Recently when friends suggested we meet for lunch at Tavern 22, I wondered where and what it was.
A tavern, really?
Yet, I was more than pleasantly surprised at the setting and had one of the best lunches I’ve had in a while. I could have licked my platter clean. More about that in a minute.
Tavern 22 Neighborhood Grill (3401 Northern Valley Place NE) has been on the Rochester restaurant/bar scene since October 2021. Initially the spot was intended to be the third location for the Roosters restaurant chain. They however dropped the project.
Enter restaurant entrepreneur Scott Schneider and developer A. J Hawkins. Schneider was no newcomer to the business having been the force behind the former Rookies and Wicked Moose, popular local spots a few years ago.
Tavern 22’s broasted chicken is pictured Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, in Rochester.
Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin
Tavern 22 is its own definition of a tavern offering all kinds of options to customers in addition to food and beverages. First off, it’s large — 7,100 square feet inside. Beside having an impressive bar there is also a covered patio that can seat 50. Two fireplaces add to the outdoor ambiance. Inside are games like darts and pool.
With football season underway the place is in full gear. There are 18 televisions all around so customers can watch whatever team wherever it is playing. Schneider even has the capability of cutting off advertisements. When the Vikings play the place rocks. He has also added raffle drawings for all sorts of prizes and events during those games.
Interesting too is that many alumni groups come through the season to cheer their college teams on, one being a large group from North Dakota State. If things get a little too loud, there is also a large dining area, perfect for families, seniors and those folks wanting a bit less action.
What is certain to get your attention is the decor, which consists of a variety of taxidermy wild animals. As you enter there is a large mounted white polar bear. Among others around the establishment are a moose head, cheetah, grizzly bear, elk and lion as well as exotic birds.
But that’s not what draws the crowds.
The menu is extensive with something for everyone from the pickiest eater on up. I ordered the broasted chicken from the lunch menu. It came steaming hot and crispy with mashed potatoes and gravy, and a side of coleslaw. Next time I go — soon, I hope — I’d have a hard time ordering something else. It was that good.
Truthfully, I would have been happy with anything on the menu. So many choices, so little time. Among the multiple temptations are appetizers (17 options), salads, the aforementioned broasted chicken, flatbreads,, tacos, burgers (10 choices), rice bowls and entrees.
There are also separate categories for seniors and kids. If you are wanting a particular item they likely have it or will fix it for you. Customer favorites include chicken wild rice soup, chili, the rice bowls, boneless wings, potato salad and the salmon, which comes as an entree or added to a salad.
Everything is made from scratch.
Can’t decide? The staff is more than happy to help and make recommendations headed by Brenda York who as general manager pretty much runs the place.
On weekends they serve breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon. .
As you are looking for places to go and things to do, add Tavern 22 to your list. You”ll be happy you did.
Tavern 22 Neighborhood Grill
Location: 3401 Northern Valley Place NE.
Kitchen Hours: Sundays 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (breakfast is offered until noon); Mondays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesdays-Thursdays 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fridays 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.;
Saturdays 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. (breakfast is offered until noon).
Contact: Visit online at
Tavernon22.com
or call 507-258-4445.
Post Bulletin food writer Holly Ebel knows what’s cookin’. Send comments or story tips to
life@postbulletin.com
.
Post Bulletin food writer Holly Ebel knows what’s cookin’. Send comments or story tips to life@postbulletin.com.
Dining and Cooking