The Tav
Located in the heart of Ellensburg, WA, The Tav has become a beloved local hangout for those seeking delicious food and a lively atmosphere. Situated at 117 W 4th Ave, this casual, divey restaurant is known for offering a variety of classic American dishes, great drinks, and a fun environment. Whether you're looking to enjoy a casual lunch, a lively dinner with friends, or a late-night bite, The Tav delivers on all fronts.
A Diverse Menu Featuring Crowd-Pleasing Favorites
The Tav’s menu offers a wide range of comfort food, with standout dishes that keep customers coming back. Appetizers such as the Super Nachos and Tav Chicken Wings are perfect for sharing, while the Tav Quesadilla and Mozza Sticks provide hearty, flavorful options for those looking for a satisfying snack. The Texas Toothpicks offer a unique twist, adding a crispy and spicy touch to the appetizer menu.
When it comes to mains, The Tav truly shines with its selection of burgers, sandwiches, and fried favorites. One of the restaurant's highlights is the Hungry Mother burger, a fan favorite known for its juicy patties and perfect toppings. For something lighter or vegetarian-friendly, there are plenty of delicious options available that don’t compromise on flavor. The full menu offers variety and something for everyone, whether you're in the mood for something savory, spicy, or comforting.
The Tav’s Unique Vibe and Top-Notch Services
What really sets The Tav apart is its fun and casual atmosphere. The restaurant has a laid-back dive bar feel, but with the added charm of great service and an inviting environment. The spacious outdoor seating is perfect for sunny days, while the lively indoor area features a pool table and a jukebox for entertainment. Whether you're coming in with a group, grabbing a quick lunch, or planning a fun night out, this place has you covered.
In addition to its inviting ambiance, The Tav offers a number of practical services that make it a convenient option for many. The restaurant accepts reservations, provides takeout and delivery, and even offers catering for special events. If you're in need of a place to unwind with friends after work or enjoy a late-night meal, The Tav is the perfect spot. Don’t forget about their Happy Hour Specials, making it an even more appealing choice for those looking to enjoy a drink without breaking the bank. Plus, the full bar and TVs showing sports ensure that you won’t miss a beat while enjoying a drink and meal.
Reviews
Always great food and good cold beer. Hungry mother is a burger you cannot go wrong with.
The service and food was spectacular!!! We will be back. Broiled chicken sandwiches (Texan and Hawaiian) but the other food coming out looked amazing also.... The onion rings look like a next time must have!!!
Great bar, great service, friendly staff and good food. Stopped by here twice on a recent trip for beers and bar food. Nice selection on draft and the food is bar food, fried-y, but good enough. I give it 5 stars for the experience. If all you want is food, it's probably 3.5 to 4.0.
I was passing through Ellensburg, Washington, late at night on 5/18/23. I needed to get a bite to eat, but didn't take into account how early things close up, even though it is a college town. Fortunately, The Tav was still serving food. Located in the historic downtown, The Tav has been around for 55+ years. It is a favorite watering hole/hang out for locals and college students, that also has a good sized menu. The wooden booths and the bricks in the wall are hand-carved with the names of employees and patrons. There is a small stage in front of the kitchen window and two pool tables in the back of the room. I ordered The Barney Burger ($8.69) - a quarter pounder with all the fixins, and a side of French Fries ($4.49) with fry sauce. I added a slice of cheese to my burger. It's not common to see places this casual list burgers on the menu à la carte, or charge prices this high, but that's Ellensburg for you. Everything seems to cost more here. The cook forgot to toast in my hamburger bun, which would have been a problem if I've been eating anything bigger than a 1/4 lb. patty. Aside from that, it was a solid burger. The french fries were good and plentiful. I liked the made from scratch fry sauce. Next time, I would order the Super Mother burger which has cheese, and either ham or bacon. I would've gotten this time, but in the rush of trying to get my order in before the kitchen closed, and the darkness of the room, I misread the menu and thought it said that it had ham AND bacon. Priced at $9.49, it's a much better value than the Barney Burger. The service was excellent! My server Ellie was busy trying to keep up with the needs of everyone in the room, and she did a great job, all while keeping a smile on her face. My food came out quickly. There was a nice overall feeling of camaraderie. Even though I didn't know a single person in the room, and was the only solo diner, The Tav a very welcoming environment. Normally, my ratings are based solely on the food, and given that I've worked in kitchens and have eaten at a lot of restaurants, 3 stars is a good rating for me. But I was so impressed with the service and welcoming environment at The Tav that I'm going to make an exception and add an additional 1 star to my review based on those factors alone. Highly Recommended!!!
Friends told us to try this place out and we weren't disappointed! Great service, attentive and friendly. Burgers were fantastic and the drinks were good too. Next time in town we will stop in.