Courtesy of Evan Young ’26
In the heart of Downtown New London lies an institution that has been serving ice-cold pints to the city’s townspeople (as well as countless out-of-towners) since 1933, and has been under different names and ownership since the late 19th century. That institution is none other than Dutch Tavern, which has been a cornerstone of the city of New London since its opening.
Dutch Tavern is a quaint little spot with a comfortably sized counter and a good number of tables, which predate the modern establishment, featuring shelves underneath the table platform that were intended to hold glassware so that patrons could play cards. Lining the walls are rotating sets of artwork for sale from local New London artists. Dutch is open most days of the week, with the grill running until 3:30 in the afternoon, and refreshments served until close.
The Dutch was one of the last spots in Connecticut to retain a so-called “tavern license” until this permit was phased out in favor of the “cafe license” in 2020. Dutch had been known for exclusively serving a variety of beers by draft or by can, as well as light bar snacks and food from the grill, until its acquisition by Tim Mueller in the summer of 2023. A local with previous experience manning the kitchen of Tao Asian Bistro at Mohegan Sun, Tim brought his culinary expertise to the grill and new refreshment options to the menu while still retaining the same experience that Dutch Tavern has been known for over the better part of the last century.
Traditionally serving household names such as Guinness, Brooklyn Brewing Co., and cheap cans of Schaefer lager, Tim introduced several other options, including bottled prosecco and draft options from Tox Brewing Co., which is just a five-minute walk from the Dutch. The Dutch have also experimented with different kinds of beers lately, such as canned Jakobus Pilsner as well as a draft pumpkin ale with brown sugar garnish for the Fall season.
One of the most notable changes to happen under Tim’s ownership came this summer when, as a result of the transition to a cafe license, the Dutch began serving hard alcohol such as vodka, rum, whiskey, and mixed drinks, which had been unheard of in the entirety of Dutch Tavern history. This change, though groundbreaking, has been accepted by the local faithful and provides options for those who don’t necessarily enjoy the subtleties of ice-cold draft beer.
Besides Tim, Dutch Tavern has a staff that is as friendly as it is skilled. Barhands include New London locals Ellie, Ben, Michael Slyne, Stuart, and Brian, who each excel at their work. A patron would be hard-pressed to find anything less than a pleasant interaction with any of the staff at Dutch. Everyone behind the counter is more than eager to pour proper pints to their patrons and talk about life, the weather, sports, and even fishing. A number of the staff are actively involved in other local ventures, with some, such as Michael Slyne and Stuart, who are members of popular New London bands Slyne and the Family Stoned and My Druthers, respectively. Tim’s wife, Vic, who also happens to be co-owner of the Dutch stops by occasionally and was recently elected to the New London City Council after the wildly successful “Pick Vic” campaign.
New London’s beating heart is the Dutch Tavern at 23 Green Street, the perfect place to interact with New London locals over a couple of ice cold pints and a superb assortment of bar food. Anyone from out-of-towners to Connecticut College students can feel right at home at the counter. Whether a perfectly poured pint or engagement with the New London community is the goal, visitors may find that they will get both when they step through Dutch Tavern’s iconic red door.
