Tavern on Clark: Serving Up a Taste of the Good Old Days

Built upon a menu of classic American cuisine, this steak and seafood specialist hearkens back to the days when a cozy tavern was just the place to unwind.

Tavern on Clark, in Rockford, is particularly focused on steak and seafood. One of its most popular choices is the Filet Mignon Oscar, served with asparagus, chunk crab and shrimp, Bearnaise sauce and Parmesan roasted potatoes.

Tavern on Clark has become a destination of choice for diners who long for the days of a true tavern atmosphere.

Located at 755 Clark St., just off Bell School Road, in Rockford, Tavern on Clark appeals to the community and to those who are visiting.

Behind this vision are Dan Isai and Sam Sabani, who both bring a long list of experience.

“We were born and raised in the restaurant business,” says Sabani, general manager. “Dan also owns and operates Alpine View Restaurant.”

The duo opened Tavern on Clark in 2014 with the intent of offering classic American cuisine at its finest.

“Basically, we are a steak-and-seafood restaurant,” Sabani says. “It’s a concept we both like and enjoy, and we hope the community enjoys it as well.”

Tavern on Clark has the look and feel of a warm neighborhood tavern with all of the latest amenities.

“We wanted to take diners back to the way taverns used to be: friendly and welcoming,” he says.

The tavern’s extensive menu reflects this desire, starting with its top-selling dinners.

“Our 5-ounce filet with a 4-ounce lobster tail is a favorite, along with Salmon Oscar,” Sabani says.

This dish features a fresh salmon filet topped with asparagus, chunk crab and shrimp smothered in Bearnaise sauce and served with Parmesan roasted potatoes.

The rest of the menu provides true American classics, including apricot-glazed rack of lamb, two pork chop entrees and barbecue ribs, which are slathered in a homemade barbecue sauce.

On Friday nights, Tavern on Clark serves up beer-battered cod and baked cod as a dinner or all-you-can-eat.
Be sure to check out the restaurant’s delicious appetizers, like calamari, mussels, Jamaican sea scallops, crab cakes and pulled pork nachos.

Lunch choices include lobster tail tacos and a fresh salmon sandwich, which comes with sweet chili aioli, spinach, roasted tomatoes and pickled onions.

Complete your meal with a selection from the restaurant’s extensive wine menu.

Guests love to check out the tavern’s 16-glass wine cruvinet, which Sabani says is unrivaled in Rockford.

“The cruvinet allows diners to sample exciting, exotic wines by the glass as if they were just poured from a newly opened bottle,” he says. “Our wine selection is one of the most diverse in town, and it’s guaranteed to satisfy the most demanding connoisseurs.”

Tavern on Clark also has more than 30 craft beers to choose from, including local favorites like Pretzel City Amber, which is brewed in Freeport.

For those interested in hard alcohol, the restaurant also has more than 30 bourbons to choose from.
“We’re fast becoming the go-to place for select bourbon and other fine spirits,” Sabani says.

Tavern on Clark is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Indoor dining and carry out are also available.

Reservations can be placed by calling (815) 708-7088. View a menu online at tavernonclarkrockford.com.