Tavern on the Summit
225 Summit Blvd., Suite 100 (at The Summit shopping center off Hwy. 280, between Cahaba Heights/Vestavia and Inverness area)
298-1222
Lunch and dinner. Casual/conservative dress. A stylish, semi-upscale tavern. Burgers, soups, salads, steaks and seafood. Some of the most delicious artichoke dip we've had anywhere, but it is very noisy, especially in the bar. A December 2006 review in City Scene called it "a convenient stop for hungry, thirsty shoppers in the original section of the Summit." The review gave high marks to the spinach and artichoke dip, prime rib sandwich with horseradish sauce and Burgundy mushrooms, shrimp bisque, bacon burger, chicken salad melt, and the "incredible" hot fudge brownie. However, a strong hickory flavor overwhelmed shrimp, fish and pork chop selections, and the fish and pork chop were somewhat dry, reported the reviewer.
Deborah Lockridge
in Birmingham Restaurants: 280 Corridor
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4 Comments
Reader Comments (4)
We went to the Tavern on the Summit late on a Saturday night. It was not very busy and we were seated very quickly. We ordered some chips and salsa, which arrived at our table very quickly. The salsa was good, not too spicy but still full of flavor. The waiter had offered to bring us more salsa, which we said OK but when the runner from the kitchen showed up with a whole new order of salsa and chips, we explained that we just wanted the salsa. The runner than informed us that the extra salsa and another chips and salsa order was the same price, so we politely declined both. I had the Oriental Chicken salad with a peanut dressing and my wife ordered their grilled chicken sandwich. The salad came already tossed with the dressing with a small piece of cheese bread. The dressing was a little spicy but still good. The grilled chicken sandwich had a lot of flavor and it came with a side of shoestring fries. Overall the food was great and wait staff was very attentive and good -- except for the slight omission regarding the price of the extra salsa. (May 2004)
For the price, steer away from this place. The prices rival the much better "Village Tavern" on the bottom of the Summit, but food quality is on par with O'Charley's...
I should note, we had an outstanding server, by the name of AJ, who we've seen pop up in a few restaurants here in Birmingham. Not sure if he is still at the Tavern, but his serving style makes it all worth sitting through the sub-par food.
Ordered wine & steak, came with salad and baked potato. Quality average, ok, price too high for the quality. Problem is......NO BREAD was served with the meal. Asked manager why no bread and learned that "complimentary bread is not provided with meals." Inasmuch as bread IS a staple with meat and potatoes, we asked why bread was excluded and received the following answer: "Me and my partners decided not to offer it." Well, that certainly answered my question in full. Manager was abrupt and obviously unaware that bread IS A STAPLE with full meat and vegetable meals. The city is full of good restaurants that know this. My wife and I eat out 4 to 5 nights per week and love the many breads available at the many good restaurants(yes, it comes with the meal!) We will never eat at the Tavern again. The manager should eat out more often.
This place is not outstanding, just average. But they have a fish sandwich that I like, and they are open on sundays. The atmosphere is kinda cool and sometimes there is a piano player.