Plymouth’s Tavern on the Wharf is one of my favorite restaurants to enjoy a reliably delicious meal, either for dining in or taking out. With a wide array of menu options, Tavern on the Wharf has literally something for every appetite.
Given its proximity to the ocean, located in the most prominent space on Town Wharf, Tavern on the Wharf is known for its seafood. Take it from me, you must try the clam chowder here. No matter what entree you decide on, start with the chowder. It is thick and creamy, loaded with the good stuff but is not too heavy. It is the perfect balance of substance and flavor.
Popular Dishes at Tavern on the Wharf
Although Tavern on the Wharf is known for its seafood, with its location right on the water, their menu is diverse. Chef Victor shares with us that favorite dishes typically depend on the season. For winter, some of the most popular menu items include roasted Brussels sprouts, fried calamari, steak & cheese egg rolls, steak tips and Tavern Melt sandwiches. In the summer, it is fresh salads, scallops and bacon, seafood risotto, pan-seared salmon, baked cod, and fried seafood. Clearly, in the winter the most popular items tend to be heartier than in the summer.
I have come to tell you about my two ultimate go-to meals though. First of all, tacos are a must-try. Among my favorites are the fish tacos, the Baja chicken, and the steak and cheese. Pre-Covid, Tavern on the Wharf’s taco nights were a hit with half off tacos. It was a night when my wife would go out with friends. I was home tending the kids, but she would always bring me back a few of these beauties. Tacos are a finicky thing. To me they often pale in comparison with the superior burrito. Not at Tavern on the Wharf though; all of the ones I have tried have a perfect balance of flavor.
Chicken Broccoli Ziti
During this winter, I discovered my other favorite dish at Tavern on the Wharf. This is, surprisingly so, the Chicken Broccoli Ziti. Normally, this would not be a meal that I would rush to. My family was looking for an entree to serve the whole crew, so my wife and I chose this. I figured it would be good, but how could this dish be special since it’s such a staple at most places? I was wrong. Their version of this is truly awesome. The creamy Parmesan garlic sauce is not overwhelming and complements the pasta, chicken, and broccoli perfectly. It’s truly delicious.
You can’t go wrong eating in or taking out at Tavern on the Wharf. When I first moved to Plymouth, it seemed that this restaurant location, in spite of a prime waterfront spot, could not hold a tenant. I knew that it had been the Weathervane Seafood Restaurant, and it was Nix’s Mate during my first years in town. For a while it lay vacant before Tavern on the Wharf moved in.
The Tavern as part of the Plymouth Community
Since doing so, they have become a reliable fixture on Plymouth’s waterfront. Sabrina Melchionno, the Tavern’s Marketing Director, relayed to me why being part of the Plymouth community is so important. “We not only work in the community, but we also live and spend a lot of our time here.” The Tavern’s staff has pride in Plymouth since it’s not only the location of their job, but their home as well. This creates an unbreakable tie to the town.
Sabrina credits the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and Plymouth 400 for the amazing promotion of their restaurant and the town in general. She elaborates, “We like to be involved so that our year-round customers have a place to come to that knows them, supports them, and has things in common with them. We do a lot of community outreach and enjoy being able to see our guests in the restaurant and in the community as well.” Clearly, Tavern on the Wharf is the antithesis of the seasonal tourist trap. It is a restaurant that has great food any time of the year and has become a pillar of Plymouth’s waterfront.
If tourists venture into Tavern on the Wharf, they will leave happy, but locals also know that they can get a fabulous meal here, any time of the year. For more information visit them at www.tavernonthewharf.com.
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For more Plymouth restaurants, check out Uva Wine Bar, Hearth Artisan Bread, and the Artisan Pig.
