Tara's Hideaway - A Stillwater Dining Gem
When you're looking for a meal that truly feels like a special occasion, you know, a real treat for your taste buds, there's a spot in Stillwater that comes to mind. It's a place where the food, from steaks cooked just right to fresh, bright flavors from the Mediterranean, always hits the mark. This charming eating establishment, with its warm, log cabin feel and truly kind staff, makes you want to linger, to just stay a while, and, well, that's a good thing.
This particular eating spot, you see, offers a dining experience that feels both comfortable and easygoing, all within a building that's actually a famous old landmark in Stillwater, Minnesota. It's a place that has a bit of history, a bit of character, and, in some respects, a menu that brings together different kinds of tastes, making it a unique stop for anyone who likes good food. You might find Greek dishes, classic steakhouse options, and even some old-fashioned supper club favorites all in one place, which is pretty cool, actually.
People who have stopped by this place often speak highly of it, too. It’s a spot that has gathered quite a few positive comments from those who have eaten there, showing that it’s a well-regarded choice for a meal out. Whether you’re after a hearty burger you can build yourself or something with a bit of a Mediterranean kick, this place seems to have a little something for everyone, making it a popular pick for locals and visitors alike, which is sort of what you want from a good restaurant, isn't it?
Table of Contents
- Who is Phil Barbatsis and What's His Vision for Tara's Hideaway?
- What Makes the Food at Tara's Hideaway So Special?
- What's the Vibe Like at Tara's Hideaway?
- Where Can You Find Tara's Hideaway?
- How Do People Feel About Tara's Hideaway?
- Getting Your Meal From Tara's Hideaway
- The Story Behind Tara's Hideaway
Who is Phil Barbatsis and What's His Vision for Tara's Hideaway?
Back in 1997, a person named Phil Barbatsis took this building, which had a lot of stories to tell, and turned it into what we now know as Phil's Tara's Hideaway. He, you know, wanted to mix the building's rich past with a fresh, friendly eating spot, offering something new yet familiar to everyone who came through the doors. It's pretty clear he had a specific idea in mind for what this place should feel like and what it should offer.
Phil, as a matter of fact, worked with a cook named Nate Peterson to put together the kind of food and atmosphere that would make people want to come back. His goal was to create a dining spot that respected old ways while still giving people a modern, comfortable, and affordable place to eat. It was, arguably, about making a place where traditions met new experiences, which is a pretty neat concept for a restaurant, wouldn't you say?
Phil Barbatsis - A Glimpse into the Man Behind Tara's Hideaway
Phil Barbatsis is the person credited with bringing Phil's Tara's Hideaway to life. He saw something special in an old building and worked to turn it into a welcoming place for people to gather and eat. His efforts helped make the place what it is today, a recognized spot in the Stillwater area, you know, a real local favorite.
| Name | Phil Barbatsis |
| Role | Founder/Owner of Phil's Tara's Hideaway |
| Year Established Phil's Tara's Hideaway | 1997 |
What Makes the Food at Tara's Hideaway So Special?
The food at Phil's Tara's Hideaway is, well, pretty diverse, actually. You can get a steak that's cooked just right over a flame, giving it that really good taste, or you can go for something with those bright, fresh flavors from the Mediterranean region. Every meal here feels like a little indulgence, like you're really treating yourself to something nice. They have, you know, a menu that tries to offer a little bit of everything for different tastes, which is quite helpful.
For instance, you could build your own burger, a big half-pound one, or try their special Tara burger. They also have dishes with a special Mediterranean spice blend, some spicy harissa feta, and fresh spring greens with tomato and pepperoncini. It’s a mix of familiar and a little bit different, which makes the choices pretty interesting, to be honest. You can also find traditional Greek dishes, as well as classic steak and seafood choices, so there's always something that sounds good, you know?
The menu is, basically, a blend of Greek tastes and steakhouse favorites. They even have things like duck, Athenian potatoes, and oysters. And if you're a fan of lamb, they cook their lamb shank for three hours, making it really tender and flavorful. It's a place where, you know, you can find a hearty meal that feels comforting and satisfying, which is kind of what you want after a long day, right?
A Taste of Tara's Hideaway - Signature Plates
- Build your own half-pound burger
- Tara burger
- Dishes featuring house Mediterranean seasoning, spicy harissa feta, spring greens, tomato, pepperoncini
- Traditional Greek plates
- Steak and seafood dishes
- Duck
- Athenian potatoes
- Oysters
- Braised lamb shank (cooked for 3 hours)
What's the Vibe Like at Tara's Hideaway?
The atmosphere at Phil's Tara's Hideaway is, you know, quite inviting. It has this really cozy log cabin feel, which makes you feel at home as soon as you step inside. The people who work there are also very kind and helpful, which just adds to the whole welcoming feeling of the place. It's a spot where you can relax and enjoy your meal without feeling rushed, which is, honestly, a pretty big deal for a lot of folks.
This place offers a dining experience that's both comfortable and easygoing, set within a building that's actually a nationally recognized old landmark in Stillwater, Minnesota. So, you're not just eating a meal; you're also, in a way, sitting in a piece of history. That really adds something special to the whole experience, making it more than just a regular dinner out. It's, basically, a place with character and a lot of warmth, which is what draws people in, you know?
