Last night I got a chance to check out the new Towson Tavern, an upscale bar/restaurant that opened earlier this month. The tavern is owned and operated by Scott Recher, who runs the neighboring Recher Theater and Rec Room and Patio.
It’s hard to believe the tavern occupies the space where all the Rec Room pool tables used to be. What used to have the feel of a dingy pool hall is now all dark wood, comfy booth seating, antique photos, low lighting, and jazz on the stereo. The drink and light fare menu reflects this upscale feel with $8-9 cocktails and dishes like pork lollipops and crab gratin.
They have a decent selection of bottled and draft beer. I tried a Towson Tavern Ale (produced by Anheuser-Busch), which Recher brought over from the Rec Room and has a has smoky, coffee-like flavor. Also on the drink menu is the semi oximoronic York Road Cosmopolitan, a $9 concoction of Grey Goose, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime.
I grew up in the Towson area and am all too familiar with the bar scene. But Towson Tavern seems to be an oasis amongst the crowded college bars on the York Road strip. It’s a Towson bar for adults, which was reflected last night in the laid back clientele who came to enjoy fine dining and quality drinks in a posher-than-usual setting.
[Image credit: Tyler Waldman of Towson Patch]