Craft Tavern is a new speakeasy-style bar and restaurant at 101 S. Main Street in downtown Dublin. Photo by John Worthington | The Reporter.
A new speakeasy-style tavern in Dublin is blending modern restaurant fare with the clandestine charm of the Prohibition era.
Located at 101 S. Main Street, Craft Tavern offers craft cocktails and made-from-scratch food in an elegant, vintage atmosphere, with dim bar lighting, tin ceilings, dark wood flooring and brocade wallpaper populated with Prohibition-era photos.
“It’s a little mysterious, a little sexy, but very welcoming,” said founder Tom Peters. “It’s a great vibe for every type of customer.”
Peters, an industry veteran and previous owner of the now-closed Holy Que in Peddler’s Village, said the speakeasy-style pays homage to the building’s rich local history.
“It’s a very old, beautiful building,” said Peters. “We put a lot of effort into revamping the interior, but we wanted to preserve as much as we could.”
Craft Tavern is housed in an old historical building in downtown Dublin.
Founder Tom Peters is an industry veteran and previous owner of the now-closed Holy Que in Peddler’s Village.Conventional fare
Craft Tavern serves conventional American tavern fare, such as crispy wings, a range of burgers and classic entrees. The most popular dishes are the double smash burger, a blend of brisket, short rib and sirloin served on a toasted brioche, and the pistachio crusted chicken breast, served over risotto in a signature garlic cream sauce.
In addition, the tavern will soon be offering weekend brunch. Menu highlights include cast iron frittatas, Japanese soufflé pancakes, cornbread waffles with fried chicken, a Jersey smash burger and salted caramel custard.
“Everything is made from scratch,” said executive chef Ryan Lapsley. “I take a lot of pride in the fact. Quality ingredients go a long way.”
Cocktails include the Sazerac, a classic New Orleans whisky drink and the country’s first branded cocktail, as well as seasonal options like an Apple Lychee Martini.
A waitress takes a table's order in the dining room.
Executive chef Ryan Lapsley prepares food in the kitchen.Community-minded
Craft Tavern officially opened its doors in August. Peters describes business as “great,” citing a positive response to the tavern’s traditional fare and hospitality.
“I think some taverns and restaurants have gotten so out of whack with trying to be creative that they’ve lost the gist of what good food is,” said Peters. “Our menu is a little more traditional.”
“We also have a big emphasis on hospitality and the experience,” Peters added. “Two things people want more of are time and money, so if you’re spending your time and money here, we’re gonna deliver.”
In addition to serving food, Peters expressed an interest in giving back to the community. This month, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, $5 off every Cosmo sold will be donated to Kin Wellness in Doylestown, a free retreat center for cancer patients.
“We’d like to be part of fundraisers, any kind of outreach,” said Peters. “I’m very big on giving back to customers [in need] as well, not just bringing a gift card, but bringing them fresh foods.”
Looking ahead, Peters and Lapsley hope to develop Craft Tavern into the go-to spot in Dublin.
“We are not a fancy place,” said Peters. “It’s a speakeasy/prohibition vibe, but we’re for everyone.”
“We will become your friendly neighborly tavern,” said Lapsley.
Craft Tavern is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 4 to 9 p.m., Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 12 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit craftdublin.com
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