J Huston Tavern

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  i enjoyed the homemade type of food, especially the salads, but i had to ask for more, as they use small servings of the sides.  the cooked veggies were well cooked and not seasonal.  i wanted corn on the cob, but the corn may have been canned.  the meat was excellent.
  there was a big line for the one bathroom, so keep that in mind before going to the establishment..
  overall, it was like eating in an old country store setting, that blended with the theme of arrow rock.

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  Posted on 09.01.13 Jane S.

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  Totally cool, historic old building with satisfying comfort food. Yum. Giving it 4 stars instead of 5 because although the fried chicken is good - I have had better. And while I realize it is an old building, hence its character and charm, it's hard to enjoy a meal if you have goosebumps.

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  Posted on 06.30.13 Ann T.

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  I've been eating at the Tavern for probably 55 years.  This is definitely the best incarnation the old place has ever had.  The food is quite good.  You have to live with (or like, as I do) a few quirks.  For example, the servers are very young, and completely friendly and charming, though not polished.  I think it adds to the charm.  The building is a treat, the food really good, especially if you favor fried chicken.  Give it a try.

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  Posted on 08.15.10 Bob K.

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  Lovely dining - though a bit  lonely off season.  Chef Owner Liz Huff has rescued this historic old tavern from oblivion with a simple family style menu that is sure to please just about everyone.
  We had the $18.50 per person family style dinner which includes lovely yeasty rolls, and cornbread with peppers and such in them.  A nice salad with GREEN lettuce...not white... YAY!....and Liz' own Miracle Salad Dressing...which she sells in the lobby.  Jose LOVED the dressing, but I tend more toward the vinegary in a salad dressing so it was a bit sweet for me.  But loads of garlic and both black and red papper in it.   I cleaned my plate for sure...a couple of times.   Jose was THRILLED they his favorite beer...Franziskaner.   The Rocheport Missouri red wine was served chilled and was very very sweet but that is the kind of wine one gets locally in MO.
  The main courses arrived pretty quickly considering that it was the FRESHEST of fresh cooked fried chicken....a huge mound of it, served with creamed corn (which was heaven), mashed potatoes with the skins and milk gravy....mmmmm....and candied green beans with caramalized onions....jeesh they was good.   I could really have dined ONLY on the sides and been happy.
  In addition to chicken a small plate of home-smoked pork shoulder and a cup of Liz's special sauce was also served.  Now I LOVE pork in any form and this was good but by far her chicken was the hit of the evening.
  Standing the street in front of the Tavern before we went in I was hypnotized by the smell of fried chicken...which for a 'southern' lad like me is important.  So important.  Oh my, if you can do friend chicken, you can do anything.  
  This place is known to all as the Tavern, but it is also the Old Tavern, J. Huston's Tavern, and now is Liz Huff's Arrow Rock Tavern.   Built and opened in 1834 it is the oldest continuously operated tavern west of the Mississippi.  I wish them many many years of success.  I think Liz can do it.  
  Ask her for the Ghost tour of the INN upstairs and your will get a an earful of history and frights.   The INN is gorgeous and really now just a museum but a nice way to kill a few minutes until that meal comes.
  I will be going back to try lunch at some point but when in Arrow Rock to see the Lyceum or the historic homes and buildings you MUST eat at the Tavern!

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  Posted on 11.08.09 Ames A.

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