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Not a good idea

"On the spur of the moment, my sister and I decided we would grab a bite to eat before going home on this warm summer day. We happened upon the Sandwich Taverna, and decided to give it a try.

Upon arrival we were seated, and offered drinks. Our waiter said they had a buffet special, and when I asked what was available, he indicated that I was welcome to take a look. I took him up on the offer. When I went to see the offerings, each lid that I lifted revealed empty pans that obviously needed replenishing. I assumed that they would be refilled within a few minutes and decided to return to our table and wait for the fresh food.

I watched as a man who appeared to be a cook came out and lifted each lid, then returned to the kitchen. I thought he was noting what was needed. About 10 minutes later, I saw the same man come out and again lift each lid, and then go back into the kitchen. I thought that he lost track of what was needed, and thought that the situation would be remedied very soon. After another 10 minutes, the same man came out from the kitchen, lifted the lids, and then returned to the kitchen. Still no food.

My sister and I decided that if we were going to eat anytime soon, we should just order from the menu, and called our waiter over. When we told him we didn’t want to wait for the buffet any longer, he stated “The buffet is being refilled as we speak”. I looked at him, and then looked directly at the buffet, and then looked directly at him. There was not a sole at the buffet.

The staff at the Sandwich Taverna evidently believes in magic and perhaps are trying to perform tricks ala David Copperfield. The man who returned to the buffet 3 times evidently believes that starting at the lids will make the food magically appear. The server evidently has witnessed this trick previously because he did have a straight face when he said that the buffet was being “refilled as we speak”.

I suggest that they perfect the trick before trying it again on unsuspecting paying guests. We left hungry.




"

Not Worth The Visit

Pros: Decor, Parking

Cons: Food is horrible.

"I recently went to the Taverna hoping it had changed from previous bad experiences. I have lived in town for several years and it's convenient. This time I went for the safe choice and ordered a burger. What I got was a greasy undercooked frozen patty like the ones you buy in the grocery store. My wife ordered the Prime Rib, it was cold and fatty. The waitress disappeared mid meal and came back reeking of smoke. When we decided to stay and listen to the band that was coming on, we had to cash out because that waitress was going home and start a new tab with a new waitress who never showed up. We ended up just getting our drinks from the bar. The place has great decor, plenty of parking, and a lively bar area. Go there for the drinks and maybe the band, but not the food or service. Better as a bar than a restaurant. "

Bit Overpriced.

Pros: Good Pizza

Cons: Pricey drinks.

"December 2009, went out for a movie and then decided on pizza and wine. Pizza was real good. Wine glass was slightly half-filled and the $9 charge was not warranted."

Food Bland, Service Slow, Overpriced

"Went for pasta night. The marsala was very bland just like the balsamic dressing for my salad. Asked waiter to bring out my son's food first. He brought it out with everyone elses. Will not go back. Pity... live close by and new to the area."

Saved by the Taverna

Pros: Service, salad and smiles

Cons: Chicken Marsala was very bland

"My daughter and I arrived after a long weekend camping out, looking for some good food. We were sat right away, and our waitress brought over some delicious bread and dip, liked the butter with it better as the bread was seasoned on its own and the dip was pretty garlicky. Was hoping for Prime Rib but no luck so I ordered Chicken Marsala. My daughter ordered a salad and chicken tenders. The waitress was very patient with my daughter's likes and dislikes and her salad came just as she ordered it. The salads were wonderful, crisp, fresh with lots of goodies. great Ranch dressing. We ended up having our main courses packed up because we were so tired to enjoy later. Every one was very accomodating. even gave us the two pieces of garlic bread. Will be happy to go back and enjoy another meal there. Only issue was the Chicken Marsala was very bland, I think only a little if any marsala wine was used in the sauce but there were plenty of mushrooms which I had asked for. Thanks for a good meal! "

A Great Dining Experience

Pros: decor was great, parking adequate, staff friendly and competant.

Cons: didn't notice any, but it was early, and not on a weekend so it was quieter than on a weekend we'd imagine

"We were there about 6pm on a Thursday. The service was great, we we brought fresh warm bread almost as quickly as we'd sat down and after that the service continued to be top notch. Our food was served by the owner, which gave me the opportunity to meet him and tell him I was a winner of a dining card from WKPE... he was very pleasant and welcoming. The food was excellent. I had a sirloin steak which was done exactly as I'd ordered, my husband had a pepperoni pizza.... both meals were delicious. We were again able to converse with George the owner and were impressed with his friendly attitude and will look foreward to our next visit."

only "steakhouse" around

Pros: Casual/Affordable dining in Sandwich

Cons: No more big name bands on Friday or Saturday eves

"Been to dinner at the Taverna a few times, as a matter or fact we had a coming home party for my military brother and they treat their heros right! They say you get what you pay for, well, you get more bang for your buck. The portions are huge! Best steak(and burgers) on the lower cape. The closest to a steakhouse in this area in the Kansas City Steak House in Falmouth. Who wants to walk into a hotel and do dinner if you are not staying there."

