Tun Tavern

Torrington

Rhode Island

2.1/5  rDev -41%
vibe: 2 | quality: 2 | service: 1 | selection: 3 | food: 3 | $$$

It all started off because I am getting married, and for my bachelor party I really wanted to drink some good beer.

I am from RI, so the drive was approx. 319 miles, but I have some relatives from NJ, and it is something I don't get to do very often, so that was OK. We get to Atlantic City about 5 O'clock, wait for the rest of the guys to show up, then head off to dinner. We didn't have to drive since our hotel was connected to the brewery.. I thought man, I must have died and gone to heaven, the brewery is connected to the hotel, and you don't even have to go outside to get there. Needless to say, we were expecting to drink gallons and gallons of beer, but that wasn't the case at all. We get there, everyone smiling, sharing stories, just really glad to have everyone there. There was an un-welcoming feeling about the brewery, but that wasn't going to stop us, since we really had our heart set on this place. The rest of the guys and I had the impression that the waitress really didn't want to be there, which as you all know, can sort of kill the mood. Again, no problem, we were not going to let that stop us, so we ordered a few pitchers of beer, we got a pale ale and an IPA, and sampled a couple of other beers for the next round. The beer was mediocre at best, really not what I had remembered. The IPA was all bittering hops at about 60 IBU's with some flavor and no aroma hops, really just a smooth bitter taste, which really isn't my style. The lager I sampled was around 20 IBU's, I thought was was kind of weird, the BU:GU ratios seemed off.

I know what you are thinking, how could that really be a big deal? It wasn't, that was the good part, think about that, that was the good part, some mediocre beer I could have brewed without even trying.

Now the waitress comes over and asks us what we would like to order for dinner, well without hesitation, i was thinking that porterhouse that I saw on the internet hours before we drove down sounded really good, and why not, its a customer favorite. After I said I wanted it, everyone at the table said, wow, that sounds great, the best man said, I think porterhouses all around. The waitress stops us, and says, we haven't had that porterhouse in months. We all thought how strange that was, why even have that on the menu, and how is it a favorite if they didn't have it in months. At that point, I was, well, disappointed, but its a brewery, and I will make due. Make due? those were my thoughts? anyway, she said the next best steak is the cowboy, again, everyone agreed, again the best man said, cowboy's all around. So we waited, drank the pitchers of beer, had a great time talking and such. The food comes out, awesome, we were hungry, they look great. Wait a minute I thought, where is my steak, then I said, excuse me, where is my steak? the chef comes out, and says, oh yeah by the way, we were one short... what? one short? and you couldn't have told me that before you made them? so they ask me what I want to do, well.. . I came for the porterhouse, settled on the cowboy, and now I have to choose something else? I don't know... my cousin hands me his dinner, I said, no that isn't right, he said please, its for your bachelor party, I said OK, thanks, but didn't feel right about taking it. The chef says, I brought you a quarter pounder, I thought a quarter pounder, what is that? a hamburger? then as it passes me, I see that it is some other kind of steak, and continues to say and I quote "be happy with that". Huh? be happy with that? we were in Atlantic City , that wasn't the only place in town.. Nobody at my table knew what to say, we have never been treated like that anywhere in our life, especially in a town where expense is not a concern, they will charge $25 for a napkin. well un-fortunately, we were really hungry and ate the steaks, during which the manager came over and to be honest, didn't really know what to do. I'm not saying the manager was at fault, but he was green. So our steaks are getting cold, so the best man says, why don't you come back when we are done eating. He comes back, but what can he really do at this point? we were insulted and all feeling like this is the last place we want to come back to, 319 miles away or not. All he did was comp us for a couple of pitchers of beer and the steak we never ordered, thanks, thanks a lot, and believe me, that is said with as much sarcasm as I can. Oh, and by the way, the chef never came out to apologize for being so rude. So with that we decided to go somewhere else for the rest of the evening, instead of staying there.

