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    Ivoryton Tavern

    4.0 (72 reviews)
    Open 3:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

    Ivoryton Tavern Photos

    IVORYTON TAVERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Ivoryton Tavern

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    6/25/22 Menu page one.
    Jim C.

    6/25/22. The Ivoryton Tavern is a cute little, warm & welcoming dive bar in the Ivoryton section of Essex. It's a good, clean, honestly family friendly place. There was a couple with their pre-teen son seated at the table next to us at lunch today. I hadn't been here in a few years and, thankfully, little has changed in either the interior decor or menu choices. Just great pub grub in an eclectic, comfortable setting. I went with a "little burger" today (little meaning a full 1/2 pound of ground beef) with cheddar, bacon, and mushrooms after a bowl of their delicious chili. It was all just as I recalled, which was just fine with me. No reason to screw up a winning formula. I'll make a point of getting back here sooner than later.

    Crock of chili
    Valerie R.

    We were in the area while picking up a gift certificate and wanted to have a quick/non-fancy lunch. We took to Yelp and thought the Ivoryton Tavern would be a good choice. There is not a lot of parking and we did not realize that there was an event at the Ivoryton Playhouse that afternoon. But we got lucky and found a close spot, and got one of the last available tables. It's not a large place and I would think that it would fill up quickly before and after events at the Playhouse, since it's right across the street. I didn't want a huge meal so I opted for a crock of chili. What a great deal! It was a good size and came with a pile of tortilla chips. For only $4.50, it was a great lunch. My husband got a crispy chicken quesadilla which was enormous!! Jam packed and bulging with veggies and chicken. The sauce on top was tasty too. It was easily enough for 2-3 portions. He ate a good chunk of it but took some home and had that for dinner. We also shared some onion rings, which were very good. They're apparently known for their burgers, and we did see a few get ordered around us that day. I could not believe how large the tavern burgers were! I also couldn't believe people were able to finish them! I can't wait to go back and try some more items off the menu. So many things ordered around me looked amazing - from the burgers to the grilled cheese or BLT. They also had some festive seasonal drinks that I would love to go back and samlDefinitely give it a try if you're in the area and want a low key meal!

    Mike G.

    I really wanted to like ivoryton tavern, but I have several issues. First, it's cash only, come on its almost 2023, no I don't want to pay 3.25 for your sketchy ATM. Second, they haven't updated their menu in their site. So now smaller portions at the same prices as before, bait and switch. Third, no homemade fries, for a place that is known for its burgers, come on let's get some homemade fries. I got the 1lb burger which was pretty good, but a tad dry. Coors light on draft was 4 bucks, which is pretty good nowadays. They have no parking but there is some public parking down the hill. To the owner, cash only is not a good way to do business.

    Tavern Burger
    Diane C.

    We wanted to quiet quaint place for a drink and some snacks. So we tried this place for the first time. This place is definitely a local bar and everyone seems to know each....sending out warm welcoming vibes. My husband ordered the house Cabernet and I ordered a Moscow Mule. The drinks were very tasty. We ordered the clam chowder which was excellent. We also shared a Tavern burger....so BIG and juicy. We would definitely come back here again.

    Blerta K.

    Tried it for the first time today. Atmosphere was cool, would have been better with some background noise. Felt a little awkward to talk. It was pretty busy for a Tuesday lunch and there was one server on. But she was super attentive. Always checking in on us and she was very quick. She clearly could handle herself. My brother and I both had burgers. They were HUGE! He, of course ate the whole thing but I couldn't even get through half. It was very good and really juicy. They were also kid friendly, had crayons and mats to color on. Overall- I do recommend and I would go again.

    Crispy chicken wrap
    Michelle S.

    A friend recommended this tavern. She said her husband and his friends come here frequently for their burgers, so we gave it a try. We arrived around noon on a Saturday and there were very few people there. Menu was large will a full page of daily specials. I ordered clam chowder, which was loaded with clams, potatoes and celery. However, it arrived barely lukewarm and I asked for it to be reheated. My daughter wanted to try their beef stew. It was an enormous bowl loaded with beef, potatoes and vegetables and served with 2 slices of Italian bread. My husband and I both ordered burgers. Mine was known as "the monster" and they weren't kidding. It was loaded with sautéed mushrooms and and onions, Swiss cheese and bacon. I could only eat half. Burger was tender, despite being well done even though I chose medium when asked how I wanted it cooked. The burger lacked seasoning. My daughter chose a crispy chicken wrap that she enjoyed. As we dined several parties did come in for lunch and someone picked up a takeout order as well. They apparently do a good bar business here. Our waitress had her hands full once the restaurant started to fill up, but even when it was quiet in there she was neither attentive nor very personable. Prices were reasonable. An average lunch.

    We make it a point whenever we are in the area to make this an eating hot spot. Their specials are delicious and reasonable. Great specials

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    2 months ago

    Great food and servce. Love the new hours and renovations. Real feeling of a community bar.

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    9 months ago

    Cute, funky place right across from the Ivoryton Playhouse. Good food, reasonable prices.

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    7 years ago

    Business owner information

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    James C.

    Thank you for your kind words. Looking forward to serving you again.

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    Upstairs dining area

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    Penny Lane Pub - Steps to upstairs dining room

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    Steps to upstairs dining room

    Ivoryton Tavern - pubs - Updated May 2026

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