Tavern menus add an enjoyable dimension to your RPG experience, enhancing NPC interactions and fostering camaraderie among your party. As you gather in a cozy tavern, the diverse flavors on the menu invite exploration of the realm’s cultures. Sharing a meal sparks engaging conversations, uncovering quest hooks and valuable information. The tantalizing food becomes a topic of discussion, immersing you in character development and storytelling. So, embrace the culinary delights, let the menu guide your adventures, and savor the memorable moments that unfold in the tavern’s warm embrace.
Example Simple Menu (e.g. The Mossy Mug)
For today’s menu, the GM can choose one option from each section to provide a variety of flavors and experiences.
Appetizers:
- Roasted Mushroom Bites: Savory morsels bursting with earthy flavors.
- Vegetable Fritters: Crispy bites of garden goodness.
- Potato Samosas: Flaky pastries filled with comforting potatoes.
Main Courses:
- Vegetable Stew: Wholesome medley of farm-fresh vegetables.
- Grilled River Fish: Fresh catch grilled to perfection.
- Rice and Lentil Curry: Fragrant blend of grains and legumes.
Desserts:
- Warm Rice Pudding: Comforting sweetness in every spoonful.
- Honeyed Fritters: Light and indulgent golden treats.
- Seasonal Fruit Salad: Refreshing medley of nature’s bounty.
Drinks:
- Oakwood Ale: Rich and malty brew.
- Spiced Cider: Warm and aromatic blend.
- Berry Mead: Sweet and fruity honey wine.
Example Fancy Menu (e.g. The Sable Boar)
For today’s menu, the GM can choose one or more options from each section to provide a variety of flavors and experiences. Alternatively, they can select two or even offer all of the choices for a more diverse culinary adventure. Let the day’s ingredients and the GM’s discretion guide the dining experience at The Sable Boar.
Appetizers:
- Farmer’s Platter: A hearty combination of freshly baked bread, locally sourced cheese, pickled vegetables, and cured meats.
- Vegetable Fritters: Crispy fritters made from a mix of seasonal vegetables, served with a tangy herb dipping sauce.
- Mushroom Puffs: Light and flaky pastry filled with sautéed mushrooms, herbs, and a touch of creamy cheese.
- Stuffed Potato Skins: Baked potato skins filled with a savory mix of bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions, served with a side of sour cream.
- Spinach and Cheese Dip: A warm and creamy dip made with fresh spinach, melted cheese, and a hint of garlic, served with toasted bread slices.
Main Courses:
- Roasted Chicken: Tender chicken seasoned with herbs, roasted to perfection, and served with buttery mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
- Beef Stew: Slow-cooked beef simmered with root vegetables, aromatic herbs, and rich broth, served with crusty bread.
- Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie: A comforting dish made with a flavorful mix of sautéed vegetables, lentils, and topped with mashed potatoes, baked until golden brown.
- Fisherman’s Catch: Grilled or pan-seared fish fillet served with lemon butter sauce, accompanied by steamed rice and a side of mixed greens.
- Mushroom Risotto: Creamy Arborio rice cooked with a medley of mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of white wine.
Desserts:
- Apple Crisp: Baked apples with a cinnamon-spiced crumb topping, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Berry Cobbler: Seasonal berries baked with a buttery biscuit topping, served with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Honeyed Carrot Cake: Moist carrot cake layered with cream cheese frosting, drizzled with honey for a touch of sweetness.
- Chocolate Bread Pudding: Rich chocolate bread pudding served warm, topped with a decadent chocolate sauce.
- Fruit Parfait: Layers of fresh seasonal fruits, yogurt, and granola, creating a refreshing and wholesome dessert.
Alcoholic Drinks:
- Ale of the Harvest: A smooth and malty ale brewed with locally grown barley and hints of autumn spices.
- Orchard Cider: A crisp and refreshing cider made from a blend of locally sourced apples, with a hint of cinnamon.
- Berry Smash: A fruity cocktail made with muddled berries, vodka, a splash of citrus, and a touch of simple syrup.
- Harvest Mule: A twist on the classic Moscow Mule, combining ginger beer, vodka, and a squeeze of lime, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint.
- Golden Mead: A sweet and aromatic honey wine, brewed using honey harvested from local apiaries.
Please note that the availability of certain items may vary depending on the season and local ingredients.
Example Exotic Menu (Tavern unknown…)
Indulge in the fantastical flavors of the Menu of Mythical Delights. Savor the intense heat of Dragonfire Wings, the ethereal taste of Pixie Poppers, and the intriguing Basilisk Bites as appetizers. Choose from the majestic Griffin’s Roost, the formidable Minotaur Steak, or the mythical Hydra Stew as your main course. For dessert, experience the enchantment of Unicorn’s Delight, the richness of Ogre’s Chocolate Fudge Cake, or the delight of Dragonberry Tart.
Appetizers:
- Dragonfire Wings: Spicy chicken wings marinated in a fiery dragon sauce.
- Pixie Poppers: Crispy bite-sized pastries filled with savory pixie mushrooms.
- Basilisk Bites: Tender morsels of basilisk meat, lightly seasoned and grilled to perfection.
Main Courses:
- Griffin’s Roost: Succulent roasted griffin breast served with a side of herb-infused mashed potatoes.
- Minotaur Steak: Juicy and tender steak from the mighty minotaur, seasoned with aromatic herbs.
- Hydra Stew: Hearty stew made with tender chunks of hydra meat, simmered with vegetables in a rich broth.
Desserts:
- Unicorn’s Delight: Fluffy and magical rainbow-colored cupcakes topped with edible star sprinkles.
- Ogre’s Chocolate Fudge Cake: Decadent chocolate cake layered with gooey fudge and topped with crushed orcish almonds.
- Dragonberry Tart: Sweet and tangy dragonberry filling encased in a delicate, buttery pastry shell.
Drinks (Alcoholic):
- Centaur’s Brew: A potent blend of herbs, berries, and spirits, known to invigorate the senses.
- Basilisk Bloodwine: A deep red wine with a hint of spiciness, said to grant temporary resistance to petrification.
- Phoenix Fire Whiskey: A fiery whiskey infused with phoenix essence, warming both body and spirit.