12-04-2008 19:10:23 | More by Torrington

MutoidMan

New Jersey

2.3/5  rDev -35.4%
vibe: 3 | quality: 2 | service: 3 | selection: 2 | food: 1.5 | $$$$

My wife and I patronized the Tun Tavern for the first and most definitely last time yesterday, and we were terribly disappointed both by the food and the beer.

We ordered their beer flight/sampler as we do at every brewpub we visit, and were disappointed to learn that they only give you five stingy 3oz samples even though they feature at least seven styles, so if your desire is to try all of their beer styles you need to order two samplers. I thought their beer styles were generally okay, but not good enough to bother going back for.

The food was also just okay. For dinner we ordered the Brew House Chili and the Colonial Chicken Club, both of which were okay; that is, they weren't bad but they also weren't good enough to merit their prices. For dessert we ordered a Granny's Warm Apple Cobbler, a Chocolate Decadence, and coffee. Except for the decent ice cream that came atop each dessert, the desserts were definitely sub-par. The coffee was okay.

The bill was a few dollars short of $50.00; at that price, mediocrity just doesn't cut it.

My advice is to steer clear.

08-13-2009 18:53:02 | More by MutoidMan

blitheringidiot

Pennsylvania

2.38/5  rDev -33.1%
vibe: 3 | quality: 2.5 | service: 2 | selection: 2.5 | food: 2 | $$$

After driving two hours down to A.C. and two hours back, here is the scoop on Tun Tavern.

You better be ready to pay $9 to park in the lot next to Tun Tavern to "enjoy" these brew pub beers. Walk across the street and through the big doors to walk back to the bar. Of course, typical supposed "hot" chicks work behind the bar. They are working harder for a tip than for the enjoyment of the patron. My gal couldn't wait to ask if she could take away my sampler but when it came to getting another beer, I needed a flare gun and a burning boat.

The entire selection was Light Ale (refreshing), Irish Red Ale (hard candy), Pale Ale (light citrous), Nut Brown Ale (nutty), Stout (watery), Weissbier(?), and finally an IPA (cascade). The best of the beers was the Light Ale(go figure) and the IPA. The most popular beer was the Coors Light tap. (rewind!) wahhh??? Yes they serve it on tap with Budweiser.

My BA bud had the cheesesteak. He said that it was OK. We split chicken tenders and wings that we ordered "hot" and BBQ flavored. The wings were undercooked pink with a smattering of honey sauce. WEAK! The $6.50 plate of chicken tenders had THREE (count 'em) THREE chicken tenders on a lettuce leaf with a plastic cup of honey mustard. The food was more of a rip-off than a bad $10 blowjob by an A.C. dumpster diving crack whore slooty-hoo.

A five beer sampler was $6. That was average for the surroundings, but beyond that, this place is a rip. Despite being a brewpub junky, this place was hardly eyebrow raising. As far as "Could you bring your Mother here?" I wouldn't bother because this place will not receive any more of my ducats.

Last call: Maybe this place has better nights with specialty beers, but the night I spent my dough, it was sub-par at best.

Beer is good. Happy better beering.

p.s. The sign out front reads _UN Tavern. Aptly named as in Not a Tavern. Scrod brewpub!

08-14-2005 04:58:33 | More by blitheringidiot

donniecuffs

New Jersey

2.42/5  rDev -32%
vibe: 3 | quality: 1.5 | service: 3 | selection: 2.5 | food: 3 | $$

I was split in judging the atmosphere of this place. On the one hand, it was a nice, spacious restaurant that highlighted historical military artifacts. On the other hand, it was jam-packed with tourists who neither added nor detracted from my experience. The food was no better than a chain restaurant's, and the quality of the beer was not good. The only standout that I've had just recently was the Hefeweisse (A-). Service was friendly, but in short supply. In short, this establishment is another example of one which benefits from a slam-dunk location. If you want better beer, hit the Firewaters beer bar in the Tropicana Marketplace for a great selection of quality brews.