FIRST TIME AT TAVERNA

"Went there for Mother's day with my 91 yr old mother. Food was great. We had prime rib and chicken picatta. Large servings resonable price. For seniors the handicapped parking is convenient and bathroom clean and easily accessible. Ask for a table by the window because it can be dark for seniors."

Just plain gross

Cons: Dirty, yuck, gross, not at all a family restaurant

"I live in Sandwich and my sister-in-law and I decided to take our kids, who are 4 and 5 out for a bite to eat before the movies...BIG MISTAKE!! Our waitress was terrible! The owner/hostess sat us in the back next to the bathroom and it took her 20 mins just to cash out our check! The food was nothing great, we had a small pizza and nachos and the kids had pasta and chicken tenders...the meal was $50 and we drank water because the waitress never remembered to bring the adults our martinis! This is my second AWFUL experience...I do not recommend this place it's a DIVE!"

Yum!!

Pros: portions, freshness

"I went there for the first time just the other day for lunch. The Southwestern salad was fantastic! Fresh mixed greens (not that tasteless iceburg). Wish I tried it years ago."

No good news.

Cons: everything.

"My husband and I were invited out with some friends and decided to try the Taverna. The band was terrible and they were charging a cover at the door. The bar staff was generally uninterested and didn't seem care about the customers. I would definitely never think of bringing my children here. Definitely a dive."

Awesome Pizza

"Food is always fas, hot, and fresh. Plus, it has the best pizza in town! Mouth-watering in fact."

love it!!

"great staff, friendly & attentive owner, great food, big drinks, great bands....all around it's a great local place.
not sure why so many people are trashing it??
"

Never a Dull Moment

"I frequent the Sandwich Taverna probably once a month. I've never gone for a sit-down dinner, but for the "nightclub" scene. Mixed drinks are great and always prompt service at the bar. Martini prices are a little above average, but you get what you pay for, right?! Huge dance floor and always a good band playing. Never a dull moment!"

All around mediocre

"I've been here a few times with my friends to hear the band. The first time, I ordered an appetizer that was literally inedible. I'm not sure how the cook can mess up a frozen app that you just have to fry, but I literally couldn't eat it. Never saw a waitress or waiter, even in the dining room. I just ordered drinks or food at the bar. The set-up is terrible for the amount of shows that they have there. The decor is kitsch at best. I don't think I'd go back, even if a great band was playing there. Too many other great restaurants on Cape."

Not THAT bad.

Pros: great staff, awesome bartenders, decent food, great entertainment

Cons: slightly over priced, decent food

"I frequent the Taverna as I live up the street. I have had many of the items on the menu and though it isn't 5 star quality food, it is nowhere near as bad as all these reviews are claiming.

#1. it has a barroom, there are going to be drunk people there.

#2. I have WITNESSED the bartenders shut drunk people off.

#3. How ofter do you actually see the owner out on the floor of a restaurant? When he isn't in the kitchen or in the office, he is on the floor greeting people and making sure his staff is doing their job. Can't say that about the BBC.

To me, it seems like people have axes to grind about this place and come here to give it a bad name. Give it a try and make your own decision."

Inedible and intolerable

"Have tried it twice, hoping that the first time was an abberation. Big mistake. Dark, noisy place, very poor service. The food was literally inedible and we were starving both times. It's barey cafeteria-quality, served cold and is completely unappealing. We kept our choices as simple as possible--I'd never order pasta in a place like this so we tried burgers and chicken. We had to stop at a convenience store on the way home to get some snacks to fill us up, and they were better than what passes for dinner at this dump."

Not Up To Par

"Food was overpriced for the quantity and not that great in taste. Had my 7 year old grandson with me and a few men were at the cashier swearing among themselves and I had to explain their vulgarities to my grandson. If that is the clientelle they attract, I would never go back.It is NOT a family restaurant."

KENO says it all

Pros: none

Cons: it's near my house.

"Keno set's the tone for this place. The only thing missing is cigarett smoke. Food in not tolerable, service is poor, noisy. Stay clear of this place unless your a tourist or a desperate gambler with nothing else to do."

