Brooks Tavern: Tryon vs Hendersonville

This is going to be a short article, mostly image-based. I want to say right up front, I’m a fan of both Brooks Tavern locations. Both have warm and cozy feels. Same menus, but definitely different spaces.

Hendersonville is a smaller space, therefore less seating. Choose between booth or bar seating, plus a couple tables. Original brick walls, lighting and bar design set the tone. It’s been a local hang out since it opened.

Tryon has a lot more space with multiple table/chair seating areas, a piano in one of them, and bar seating. Tables are topped with black tablecloths, that along with lots of older brick & rock walls & wood beams, add to the knotched up, but relaxed ambiance.

Eight of us met for dinner at the Tryon Brooks Tavern this week. It was a very early dinner, so there weren’t many people in the house yet. I took advantage and took lots of pictures to share.

Not pictured, because we immediately dug in, are two Appetizers. Both were very good!

Deviled Eggs: classic creamy stuffed eggs with paprika and a sliver of Brooks famous candied bacon.
Fried Mushrooms: fresh mushrooms hand breaded to order, then deep fried golden brown, served piping hot with their homemade Ranch dressing.

Lower level entrance at 10 Oak St, Tryon, NC

Love the planters leading to the entrance.

The bar.

Brooks Classic Meatloaf: a long-time favorite of Brooks dwellers. This scratch made in-house recipe made there and served with their homemade mashed potatoes and gravy, with a side of fresh broccoli.

New York Reuben: the classic New York Deli sandwich on toasted Marble Rye Bread stuffed with corned beef, sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing. It's served with their chips.

What looks like a lit cubby in the wall was originally a coal shute..

Monte Cristo: thinly sliced smoked Virginia Ham, slow roasted turkey breast, smoked gouda cheese, deep fried until golden brown, then dusted with powdered sugar and served with a side of raspberry dipping sauce (like jam), and served with their hand cut french fries.

Old Fashioned cocktail.

Piano in the back dining room.

Cobb Salad: freshly cut romaine with ham, bacon, blue cheese crumbles, hard boiled egg, tomatoes, onions, an avocado slice, and served with the dressing of your choice.

One of the seating areas.

Fish and Chips: They have small and large portions. This is their small portion of Atlantic Cod, battered by hand. Served with their hand cut french fries and cole slaw.