Sonny's Tavern Dover

I admit I didn't know Sonny's was even there until maybe six months ago, but once I discovered it and started following them on Instagram, I became quite preoccupied with going. As in I actually felt like I *needed* to. It compelled me, like a moth to a flame, or a ginormous electron magnet. Or a siren singing sweet songs, luring sailors to their peril. Okay. Maybe not that last one, but you get the point. Had to go. Just had to. Sad story: despite the allure, we kept talking ourselves out of going, because for some reason we were thinking it was very pricey and we're on a ridiculously tight budget at the moment. So, no Sonny's for us. *sigh* Sad face. Boo hoo. All that. Misguided belief that it was cost-prohibitive and aforementioned tight budget aside, I decided last night that enough was enough. It was just flipping time. It was a good week for me financially. We deserved it. We *needed it*. So away we went. And guess what? Not expensive at all! Not for what we got. The menu is somewhat small but quite thoughtfully curated; the food manages to be interesting and different - maybe even a little bit adventurous - without going in the direction of just plain weird or pretentious. And I actually appreciate it that they don't have a ten-page menu. I think it's best to do only as much as you can do well - and they're totally nailing that. BTW: we had two appetizers, two entrees, two cocktails, and two beers for under $75. That's way less than we would have spent for comparable deliciousness anywhere else. This isn't the dollar menu at McDonald's, folks. The portions were not skimpy, but also not totally shameful like the 15-pound plates of mediocrity and unlimited breadsticks you can get for $8.99 at any number of local chain restaurants. It was just enough food. And it was really *good* food. I left feeling content, not like I was about to pop. That's how food is supposed to be. Oh, Sonny's sources a ton of their ingredients locally too, which is also how food is supposed to be. Do you know how hard it is to find a grass-fed burger? Let alone one that came from a few towns over? So: good food, not too expensive, well-portioned, local. Win, win, win, win. Throw in an eclectic cocktail menu and good selection of beers; friendly wait- and kitchen staff who were clearly happy and working very well together; and the somehow simultaneously edgy yet charming and cozy (but not cramped) space itself, and I have my new favorite local place to eat. Dover needed something like this. I feel lucky that we got it and Portsmouth didn't. Neener neener neener! Thank you Amanda et all! I'll be back. (Imagine me saying that in the Terminator voice, because that's totally how I did it in my head.)

Rating as a bar, not a restaurant as I have never eaten here. Our server was awesome and made our night even more fun; she was fantastic! Not a huge beer selection, but a great list of choices for everyone. Definitely will be back!