Tavern 4 & 5: Eden Prairie’s go-to spot for flavor and fun

In the heart of Eden Prairie, Tavern 4 & 5 has become more than a restaurant since it opened in 2013.

As a sister restaurant to the well-loved Hazelwood Food and Drink, which has locations in Bloomington, St. Louis Park, Tonka Bay and Woodbury, Tavern 4 & 5 brings the same high standards for quality and service that locals have come to appreciate. It’s the kind of place that people turn to for all kinds of gatherings, whether it’s a casual meeting, drinks with friends, a family dinner or a date night.

Known for its welcoming atmosphere, Tavern 4 & 5 (16396 Wagner Way) offers private dining spaces for groups from 12 to 75, for both intimate and larger celebrations.

Founded by chef Scott Foster and Patrick Woodring, whose talents earned them the Minnesota Restaurant Association’s Restaurateurs of the Year award in 2013, Tavern 4 & 5 has built a reputation for memorable meals and good times.

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This reputation is backed by recent recognition from OpenTable diners, who named Tavern 4 & 5 a top choice in the western suburbs of the Twin Cities in 2024. The restaurant earned accolades for Best Overall, Best Food, Best Service and Best Value.

We arrived on a bustling Saturday evening, stepping into a warm, energetic atmosphere that was already packed by 5:30 p.m. Fortunately, our reservation meant we were shown to our table right away, with friendly greetings from the staff that instantly made us feel welcome.

Our meal began with the Sweet & Salty pizza, a perfect choice for sharing. This wood-fired pizza came topped with shaved prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, caramelized onions, olive oil, sea salt, a drizzle of balsamic glaze and chives, a delightful balance of flavors in every bite.

Next, we chose Chester’s Turkey Avocado sandwich, served with a side of Gouda hashbrowns. The sandwich was satisfying, layered with rotisserie turkey, creamy avocado, shredded lettuce, tomato, Monterey Jack cheese and basil mayo on multigrain bread. The combination was rich and creamy, with beautifully balanced flavors. While the Gouda hashbrowns didn’t quite live up to the meal’s other highlights, the sandwich was a hit.

To add a touch of nostalgia, we ordered 1919 Draft Root Beer, a Minnesota-made classic with a smooth flavor. Each frosty sip felt like a refreshing throwback.

The true indulgence, however, was the Triple Chocolate Cake: a towering, triple-layered slice with chocolate cocoa frosting, warm Kahlua hot fudge and a side of vanilla bean ice cream. Large enough for four to six people, it was enjoyed down to the very last bite.

Tavern 4 & 5’s commitment to quality is clear in every detail. With over 20 beers on tap, including seasonal and craft options, and a thoughtful cocktail menu that complements its signature rotisserie chicken and inventive pub classics, the restaurant delivers on its promise. While prices may be slightly above average for the area, the experience feels worth every dollar, making it an ideal spot for a memorable date night.

For anyone looking to enjoy a lively, flavorful evening in Eden Prairie, Tavern 4 & 5 remains a beloved local treasure, ready to host everything from casual drinks to family dinners, delivering both a welcoming environment and a consistently impressive menu.

Editor’s note: This is the latest installment of Rachel’s Reviews, where Rachel Engstrom, a contributor to Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN), reviews various aspects of Eden Prairie and beyond. Have ideas for reviews? Reach out to Rachel Engstrom at Rachel.Engstrom@eplocalnews.org.