07-27-2009 16:22:07 | More by donniecuffs

bebopkola

New Jersey

2.5/5  rDev -29.8%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 2 | service: 3 | selection: 2 | food: 4 | $$

Stayed at the Sheraton for the AC beer fest this past weekend. Me, my girlfriend and another couple stayed met up with another group of friends and had an early dinner at the Tun Tavern. We were a large group and they weren't taking reservations because of the beerfest. The food is pretty good, it has your usual burgers as well as some more exciting dishes. But it's sad that the food is the only good thing to talk about at a brewpub.

While I was there I had their pale ale, IPA, and their Simcoe Red on cask. The pale ale was very bland and dissapointing, the color was a odd orange color and had no aroma, the hop flavors that came out seemed almost like a pilsner hop style. Soo strange. The IPA was probably the weakest attempt for an IPA I've ever drank. There was no hop aroma or bittereness.

Later that night I went back after the beer fest and decided to try one more beer, the Simcoe Red ale. Now when I think of Simcoe I think of Weyerbacher's Simcoe beer, this was again a huge dissapointment, no hop flavor and extremely bland. I'm not sure what hops they put in the simcoe red but there sure didn't make it to the final product. Everyone in the group had pretty much the same reaction to their beers.

Honestly, I was really dissapointed in this place. It's in such an awesome location, the food is pretty good, but if it's a good beer your looking for I wouldn't recommed looking here.

03-23-2009 15:30:46 | More by bebopkola

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

3/5  rDev -15.7%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 3.5 | selection: 2.5 | food: 3 | $$$

As the only brewery/brewpub in the area for many miles, it would be nice if the Tun Tavern stepped up their game, but they seem pretty complacent. Atmosphere is pretty general and sportsbar-ish. They have a decent sized bar and a good amount of tables. The bartenders were friendly though maybe a bit distant. Their beer is all house-brewed, with a general spread of different styles. The beers are decent, but none are really distinctive or great. The food is decent...standard comfort foods mostly. Prices are a bit steep for what you get. You might be better off going to the casino for free drinks, and at least a chance to get your money back.

Save your receipt for free parking in the adjacent lot.

05-11-2011 21:08:45 | More by Rifugium

Keith238

New Jersey

3.03/5  rDev -14.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3 | selection: 2.5 | food: 2 | $$

I'm finished with this place. I used to recommend them but I won't do it anymore. They just don't care. The owner holds a staff meeting in the middle of the day and in the middle of the restaurant so that the bartender makes the 3 patrons at the bar wait for service when the whole staff could have crowded around 1 of the empty corners of the bar. The food doesn't get cooked as ordered and I've had it with the lousy selection. They got my last 20 bucks yesterday.

A- Fun place with a diverse crowd, especially during the day. Large open bar room with most of the brewing equipment visible and some of it in the bar area.

Q- The quality of the beer isn't quite up to par with a few other brew pubs I've visited but I do stop in most times that I'm in AC, which is a few times a year, so it's not that bad. Leatherneck stout is always consistent and is my go-to beer there.

S- Service used to be decent. The girls behind the bar are still very friendly when they get around to you.

S- Selection is where I have a problem with the Tun. During my trip there last week they had all of 3 of their own beers on tap, Leatherneck Stout, Tun Light and Dopple Bock. Personally, I expect more from a working brewery. They have a dozen commercial beers on draught but don't seem to take the pride that others take in serving their own product.

F- Last few times I've been here I've tried to keep a good opinion of the place. Now I'm done. If you can't serve a burger to order you may as well stop serving food. Medium well isn't supposed to be red let alone cover the entire plate with blood and grease.

