Bites Nearby: River Tavern Epitomizes The Farm-to-Table Movement

Have you been to Chester recently? You might want to give it a try one night and treat yourself to a special meal at River Tavern.  Let’s eat out! 

Restaurant name: River Tavern

Address: 23 Main St., Chester

Phone number: 860-526-9417; www.rivertavernrestaurant.com

Cuisine: New American with an emphasis locally grown foods

Price range: $7-$28

Why you should go right now:  Two words: the food. Yes, River Tavern offers some tempting specials – half price wine on Monday and Tuesday, half price cocktails on Wednesday, and kids eat free at Sunday family dinner. The staff is friendly, and the atmosphere cozy yet contemporary. But you can’t go wrong with the food here. Owner Jonathan Rapp, a dedicated farm-to-table chef, has made a name for himself with his “Dinner on the Farm” series of meals cooked, eaten and celebrated on the grounds of local farms, including Madison's Barberry Hill Farm. Every day is a farm day at River Tavern, though, with specials built upon Stonington fish, locally produced beef and chicken, and just-picked fruits and vegetables. While the menu is ever-changing, the “don’t-miss” standards on any menu include the made-to-order guacamole and the date pudding with dark rum caramel sauce and whipped cream.