Ben Eberhardt, the operator of the Colgate Inn and the Hamilton Inn, opened No. 10 Tavern in Hamilton this past summer. Located at 10 Utica Street, the No. 10 Tavern replaced the popular bar and restaurant Nichols and Beal. No. 10 Tavern has a bar but instead focuses on the food it serves. 

With options ranging from the Ale Battered Fish and Chips to the classic No. 10 Burger, the No. 10 Tavern seems to offer classic pub food with a twist. The Grown Up Grilled Cheese, listed under the sandwich section of the menu, is “dressed with creole remoulade and a toasted french bread.” And you won’t find a classic mac and cheese here. The mac and cheese served at the No. 10 is called Mexi Mac & Cheese, and comes with queso, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream and tortillas.  

The No. 10 Burger, described by my waitress as the signature food of the restaurant, is perhaps the most conventional item on the menu. Although it contains two four–ounce patties of house ground beef, along with a No. 10 sauce, it tastes just as good as any other

juicy burger. 

My burger consisted of a sesame seed bun, the patties, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, cheddar cheese and a top and bottom layer of the No. 10 sauce. When I first received my burger, I was slightly concerned because special sauces always ruin the juiciness and taste of burgers for me. It had the color of honey mustard, but the consistency was not as thick, and the taste was a lot less powerful. As a result, it complemented the burger nicely.

I ordered the No. 10 Burger with a side of fries instead of salad. The fries were very thin, but not too salty or plain. Although they weren’t filling considering their size, they didn’t distract from the main meal either. 

The prices at No. 10 Tavern are reasonable, with main courses ranging from $12.99 to $14.99, while burgers are $9.99 (with the exception of the No. 10 Burger, which is a dollar less). The most expensive sandwich, the Fried Oyster Po’ Boy, will set you back $10.99. 

The service was no exception to the good quality of the food and prices. My server was very nice, and I received my food promptly, only about ten minutes after ordering. 

What No. 10 Tavern makes up for in food and service, it lacks in atmosphere. The No. 10 Tavern is made up of two rooms. When I walked into the first room, I immediately noticed the bar at an angle in the far left corner. Plasma flat screens lined the wall, playing different sporting events. Besides the TVs, tables, chairs and the occasional

decoration, the room felt very bare. 

The second room located to the right off the main room, had a few black and white pictures on the walls. The sparse decor seemed more geared toward a slightly older crowd. However, the paper tablecloths on every table were topped off with a bowl of crayons. 

The No. 10 Tavern provides good but not traditional food at reasonable prices. I would recommend visiting during dinner hours with family when they’re in town.