Not a Fan

Pros: Big open area

Cons: Tiny Bar, bad service, bad food,

"I live just down the street from this place and have tried twice due to the conveinence factor, sadly the second time was worst than the first. Menu is lacking, food is bad, wait staff is unattentive, and did I mention it is overpriced. The only time I have gone back was to grab a couple drinks with friends because of the close driving distance to home, and still every time I have left I wonder why I went to begin with, thank god we have the BBC in town."

NEVER HAD A BETTER MEAL

Pros: Ate there many times, never had a bad meal, ever...

Cons: Don't have any...

"I have been there many times since they opened in the past few years and found the service outstanding and the food just as good. Prime rib was great and the only one of two places I would order Prime rib in the mid-cape area."

Gave it a second try, but...

Pros: friendly waitress, decent decor

Cons: prices, food, ability to remedy complaints

" I brought my daughter and grandson here for lunch. The waitress was friendly enough, but when I made my complaints, she offered "no comment". I ordered one of the "specials" for $9.95 (hamburger). I kind of expected a burger like FRIDAYS, or THE 99 for 10 bucks. I received a little McDonalds type burger on toast. The toast was actually burnt black on one side. I think the cook must have been mad at his boss to actually have served this to a customer. No remedy was offered, so I'm crossing this place off my list. GOOD LUCK!"

At least they have Keno

Pros: Keno

Cons: Food/ Management

"Some of the worst food I've been served in the Mashpee, Sandwich area. The only reason we stop there now is to play keno and we just decline the menu when offered."

bad restraunt stay away

"too many drunks,loud music,food is aweful,overpriced,cold,waitstaff very slow"

First time at Sandwich Taverna

"I was happy to go to a place i have never been before with friends but unhappy with the outcome. The most expensive cut of meat i ordered was poorly cooked soaked in fat. The waitress was not up to standards, she even held on to my friends credit card after we payed. We had to ask several times for it back in the course of an hour and a half. We stayed for the band until 1am but never again will I go to this steakhouse. "

What restaurant have the OTHERS been going to???

Pros: Staff is excellent , food is great and its not expensive at all.

Cons: sometimes the music is too loud after 8pm...so, just eat early lol.

"I have been going to the Taverna for a long long time. I find the staff to be attentive, kind, FAST, and LOVE eating there. I have taken every guest (business, family, friends) that come to visit me to the Taverna and they ALL loved the place and LOVED the food. I dont find the staff to be anything but exceptionally professional. I love the Moonlighters that play there. I dont have children so I cannot comment on that..but, my guests have adored going there and ASK to go there each time they visit the Cape. I have had alot of things on the menu and their steaks and burgers are delish. Gator and the rest of the staff are so kind and attentive...the place is clean and the food delicious. I would go there ANYTIME. And I just dont get anyone complaining about it not being crowded lol. I am a true Taverna fan and will continue to go there with friends and family."

hostile manager

"I took my mom for dinner there. When she complained about her mushy pasta the manager came out and told her "take or leave it". This is how we cook!
will NEVER go back."

Wont be going back

Pros: service

Cons: management

"I have been in there a few times with my husband and each time we go in the manager is yelling at one of his wait staff. I find it uncomfortable and unprofessional. The food isn't that great but the wait staff has always been friendly. We won't be going back anytime soon."

Tried Twice

Pros: Close to home

Cons: Service

"Our first time in the Taverna, the place was 90% empty and they sat us in the back corner next to the bathroom door. The waitress hadn't shown up after ten minutes so we left.

On the second try, I sat at the bar where a clearly intoxicated elderly woman would not leve me alone. Moving to a table, I was amazed at how many waitresses there were and how impossible it was to get service. That was it

"

Fabulous

Pros: Great Food, decent prices

Cons: Service was a little slow

"Made my second trip last night and the Rib eye special was wonderful. Perfectly cooked and great tasting. Last time I got the Lasagna and it was one of the best I had ever had. Service could be a litle quicker, but in the Waiter's defense, he had 12 tables (I counted) and still did a great job. The hostperson (who I think is the owner, but not sure) is always right there to help out, he was serving food, filling drinks and just basically making the whole thing a wonderful experience."

Friendly

"Very good. My girls love going here. Portions are great. Even gave our church group buy one get one free on a Wednesday night instead of a Monday night. "

Not a family restaurant

"Took my kids in for lunch -- bad idea. The place was empty, which is uninteresting anyway, and the food still took forever. It was also very expensive -- never heard of having to pay extra for a drink for a "kids meal." I felt like we were bothering everybody by being in there, like they didn't even WANT customers. Overall just a weird place. . . "

Getting better

"Gave this place another try since it is so close to my house. Had a much better experiance this time. Food was good and the wait staff was fine. This is not a 5 star place but not a bad place to grab a burger and a beer. I will go back again."

