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Ideal Tavern, Southington, CT

Ideal Tavern

4.8 (724)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
142 Center Street, Southington, CT 06489

Make a booking

A photo of Ideal Tavern restaurant

Ideal Tavern

4.8
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Southington

Make a booking

2 people
21:30
Booked 5 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Great for happy hour
Experience the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern culinary innovation at Ideal Tavern. Located in the heart of Southington, we are a premier gastropub dedicated to serving elevated New American classics, curated craft cocktails, and a rotating selection of exceptional beers.

The vision of veteran restaurateur Phil Parise—who is also the driving force behind local favorites Van’s and Echo Craft Kitchen—Ideal Tavern is built on a foundation of high-quality ingredients and a welcoming, high-energy atmosphere.

Our menu features the signature award-winning wings by Phil Parise, a local staple recognized for their bold flavors and perfect execution. For those seeking a mid-week highlight, our Taco Tuesday has become a legendary event, consistently nearly sold out every week with creative, chef-driven features.

Whether you're looking for a cozy dinner in our charming dining room or a vibrant night at the bar, Ideal Tavern offers an unforgettable neighborhood experience.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm Lunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Sun 3:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    George Giotsas
  • Catering
    With a top notch local celebrity chef we offer a one of kind catering experience that is one hundred percent customizable to your needs.
  • Private party facilities
    Our indoor and outdoor spaces are available for private events. All menus are customizable to the individual parties needs and wants. Please contact us during business hours for more detailed information.
  • Area
    Southington
  • Cross Street
    Center Street and North Liberty Street in Southington CT.
  • Parking Details
    Parking lot to the rear of the building.
  • Additional
    Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

What 724 people are saying

Ideal Tavern reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Diners' Choice Awards

  • Connecticut

    Lively

  • Hartford

    Best Overall

  • Hartford

    Best Service

  • Hartford

    Kid-friendly

  • Hartford

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Hartford

    Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Ideal Tavern offers a delightful dining experience with "fantastic staff" and a "great selection of food." Guests rave about "amazing specialty drinks" and the "excellent popcorn cauliflower." While noise can be high, the ambiance remains "pleasant" as crowds thin. Highlights include "perfectly prepared" sea bass and "delicious" truffle fries.
680 Reviews
  1. Barbara Gold

    New York City115 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great server. Didn’t rush us and was checking on us periodically. Enjoyed our cocktails and our dinners. Salmon was cooked perfectly.

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  2. Cynthia

    Charleston10 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 23 May 2026

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Went for lunch. I was served arugula that had started to turn yellow. Flatbread was edible but sauce tasted like it was from a jar and crust was not great. Dressing on the Caesar salad was too acidic. Overall the food was mediocre but servers were very nice and attentive.

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  3. Susan

    New York City5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 12 May 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Faith waited on us and was very personable. The food was very good. The scooped French fries were out of this world. All four of us enjoyed the burgers and sandwiches ordered. My husband was impressed with the specialty drinks. Noise level was a bit high but as the crowd thinned, it was quite pleasant. Would definitely go back.

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  4. Kris

    Fort Lauderdale1 review

    4.0

    Dined on 11 May 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    We had came because we were also in 5/9 before Mother’s Day and everything was amazing! This time the food was definitely off a bit from what it was but the chef made us a whole new basket of truffle fries. I did not say anything about my son’s pizza I didn’t want to complain but it was too soggy he has a texture issue he wouldn’t even eat it. In the industry ourselves we would just have noticed some of the things like the pizza, or leaving dishes on the table. Overall everything was well, our 5/9 visit was amazing. We will still be back

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  5. Barbara Gold

    New York City114 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 4 May 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Excellent server. Great selection of food.Monday wings are a great deal and they were large and delicious. Enjoyed the cocktails.

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  6. Barbara Gold

    New York City41 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 22 April 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wednesday night is a great night to dine at Ideal Tavern! They offer 1/2-price bottles of wine and a $28 prix fixe menu with great options. The staff was fantastic! Very accommodating and did not rush us at all. I would highly recommend the experience.

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  7. Cindy

    New York City3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 9 April 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food and service were excellent. It was very quiet. When we first got there, we were the only customers.

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  8. Bob

    New York City12 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 28 March 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Inside the restaurant was very busy. We had reservations for two and we were seated immediately. We started off with the popcorn cauliflower, which was very good. And had a couple cocktails. Our waitress was very attentive brought us. Our drinks quickly took our order quickly and spaced the time between our appetizer and her meal perfectly. She actually came back to ask us if we were ready for her to put in the order for the food. My wife had a breaded chicken and salad which she said was good. Seemed like more salad than chicken but other than that, no complaints. I had a burger cooked the way I liked it and had zero complaints. The food came to us hot. Nice to know that it wasn’t hanging around in the back. I would definitely recommend this place for dinner. Nice and casual can be somewhat loud at times, but we could hear each other talk. The biggest challenge when we arrived was park. We drove around for about 10 minutes before finding a spot. In the summer it wouldn’t be as much of an issue since I wouldn’t mind the walk, but in colder weather it can definitely be a hassle. Inside, the restaurant was very busy, but we had reservations for two and were seated immediately, which was great. We started with the popcorn cauliflower, which was excellent, along with a couple of cocktails. Our waitress was very attentive, she brought drinks out quickly, took our order right away, and paced everything perfectly. She even checked back to see if we were ready before sending in our entrées, which was a nice touch. My wife had the breaded chicken salad and said it was good—maybe a little more salad than chicken, but no real complaints. I had a burger cooked exactly the way I like it, and it came out hot with no issues at all. Always nice to know your food isn’t sitting in the back. Overall, I’d definitely recommend this place for dinner. It’s a nice, casual spot. It can get a bit loud, but we were still able to have a conversation without a problem.

