ITHACA, N.Y. — Downtown Ithaca’s culinary landscape expanded recently with the opening of Tavern on the Commons, a new eatery located on the ground floor of the Hilton Garden Inn at the corner of Seneca and Tioga streets. The tavern opened during the Apple Harvest Festival weekend, replacing Kilpatrick’s Publick House, yet preserving its iconic Céad Míle Fáilte mural, a Gaelic welcome greeting, according to 14850.com.

The venture is spearheaded by Tim Gammons and Chris Washburn, with Matt Rachun serving as manager. Collectively, the trio brings nearly 50 years of experience in Ithaca’s dining and nightlife scene. Both Gammons and Washburn are Ithaca College alumni who have deep roots in the local community, having worked at establishments like Moonies and the Second Floor. Washburn recently assisted with the reopening of Lot 10, another local club, which is now under new management.

Tavern on the Commons features a straightforward menu of classic pub fare, including burgers, fish fry, pulled pork, and sandwiches. Highlighted menu items include the Baja Burger, featuring bacon jalapeño jam, priced at $10, and the Tavern Burger at $8. Appetizers include Brussels sprouts with bacon and maple glaze, as well as hot honey-glazed carrots. Although vegetarian options are currently limited, the tavern plans to expand the menu to include more diverse offerings.

Chef Steve Mead, previously of Coltivare, oversees the kitchen. Mead plans to introduce rotating entrée specials and daily lunch sandwiches, all in keeping with the tavern’s commitment to reasonably priced, à la carte offerings.

In addition to its regular menu, the tavern provides breakfast and banquet service to hotel guests and visitors of the Hilton Garden Inn. The bar offers a selection of local and domestic beers, including Lucky Hare’s Millennial Falcon, Middle Ages’ Syracuse Pale Ale, and Sloop’s Juice Bomb. The wine selection is expected to grow in the coming months.

While not marketed as a sports bar, the tavern has multiple TVs for flexible viewing options, recently screening a Mets playoff game on request. Plans are in the works for karaoke, live music, and DJ performances on weekends.

Tavern on the Commons is located at 130 E. Seneca St., within the Seneca Place building. The tavern is open for lunch and dinner daily, with extended hours until 1 a.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays.

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This article was originally reported by NoahWire and edited for publication by GPT4.