The Tavern at Old Salem

I have been going to Old Salem all my life and had never been to this place. We got there around 12:30 on Sunday. It was a 15ish minute wait for a table. This was the first time I have EVER waited to be seated at a restaurant. I would have normally left. But being the optimistic ray of sunshine that I am, I sat quietly, totally content, and waited.

So to brief you on this restaurant, it is located in historic Old Salem. It was built in the early 1800s I believe. The wait staff wear period clothing and the furniture and place settings are traditional. You don’t have to dig a hole out back to use the bathroom, there are at least modern bathrooms. I know because Layla tried out both the Men’s and Women’s rooms. Both were quite nice, although cramped.

Eventually, after waiting for what felt to me like an eternity, we were seated. The room was homey and the historic decor was pretty cool. I was ready to discuss insurrection, drink a tankard of ale, then die of dysentery by age 37. You know, to be authentic.

The menu was great. They have brunch and lunch items on Sunday. They even had a good kids menu. Before our order arrived, they brought us warm rolls, pumpkin spice muffins, and fresh butter. The rolls and muffins were delicious. For my meal, I had the Farmer’s Platter. This consisted of grits with goat cheese, 3 eggs over easy, country ham, and biscuits with gravy. The food was just unbelievably good. Everything was fresh and flavorful. The prices were very reasonable.

We left the tavern full and happy and went to the T. Bagge Shoppe and Winkler Bakery. Be sure if you go, you explore the rest of Old Salem and get the full experience.