"Dining with Dills" Radio Review – John Sparr Tavern, Montrose
Good evening, food lovers! Let me take you on a little culinary adventure to a spot that absolutely wowed me: the John Sparr Tavern in Montrose. Now, I didn’t plan on doing a review this week, but sometimes the best discoveries happen when you least expect them. This place isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a delightful experience waiting to unfold.
Picture this: I grab a seat at the bar, and who’s there to welcome me? Clyde. Not just your average bartender, mind you. Clyde has the charisma of a host, the skill of a top-notch mixologist, and aspirations to be the George Lucas of directing. With cocktails like his, I’d say he’s already got the creativity part nailed.
But let’s dive into the food, shall we? I started with the deviled eggs—a dish that can go from ordinary to extraordinary depending on the chef. And let me tell you, these were next-level good. Creamy, flavorful, and the perfect way to start the evening. Then came their interpretation of a Chinese chicken salad. Crisp greens, tender chicken, and a dressing so good it might just be magic. It’s the kind of salad that makes you rethink what salads can be.
Now, let’s talk about the vibe. The John Sparr Tavern feels like a home away from home. It’s warm, inviting, and has just the right balance of sophistication and comfort. Whether you’re looking for a place to unwind after work or celebrate something special, this spot fits the bill.
I’ll admit, I’m moving away from week-to-week restaurant reviews. Let’s just say my wallet and my waistline have voiced their opinions. But I’d be remiss not to tell you about this place. The John Sparr Tavern isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a destination. The kind of spot you’ll want to visit again and again, and trust me—I’ll be back.
So, if you’re in Montrose or just looking for an excuse to explore, make your way to the John Sparr Tavern. Tell Clyde I sent you, and who knows—you might even find yourself in one of his future blockbusters.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Edward Lay
Second time here for an Annual Holiday Dinner. It has all the positives of a neighborhood family restaurant. Staff is friendly and attentive. Food is outstanding here, particularly the steaks. I recommend the New York Strip or Ribeye. Cocktails also great. We found parking very easily.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: New York Steak, Shrimp Cocktail
Anthony J. Naylor
Flawless service and perfect food. The Chef really knows how to make food sing! Can’t wait to return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: New York Steak
David Greenberg
Great little spot in Montrose. You walk in and are transported to a different time and place. The music is usually well aligned with the aesthetic. Cocktails are good, Guinness pour is decent and the food is kitsch and fulfilling. We love the beef stew on Tuesday nights. Everything could do with a little less salt. Staff is always lovely.
Kid-friendliness: Don’t take your kids.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Josh Cohen
Excellent New York steak encrusted in peppercorns. Tender and full of flavor. Scampi appetizer mouthwatering and the thinly sliced toast it came with just perfect. Thank you!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: New York Steak
Milo Sanchez
This has been the most complete dining experience I've had in a long time. The food, cocktails, atmosphere, and service were absolutely perfect!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: New York Steak
Tim Drummond
Francisco took amazing care of us. We were celebrating a birthday and he made us feel like a friends of the owners. We were welcome and Francisco recommended amazing food and drinks for us. We loved the New York Peppercorn steak! Cooked to perfection! Better than high end steak houses in Pasadena! The drinks were strong and delicious. Can’t wait to come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Heather Weir
Love the Tavern! Great atmosphere and service, pro old school cocktails and delicious food. Highly recommend the Patty Melt and the Reuben. Warm welcoming efficient service too. We sat in one of the cozy red leather booths under the cool tin ceiling but the patio looks like a great place to sit too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tavern Burger, Reuben Sandwich with Fries
Deborah Albin
The waiters were very sweet and attentive. They checked on us often and brought our food quickly. I ordered the fish and chips which were fairly typical. The steak salad looked a bit more interesting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Maria Lupe Bustamante
Great place! The food is delicious! I recommend the French onion soup. The service outstanding! Can’t wait to go back.
Had a lovely family gathering at the John Sparr Tavern! It’s the perfect place to have a drink and enjoy delicious food with friends and family! Love the atmosphere, the service was amazing, and the food is to die for!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Flight of Manhattan, Reuben Sandwich with Fries
Exploring Glendale’s Main Street and came upon the Tavern. Had a yummy lunch - really nice salad and glass of wine. Friendly staff!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Maddie Reasner
Came to John Sparr Tavern for a date night and had cocktails, the steak, and the special fish and chips! Food was great, staff was so attentive and kind, and loved the cozy feel of an English Tavern.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brian Purvis
Amazing cocktails and outstanding food. The service rounds out the experience in a relaxing atmosphere.
