I’m a creature of habit. When I find something I love, I stick with it – especially when it comes to food. My husband, Scotty, and I enjoy dining out, even though we cook a lot at home with the kids. We always make time for at least one meal out together, no matter how busy life gets. I love discovering new spots, but I also appreciate having a go-to place where I know the food will be consistently fantastic.
Lately, my go-to for a casual lunch that never disappoints is Flagler Tavern in New Smyrna Beach. Whenever we head there, I already know what I’m ordering. First up, a Coastal Mule (below). This drink is made with ten-times distilled Deep Eddy Vodka, fresh lime juice, and ginger beer, garnished with a sprig of mint, a lime wedge, and candied ginger. The presentation is spot on, served in a chilled copper mug with the fresh mint and that game-changing candied ginger Honestly, candied ginger should be a requirement for all mules – it’s that good!
Next, I always get the corn rib appetizer (below). It’s a specialty, so they can sell out quickly, and I almost regret telling you about it because I want to make sure there’s enough left for Susan Sigler and me next Sunday!
A corn rib might sound odd, but trust me, it’s the appetizer you never knew you needed. They take corn on the cob, slice it into four “ribs,” toss them in Mexican inspired spices, and grill them to perfection. They’re topped with fresh herbs and served with a creamy ranch-like dipping sauce. The best part? They’re easy to eat and won’t get stuck in your teeth, making them perfect for sharing. I highly recommend them!
For my lunch order, I always go for the Greek Salad with Blackened Chicken (featured left). It’s a delicious mix of grape tomatoes, shaved onions, chopped cucumber, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and pepperoncini, all served on a bed of romaine lettuce tossed with lemon vinaigrette dressing and topped with perfectly seasoned blackened chicken. The flavors are always on point and never disappoint.
If I’m there for dinner, I switch things up and order the Teriyaki Bowl. You can choose between chicken, shrimp, or a mix of zucchini and yellow squash, all served over a bed of lemon ginger jasmine rice. The dish is loaded with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, steamed carrots, and sautéed peppers, all finished with a flavorful teriyaki glaze. I usually go for the chicken – it’s absolutely wonderful. For those looking to keep it gluten-free, just skip the teriyaki glaze. And if you’re vegetarian, opt for the zucchini and squash; it’s equally delicious!
No matter where we sit inside the tavern, I can always get my favorite dishes. Sometimes we like to sit outside and watch the street, while on Sundays, you’ll usually find us in the main dining room. For our “day dates,” we tend to hang out at the Indigo Bar, tucked away at the bottom of the stairs. And if we’re going for dinner, we head upstairs to The Bounty. It has this swanky vibe that’s perfect for a date or meeting up with friends. If you haven’t checked it out yet, the ambiance is unbeatable!
If you try any of these items, post a pic and tag #tasteof386 so we can share your posts. Happy eating!
FLAGLER TAVERN
414 Flagler Avenue
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
(386) 402-8861
FlaglerTavern.com
*Corn rib photo provided by Flagler Tavern Facebook.
