The Tav On The Ave

We have been visiting The Tav regularly for over 20 years.   It was one of our favorite places to go in college at MSU and as a young married couple.  When our daughter was born 13 years ago, our favorite server Tasha (now a Mankato Independent Originals business partner), used to carry her around for us so we could enjoy a little "alone" time as a couple.   She was fantastic.  :)

If I'm being truthful, I'd have to say it's lost a little bit of its charm over the years.  The days of that personalized service are gone.  I miss the menu classic "Blackjack Melt" and "Blue Whale" cocktail (the souvenir whales doubled as tub toys for our kids!).  I wonder if the Tav is resting on its laurels just a bit.  

That said, it is still one of our favorite local spots.  They still offer free popcorn and board games to keep kids busy while we wait.  The menu has a little bit more diversity than the typical Mankato bar/grill, which we appreciate.  Our new favorites are the Cubano, the Thai Lettuce Wraps, and the Sashimi Ahi Tuna.  The wings are arguably the best in town.  

A Mankato favorite, you really can't go wrong.

Great pub fare, a few good beers on tap, friendly service, and close to the Mankato curling club!

My boyfriend and I are on vacation from California and stayed the night in Mankato.  We were looking for a sports bar to watch the NBA playoffs.  An internet search for "NBA, Mankato" brought up The Tav On The Ave as the only sports bar touting NBA League Pass so we  were sold.  
Between the Twins playing the Sox, the NHL finals and Americal Idol finale, all of the flat-screens were occupied, but the bartender was happy to get the Celtics-Sixers on for us, right above a comfy booth.
We hung out for the entire game.  Our server, Emily, was great.  She stopped by frequently enought to be sure we had all the beer and snacks we needed, but not too often as to interupt the game.  She is friendly and helpful and has a great smile.
We had the spinach artichoke dip and the meatloaf.  The dip was hot and chuncky, the accompanying chips were fresh and perfectly salted.  The meatloaf was pretty good, but I don't know if it;s the "best in Minnesota."  The veggies were crips and flavorful.
We are definitely stopping back at The Tav On the Ave on our way back thru town in a couple of days.  See you there!