"Dining with Dills" Radio Review – John Sparr Tavern, Montrose
Good evening, food lovers! Let me take you on a little culinary adventure to a spot that absolutely wowed me: the John Sparr Tavern in Montrose. Now, I didn’t plan on doing a review this week, but sometimes the best discoveries happen when you least expect them. This place isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a delightful experience waiting to unfold.
Picture this: I grab a seat at the bar, and who’s there to welcome me? Clyde. Not just your average bartender, mind you. Clyde has the charisma of a host, the skill of a top-notch mixologist, and aspirations to be the George Lucas of directing. With cocktails like his, I’d say he’s already got the creativity part nailed.
But let’s dive into the food, shall we? I started with the deviled eggs—a dish that can go from ordinary to extraordinary depending on the chef. And let me tell you, these were next-level good. Creamy, flavorful, and the perfect way to start the evening. Then came their interpretation of a Chinese chicken salad. Crisp greens, tender chicken, and a dressing so good it might just be magic. It’s the kind of salad that makes you rethink what salads can be.
Now, let’s talk about the vibe. The John Sparr Tavern feels like a home away from home. It’s warm, inviting, and has just the right balance of sophistication and comfort. Whether you’re looking for a place to unwind after work or celebrate something special, this spot fits the bill.
I’ll admit, I’m moving away from week-to-week restaurant reviews. Let’s just say my wallet and my waistline have voiced their opinions. But I’d be remiss not to tell you about this place. The John Sparr Tavern isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a destination. The kind of spot you’ll want to visit again and again, and trust me—I’ll be back.
So, if you’re in Montrose or just looking for an excuse to explore, make your way to the John Sparr Tavern. Tell Clyde I sent you, and who knows—you might even find yourself in one of his future blockbusters.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Second time here for an Annual Holiday Dinner. It has all the positives of a neighborhood family restaurant. Staff is friendly and attentive. Food is outstanding here, particularly the steaks. I recommend the New York Strip or Ribeye. Cocktails also great. We found parking very easily.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: New York Steak, Shrimp Cocktail
Flawless service and perfect food. The Chef really knows how to make food sing! Can’t wait to return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: New York Steak
Great little spot in Montrose. You walk in and are transported to a different time and place. The music is usually well aligned with the aesthetic. Cocktails are good, Guinness pour is decent and the food is kitsch and fulfilling. We love the beef stew on Tuesday nights. Everything could do with a little less salt. Staff is always lovely.
Kid-friendliness: Don’t take your kids.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Excellent New York steak encrusted in peppercorns. Tender and full of flavor.
Scampi appetizer mouthwatering and the thinly sliced toast it came with just perfect. Thank you!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: New York Steak
This has been the most complete dining experience I've had in a long time. The food, cocktails, atmosphere, and service were absolutely perfect!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: New York Steak
Francisco took amazing care of us. We were celebrating a birthday and he made us feel like a friends of the owners. We were welcome and Francisco recommended amazing food and drinks for us. We loved the New York Peppercorn steak! Cooked to perfection! Better than high end steak houses in Pasadena! The drinks were strong and delicious. Can’t wait to come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love the Tavern! Great atmosphere and service, pro old school cocktails and delicious food. Highly recommend the Patty Melt and the Reuben. Warm welcoming efficient service too. We sat in one of the cozy red leather booths under the cool tin ceiling but the patio looks like a great place to sit too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tavern Burger, Reuben Sandwich with Fries
The waiters were very sweet and attentive. They checked on us often and brought our food quickly. I ordered the fish and chips which were fairly typical. The steak salad looked a bit more interesting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Great place! The food is delicious! I recommend the French onion soup. The service outstanding! Can’t wait to go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Onion Soup
Restaurantji Recommends
Had a lovely family gathering at the John Sparr Tavern! It’s the perfect place to have a drink and enjoy delicious food with friends and family! Love the atmosphere, the service was amazing, and the food is to die for!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Flight of Manhattan, Reuben Sandwich with Fries
Good food, great staff and atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Onion Soup, Smoked Salmon, Creme Brulee, Tavern Burger
Exploring Glendale’s Main Street and came upon the Tavern. Had a yummy lunch - really nice salad and glass of wine. Friendly staff!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came to John Sparr Tavern for a date night and had cocktails, the steak, and the special fish and chips! Food was great, staff was so attentive and kind, and loved the cozy feel of an English Tavern.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing cocktails and outstanding food. The service rounds out the experience in a relaxing atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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