James S.
Yelp
To be clear, AOC is not Tavern, even though several reviews call it Tavern. Also, when AOC Brentwood calls you to confirm your reservation, Tavern shows up on Caller ID. (It's the same owners, in fact.) Though they prefer/rely on OpenTable, that app could not accommodate me for a party numbering other than 2 on an upcoming Monday. Undaunted, I called AOC Brentwood and over the phone they set us up for the ressy. So very convenient.
I don't mind Reservation apps, but I prefer to go direct. AOC Brentwood told me in person that OT works for them, and in fact, most of their reviews (they say) come from OT. So, I looked it up, and sure enough, there are lots of reviews there -- recent ones, too. And, nobody refers to them as Tavern.
But, most of the those reviews are a sentence long saying yay or nay, without much detail. To me, those reviews are unhelpful. Which brings me here.
I want a review that might tell me, for instance, that our server was polished and friendly, and never rushed us. Our server was able to describe the various wines-by-the-glass of varietals I had never heard of. We found the equalivent of a Pinot Grigio and the same for a Sancerre. Both were fine, though the 'Sancerre' one was more complex and flavorful. This stuff matters to me.
I want a review that might say that the 'To Start' portion of the dinner menu is a great way to get things going. We opted for both The Farmer's Plate and the Charcuterie board. In the former, the muhamarra and chickpea purée added a great flavor to the roasted veggies, burrata and grilled toast. And yes, the waiter didn't have any difficulty relaying what muhamarra is (roasted red peppers, walnuts, breadcrumbs, chile flakes, and pomegranate molasses).
We then split two entrees, and both were wonderful. The Liberty Duck Breast was smooth, tender and juicy - prepared with apples, chicories and Pedro Ximénez. (You go look that one up!)
We also enjoyed the house specialty, Spanish Fried Chicken. There's a reason it's well-known here, and quite simply, it's delicious. Think outstanding chicken fingers - moist and full of flavor. The Romesco aioli and the chili-cumin butter only make it more delicious. Somebody at the table needs to order this.
We were satisfied with just about everything, including the abundant cold spring water. They don't change out the plates as much I'd like, but they will accommodate if you ask. Dessert will have to wait for another time.
The room is gorgeous and roomy, as many mention. The music was not as loud and obnoxious as some reviews suggest. I thought the decibel level was good for the room, and it didn't overpower. As the evening wore on and an even more chill crowd came in, the music shifted from Alt Hits of the 70s & 80s to a more bluesy and soulful selection.
When I read up on a restaurant, I want much more than 'It's great' or 'We always come here when in town'. I'm hungry for more than that. Once you get to AOC Brentwood, they can take care of that just fine. You just might need to call them first.
And don't call them Tavern.