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  9. Lisa

    Orlando3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 13 March 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We did not have any appetizers. We just had two entrées and two cocktails. I ordered the airline chicken and my boyfriend had the bourbon steak tips. Both were very delicious. First time there and I will be back next time to try the wings. 

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  10. Paul Gold

    New York City17 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 12 March 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a great lunch. Food was great and because it was lunch it was very quiet. We also like the choice of music they played.

    Is this helpful?

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm Lunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Sun 3:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    George Giotsas
  • Catering
    With a top notch local celebrity chef we offer a one of kind catering experience that is one hundred percent customizable to your needs.
  • Private party facilities
    Our indoor and outdoor spaces are available for private events. All menus are customizable to the individual parties needs and wants. Please contact us during business hours for more detailed information.
  • Area
    Southington
  • Cross Street
    Center Street and North Liberty Street in Southington CT.
  • Parking Details
    Parking lot to the rear of the building.
  • Additional
    Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

FAQs

Casual dress, the restaurant lists a casual dress code, and guest photos and comments reflect a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere suitable for date nights, family dinners or a night out at the bar.

There’s no official holiday schedule provided. Guests do mention dining there on holidays (e.g., New Year’s Eve) and Valentine’s Day visits, so the restaurant does host holiday service occasionally. For specific public holiday hours or special menus, call ahead or check with the restaurant before you go.

Yes, guests mention the option to “sit inside or out, ” and several reviews reference enjoying the bar or window seating and the ability to choose outdoor seating. If you prefer patio seating, call ahead to confirm availability and any seasonal changes.

Portions tend to be generous. Guests call out large servings for appetizers (popcorn cauliflower described as a huge portion) and say restaurant-week three-course meals were hearty. Some entrees were noted as sizable, several guests mentioned good value and filling plates, though one guest felt a chicken-salad had more greens than protein. Overall, expect ample portions rather than small tasting-size dishes.

Yes, while formal policies aren’t listed, guests repeatedly call out accommodating and attentive staff, so the team is likely willing to help with reasonable requests (dietary needs, seating preferences, birthday notes). For parties, accessibility needs or specific table requests, call ahead so they can confirm availability and best arrangements.

It depends on your goal: for Taco Tuesday and great margaritas/tacos, go Tuesday. For a quieter, more relaxed meal, choose a weekday lunch or an early week dinner. For a lively night out with cocktails and a bustling bar scene, Friday or Saturday evenings are ideal. Reservations are wise for busy nights and special events.

Warm and rustic with a lively gastropub feel, guests describe a charming farmhouse/industrial decor, a vibrant bar area and an intimate dining room. The atmosphere is upbeat and friendly; service is frequently praised as attentive and fun. A few guests note the noise level can get high during busy evenings, but many still find it welcoming for dates, dinners with friends or special occasions.

Yes, Ideal Tavern is a strong pick for date night. Guests often praise the cozy, rustic farmhouse/industrial decor, craft cocktails and attentive servers, which create an intimate yet lively evening. Portions and dishes like short ribs, sea bass specials and the cocktails get frequent compliments. Note: the space can get a bit loud at peak times, so consider a reservation and an earlier seating if you prefer a quieter table.

Yes, families dine here regularly and guests report bringing teens and celebrating birthdays with children. The menu has a variety of approachable Modern American options and staff are accommodating. There’s no specific kids’ menu mentioned, so for younger children consider an earlier seating and call ahead about menu flexibility if needed.

Ideal Tavern’s posted hours are: Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm; Fri 4:00 pm–10:00 pm; Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm (Lunch Sat/Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm; Dinner Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm); Sun 3:00 pm–8:00 pm. If you’re planning a special visit (holiday or large group), call ahead to confirm any seasonal or special-event hours.

Family-friendly seating: yes, guests frequently dine with teens, families and larger groups, and staff accommodate a variety of dietary needs (vegans mentioned). The restaurant has booth/window seating, bar seating and at least one cozy semi-private nook that handled a party of nine. Accessible seating: specific ADA or accessibility details aren’t provided in the available info, so call the restaurant ahead to confirm any mobility or accessibility needs.

Busiest: Friday and Saturday evenings, Taco Tuesday and special-event nights (Restaurant Week, holidays), guests often report a lively, full dining room at these times. Quietest: weekday lunches and some early dinner times are noticeably calmer and more relaxed, with guests specifically praising the peaceful lunch service.

For a quieter experience, go at lunch or during weekday midday service, guests report lunch visits are calm and pleasant. If you want the livelier vibe, evenings (especially Friday/Saturday) are bustling and energetic. For Taco Tuesday or specials, expect crowds and a festive atmosphere. Reservations are recommended for weekend dinners and special nights.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Connecticut
  4. Hartford
  5. Southington

Make a booking

A photo of Ideal Tavern restaurant

Ideal Tavern

4.8
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Southington

Make a booking

2 people
21:30
Booked 5 times today
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