Crowds of curious residents fill the Tavern on Main in Buda during the soft opening Friday and Saturday. With a full bar and lots of remodeling, the Tavern was the talk of the town for months preceding the opening. Invited guests were treated to a meal while the bar staff tried their hands at mixing all kinds of drinks. The Tavern is owned by Julie Renfro and Reno Lanzillotti who also own Nonna Gina’s just down the street. (Photo by Veronica Gordon)
by VERONICA GORDON
Special guests were treated to a dry-run for the Tavern on Main in Buda last weekend that helped work out the kinks for the staff and for owners, Julie Renfro and Reno Lanzillotti. Renfro and Lanzillotti also own Nonna Gina’s a few doors down from their newest enterprise.
The Tavern on Main is located at 116 Main in the former Main Street Cafe. Just look for the sign with the pig on it.
“Our logo has a pig to represent the assorted pork products that Chef Reno will feature. (The pig is also pretty friendly looking, we think.)” Renfro said. “We used a traditional tavern design layout to represent the relaxed, adult hangout that we intend to be.”
Friday night, the bar was stocked and the food was fresh. Menu items include Caesar salads, spicy shrimp cocktail and steak sandwiches.
“We had a great Friday and Saturday with both invited friends and family as well as passers-by who saw us open,” Renfro said. “We didn’t get out until midnight on Saturday! The turnout was great and we were very surprised when the house filled up for a second time after 9 p.m. on Saturday.”
Renfro said the kitchen had planned to close at 9 p.m., but stayed open for the newcomers.
The Tavern decor is modern and sleek though it seems cramped. Maneuvering between tables was a little difficult as patrons and servers were bumping into each other as they came and went.
“As for kinks, we found some weak spots and changed a few things around,” Renfro said. “Restaurant kitchens (and front-of-house) are ever-evolving! We’ve got a starter menu that will grow as we settle in. We found that this town is very hungry for a place to hang out close to home!”
Tavern hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Renfro said the Tavern will likely be extending weekend hours past 10 p.m.
Tavern on Main
116 Main Street, Buda
