The Only Tavern We Support
September 7, 2025
I realize Bucks County has a ways to go to achieve what other areas of the country have gained culinary. It’s rural, sparsely populated, and isn’t pushing envelopes we’ve been used to.
I get it. If you are going to serve food that pleases the common working man, you have to do it right. It has to be consistent, and above all, it has to taste good.
In the last couple of years, we’ve been loyal patrons at The Gardenville Hotel. A historic mid seventeenth century former hotel. With ties to the Revolutionary War, it is a wonderful tavern that serves really good American fare.
We only just recently started going there. One reason is I was already a chef at a Doylestown Tavern call The Farmhouse. We really had no reason to venture out to any other taverns because my wife loved my cooking, and I became acquainted with many regulars who were an integral part of my social life. Plus, other taverns in the area couldn’t touch our quality of the food.
After leaving The Farmhouse in 2023, we struggled to find a decent place for a burger or wings. We lived just down the hill from Gardenville and thought of the place as a drinking establishment vs. a full service restaurant.
One afternoon, we decided on drinks at Gardenville and wandered in. The bar was funky and old. Deer heads all over the walls, various pictures on the walls, many showcasing the owner’s fishing jaunts, and we immediately felt at home.
The servers, who have been there years, provide some of the friendliest and attentive service we’ve ever experienced.
Since we now go at least twice a week, they anticipate our needs immediately. It’s a rarity to find places like this in our area. Most of the Taverns just don’t care enough to go the extra mile. This place blows most local Taverns away.
We highly suggest their wings, the burgers are excellent as well as amazing fish and chips and turkey anything. It isn’t cheap, but nothing really is post pandemic. We only sit at the tables in the bar. That’s where the fun really is. The dining room is More suited for families and older folks. We like the buzz the bar provides.
The Gardenville Burger
Our Wedding Anniversary Trip To Easton Pennsylvania
August 30, 2025
We’ve been to Easton a number of times. It reminds me of old cities that still have their architectural charm like Cincinnati and Wheeling West Virginia. Both cities are surrounded by hills and turn of the century buildings.
We’ve never stayed overnight before and usually just visit their marketplace, which I wrote about earlier on this blog.
My wife surprised me by booking us a suite at the Grand Eastonian Hotel. They’ve turned a 1927 hotel into condominiums and reservable rooms and suites. Our suite was gorgeous with a balcony looking over the city and also has a heated salt water pool that was amazing.
Home
Surprisingly, the restaurant we made reservations with was directly across the street called Kabinett, which is named after a German style of wine. The meal and service were great. They have an enormous wine list as well. We do suggest sticking with noshing on a variety of apps. My steak, which was $59, came out a bit under done and wasn’t hot. They quickly remedied it, but we liked our apps much more.
https://www.kabinettwinebar.com/
We had a cocktail at a lounge two doors up that played great 60’s r&b that featured some excellent cocktails called Presley’s.
I highly recommend Easton Pennsylvania. If you are seeking a city, feel like New York but want more accessibility and a slower pace, this is a great town to visit.
Easton Marketplace
August 3, 2025
We love taking the trip up River Rd from Point Pleasant to Easton Pennsylvania. Easton is a charming little town east of New York City, with turn of the century buildings, great eateries, and a great and diverse population.
We’ve been to the Easton Market a few times, and I wanted to highlight a few vendors that are absolutely killing it with originally, execution and consistency.
First is More Than Q Barbeque. We decided to get the meat platter for 2 ($42), which is 3-4 meats, 2 sides, all the toppings, which included pickled onions, cucumbers, and jalapeños with two slaws and cornbread. We decided on sausage, brisket, and ribs with sides of Carolina BBQ sauce. The flavors were amazing, and the sauce had a wonderful vinegar flavor to it. Not sweet.
The next spot we tried is Mr. Lee’s Noodles, which is a ramen joint from the folks from Bolete. We tried the BBQ pork ramen ($18). Really great Umami flavor from the Dashi broth and a great, balanced meal.
Finally, we stopped by Cluck-n-Chuck for a dozen amazing east coast oysters ($36) and a fried Gochujang chicken thigh sandwich with fries ($16). The oysters were served with a shiitake mignonet and kimchi with two hot sauces. It’s really great stuff. This, by the way, was on two separate trips. I didn’t want to give the impression that we ate all of this on one visit!
