Hanover Tavern delivers classics with a modern twist
October 2025
by Peggy Hyland, Contributing Columnist
In the little hamlet of Hanover — once called Hanover Courthouse — lies Hanover Tavern, which has been around for centuries but is determined not to rest on its laurels. It delivers southern classics that feel timeless and never dated.
The friendly reception and service set a welcoming tone from the moment my companion and I enter. The building has been extensively renovated and reconstructed in the early 2000s to preserve its historic glory while providing modern services, including a theater and event space.
It was a stormy night, so my companion and I were both craving soup. The she-crab soup was thick, creamy, chunky and flawlessly balanced. It’s one of Hanover Tavern’s most popular dishes for a very good reason. The Shelton’s Mushroom Soup is made from an 18th century recipe and was simply amazing. I love a good mushroom soup and this was simply the best I have ever had. We could not resist another southern classic: fried green tomatoes. They were served with a pimento cheese remoulade and topped with Parmesan cheese and bacon. They were tangy, crispy, crunchy and just right.
The porterhouse-cut pork chop was expertly cooked to a juicy and tender perfection. It was topped with a delectable tomato gravy. My pimento cheese craving was satisfied with the smoked pimento macaroni and cheese, which had a creamy, smoky indulgence. My companion opted for the buttermilk fried chicken, one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. It was moist, crispy and delectable. The basil sweet corn rice as a side was a masterful blend of flavors and textures. The side dish of spiced peaches was a true southern summer dream. We also added a Chesapeake-style crab cake, which exceeded my expectations. It delivered all the flavor with none of the fillers that often hide crab’s simple elegance.
Despite declaring I could not eat another bite, I was unable to resist the bread pudding. That evening’s featured flavor was strawberry, pineapple, white chocolate and almond. It was served with a rich ice cream, a masterful blend of classic French flavors with a southern twist.
Hanover Tavern has been feeding area families for generations and is poised to continue feeding families for many more generations to come. Whether you want an intimate dinner, a casual evening with friends — or something more formal — Hanover Tavern has you covered.
Hanover Tavern
13181 Hanover Courthouse Rd., Hanover, VA 23069
Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
804-537-5050