Tavern On McGillen

This place is incredible! Highly recommended.

First off, the location is quite nice. It's back behind some businesses right in town, but easy to get to. Parking is ample. Behind their building and right off the rear patio is a very large and well maintained pond full of fish (which the tavern supplies popcorn for free which they allow you to feed to the fish if you desire).

The atmosphere is that of a mid-level restaurant/bar. The bar itself is quite large with plenty of seating, and surrounding that are several high tops of varying sizes. There are also many regular tables that are separated from the bar area via a partial wall, which helps keep some of the noise down from busier bar nights, but doesn't make you feel separated from the environment of the tavern. Outside there is a larger patio with several tables. The patio is longer than it is wide, allowing only an isleway and one row of tables. However this adds to it's appeal, as it allows every table a beautiful view of the pond I mentioned earlier, complete with fountains!

The service here surpasses expectation. Everyone is very attentive to everything. When you walk in it's not uncommon to be greeted by multiple staff members almost immediately. The staff is prompt in taking your order, preparing and serving your food and drinks. Most of them will converse with your table before your meal is served, but they also seem to be quite good at reading if you want to enjoy a more intimate meal with your party, keeping the "small talk" to a minimum. Overall, the staff is one of the friendliest in any establishment that I have found. They all genuinely enjoy what they do, and they do it well.

Food. It's amazing. Their appetizers range from super cheap to the ten dollar range, and even the cheapest one (homemade chips and french onion dip) are very tasty. Meals are more in the ten to twenty dollar range, yet a lot of their meals are given "half" and "full" order options. They have several burgers, gourmet Mac and cheese, which includes a "build-your-own option, and many entree options from steak to fish to chicken to pork. The Cashew Chicken is my absolute favorite meal here. It includes one to two chicken breasts in a honey glaze topped with dried cranberries and cashews and includes two sides of your choice. I highly recommend it.

The bar is fully stocked with several tap and bottled beer to a full range of liquors and wine. They offer domestic and craft brewed beer, and they make very nice mixed drinks. All of which come at a great price.

I have to say that this is one of the better restaurants in the area. With the great service and phenomenal food and beverages, you really can't go wrong. Whether it's date night, a night out with friends, or a dinner with the family, The Tavern on McGillen will meet, if not exceed your expectations.

TL;DR: Great place for drinks and dining. Many options and incredible service. Mid-level pricing. ($$)

Love the pond out back! Delicious food, good atmosphere. Server was friendly, helpful, and timely. I'd definitely go again!

First visit here and it was great!! My husband and I were both talking about what we'd Ave the next time we come. Saw alot of food pass by our table and everything looked awesome. Cheesecake was delicious!!!

Friendly and attentive staff, food was perfectly cooked and tasted great, and the cheesecake was to die for. Nice atmosphere. Can catch a game on the multiple TV's but it's not crazy and loud. Can't wait to return.

I have written a review about my first experience there. Read that first. Then take this as an addition. If you get the chance to have Jessica AND Cody behind the bar, it's AWESOMENESS!!! The food that rolls out of this kitchen will leave your taste buds wanting more. The drinks! WOW!!! I was told that Mattawan locals have a sweeter taste pallet, so if you want a dang great drink with a bit of sweetness. This is your spot. It's really close to 94. Don't drink and drive people. Come for the food, stay for the company. It's worth an hour of your time!