+1 860-742-6978
Nestled in the heart of Coventry, CT, Bidwell Tavern stands as a beloved local pub and chicken wings haven, offering a hearty slice of New England hospitality and flavor. This classic tavern is famed for its extensive wings menu—arguably one of the region’s most impressive selections—with flavors that range from the perfectly seasoned Garlic Pepper Dry Rub to the bold tang of Buffalo and the zesty kick of Lemon Pepper. Whether you’re settling in for a small order of their award-winning wings or indulging in a generous Tavern size platter, each bite delivers a satisfyingly crisp exterior and juicy interior that keeps fans coming back for more.
Bidwell Tavern also delights with a varied menu beyond wings. Imagine savoring their rich, comforting French Onion Soup topped with melted cheese, or diving into a bowl of hearty New England Clam Chowder bursting with the essence of the sea. For those craving savory goodness, the Philly Cheesesteak Soup and Chili offer warm, robust flavors, while the Stuffed Mushroom Caps and Mac & Cheese Bites add a comforting, indulgent touch to shareable appetizers.
Signature sandwiches like the hearty Reuben Pastrami piled high with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese, or the crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich crowned with cheddar and fresh lettuce, showcase Bidwell Tavern’s dedication to crafting satisfying pub fare with layers of flavor. Pair these with sides such as Sweet Potato Fries or a Garlic Loaf to round out your meal in the coziest way imaginable.
The atmosphere at Bidwell Tavern channels the warmth and camaraderie of an authentic New England tavern. Customers often describe it as a bustling yet inviting space where wooden beams, a roaring wood stove in cooler months, and traditional décor create a timeless, comfortable setting. The lively bar area, intimate booths, and spacious seating options cater to friends, families, and larger groups alike. Seasonal patios offer a breath of fresh air on warmer days, making every visit feel special and accommodating.
Real patrons recall unforgettable experiences here. The Doak Family fondly remembers the tavern’s warm charm, likening it to what a New England inn might have felt like centuries ago — lively, welcoming, and full of heart, with dedicated servers deftly managing trays amidst the hum of live music. Angie Peck praises the perfectly crispy Garlic Pepper Dry Rub Wings, highlighting the flawless balance of seasoning and heat that keeps her coming back after years away. Loyal fans praise not only the extensive wing flavors but also appreciate the hard-working and friendly service, even during busy evenings, as noted by BRamz.
Bidwell Tavern is more than just a pub; it’s a cherished community gathering spot where nostalgia meets consistently satisfying pub classics. Whether you’re a wing connoisseur, a comfort food lover, or simply looking for a place where the atmosphere feels like a warm embrace, Bidwell Tavern welcomes you with hearty portions, authentic flavors, and an inviting vibe that truly feels like home.
Crowded but warm and comfortable like I imagine a new england tavern was like 200 years ago. Waitress was strong and stalwart, miraculously managing heaping trays of food and armloads of drink through the tables squeezed together around a big warm wood stove while musicians entertained all. A great experience with ample food.
Had a wonderful lunch with my family this afternoon. I haven’t been here in over a decade. They are famous for their delicious wings. You can sit yourself upon arrival in the bar area. Jessie was our server and she was great. We started with the garlic pepper dry rub wings with hot buffalo sauce and ranch on the side. They were seasoned perfectly with the garlic pepper rub. Crispy outside and moist and cooked inside. It honestly didn’t need any sauce but my guys love dipping. The mozzarella sticks were lightly battered and crispy. The cheese pull was great. The mozzarella sticks were served with delicious marina sauce. The shrimp taco was mediocre. The shrimps were on the smaller side and heavily battered. It was served in a soft flour tortilla, cut romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onions and on their delicious coleslaw. It came with a side of tartar sauce which was tasty. The coleslaw definitely saved this dish. I wouldn’t order it again. The tuna melt with cheese and tomato on rye bread was phenomenal! I opted for the coleslaw instead of fries and I’m so glad. The coleslaw is lightly tossed in a mayo base but very refreshing. It has a nice bite to it. I would definitely order this again and would love to try other sandwiches. The cheeseburger was okay. Not the worst and not the best. Cooked medium as requested and their French fries are delicious. Casual tavern ambiance. A bit loud because of the bar but they also have patio dining and a restaurant area in the back. I would definitely return to try more dishes.
Absolutely love this place. The floor plan is split into traditional tavern dining with a bar area, an area for booth and table seating perfect for larger groups, and a seasonal patio area. The food is always amazing, I get the wings more often than not, and they have the largest selection of flavors I've ever seen. Service can be slow depending on how busy it is but the staff work hard and have always treated me and my friends well. They have live music on weekends, and several specials throughout the week, check the website for details.
Update: brought company to this restaurant and was very disappointed in the service we received. The server was very brusque and was not welcoming. When they could not hear what we were ordering, they practically shouted at us that we need to speak up. On the other hand, the food we selected this time was very good. I highly recommend the pot roast, stuffed mushrooms, clam chowder and of course the chicken wings. This establishment has been around for a long time and is well known for their chicken wings. I was very pleased with the chicken wings that I ordered, buffalo and bang bang. Size of the wings were good and meaty. Unfortunately, I wish I could say the same for the entrées. Both entrées looked appealing but were on the bland side. The vegetables used in the entrees seem to be frozen and not fresh, which is a bit of a disappointment, considering the price. Portion sizes are large. The soup I had was excellent (Philly cheesesteak soup). Service was great and the atmosphere was pleasant on the patio. There is a little bit of parking next to the building but the larger parking lot is located towards the back. I would definitely come back for the wings and soup, I do not recommend the prime rib or chicken bidwell if you want flavorful food.
So this place has a long-standing history with me, going back to the early 1989, some 36 years ago… I brought my girlfriend who is know my wife on a date here, actually on Valentine’s Day. :-) Back then I heard an advertisement on the radio which made it sound good, romantic, so I made a phone call for directions and broke out the road Atlas. Yes, the map. There was no Google back then.. I was excited and made directions for Coventry and we made a visit. Our food was great then, the bar area features an older type setting, the late 1880s, historical. The food and drinks have always been good here, this is a busy place in Coventry but with a stop. Our next visit here, we will sit at the bar. Cheers everyone and Happy Easter.
Great food and good service. The garlic loaf appetizer and the baked potato flatbread pizza was delicious. We don't come here often but whenever we do, we have a great time.
This was a recommendation from a couple of friends mentioning a really good wings. Love Coventry due the market and motorcycle rides, so, I planned to stop in this place for lunch. When we arrived the places give you the impression of a 1800 building, lol, and yes, has been there for a while. The decoration it is traditional American. We ordered wings because was the recommendation on the place and so far it have been probably best wings so far in CT, if not wrong they sauce and refried the wings something that love it, perfect crisp, perfect temperature, and a lot of flavors, we order mexican spicy and the green giant (I believe was the name), we sayed that well take some left over to home but we end the plate. If you dont like wings the menu is pretty big, I saw salads, burgers, wraps and more (gumbolaya). I do recommend this place 100%