If you are ever in the Easton area, I urge you to try the Marketplace. It has a great mix of vendors.
Easton Public Market
Bucks County Culinary Musings
May 28, 2023
We’ve lived in Bucks County for almost seven years. It’s the second longest stretch that we’ve occupied in the twenty-three years of being married. We’ve come from a city that was seven square miles and hosted over three thousand restaurants which is San Franciso. The borough we currently live in rural Pennsylvania has a population of about eight thousand people and has only fifty restaurants. Most are Italian. Most aren’t great which narrows down our choices on where we want to spend our hard-earned money. There are only so many times you can order red pepper hummus or pierogis before you desire to slowly walk into the deep end of a river. I get it. Pubs and taverns serve a purpose but when you want food that is elevated, you have to seek them out. We did.
I’m a chef at a tavern but I try to create cuisine that sets us apart from our competitors and we enjoy a loyal customer base and great reviews. My background as a chef for years has been working in scratch kitchens that focused on local products from sustainable butchers and farms. There are not too many eateries in Bucks that are dedicated to this type of discipline. It took us many years to eventually find places, but the ones we did stumble upon need to be mentioned. Not all are farm-to-table but their attention to detail, customer service, cocktail, beer, and wine selections made them stand out and are now favorites of ours.
There was no particular order in which we found these gems. Most were simply discovered because they were open on our days off. Most places around here are closed Mondays.
The first place we frequent the most is Heart of Oak Pub in the ground floor of Baci Restorante in Buckingham. The building is gorgeous, built in the 1700’s and has amazing character. Exposed beams, stone-built, and very cozy. The pub mixes its Italian menu with approachable pub fare. They have great pasta, amazing steaks, and a decent, affordable wine list. We never miss their amazing martinis. It is less than two miles from our home.
https://www.baciristorante.com/
Let’s move on to our next destination which is only ten minutes from our home. It’s the Black Bass Hotel. It’s a hundred-year-old hotel and restaurant in Lumberville PA that is nestled on the Delaware River which borders New Jersey. They feature a CIA-trained chef and a robust farm-to-table menu that features duck, lamb, and even great vegetarian salads and entrees. Their cocktail list is amazing and have an approachable wine list. They also have beautiful suites that overlook the river just upstairs from the restaurant. We’ve stayed in their rooms and they are great. Have a wonderful dinner, then head up to the balcony for wine and an amazing view of the Roebling pedestrian bridge and river.
https://www.blackbasshotel.com
Our next gem is literally up the hill from our home. Another Revolutionary War watering hole and former hotel, the Gardenville Hotel is the definition of a local tavern. They have a very robust working-class crowd and a gigantic food menu, a decent yet small beer list, and great service. We always choose the pub side vs the dining room because it’s lively and the locals are extremely entertaining. Add decent pub food and a great jukebox and it’s definitely a must but go early. It gets crowded fast.
The next venture is a trek up the Delaware River to The Riegelsville Inn in Reigelsville PA sitting again, on the Delaware River bordering New Jersey which hosts yet another Roebling-designed bridge. This is another Revolutionary War era building that used to be an inn but now is just a restaurant. Extremely innovative cuisine which features lobster mac-n-cheese, Asian duck breast, and one of the best pork chops we’ve ever had. They have ample outside seating and the bar is very beautiful and comfortable. The service is good. Patience is the key here and they have a lively local patron scene. F-bombs are provided free of charge!
Our next destination is across the Delaware to Lambertville New Jersey. This is about a twenty-minute trip from our home, through beautiful New Hope PA along the Delaware River. This very small eatery features homemade pasta, great salads and appetizers, and half-off bottled wine Tuesdays. We suggest you go early. The joint fills up quickly and the bar area is first come, first serve.
The last but not least new favorite of ours is the Sargenstvilles Inn in Sargentsville New Jersey. Another Revolutionary War Era building that housed many different businesses over three hundred years that was recently bought by a team of professionals with Michelin starred restaurant experience. This by far is the best place we’ve tried so far on our culinary excursions.
Whole animal butchering, hyper local products, a great, affordable wine list and they even have a wine shop connected to the restaurant. Their small plates are our favorite where you can create an entire experience with three to four choices
https://www.sergeantsvilleinn.com/contact/
We realized that you have to put forward an effort to find decent places to eat. Some are a haul, but the rewards are plenty. Carefully crafted cocktails, a well-designed menu that is presented in a casual setting that puts you at ease, and great service at every place we frequent. We can safely say we are regulars at every place I mentioned and all are highly recommended.
