MOUNT VERNON — The community outpour for Bickerdyke Table and Tap has been nothing but great for owners Joel Gunderson and Margaret Lewis.
The Civil War-inspired restaurant, located at 109 South Main St., has been open for over a month, serving American-style classics like their famous smash burger while adding a twist on sides like the black garlic aioli fries.
Bickerdyke Table and Tap, is an homage to the Knox County Civil War nurse Mary Ann Ball known as “Mother Bickerdyke.”
According to the Knox County Historical Society, Ball was born in this vicinity in 1817 and began her nursing career at age 20. The historical society also states Ball ignored rank, and protocol while being a nurse during the Civil War, pursuing her mission to care for the sick and wounded.
Besides the Civil War era, Bickerdyke Table and Tap is housed inside the historic Woodward Opera House. In return, it was about reflecting the historical elements inside the restaurant.
“We had an idea of what we’re going for (…) to warm up the space,” Lewis said. “We wanted it to be timeless– a welcoming space you’d like to visit and be in.”
The kitchen is run by executive chef Kaleb Messina, who had several ideas at his disposal when creating the released menu, Gunderson said.
Guests should expect a rotating menu, with new options being introduced every four months, Gunderson said.
Inside the taproom, Bryan Grey completed a mural of Mother Bickerdyke, which is showcased along a row of tables.
Recently the taproom started serving its own home-brewed beer “Mother Elder” and “Moonshadow” by Jason Bennet. Mother Elder is a Belgian saison that has a local elderflower woven throughout.
Also the latter is a robust porter with bittersweet chocolate and coffee notes.
More beers are expected to arrive soon.
The road ahead
Looking ahead, Gunderson and Lewis say it’s about staying consistent for success to reign on.
“It’s been great,” Gunderson said. “We’re operating at the level we can handle.
“People have been incredibly receptive.”