Tag: Foodies LX: The Compass Tavern

Thwarting the winter weather this February, a small group of Foodies ventured into the Canal District to enjoy dinner in the bar at The Compass Tavern. Here are

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Chicken Vegetable Soup and the Mozzarella and Tomato Salad from Compass Tavern

Mozzarella and Tomato Salad from Compass Tavern

Upon entering Compass Tavern, the first thing you see is a huge mahogany, square-shaped bar surrounded by exposed brick walls that are decorated with sports pictures. You also see a blackboard with the evening’s drink specials. At first glance, Compass Tavern looks like the perfect place to eat and watch a sporting event–there are TVs everywhere.

We were seated immediately. Our waitress greeted us warmly and requested to take our drink order right away. The menu consisted of typical pub fare with a large appetizer section that made my mouth water.

For my meal, I selected a bowl of the Chicken Vegetable Soup and the Mozzarella and Tomato Salad. The tomato and mozzarella arrived stacked high and surrounded with mixed greens tossed with plum tomatoes. There was a basil balsamic vinaigrette drizzled on top too. The tomatoes were fresh and the mozzarella was delicious. The mixed greens added the perfect touch. Plus, the salad was so large that I left some to take home. My soup had plenty of chicken and a lot of squash, which I am a huge fan of, however, I wish there were some green vegetables in the soup. It also could have been much hotter.

Our waitress was funny and attentive. She answered all of our questions and shared her favorite menu items. She specifically pointed out that all of the appetizers were amazing. Overall, the service was fast and she was always there to fill our drinks.

I would definitely come back to sit at the bar and watch a game. With all the TVs and a super large bar, I don’t think there would be any issue finding a good seat. As for the food, I would definitely order one or two of those amazing-looking appetizers!

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Homemade Lasagna in the Canal District

Homemade Lasagna from Compass Tavern on Harding Street in Worcester

I have heard plenty about the Compass Tavern but I had not ventured down to see it, or taste it, for myself, which is why I was really looking forward to our Foodies visit this month. A few different restaurants have been in this space over the past few years but it certainly looks like the new owners invested significantly in renovating the space.

fried calamari from Compass Tavern on Harding Street in Worcester, MAWalking into the main dining area, you are greeted by a gigantic rectangular bar centered in the room with plenty of booths and dining tables around it. The open room has a warm, comfortable feel to it with exposed brick walls, rich wood finishes, and even some Blackstone Canal black and white photos to add authenticity.

The menu is a mix of traditional pub-style comfort food with a few special twists. My dining partner and I started with one of our favorites: fried calamari. For my main entree, I ordered the Homemade Lasagna. The large plate of calamari arrived quickly and our table devoured it. The lightly fried squid was tender and the mix of peppers and sauce was delightfully spicy! My main course arrived just as we finished the calamari. The lasagna square was large and filled with tasty cheese, ground meat, and sausage. The sauce was a bit sweet, but it was not overly rich or spicy. Overall, the dish was well-prepared and satisfying. My comfort food extravaganza was paired with a few ice-cold Wachusett Bella Czech Pils draft beers to make my night complete.

Even though our party was a bit smaller than a normal Foodies gathering, we can be a bit demanding, but our server took everything in stride. The food came out timely and the drinks were served quickly–and with a smile every time.

Overall my experience was very good. If you are looking for a solid, pub-style dining experience, the Compass Tavern is certainly a great choice. For me, I will be a bit more adventurous and order one of the less traditional comfort food choices next time.