much fun. I shall be back and I recommend everyone to come here!

A good time, every time. Prices have gotten a bit high but what hasn't? I particularly like what the do with fish.

The meals that we got (crispy chicken sandwich, tempura cod sandwich) were very good (but not incredible) with generous portions including a ton of fries. Always appreciate a large volume of quality fries. It was also an appropriate amount of food for the price, which I also appreciate. A friend of ours made a special request for how his burger should be cooked and it came out perfect. We also had the seafood chowder, which I think had more potatoes and carrots than seafood, but it was delicious. I've heard the desserts are incredible but we were too full to try this time (a good sign!) but we will be back.