Review: Bonnie Brae Tavern

I've driven past the Bonnie Brae Tavern many times since my family moved here in 1991. I'd never given it a thought, until last week when a friend recommended it as a quaint little family-friendly eatery. I have given it a thought, actually. Now that I live in the area and drive by quite frequently, I have wondered once or twice how such a drab, dated building in such a posh area can still stay in business.

Well, now I know. The place it totally cool. As in cool-daddy-o. It's like stepping back in time when you walk through the door. An open room is filled with teal diner-style booths, and a bar runs the length of one wall. It was bustling with wait staff and patrons. It seemed like every booth was full although we didn't have to wait.

While the Tavern is not in its original location, it has been in business since 1934. The menu gives a nice little history of the place. And my friend was right, it's very family friendly. There's a vast kids menu and the friendly wait staff promptly made sure there were high chairs and crayons all around. The food was tasty and served swiftly. My husband loved his root beer, burger and fries, and my daughter raved about her spaghetti (especially the meatballs!). Just one criticism of my club sandwich: it didn't have any mayo on it. I mean, the two reasons a person gets a club are the bacon and mayo, right? Fortunately they were able to provide it on request.

So go, check out that drab-looking diner at University and Ohio. Get a taste for what it was like in the 50s, as well as a delicious burger and fries. Just remember, you have to ask for mayo.