The Welcoming Feel of Tara's Hideaway
The overall feeling you get at Phil's Tara's Hideaway is one of comfort and ease. The wooden cabin setting, combined with the friendly faces of the staff, creates an environment where you can truly unwind. It's a spot that seems to invite you to settle in, enjoy your company, and savor the food, which is, after all, what dining out should be about, right? It's that kind of relaxed, pleasant atmosphere that makes people want to come back again and again, and that's pretty much what they've achieved there.
Where Can You Find Tara's Hideaway?
Phil's Tara's Hideaway is, actually, a charming eating spot located in Stillwater, Minnesota. Its exact address is 15021 60th Street North, Stillwater, Minnesota, 55082. It's what you might call a roadside restaurant, and, well, it's a bit tucked away, which is sort of how it got its name, I guess. You might drive right past it if you're not looking carefully, which is why it's called a "hideaway," you know?
If you're driving down Highway 36 towards the river town, it's easy to, you know, just focus on the road and miss it as you pass by other places. But if you know where to look, you'll find this special spot. It's a place that feels like a discovery once you get there, adding a little bit of an adventure to your meal plans. So, it's not just about the food; it's about finding the place itself, which is kind of fun, actually.
Locating Tara's Hideaway
Finding Phil's Tara's Hideaway might take a little bit of attention, given its slightly secluded spot. It's in Stillwater, Minnesota, on 60th Street North. The idea is that it's a bit of a hidden gem, a place you seek out rather than stumble upon easily. This, in a way, adds to its appeal for many people, making it feel more like a special destination for a meal, which is a neat trick, if you ask me.
How Do People Feel About Tara's Hideaway?
When it comes to what people think about Phil's Tara's Hideaway, the general feeling is very positive. They have, you know, received a lot of comments from people who have visited, with over 536 independent opinions shared online. These opinions show that the place is well-liked, with an average score of 4.4 out of 5 stars on a popular review site. That's a pretty good rating, actually, showing that most people have a good time there.
In fact, this eating spot is ranked quite highly among all the places to eat in Stillwater. It's listed as the #4 restaurant out of 81 in the area, which is, basically, a really strong showing. This suggests that a lot of people consider it one of the better choices for a meal when they're in Stillwater. It's clear that the combination of food, atmosphere, and service leaves a good impression on many who stop by, which is, you know, what you hope for from any restaurant.
Guest Opinions on Tara's Hideaway
- Over 536 independent reviews
- Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on a popular review site
- Ranked #4 out of 81 restaurants in Stillwater
- Positive comments often mention the duck, Athenian potatoes, and oysters.
Getting Your Meal From Tara's Hideaway
Phil's Tara's Hideaway makes it pretty easy to get their food, even if you don't want to sit down inside. You can, you know, order online if that's what you prefer, and they even offer delivery services. This means you can enjoy their grilled steaks or Greek dishes right in your own home, which is very convenient for a lot of people, especially on busy evenings.
They also provide take-out dinners. These are available from Tuesday through Sunday, starting at 3 in the afternoon until 8 in the evening. They're, basically, using their regular menu for these take-out orders, so you get all the same great choices you'd find if you were eating there. They even have scheduled pick-up times, every 15 minutes, which helps keep things organized and makes sure your food is ready when you get there, which is a nice touch, actually.
Convenient Ways to Enjoy Tara's Hideaway
- Order online
- Delivery service available
- Take-out dinners offered Tuesday through Sunday, 3 PM to 8 PM
- Current menu used for take-out
- Scheduled pick-up times every 15 minutes
The Story Behind Tara's Hideaway
The place where Phil's Tara's Hideaway stands today has a bit of its own story. It's a building that has been around for a while, a kind of storied space, as they say. In 1997, Phil Barbatsis took this building and, you know, gave it a new purpose, turning it into the restaurant we know. He wanted to mix the building's old history with a fresh, friendly place to eat, creating something that felt both new and familiar, which is a pretty cool idea.
Today, Phil's Tara's Hideaway is, basically, a recognized spot, a kind of landmark in Stillwater. It's a restaurant that's known for its unique blend of tastes, often described as a Greek steakhouse. It offers traditional Greek dishes, as well as steak and seafood, all served in a comfortable and easygoing setting. The place is named for its location or perhaps its character, and it has become a popular choice for many people looking for a good meal in the area, which is, you know, a testament to what Phil set out to do.
The Enduring Legacy of Tara's Hideaway
From its beginnings in 1997, Phil's Tara's Hideaway has worked to keep traditions alive while also giving guests a contemporary, relaxing, and affordable dining experience. It's a place that has, you know, managed to blend the past with the present, offering a consistent experience that keeps people coming back. This ongoing effort to provide good food in a welcoming space is, in a way, what makes it an enduring part of the Stillwater eating scene, and that's something pretty special, actually.
This article has explored Phil's Tara's Hideaway, covering its beginnings under Phil Barbatsis, the diverse menu featuring Greek and steakhouse favorites, the cozy log cabin atmosphere, its specific Stillwater location, the positive feedback from guests, and the convenient options for ordering food. It has also touched upon the history of the building and the restaurant's place as a local landmark.
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