As spring begins to make its first appearance, many Bergen County residents begin thinking about teeing up for some golf. Paramus Golf Course has you covered, with a beautiful public course and a new, upscale venue for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks.
Taverna on the Green opened in October of 2022 to a standing ovation of golfers who had not had an open bar or restaurant on the course for over five years and were clamoring for a place to enjoy snacks, cocktails, or post-game dining.
However, owner/operator Victoria Tahhan set her sites on much more than just a 19th hole. "We are open to the public all year long," she says. As their website so aptly puts it, Taverna on the Green offers country club service without the membership. "It's a big misconception that you must be a Paramus Golf Course member to dine here," she says. "We also operate the course's beverage cart service and Thirsty's, our new concession stand, which is also open to the public. It's a great place to stop for a quick bite and has a nice, relaxing outdoor space."
Coincidentally, Victoria worked in one of the prior iterations of the restaurant while she was a student at Bergen Community College. She went on to receive her bachelor's degree from Columbia and eventually found a career as a political strategist, but decided to return to her restaurant roots in her first endeavor as an owner. "I supported myself through college in the restaurant business," she says. "Now, I'm adding my own personalized touches and hoping it resonates with our guests and that they enjoy the experience."
The space was originally a 1790s carriage house, exuding historic coziness with an 18th-century feel. Original hand-hewn beams are still in their place. The fireplace is inviting in the wintertime, and the outdoor dining can't be matched during the spring and summer months. Taverna is perfect for private events, too, and can accommodate between 150 and 170 guests.
"We love hosting events and are able to use the outdoor greens as well," says Victoria. "We recently accommodated a wedding where the ceremony was outdoors, cocktails were on the patio, and the reception was inside. I like to say that the restaurant is a beautiful, blank canvas that you can come and decorate however you wish. It's your space for the day."
Taverna on the Green features traditional American cuisine with a Mediterranean flair. "We offer a bar menu and a golfer's menu, in addition to higher-end dining entrees like Veal Ossobuco, rib-eye steaks, lollypop lamb chops, and Maryland crab cakes. There are always plenty of vegetables and plant-forward dishes on the menu, too."
The bar area showcases an expanded tequila selection and two flat-screen TVs. Live music on Friday and Saturday evenings spans from rock, jazz, and Latin nights to karaoke and ladies' nights. "We try to add value to every event," says Victoria. "We want to make sure you have a good time with the best service. It's fun to be in a space where people are having a good time."
tavernaotg.com
