Farmhouse Tavern to Change Ownership and Name

After maintaining the same menu for more than 14 years, Doylestown's Farmhouse Tavern is about to undergo major changes.

The bar and restaurant on the corner of North Main and Veterans Lane is under new ownership, and the new owner, Tim O'Leary, plans to shake things up. He's going to start by changing the longstanding establishment's name to O'Leary's Farmhouse.

Until the transfer of license goes through, the tavern's name remains the same. But some of O'Leary's changes already are evident and will be on display as the tavern gears up for its annual celebration of St. Patrick's Day this weekend.

A fresh coat of paint spruces up the small dining room and bar area and a new 12 tap draft system promises to keep the beer cold.

In order to develop a new menu, O'Leary gave chef Dave Bush full reign. "I don't pretend to know how to cook," O'Leary said.

Among the new menu items is the Farmhouse Roast Beef Melt on thick rye bread topped with sauteed onions and Texas petal sauce. O'Leary also plans to add variations of wraps and provide all menu items for take-out.

Some aspects of the eatery remain the same.

The bar's wide selection of take-out beer will continue. And patrons will find familiar faces behind the bar, including bartender Liz Tatarsky.

Tatarsky, 25, will continue to work Wednesday nights and Saturdays despite her full-time job because of her friendships with the customers.

"I love the customers here. Everyone is so friendly and outgoing. They really make you feel comfortable," Tatarsky said. "I'm so happy that Tim's changes kept a lot of the same customers while bringing in a lot more."

Regulars, and brothers, Tom and Ned Mackin said they keep coming back because of the friendly service and camaraderie. "The food is delicious and the price is right," Tom said, "and, they have a great happy hour."

Happy Hour is 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. every night and includes specials such as half price drinks.

As the weather gets warmer, will open up its outdoor seating along Main Street, providing additonal room for new customers to come try them out.

O'Leary encourages customers to use the website's "contact us" section to suggest improvements to make the menu and atmophere better.

"I promise to always answer these e-mails," O'Leary said.

The tavern is looking forward to its annual Saint Patrick's Day celebration this Saturday. The bar will open at 7 a.m. and breakfast will begin at 8 a.m.

Live music will begin at 8 p.m. and run until 11:30 p.m. with $3 Miller Lite bottles and available Corned Beef and Cabbage.

If you go:

• Kitchen hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.,
• Bar open: until 2 a.m.
• Every Friday and Saturday, the Farmhouse hosts live music starting at 9 p.m. with no cover.