(tavernlaw.com) – Capital Hill
How I heard of this place: Initially, I found out about Tavern Law about eight months ago, when I was at a bartending competition at Vessel (heard about this through Rocky). Since then I have heard rave reviews of the food at this gastropub and, now, with a 10% discount offer in hand, I had the chance to try it out for myself.
Type of cuisine: Refined Northwest cuisine.
Ambiance: Speakeasy-esque, the space boasts high ceilings and dark wooden pillars, a navy striped wallpaper in the gentleman’s den and a strange, very large painting of a woman holding a bird on the wall to your left as you enter the doors. The secret upstairs bar is accessible by picking up an ominous, black phone next to the iron door and (possibly) speaking the secret password to be let in. Bar seating available, as well as limited seating at boothed tables.
What I ordered: The three of us dining at Tavern Law thoroughly enjoyed the chilled pea soup ($7) with mint and fennel, topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, at Suzanne’s knowledgable recommendation. We selected two orders of the mac and cheese ($10) prepared with smoked white cheddar and topped with a julienned apple and watercress salad. One order of the Sockeye salmon ($12) over a bed of sweet corn, tomato and basil (also upon Suzanne’s recommendation). A final order was placed for the pork spare ribs ($12) prepared with honey and coriander and served with a jicama slaw. One dining companion ordered tea (which seemed to be an ordeal as our waitress questioned her and offered her syrup-flavored drinks instead) and another ordered a house-made soda, with refill. To end the evening, we placed one order for the lemon sorbet, served over graham cracker crumbs and topped with a blackberry compote ($7).
What I loved: I loved, most of all, the chilled pea soup. The flavor was sweet, light and refreshing and the texture creamy. The bright green color of the soup was very inviting and a beautiful contrast to the stark white dollop of fresh, whipped cream. The drizzle of mint oil added a spark of flavor and hint of spring. The tart and sweet lemon sorbet was also a big hit!
Why I loved it: The food, while portions are small, was delicious. Everything was presented with aesthetic ease and taste that was worth the wait.
Cost: High ($7-$15 for limited, small menu items)