Local Cuisine: Post Tavern in Ada Promotes Comfort Food While Honoring Local History

ADA, MI — An evening often begins with a simple question at the Post Tavern: Is there a message?

If the bell rings, the answer is yes. A friend, acquaintance or admirer has left a thirst-quenching surprise.

The Post Tavern, located at 7415 River St SE in Ada, has spent its first month in business honoring the tradition of trading posts while serving up top-quality comfort food.

“It’s a regular tavern. It’s not too strict and you don’t have to dress up,” said Ryan Curran, the hospitality manager. “We’re going to give you a refined experience, from craft cocktails to home cooking. It’s the simple things done right.”

Visitors to the restaurant enter through the modern lobby of the mid-century Ada Hotel. The tavern features carefully curated menus on the ceiling, whiskey drinks named after La Framboise fur traders, and relics from the community’s past.

“We celebrate history. The original vision for this space was to pay homage to the original Ada Hotel and the history of the community,” Curran said.

The tavern’s “Sip it Forward” program pays homage to old-fashioned forms of messaging and is already proving a hit with regulars and newcomers alike.

Customers simply buy a drink, leave a note on a postcard, and the “cocktail mail” awaits a friend’s next visit.

The restaurant also offers “accessible” menu options, such as a smash burger and a fish and chips IPA.

“It’s simplicity at its best. We’re not reinventing the wheel,” said executive chef Jason Tilmann. “The smash burger has been around for 100 years. But we’re going to season it right and pair it with a fresh bun and fresh fries straight out of the fryer.”

Before settling in West Michigan, Tilmann cut his teeth in restaurants in New York City before becoming an executive chef in Dallas. He has appeared on popular cooking shows like “Iron Chef America” and “Chopped.”

The chef’s Tavern Smash Burger, which costs $22, is topped with bacon, cheddar, American cheese, onion and chef’s sauce on a potato bun. It’s served with house fries.

The $22 Fish & Chips IPA is served with poppy seed slaw, home fries and pickle aioli. The dish draws a lot of customers twice a week, Tilmann said.

For those looking for something other than local beers and common brands, the bar offers a selection of quality local beers and spirits.

During the week, the kitchen offers “chef’s evening family meals,” such as Nanna’s lasagna on Mondays or crispy veal breasts on Thursdays. Click here to see the full menu.

The Post Tavern is open from 11am to 10pm Monday through Thursday, 11am to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 11am to 10pm Sunday.

For more information or to make a dinner reservation, visit The Post Tavern’s website, Facebook page or call 616-803-8595.

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Do you have a favorite local restaurant that should be featured in Michigan’s Best Local Restaurants? Send the details, including business name, address, and top menu item, to Isaac Ritchey at [email protected].