Frida, Not Just an Artist…
August 12, 2021
I was fortunate enough to live in an area that had some of the best Latin American food outside Mexico. Peruvian, Salvadorian, and Mexican Taquerias were scattered all over the San Francisco Bay Area. Concentrated in The Mission District of San Francisco was a myriad of excellent and cheap restaurants that put their heart and soul into their kitchens.
Attempting to find places in the Tri-State area I was told about a restaurant in Covington’s Mainstrasse District called Frida, named after famed Native Folk artist Frida Kahlo. The building is beautiful, spacious and also has a taco window, in case you want to grab a quick bite, then sit at one of the many picnic benches in the park.
This wouldn’t be classified as a traditional Taqueria or even an authentic ethnic restaurant. Their claim to fame is “Latin Street Cuisine”. and has many different influences including American. My guess is this is American-owned but pays homage to different Mexican and South American food trends. In the two visits to Frida, the execution was focused and the food was well presented and very good.
My first visit, I opted for a chicken burrito and a fish taco as seen in the pictures below. The flavors are balanced, the plates were nicely designed, the fish was crispy, seasoned well, and hot! My only gripe is when you put wet ingredients like toppings for the burrito, you are then obligated to eat with a knife and fork which causes the paper that is lining the serving tin to shred throughout the course of the meal, thus leaving you with having to sift through the food you are eating to discard the shredded paper.
In order to not have to navigate another burrito paper lining debacle, I decided on four tacos. Two fish, a beef and a chicken. Each one of them had a unique preparation and the beef resembled almost a braised short rib consistency and was delicious. I also ordered the chips and salsa sampler with a tomatillo, peanut satay, and traditional pico de gallo salsa. The peanut sauce was my favorite.
Each visit was accompanied by their house margaritas. I don’t want to get on a soapbox here, but you can serve a shrug-inducing screwdriver, gin and tonic or greyhound anywhere and get away with it. What you don’t want to fuck up are margaritas. I’ve had some of the shittiest margaritas in my time from places I dined as well as places I worked. It is imperative that you put some effort into this amazing drink or you will lose my business. Frida nailed it. Not heavy on the bar mix, the lime juice shined through and you could taste the tequila. Some spots I’ve been, windshield washing fluid gave these drinks a run for their money. No Bueno!.
I suggest early afternoon on weekdays to enjoy a carefree lunch and afternoon saloon. Both times I went around three o’clock and it was empty. By the early evening, the place was packed. I can see why.
Don’t Hate Me Damn It! I Love Fried Chicken!
August 12, 2021
You always read comments from people asking “If you were on a desert island, what three things would you bring with you?” Without getting into any personal details on the other two things I’d bring with me, one thing is for sure that would accompany me would be a well-made plate of fried chicken. Yeah, I know what you are saying. This guy is friggin’ nuts. I offer no apologies. It is an admitted weakness. Especially places that can really execute it well.
One of my all time favorite places in Cincinnati that served some of the best fried chicken I’ve ever had was The Hitching Post which was nestled in the little mini strip mall bordering Hyde Park, Oakley and Norwood. You’d never would notice the storefront if you drove by but the smell of that amazing chicken would be like a Siren’s Trance luring you into the deep fried rocks of Nirvana.
Unfortunately, The Hitching Post shuttered thus leaving me flailing for options to satisfy my need for this amazing dish. There were not many options in Pennsylvania so my hunt for a replacement was on!
I’ve heard rumors of a place in Northern Kentucky that was supposed to have a cult-like following in regards to fried chicken. It was call the Greyhound Tavern on Dixie Highway in Fort Wright Kentucky. I’d never been there before but many family and friends swear by the food.
I decided to take a leap of faith and venture out into the unknown as a solo diner. I sat at the bar, ordered a Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald. That beer went down as fast as the ship itself. Deliciously malty, smooth and with great carbonation.
I didn’t waste any time with the menu. I never opened it. I knew what I wanted. The bartender looked into my eyes, and could see what my soul desired. Their house-made fried chicken.
The breaded four-piece half chicken came with two sides which I opted for Coleslaw and mashed potatoes with gravy. On Monday and Tuesday, they offer an extra side and a biscuit special for a dollar less but when I ordered the special, it was obvious because of the volume, they pre-fried the chicken then heated it up. This time, I took my Nephew and Brother out for his birthday on a Wednesday, and the chicken was made to order.
