1920 Tavern’s Signature Dishes: The Stories Behind the Classics

Now and then, you come across a restaurant that just gets it. Not just good food or stylish décor, but the whole experience. That’s exactly the kind of place 1920 Tavern is. Tucked along the brick-lined stretch of Canton Street in Roswell, it’s one of those rare spots that somehow feels both elevated and familiar, polished yet welcoming.

And while the chandeliers, velvet booths, and well-shaken cocktails certainly help set the scene, it’s the food that makes you sit up and take notice. Not because it’s flashy or over-the-top, but because each dish feels like it was created with a little bit of heart and a whole lot of thought.

Here’s a closer look at a few of their standout plates—and the stories, ingredients, and small moments that inspired them.

Lobster & Shrimp Spaghetti

A coastal twist on comfort food.

This dish is one of those quiet showstoppers, the kind that doesn’t shout for your attention, but wins you over the moment you take a bite. It’s simple in the best way: perfectly cooked pasta tossed with lobster and shrimp in a white wine sauce that manages to be both rich and light.

One of the chefs once shared that the inspiration came from a summer trip to Italy’s Amalfi Coast. He noticed how locals approached seafood with restraint, letting the ingredients shine without burying them in heavy sauces. That same spirit lives in this dish—familiar, comforting, but just elevated enough to make it feel special.

Fried Green Tomatoes

A Southern classic with a thoughtful twist.

You’ll find fried green tomatoes on a lot of menus in the South. But at 1920 Tavern, they do them a little differently. There’s still that golden, crispy crust and that signature tang, but the flavors are layered with a zesty house-made remoulade and just the right amount of heat.

It’s a dish rooted in tradition, but updated with intention. And if you ask around, it’s a favorite among staff—not just because it’s delicious, but because it reminds many of them of their own roots, their families, and the kinds of food they grew up sharing.

Tenderloin & Scallop Tacos

Where land meets sea, wrapped in something warm.

This dish started as a weekly special, just something the kitchen team was playing around with one night. The combination of seared beef tenderloin and pan-seared scallops felt indulgent, but they wanted to find a casual way to serve it. Enter the taco.

What makes these shine is the balance. You’ve got the umami richness of the meat, the buttery softness of the scallop, a citrus aioli for brightness, and just a little crunch from pickled onions. It’s unexpected, for sure, but it works. And it’s now one of those “if-you-know-you-know” menu items that guests quietly rave about.

Korean-Style Short Ribs

Bold, balanced, and a little addictive.

This one’s all about flavor. Marinated for hours in a soy-based blend with just the right touch of sweetness and spice, the Korean-style short ribs are cooked until tender and caramelized at the edges.

What started as a creative experiment, pulling inspiration from Korean BBQ and street food, quickly became a house favorite. It’s the kind of dish that sticks with you: deeply savory, layered, and just a little bit unexpected for a speakeasy-style spot in the heart of Georgia.

Roasted Pear Salad

Proof that salads can be crave-worthy.

Let’s be honest, salads don’t always get the love they deserve. But the Roasted Pear Salad at 1920 Tavern might just change your mind. The combination of spiced pears, baby greens, goat cheese, and toasted pecans is simple, but it delivers.

There’s sweetness, there’s crunch, there’s tang, it’s all there. It’s the kind of plate that reminds you how good fresh, seasonal ingredients can be when they’re treated with care.

The Bar: A Worthy Companion to the Kitchen

Of course, food is only part of the story at 1920 Tavern. The bar program is equally thoughtful, with a curated bourbon selection, rotating local beers, and cocktails that range from classic to playful.

Whether you’re sipping a barrel-aged Old Fashioned with your short ribs or pairing a citrusy gin cocktail with your tacos, the drinks don’t just complement the food, they enhance the whole experience.

Final Thoughts

The thing about 1920 Tavern is this: nothing feels accidental. Every plate, every pour, every detail seems rooted in a story.

So next time you find yourself in Roswell, step inside. Order something familiar or try something you’ve never heard of. Either way, you’ll walk out having had more than just dinner. You’ll have had a meal that mattered.