Bites Nearby: Get Thee To The Greek

On any given night is jammed packed with happy repeat customers that keep coming back for its fine contemporary American, Greek and Mediterranean inspired food.

The Tara as the locals call it, has been a restaurant in one form or another since the early 1930s. The iconic log building—nestled amongst the trees just off highway 36 in Stillwater—became an official historic landmark in 2008; and if those walls could talk you just might have to cover your ears.

According to legend it once was a hangout for bootleggers and infamous gangsters, the likes of John Dillinger, Al Capone and Ma Barker and her gang.

“We get gangster tours from St. Paul every now and then,” says Nik Barbatsis, Phil's son and the restaurant's dining room manager.

Restaurateur, Phil Barbatsis has owned the Tara since 1997 and over the years has built a large local following.

“It’s a nice community place," Nik says. "We work hard to put out a quality product and people like that. Once a customer comes in they always seem to come back on a regular basis.”

The Tara focuses on fresh, local ingredients and determines its nightly specials by what’s seasonally available.

Head Chef Brad Nordeen has been at the helm in the kitchen for the last eight years—and in the past, he has worked in kitchens from Hawaii to Minneapolis before settling into his current position at the Tara.

The eclectic menu features Greek specialties, pastas, shellfish, sandwiches, vegetarian dishes, poultry and meat entrees.

“Our steaks are fantastic. We cut our own filets and New York (Strips)," Nik says. "The seafood and fish are always fresh and our duck is outstanding, everyone raves about it. Our wine list is extensive, but reachable. There’s something for everyone.”

Phil’s Tara Hideaway is still going strong after all of these years.

The historic roadhouse is one of the few remaining supper clubs in the area and well worth a visit.

To read more of Rebecca's food-related musings, visit her blog.