|
|
The Ligonier Tavern
Ligonier Tavern offers elegant atmosphere in
historic setting
by
Karen Fetter
Visiting the Ligonier
Tavern in historic downtown Ligonier offers a
unique, elegant atmosphere. The full service
restaurant is set in a turn-of-the-century
Victorian house located along West Main Street.
“We use only the finest, freshest ingredients in
all our dishes, and our service is
extraordinary. We are dedicated to giving our
customers complete satisfaction,” said Peter
McKay, owner.
The Tavern has an extensive menu that includes
appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, dinner
entrees, seafood, pasta, desserts, and a kids
menu. McKay said that the chef prepares
outstanding fresh fish meals each weekend that
have been a complete success with the public.
|
“We are constantly
working on our menu to try to give high
quality foods to our customers,” said McKay.
“All meals are made fresh daily.”
There are three main dining rooms available
to meet any specific need. Whether you want
a fine meal or are celebrating a special
event, the Ligonier Tavern has the perfect
accommodations.
Also, the McKay’s have renovated the second
and third floors for private dining or
banquets. Jessamine's Parlour is a very
intimate room decorated in an elegant
Victorian theme, ideal for parties of 12 to
16 people and perfect for an intimate dinner
for two. |
Takers Menu
"In addition to the banquet rooms and
dining services, the Tavern offers an
in-house bakery and a quality take-out order
service known as Takers.” |
The Wellington Room is
slightly larger than Jessamine's Parlour and
will appeal to the heart of dog lovers because
it is decorated with the Labrador Retrievers, a
McKay family passion. In addition, there is a
beautiful adjoining balcony overlooking
Ligonier's Main Street.
“My wife and I picked certain themes to decorate
these rooms based on our own preferences,” said
McKay. “I think the public really enjoys them.”
On the third floor is the Ramsey Room and Attic
Bar. This room has the original open-beamed
ceiling with a warm and friendly atmosphere. The
largest of the three rooms, it can accommodate
up to 70 people, and even larger groups for
popular cocktail and hors d'oeuvres receptions.
The Ramsey Room also contains the Attic Bar. In
the far right corner of the Attic Bar is The
Turret, or Witch's Hat. This is a popular nook
for more intimate conversation. For larger
events, the spacious Millcreek Hall can
accommodate gatherings of up to 275 people.
In addition to the banquet rooms and dining
services, the Tavern offers an in-house bakery
and a quality take-out order service known as
“Takers.”
“The bakery provides desserts of all kinds
including pies, cakes, cookies, and breads.
Takers provides hot dinners or boxed sandwiches
and fresh salads for a family of four. Sometimes
families do not have the time to sit down and
have a home-cooked meal together. Takers offers
a well-balanced, home-style meal at a price
everyone can afford,” said McKay.
Menu items for “Takers” includes: chicken pot
pie, lasagna, pork roast, meatloaf, pot roast,
fried chicken, baked Nantucket whitefish, baked
ziti and stuffed shells.
The Ligonier Tavern has much history behind its
location and building. In 1895, Mr. William J.
Potts, the town's first mayor, built his family
a Victorian residence on this site. This was the
first home in Ligonier with indoor plumbing.
Then in 1927, Mr. And Mrs. James Calderelli, Sr.
purchased the house from the Potts' youngest
child, Odie, and refurbished the building to
incorporate a restaurant, bar, and lodgings for
weekend visitors. The establishment was known as
the Lincoln Hotel and Restaurant and survived
numerous renovations through two generations of
Calderellis according to McKay.
In 1976, Wally and Rita Krieger along with their
six children, Heidi, Rob, Eric, Kurt, Kary, and
Kris, purchased the landmark from Bunjo and
Esther Calderelli. The Kriegers added the
screened in porch for summer dining pleasure and
Rita increased the size of the menu. Then in
1982, Heidi and Peter McKay purchased the Tavern
from her family. They have extensively remodeled
the building adding a solarium, 2nd and 3rd
floor banquet rooms, and new kitchens. The bar
was replaced with a bakery and take-out area.
“We love the Ligonier area and being in
Westmoreland County,” said McKay. “We’ve had a
great success here and want to continue our
dedication to give our customers outstanding
service.”
So the next time you are planning an event,
luncheon
or just a romantic evening out, visit Ligonier
Tavern.
Everything is homemade utilizing only the finest
ingredients
to prepare beautiful, delicious dishes.
Call 724-238-4831 to make your reservation
today.
|