V- Pints are about $4.50, not bad for home made and not bad for commercial beers in the AC area, especially when you consider a casino bar will rob you $8 or more for a domestic pint.

updated 6/17/09

03-21-2008 08:37:44 | More by Keith238

corby112

Pennsylvania

3.05/5  rDev -14.3%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 2.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3.5 | $

This brewpub is in the Sheraton Hotel where my wife and I are staying in Atlantic City. I've been there twice already, once for a meal and once just for drinks, and thought I should post my review.

The atmosphere is very similar to a chain restaurant/sports bar with a lot of televisions and a big open space with a very large bar. The brewing equipment is close to the ceiling or behind a wall all the way in the back of the restaurant. It's kind of dark in there which I usually like but there are also some neon blue lights for "atmosphere" which were kind of cheesy.

When we went to eat the food was pretty good but the service was mediocre. Nothing bad but we did wait for nearly twenty minutes before anyone came to greet us. Other than that it was average. The service at the bar was much better, although we did have to wait again for a little while before anyone acknowledged we were there. Once attended to the service was friendly and the bartenders made sure we had a drink in front of us.

They had about eight of their own beers on tap plus standard macros but I felt that many of the beers were a bit watered down and light bodied. I had the Oktoberfest which was pretty weak and the All American IPA and Leather-Neck Stout which were decent. I wish I had more time to sample the other beers but the bar closed. I'll probably go back tomorrow and sample some more.

I was pretty excited to find a place in AC that had good beer and am glad that I got to check this place out. Nothing too exciting but worth checking out if you're in the area. On a side note, there was a guy named James Klapp playing acoustic guitar, mostly covers of classic rock songs but every once in a while he threw in some nice indie stuff like Sufjan Stevens and Radiohead. I was drinking my IPA and was shocked when I heard the beginning of Bulletproof. Supposedly he performs there regularly and adds a bit to the atmosphere.

10-10-2009 07:38:58 | More by corby112

GnomeKing

Pennsylvania

3.28/5  rDev -7.9%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3 | food: 4 | $$

Parking is now free: there's a lot on Michigan Ave, which runs along side of the Tun Tavern, whose tickets the Tun Tavern will validate (although sometimes the lot is unattended and free for all). This is a recent development, and other reviews on the site may not reflect this.

Now, onto the beer. The IPA was good, although the hops were a little too strong. A solid 3.5 beer. The place isn't fully committed to being a brewpub. It serves Bud and Coors Lite, even though it makes its own light beer. It also serves beer in frosted glasses, and the beer itself is a little too cold. Well, I guess that's a compromise to a broad customer base, but I did take a little off my quality score for these sins. The selection of beers was on the small side.

The building is nice, with blue walls and heavy doses of wood blending nicely. There's also a nice patio. The female bartenders were hot, which is nice. (I have to call it as I see it.)

My cheeseburger was very good and was served quickly.

So, I like the Tun Tavern more than some other BAs, and I do think it's nice for a quick stop before you hit the casinos. Don't go to AC just to go there, but if you're in town, give it a shot.

09-06-2005 02:28:42 | More by GnomeKing

ajr24

Pennsylvania

3.29/5  rDev -7.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3 | selection: 3 | $$

The atmosphere upon walking in was welcoming. On a random Summer Thursday night, the place was relatively empty and welcoming. The vacancies were inviting...

Securing a couple seats at the bar was key. The time/space my friend and I racked up was great... we sampled whatever was available and got pints of what we figured was appropriate. I was a fan of their Boardwalk Brown. Very tasty!

The service was scant yet attentive. The bartender was occupied with various other tasks besides us. However, it didn't matter how attentive she was, we felt that we were served nicely. The quality, in my opinion was fine. It was pleasing at the same time curious. I feel they are aware they have improving to do.

The selection was OK. For the Summer selection, it was decent. The Robust Stout and Boardwalk Brown were MUST try's for me.

Food I cannot comment on. It seemed that it was served late and it looked good... but that's all I can say.

Prices were legit.

07-04-2009 07:31:59 | More by ajr24