Marlow's Tavern: Upscale Neighborhood Dining
- Piece of Cake Staff
- 11 hours ago
- 4 min read
Written by Lindsay Grohs
Wondering where to go for your next date night? Don’t worry… If you’re in the Florida area, I've got you, or should I say Marlow’s Tavern’s got you. Marlow’s Tavern is not only the perfect date night spot but also the perfect place to indulge in a fantastic meal with quality ingredients, great vibes, and a welcoming environment. This restaurant originated with the idea of creating a neighborhood place where people could enjoy elevated comfort food, handcrafted drinks, and sports bar energy within a “homey” setting. It’s safe to say Marlow’s Tavern has achieved that goal and exceeded guests’ expectations in the process.
The Neighborhood Spot
Opening the door to Marlow’s Tavern feels like going to the neighborhood get-together in restaurant form. With the endless amount of seating options from booths to tables to the bar to the patio, there’s a spot for everyone. The soft lighting creates a comfortable atmosphere that encourages connection among guests, friends, staff, and anyone else who walks through the door. On top of this, the open kitchen layout invites everyone to feel welcome to the meal and dining experience itself. Each dish is prepared with love, making the meal feel like it was made just for you!
What’s on the Table
The cuisine at this place is a combination of flavors I didn’t know I had so much respect for. Rooted in classic American fare with a modern gastropub twist, Marlow’s menu highlights seasonal ingredients and diverse, bold flavors, ranging from burgers and sandwiches to salads, shareable starters, chef-driven entrées, and specialized desserts. Some fan favorites include the Shrimp & Crab “Nacho” Plate, Brisket Grilled Cheese, Shrimp & Grits, Royale with Cheese, Duck Carnitas Spring Rolls, and Truffle Parmesan Fries.
Order Up!
Marlow’s Tavern menu can be summed up in three words: delicious, diverse, and decadent. Choosing what to order was hard because I wanted everything on the menu! In the end, we went with the Shrimp & Crab “Nacho” Plate, Royale with Cheese, and Truffle Parmesan Fries. Together, the meal felt like a unique surf-and-turf experience. I got the rich seafood flavors from the “nachos,” the cheesy gooeyness and juicy meat flavors from the burger, and the truffle kick from the fries.
The Shrimp & Crab “Nacho” Plate is definitely different, but I mean that in the best way! It reminded me more of a flatbread than nachos. Served on a wooden board, the dish arrived sliced into mini “pizza-like” pieces, each one topped with a melty mix of pepper jack cheese, shrimp, crab, and sliced jalapenos. The flavor profile of this dish was unreal. The cheese stood out alongside the shrimp and crab, adding a smooth, mellow flavor that complemented the seafood without overpowering it. The jalapenos brought a nice aftertaste of heat to the plate. While this dish is definitely seafood-forward, it is perfectly balanced with the other textures and flavors brought together on the plate.
The Royale with Cheese Burger was next, and let me tell you… it was to die for! I can easily say that was one of the best burgers I’ve had in my life. I might have to go back again this week just for that burger. The Wagyu beef was cooked to perfection, and by that I mean a beautiful medium-rare with a slightly pink center and rich, juicy flavor. The American cheese melted seamlessly into the patty, like it was made to be there. The pickles on top added a satisfying crunch and tanginess to the palate that balanced the richness of the meat. The burger was brought together by a soft brioche bun that finished off each bite with just the right touch of sweetness and delicacy. Eating that burger was like tasting heaven in my mouth. I’m dreaming about it as I write this right now.
Anyway, moving on to the Truffle Parmesan Fries. These fries came out warm, golden, and crispy—the perfect combo. They were coated in a Parmesan-truffle seasoning mix. While the flavor was definitely there, I could’ve used a touch more truffle. (Admittedly, I’m a truffle lover who always wants a little extra.)
Sincere Service
This outing marked my third time dining at Marlow’s Tavern. Each time I’ve dined there, my expectations have been exceeded by the level of service Marlow’s consistently delivers. And, as someone who’s worked in various restaurant settings, I’m not easily “wowed” by service, but this place is something special. Their staff isn’t just kind, caring, and friendly; they’re genuinely personable. Staff members make an effort to connect with their guests on a real level, not just purely accommodate them. You can tell the team values community and friendship, all of which are a part of what gives Marlow’s its warm, welcoming energy.
Conclusion
I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who’s lucky enough to come across it. Like stopping by your neighborhood party, Marlow’s delivers a warm, familiar energy. The food is fun, the drinks are flowing, and the staff makes you feel right at home.
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