Village Tavern

I have been going to the Village Tavern for close to 10 years.  Lately, everything there has deteriorated.  The outdoor patio is nice, but with the changes at the mall and the umbrellas which don't tilt, you can't sit out there in the evening.  The food quality is less than it used to be as well.  Get a pizza or a burger and you're okay.  If you order anything else  -- good luck -- you are on your own.  Most disturbing was this evening. In 10 years or so, I have NEVER lodged a complaint at the Village Tavern.  Tonight, it seemed to be the final straw.  There were only two tables in the inside bar area.  Ours -- we were there first -- and one other. The other table got REALLY loud really fast, and it wasn't enjoyable for those of us around them.

We asked the bartender and the manager on duty to ask the table to quiet down a bit.  We were told that the personnel who worked there weren't allowed to ask people to quiet down -- even when the people are screaming in your ears.  (Literally screaming).  We were also told that the Village Tavern is a "jovial" place and the personnel can't ask anyone to quiet down unless they are yelling profane obscenities.  Really?  The attention to the regular customers is lacking -- we seem to be expendable.  My table and I were going to stay for another, non-happy hour, non-wine Wednesday drink -- a value of at least $50 plus tax and tip -- to the Village Tavern.  

But, we got the message.  We left.  Not sure when we'll return.

I have eaten at Village Tavern many, many times over the years and it was one of my favorite places to go.  The food was always great and my only complaint was that sometimes the service was a little slow.  Then the last few months it deteriorated into the worst place ever that has finally pissed me off so badly that I won't go back.  The food quality started to become poor and one time the waitress left and NEVER came back.  Then the last time we ate there we ordered the Asian chicken skewer appetizer which normally I love.  They actually had the nerve to bring it to the table completely burned and charred on the outside.  When we cut into it, it was raw and frozen.  That did it for me.  I won't be going back ever again which is sad because I loved this place so much.

I am basing this solely on my experience in the bar on Sunday. They do happy hour all day on Sunday. The drink prices are just OK. $5 for my Jack and diet cokes.

I had brunch because I didn't like the food options on the HH menu. The steak benedict is way over priced. I had one benedict with sides for $14. The steak was really good but the hollandaise sauce was not flavorful enough. The sauteed spinach I ordered instead of the potatoes was really good. My friend had the omelet at around $9 and that too was extremely small. The server said it was a three egg omelet and there was no way this was three eggs. This was the smallest omelet I have ever seen! The food is good but again, overpriced for what it is and the portion sizes. I think they try and give the impression of a more upscale dining experience but there doesn't seem to be any unique culinary creation here. Just extra buttered or salted food to make it taste better.

I also like a smoke on the patio when I have a drink at times and this is a nonsmoking patio.

I would go back but not in a hurry.