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Last night I had dinner at the newly re-opened Old Mission Tavern. It was great to be back in the iconic restaurant owned by the Bartnick family for years. Sale of the restaurant to new owners Stephanie Krupka and Brian Daley took place on Jan. 7, 2026, and they re-opened this Wednesday on March 18.
The interior and bar look much the same, with the same cozy feel as when the Bartnicks owned it. I asked Stephanie about the back room, which is currently closed off, and she said they’re still pondering that area, but would likely open it up for additional dining space and private events.
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I told her I’m pushing for a brew pub back there, where you can get a burger and beer and shoot some pool like in the old days when the Bartnicks first owned it. She said that’s definitely a possibility, with fine dining reserved for the front part of the restaurant. Fingers crossed!
She said they’ve been busy since their opening on Wednesday, and I’m sure OMP’ers are like me and just happy to be back in the restaurant. At this point, they are open for the dinner hour from Wednesday through Sunday. Hours on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday are 4 – 8 p.m., and hours on Friday and Saturday are 4 – 9 p.m.
Stephanie said they may be open for lunch in their second year, but for now, they’re focused on the dinner hour.
The food was excellent. You can tell that everything is made with care and love. I had a Caesar salad, which included romaine lettuce, winter greens, anchovy, parmesan, lemon vinaigrette and fennel. It was big enough for me to bring home and eat the rest today — and it held up well overnight!
My dining partners had the Beef Delmonico, with mashed potatoes, mushroom and onion jus, and carrots; and the Breaded Pork Chop, with polenta, roasted brussel sprouts, and sweet chili crunch.
We also tried a few of the shareable plates — Welsh Rarebit (crispy sourdough, leeks, mushrooms, and melted aged cheddar), Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes (salsa macha, goat cheese, and honey), and Brandade (potato, smoked whitefish, and garlic with sourdough bread).
For dessert last night, they offered a pear tart and chocolate mousse, so of course we ordered both. We all declared that everything was excellent.
Other entrees include Roasted Half Chicken, Lamb Sugo, Pan Fried Trout and Venison Stuffed Cabbage. Next time I will probably try the chicken, which looks delicious.
Take a look at the menu here, and be sure and check out the Tavern soon. Best to make a reservation, since they are busy! They’re located at 17015 Center Road, and have the same phone number as before – (231) 223-7280.
One more note: Stephanie said she’s had artists ask about the possibility of displaying their art there again. That might happen, although the logistics would need to be worked out regarding the sale of the pieces (perhaps a phone number might be listed with the piece so you could call the artist and work out the details).
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Wishing Stephanie and Brian all the best and great success. So glad the Tavern is open again. I can’t wait to go!
My former husband and I, who both worked at the OMT, had our wedding reception in the gallery. Ours was the first event in the Bella Galería in August 1994 and the stories are legendary! Best wishes to the new owners and I look forward to visiting what was once known as the Mission Freeze! Art and Verna would be proud! Thank you!
Can’t wait to visit soon. Lots of memories there 😎
When my mom and dad lived on the peninsula, we ate there frequently on Sunday for the boasted chicken. I remember I feel in love with a painting of the cherry blossoms on 37 that was displayed in the restaurant. My mom went back and bought that picture for me for my birthday. I will always cherish it.
I have wonderful memories of anniversary dinners at Old Mission Tavern. I hope you don’t change it too much. We old timers need some things to stay the same.😊
Am SOOOO excited to read OMT is open again. Have a reservation for end of April with some gal friends, but may not be able to wait that long. I was always a huge fan of their lamb chops. Noticed a lamb dish is on menu but don’t recognize what it is. BEST WISHES to new owners & a BIG THANK YOU to the Bartnick family for many memorable meals.
PS I bought my artificial Christmas tree from art gallery MANY years ago. FInally had to have new lights restrung.