Update: October 12, 2021 – 316 Tap & Barrel Grill has closed permanently due to COVID; June 19, 2020 – The Tavernette is now 316 Tap & Barrel Grill
I had just returned from having my haircut in Tipp City, Ohio and I was so excited to try the Tavernette Inn. I had driven by this restaurant in Medway for over a couple of years and a small kiosk on the side of Spangler Road beckoned me to stop by and experience this hidden gem.
Stepping inside I was greeted by Pat who has been bartending here for over 30 years. I could hear 70’s music on the radio intercom when I was seated by the hostess and recognized a few of these tunes.
She introduced herself as Olivia and mentioned that she would be serving me that night as she took my drink order and dropped off a menu. I couldn’t resist a Yuengling and took a few moments to look over the night’s specials. Fish and Chips are the special for Monday nights and they have been one of their best sellers since the 1960s. Their carbonara is another one of their specialty dishes but I was drawn in by their specials.
Who can resist Grouper risotto with a salad for $17.95?
The black and white retro tables and chairs reminded me of eating family dinner at my Grandparents’ house.
I had a few moments to check out the glass enclosures of local memorabilia. Lining the walls, I felt as though I was eating in the midst of a museum.
Enjoying a basket of bread with brown and garlic brothers, I learned that the restaurant first opened in 1939. New owners had recently bought the restaurant a year ago and were bringing some amazing dishes to their menu.
My next course was a salad with ranch dressing, which was the perfect size to hold me over before my main dish.
I must admit I couldn’t wait to bite into the succulent grouper which was perfectly seasoned, buttered and baked. The risotto was amazing with red pepper and mushrooms which was so creamy and deliciously rich served al dente. It was no surprise when I learned that chef John’s specialties are seafood, namely shark and that he makes everything fresh from local produce.
After finishing dinner, I decided to browse around the restaurant and took a little walk outside along the creek in the back where they had set up a fire pit. I noticed a newly built deck that overlooked Mud Creek as well as additional parking spaces across the street for dinner hours.
The back bar was closed for the weeknight but listed the night’s drink special as the Long Island Iced Tea. This is the place to be on a summer night during the weekends where they have bands or DJs playing classic rock and country music and in the wintertime, they will light a fire.
I had a few minutes to talk with John the owner who is from nearby Park Layne. They had just celebrated their one year anniversary of the restaurant on May 5th, 2016. John had an engineering degree but had been wanting to have his own business. John had first learned that the owners of the restaurant were interested in selling as he had been retired for 30+ years and wanted a change.
I learned from John the history of the Tavernette Inn started with a butcher block from 1939. From here they would cut meat for their local patrons until the 1960s. In addition, the original restaurant was across the street and relocated to its current space in the late 1930s.
I decided to have one last drink at the bar and ordered a glass of Tulip Red Wine which reminded me of Rodeo Red from the Winery at Versailles. I sat next to a couple who mentioned that the Tavernette Inn was where they had their first prom date in the 1960s.
It was fun talking with Pat about the restaurant, having bartended here for thirty-five years. Originally from Troy, he recently moved to New Carlisle. He began his career here as a dishwasher after spending 12 years in the Air Force and bartending at the NCIO club.
Pat swears that the restaurant is haunted by Wiladena when at times diners have noticed beer bottles move. According to Pat, she swore she would haunt the place when she passed. Luckily, she did not try to take my glass of wine.
Have you visited The Tavernette Inn in Medway, Ohio? What did you order? I would love to hear about your experience at this longstanding restaurant if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Thank you for reading about my visit to The Tavernette and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and Do:
Tavernette Inn
111 W. Main Street
Medway, OH 45341
Telephone: 937 849 0423
Check out all of the specials and ask your server what they suggest. I thoroughly enjoyed the grouper and risotto.
Where to Stay:
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Springfield
1751 W 1st Street
Springfield, OH 45504
Telephone: 937 322 2200
Where to Eat:
Tavernette Inn
111 W. Main Street
Medway, OH 45341
Telephone: 937 849 0423
The servers wore dining uniforms from the 1950s and took our order on a green Guest Check pad and pen. For lunch, I looked forward to ordering the cheeseburger and mashed potatoes combo with a vanilla milkshake and if I was extra hungry, I would add a piece of chocolate cake. The comfort food served at Hathaway”s has always been amazing.