I have to say, the Tavern became my new all time favorite fried chicken spot. Perfectly seasoned, moist, hot AF, and the sides were delicious. The mashed potatoes were made in-house, and the gravy was sublime. My brother had the chicken as well and loved it. I highly recommend this place but go early. It fills up after five o’clock and was packed when we left.
Places Where I Love To Dine and Why
June 28, 2010
San Francisco has over three thousand restaurants crammed into a 7×7 square mile city. There are some really great places to dine. We find ourselves wondering what’s out there. What would really make our dining experience memorable? Some of the places we frequent just get it. They know their stuff. Whether it’s the menu design, wine and beer list or just attention to detail, they get it. Now you need to try them and judge for yourselves.
Nopa is one of our favorite restaurants in San Francisco. Their commitment to local and fresh ingredients changes daily. They have a wonderful wine and cocktail list and their service is attentive, funky and fun. It’s also nice to be recognized as return guests. Reservations are highly recommended. It gets packed very early.
Sociale is nestled in a long cobble stoned walk way in Laurel Heights. It has a great patio setting when you arrive and it feels like you are dining in a small European bistro. The menu changes frequently and the staff is polished, their wine knowledge is solid and the food is very fresh, very local and imaginative. I recommended for a first date or a romantic dinner.
First Crush Wine Bar and Restaurant
We’ve eaten at First Crush for over five years and it always satisfies. The menu is upscale California-French and changes frequently. The ingredients are local,fresh and very well prepared. The wine program is one of the best in the city and offers great wine flights that are fun and interesting. The staff is seasoned and are attentive but not intrusive. Another great first date spot or for a romantic dinner.
Hey, we all have our guilty pleasures in life and fried chicken is one of mine. There are so many places in the city that offer up this wonderful comfort food but really never deliver the goods. Hard Knox does just that. For about ten bucks you get a wonderfully crispy half chicken with two sides that range from collard greens to mac-n-cheese. The staff is very friendly and homey. The place has a funky vibe to it. Watch out for the power tools!
This Upper Haight haunt is nestled directly next door to the Red Vic Theater. You can miss it if you aren’t looking carefully. The place is tiny with about eight bar stools and a few tables in the back. They are known for their cocktails. Hand smashed ice a plenty but the tattooed drink making dominatrix’s will entertain you for hours. They even have cocktail recipe books at the tables where you can pick a drink from the book and they will make it for you! The menu is small but well thought out. Very funky ingredients like complimentary Togarshi popcorn to beef tongue sliders. Again, it’s small, it gets packed quick but patience pays when you are finally seated. Enjoy one of their local Magnolia brews or a signature mint julep whilst you wait.
Considered a “chain” but you know what? I don’t care! They put together one of the best and biggest rice bowls that we’ve ever tasted. Huge chunks of poki tuna that’s fresh with pickled ginger, shredded seaweed and did I mention rice? All for about thirteen bucks. The service is friendly and attentive and they have a great signature drink list. I recommend their top shelf margaritas. One side note. Parking is horrendous so either try Golden Gate Park or public transportation or you will find yourself circling blocks for hours.
We’ve only frequented the park location of Chow because of the proximity to our Inner Richmond apartment. The food is comfort, with large portions and is made from fresh ingredients. They have a rotating tap beer selection that is very well thought out and even some Belgian ales. We always love the servers who are funky, fun and attentive. The prices are very reasonable and they have outside dining available. There always seems to be space available because the place is quite large inside.
We really like this wine bar. They have a great wine program by the glass and the bottle selection varies from numerous countries. We’ve tried all of their small plates and everything was delicious from flat breads to small salads. Cezar who runs the wine program there is very knowledgeable and will steer you in the right direction with the choice of wines you are looking for.
Whether you just want a burger or house made ravioli, The Richmond is a lovely restaurant located on Balboa st. in the Inner Richmond district of San Francisco. The owner/chef is always making sure your dinner is enjoyable and we had a great conversation about the highs and lows of starting your own restaurant. He was super friendly and gave us very sound information on opening a restaurant. The service was very friendly, polished and professional. The menu was upscale California cuisine and they have a very well thought wine list as well.
Tales From an Urban Chef 