Nestled in Liberty Township at the intersection of Old Sawmill Rd and Powell Rd, The1801 Tavern is a hidden gem perfect for gatherings with friends and family. This sports bar, with its 23 TVs and cozy neighborhood vibe, features a spacious bar and an open-air atmosphere enhanced by garage-style doors leading to an outdoor patio. Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting a Restaurant Review event here, where more than 50 Muirfield residents gathered to sample a wide variety of the tavern’s food offerings, making for a lively and delicious community experience.

The tavern was founded by childhood friends Matt Cochran and Josh Barkhurst, who bonded over their shared love for cocktails. After years of searching, they found the ideal location with a kitchen to bring their vision to life. Named in honor of Powell’s establishment year, 1801 Tavern combines their passions for sports, mixology, and delicious bar food.

Recently, the tavern has revitalized its kitchen with the addition of Chef Nyya. Hailing from Annapolis, MD, Chef Nyya began her culinary journey in restaurants after high school. Her love for cooking flourished as a kitchen assistant while in college. She pursued culinary school, gaining experience from renowned mentors and specializing in whole animal butchery, scratch cooking, and allergen-safe meals. As head chef at 1801 Tavern, she is eager to support the owners in expanding their offerings.

The full-service bar boasts an impressive selection of beers, bourbons, scotches, and seasonal cocktails. On our visit, bartenders Eric and Kate created a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring everyone enjoyed their drinks.

Our culinary adventure began with appetizers like crispy truffle fries, Stromboli Bites, Brussels sprouts with balsamic reduction, and bone-in chicken wings with unique sauces. The Hand Crafted Pizzas showcased creativity, with chewy crusts, savory sauces, and generous toppings. We savored the House Red, House White, Bella Italia, Spicy Pepperoni, and Garden varieties, each a delightful choice.

The sliders and rolls transported us to the Mediterranean and East Coast with their bold flavors. The Caprese Sliders featured juicy tomato, creamy mozzarella, fresh spinach, pesto aioli, and tender spiedie chicken, drizzled with balsamic glaze. The Maine Lobster Roll, made with fresh lobsters processed in-house, was a standout, served warm in a hoagie bun.

We ended our meal with the indulgent Chocolate Cherry Mousse, a light and sweet treat. Every bite was savored, and the experience left us eager to return. The1801 Tavern is a must-visit, where you’ll find something to enjoy, no matter your choice. Visit www.1801tavern.com for specials and events.