Tavern in the Forest Enjoying Toned-Down Revival

When Tavern in the Forest first opened in the new Forest Crossing shopping center earlier this year, it was met enthusiastically by Carolina Forest residents who were eager for a neighborhood hangout to call their own. The food was exceptional, but before long the grumblings began.

It was pricey for a sports pub, service was on the slow side, and the atmosphere was nice but suffered from a bit of an identity crisis. The original, fancy natural-wood décor gave it more of a slightly upscale restaurant feel than a neighborhood tavern, and the attempt at meeting the “sports pub” genre fell flat with only a handful of television screens to speak of.

It all changed when David Murphy assumed ownership in early June mere months after its grand opening. He toned down the “upscale” feel immediately with a vibrant red paint job in the interior, and a whole new infusion of sports-themed décor including college banners, neon signs and several new plasma-screen televisions to show multiple sporting events simultaneously. “Cornhole” (the increasingly popular pub/tailgating bag toss game) became a leisure option while enjoying a cocktail or two.

Gone, too, were the separate lunch and dinner menus, and in came a pub-style selection that now includes 10 entrees, 12 sandwiches and a large selection of appetizers.

I’ve eaten there a few times now since Tavern in the Forest’s makeover, and come away very satisfied each time. Among my favorites:

• Buffalo wings that boast plenty of meat, good hot sauce and a finish that’s not overly done.
• French fries that come five different ways - including plain, with chili, gravy, cheese or Tavern’s own Old Bay seasoning.
• Three outstanding sandwiches, including barbecue with a big heaping of pork and a delicious sauce; a stellar reuben served with sauerkraut, thousand island dressing and swiss cheese; and a meatloaf sandwich that has me and many friends coming back for more.
• $6 kids meals that don’t skimp on quantity, or quality. My boys love the chicken fingers that are juicy, deep battered and huge. They eat plenty, and we still wind up leaving with a couple of “to go” boxes.

Tavern in the Forest at Forest Crossing is located at the intersection of Carolina Forest Boulevard and River Oaks Drive. They’re open daily for lunch and dinner, and late on Friday and Saturday. Call them at 843-626-3000 for more information.