dutch tavern

The building has housed a tavern since 1906, with a break during Prohibition when the building was used for storage. The building itself is much older. You can feel the age in this place, with its wood floors and tin ceiling. The tavern is small, with a 25-foot bar and no more than a few tables. It’s a place where locals hang out, and many of the people who come here know each other. Strangers are made to feel welcome, as well. This is where my father used to come after work, and where he’d sometimes bring me for the best hamburgers in town. Farther back in time, this is one of the taverns that playwright Eugene O’Neill used to frequent. The antique tables have shelves below the tabletop for placing drink glasses while playing cards. The walls are covered with photographs and memorabilia, changing from time to time. Take some time to look at them to get a feel for the area. For those who love folk art, one of New Orleans folk artist Dr. Bob’s signed “Be nice or leave” signs is hanging on the back wall. There’s no fanfare or anything to point it out; it’s just hanging there unobtrusively, waiting to be noticed. I didn’t get a chance to ask how it got here.I try to make a trip here at least once every time I come home to visit, and the visit this year was no exception. I came with my husband and sister, and we met a friend here for lunch. There is a limited lunch menu, including hamburgers, potato salad, and a soup of the day. Hamburgers are just as tasty as they were in my childhood, and at $3.00, a great value. It costs $.25 more to add lettuce, tomato, onion, or cheese, but it still comes out to be inexpensive for such a great-tasting burger. It has a true “tavern” license, meaning it can only serve beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages; one of the few places in the state to still have one. The Dutch is one of a vanishing breed of true neighborhood taverns, and I hope it sticks around for a long time.

This is a small, intimate, old-fashioned tavern harking back to better days. The staff know all their customers and are, not surprisingly, customers themselves when not on duty. Beer, wine and cider are served-- no hard liquor--so a certain civility prevails. Luncheon menu selection is small but the food is excellent. Homemade soups, chowders, and chili are featured daily. Just the best! Highest recommendation!

Brown yes... historic yes... best burger in town? yes...All on Green Street in downtown New London!Evan thenewenglandcoast.com