Great place

Pros: food, flat screens everywhere, service

Cons: booths could be bigger

"I'm not sure what the other people rating are talking about. I have been there 2 times in the past few weeks and found the service outstanding and the food just as good. Prime rib was great! I also had the shrimp cocktail with the thai sauce-amazing. I can't speak for the band playing, but can see how that could be annoying. "

Best Place In Town

Pros: Friendly staff & Great Bands

"I totally disagree with all of the other reviews. I LOVE THE TAVERNA. I have never had a problem with my service and the food is fantastic. I guess it's just a matter of opinion."

Gator

"The best part of the dinner was meeting the "Gator"."

Rude staff

"Sat and waited 15 mins. for drink and the staff is arrogant and unfriendly. Will not be back."

Not so much on the "family" aspect.

Pros: Good food, Overall the staff are very pleasant and nice, decor is nice

Cons: It's marketed as a family restaurant, but it's really not family friendly at all

"I think the Pizza is great and the burgers are tasty, however, I'm not pleased that the Taverna advertises itself as a "family" restaurant.

When I've brought my children there, I've found the staff at best tolerates them. We've had to wait a very long time for our food and twice, my kids food came out after ours. Anyone serving children knows you don't delay on the kid's meals.

Once when a "family night" was advertised on fliers, I arrived with my children to a surprised staff and a very loud band. The waitress shoved us off in the corner, away from nearly everyone and even mentioned that she wasn't used to seeing kids for the band.

???

I don't mind this kind of service in a restaurant that is known for being an adult venue...however, it displeases me in a restaurant that tries to market itself as "family".

It's really not a good place to bring kids. I don't find it a good "family" restaurant at all. I stick with Seafood Sams or Bobby Byrnes when I know I'm bringing my kids out. I don't feel like my children are a burden or an inconvenience in those places."

Not Great

"We went here only because we had a gift card and I live in Sandwich. The food was average, and I thought it was expensive, a rip-off actually. We did get take-out pizza there about 2 months prior and the pizza was horrible, again another gift card."

Disappointment

Pros: parking, bread

Cons: limp food, too loud, too crowded, slow service

"Too loud, too crowded, slow service. Food was unremarkable, seemed microwaved. After food was delivered, never saw the waitstaff until we asked for the bill.
"

How is this place still in business??

Pros: good live music

Cons: overpriced greasy food

"This "taverna" really should just be a bar on Comm. Ave in Allston: loud music, bad food, too many gold chains on the owner. So many good places to eat on the Cape. This ain't one of them."

Love the Decor hate the food and hate the music, what a waste

"We live right in the area and were so excited when they were about to open. I have tried it three or four times and every time it has been fair to terrible. Not how I want to spend my money. One time we were seated with my elderly parents and they set up this band around us and started playing this loud music. They should make up there minds what they want to be.. a good restaurant or a night club. Keep your eye on the target when you try to be too much or capitalize everywhere you fall short on the other end. Get your act together and be the great steakhouse you could be!"

Bad Service

Pros: None

Cons: Awful Service - Rude Staff -

"I've been to the Sandwich Taverna a few times and the service in the bar area is always awful. Slow, indifferent and just not an enjoyable time. The only thing worse than the service is the strange awful orange color they painted the building. I'm guessing the place is owned by the Chef and thus not a clue on how to run a restaurant."

Poor Service Food Fair

"Long wait times and after a long wait with not many customers, the food is like eating warmed up left overs. Should have the name steakhouse removed it does not know what a steak is. At least it is fairly cheap because that is what you get"

Way too much emphisis on the band

Pros: Files the hole

Cons: Band, space, Keno, Food

"Cant get seated because of the band, can't hear because of the Band, and I'm guessing the cook can't concentrate because of the Band. Food is ok for Tourists(they will eat anthing cheap). Give us something different. About as kid friendly as a a razor blade."

Too loud

Pros: Convenient location for locals

Cons: Too loud, and food is inconsistent

"I gave them 3 seperate tries to win me over with food, and now i only go in to have a drink if I'm not planning to have a conversation. They cram in a band in the bar area, so if you are not dining, you can't hear yourself think if you just want a relaxing drink"

Steakhouse?

"This is quite possibly one of the worst restaurants on Cape Cod. It advertises itself as a steakhouse, but good luck getting anything medium rare here. The Prime Rib was fatty, small, and reheated from the previous evening.This place is a bar, and a Dive at that."