Settle Down Tavern has seemed like a trendy hangout from the get-go, even during the pandemic. Though I haven’t had a chance to belly up to the bar and have a drink, I have been wowed by its food menu.
It’s bar food taken up a notch or two. Take for example the cheese puppies ($8), which are about 80 percent cheese curds, 20 percent hush puppies. In other words, it’s a cheese curd with a slightly crunchier and sweeter exterior. They’re greasy in a good way and oozing with cheese. What an incredible opener for your meal.
Another appetizer I tried was the devil birds ($2), which are soft-boiled eggs that are meant to resemble deviled eggs. It’s a stark contrast in taste and texture, with the creamy yolk and fluffy mustard alongside the crunchy papriko panko.
I love burgers with smashed patties, and when I saw such patties in the Good Idea burger ($9), I knew I was in for a treat. The patties, which were a little salty, are topped with a tangy/savory Settle Down sauce, semi-sour house pickles, melty butterkase cheese and fried onions. I can just imagine washing this burger down with a cold pint. By the way, have another napkin ready.
The Polka Patty ($9) also has a lot going on. The centerpiece is a fantastic Underground Meats summer sausage, which is paired with sauerkraut and an excellent whole grain mustard. It’s probably the first time I’ve ever had summer sausage in a sandwich, and I liked it.
Some days have specialty sandwiches. The one on Wednesday is the Cuban ($14). While pricey, the sandwich is made using Underground Meats products and is one of the best Cubanos I’ve ever had. I took a bite of each of the individual meats separately, and Underground did not skimp on quality or flavor. The toasted bun holds it all together.
Tuesdays feature the Carolina fried chicken sandwich, Thursdays have the chopped cheese sandwich and Fridays have, of course, a fried fish sandwich.
Settle Down Tavern is open currently for carryout, lunch and/or dinner Tuesday through Saturday and brunch on Sunday.
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See more photos in our Settle Down Tavern Flickr album.
