Longtime Easthampton restaurant changes focus from fine dining to barbecue

EASTHAMPTON—After 13 years in business, Amy and Larry Guyette, the husband-and-wife owners of Tavern On The Hill restaurant, have changed their menu to focus on barbeque fare and craft beer.

“We want to expand our market and get on the radar of a broader audience,” said Amy Guyette. “We don’t want to be viewed as a special-occasion venue. Looking at the national food trends, we see people moving away from fine dining toward a more casual experience, and we want to bring that model to our loyal customers and to others looking for good food in a fun, casual atmosphere.”

A longtime, local chef, Larry Guyette oversees the kitchen at Tavern On The Hill. Amy Guyette said he has offered barbecue-themed events in the past, and they were successful. These successes, along with the growing popularity of barbeque fare, prompted the two to move toward providing the cuisine on a permanent basis.

With the change, the menu has been pared down to make room for wood-fired meats, while still offering the favorites that regulars have come to love. “We expect our customers will welcome these changes,” Amy Guyette said.

The new menu—which is colorful and whimsical, as is the new website designed by cdeVision of Holyoke, at www.tavernonline.com/—features new house-smoked barbecue items, including pulled pork, ribs and sliced brisket, all of which are smoked using locally-sourced oak for eight to 18 hours.

The brisket is treated Texas-style with only salt and pepper prior to smoking; the ribs and pulled pork are seasoned with a gluten-free, house-made dry rub. Tavern On The Hill serves all its smoked meats “naked,” meaning without sauce. Three different house sauces are served on the side so guests can add it to suit their taste.  

Barbecue entrees all come with house-baked cornbread and a choice of four sides—mac and cheese, collards, cole slaw or pit beans.  

Many old staples remain on the menu, such as the Mt. Tom Burger, Grilled Faroe Island Salmon, Chicken & Wild Mushroom Risotto, and Pumpkin & Butternut Squash Tortellacci. There are familiar appetizers as well, such as Deep Fried Brussels Sprouts, General Tso’s Calamari and a variety of salads.

Tavern On The Hill’s guests can also experience an extensive collection of craft beer, with regular features like Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA and Anderson Valley Brewing Company’s Oatmeal Stout, and an ever-changing selection of brews on tap from brewers as close as Iron Duke Brewing in Ludlow and as far as Stone Brewing in California. An up-to-date beer menu can be found online at bit.ly/2ALhSui.

Tavern On The Hill offers picturesque views of the Pioneer Valley, with the opportunity to dine from the outdoor deck. The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. It is closed on Sundays.

For more information, visit www.tavernonline.com/.

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