Sometimes the best way to renew a former and popular place is to not re-invent the wheel, just keep it spinning with maybe a few new spokes, as a metaphor, and providing new bar and grill twists, such as adding a second big barrail, on the upper level as both of the tiers are used to best extent, and an open area with view of the downstairs retained.
Such (newer) nostalgia works well with old patrons who a few years back grew to just love the old, longtime Seasons Tavern, and now appreciate version 5.0 — or should I say 5.01 — thus becoming the new 501 Tavern, that adds a few tweaks to make it their own as well. High customer traffic in their first few weeks open bears that out, in the historic venue along a prime corner of Hwy. 35 in the center of North Hudson, a little bit of the northwoods brought home in log cabin motif throughout — gotta love them wagon wheels, and wooden slabs nailed thick together. (Little lilts and tweaks currently include — next to that same retained lower-level fireplace — lots of lightly twinkling Christmas lights strung on thick wooden poles, the width of a waif waitress waist.)
The ways decked out bottles and other items are arranged on a shelf or two set high above the middle of the downstairs bar have been rearranged, after a key suggestion from a patron, and their beer list is updated, as well. (See, a quite roughly estimated, number given below.)
Others have commented on the cleanliness of the kitchen and whole place, workers said. One added his girlfriend was particularly impressed, not always an easy task.
They are open for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon, getting the piping hot coffee brewing early for starters, and patrons have noticed the reasonable prices — those who have been showing regularly, as not all have caught onto that fact yet, so here you go with such an announcement. The big newer message on the sign along Hwy. 35 proclaims the new name, 501 Tavern.
Those breakfast prices are between $8.99 and $12.99 — or up to $16.99 for an 8-ounce steak and eggs, with extras. There are omelets of meat and cheese, western, veggie, or build your own from amongst the above. Seven other offerings are provided, an impressive number in itself, and 11 sides to pick. Ingredients that stand out include jack cheese, sauteed or grilled deli ham, grilled peppers (plural) and homemade hollandaise sauce.
The fish entrees come not just fried, but may also be boiled and pan fried, as customers can choose. Batter is homemade. And it’s only $2 for extra pieces.
The beer menu, when combined, lists several dozens beers (Lefties love Left Hand Milk Stout, not just two types of Leinie’s on tap) and ciders and seltzers, scores of them bottled.
There are nine sandwiches with many different ingredients, taking up to 25 words to fully describe, and seven burgers and chicken sandwiches, plus five wraps — and the final one, of homemade teriyaki chicken, takes even more words to bring it to life. With a perfect ten substitutes and sides.
Between dinners, noteworthy among them pepper steak, and desserts, there are far more than a dozen, in addition. And then all those salads …
They can also host your party for the holidays, and other reasons.
The new owner’s nickname is Mako, much like a shark steak or the past charasmatic Packer quarterback, Don. (The restraunteer’s real name is Dan, that being Makowske.)
New versions are offered of the gambling machines present at all such places, such as many pull tabs. After all, it has been noted there, “it’s 5:01 somewhere,” with a password given of “goodtime,” and such things often can be said best in verse. Country star Alan Jackson is brought into play, “when I listen to (what’s) above, in song, its this place.” As is Van Morrison, “everything reminds me of you,” and a plaque about such has been added. And also a third, “Need a sign to drink tonight? Here it is.” Again, with wording that stems from a patron pun.
Here we go with another:
“He who drinks gets drunk.
He who gets drunk goes to sleep.
He who goes to sleep does not sin.
He who does not sin goes to heaven.
So let’s all drink and all go to heaven.”
Another customer commented that this is what North Hudson needs, a place just like this. Again open.