Godfather of Game Day
Draganetti’s Owners Open Sports Bar & (Italian) Grill
Lisa de Felice, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
Baseball season has been upon us for quite some time, and while it has been fun watching games from your 27-inch TV at home, spilling beer on yourself and eating the popcorn off your shirt, it’s time to switch it up a bit.
That’s where Taverna Grill, 2839 Mall Dr. (formerly Jersey’s), comes into play. Taverna is a new sports bar and grill that will be opening in Eau Claire around the third week of June. Owners Joanne Palzkill and family have been in the restaurant business for more than 55 years now (they also own Draganetti’s), and are beginning a new, yet familiar adventure with Taverna.
With close-up, black-and-white pictures of a basketball hoop and football, the bar obviously presents a sports atmosphere (the big flat-screen TVs don’t hurt, either). But as you’ll easily notice, Taverna puts a unique twist on its atmosphere that draws back to its familial owners.
“We’re all Italian in my family,” Palzkill said, beginning to smile. “It’s been an inside joke that maybe we’re part of the mafia.”
That explains the large picture hanging above the bar, portraying a gangster, sitting at a restaurant table, waiting for his food. The image, recalling The Godfather, will certainly catch the eyes of patrons, as if reminding them that he is always watching.
Since the Palzkills are Italian, it should be no surprise that Taverna will serve Italian-American food and a wide variety of wines and beer. The surprise comes from the quality of the menu options (both in-house and take-out deli style). Let’s just say it’s not your typical sports bar fare, with items like flatbread pizzas, paninis, and Draganetti’s signature pastas. Like a sports bar, fortunately, the prices are quite reasonable.
Besides inexpensive food, Taverna will also offer a happy hour and game day specials. There will also be nightly specials as well as a wine night once a week, with discount prices and wine in stemless glasses, European style.
“There’s a niche that people are looking for. It’s a laid back type of atmosphere,” Joanne said. “Whether or not you’re a sports fan, you can still come and have a good time.”
So whether you’re in the mood to watch your favorite team and enjoy great food without having to cook, or if you just have a little Scarface in you and want to be a mobster for a night, you’ll find it at Taverna.
Taverna Grill • 2839 Mall Dr., Eau Claire (next to Festival Foods) • entrees $5-$10 • 835-2845 • www.tavernagrill.com • Outdoor seating, vegetarian friendly, free wi-fi, and catering available.
