KDWA Business Spotlight: 501 Tavern Offers Local Flavor, Signature Dishes, and a Welcoming North Hudson Experience

In this business spotlight, KDWA connected with 501 Tavern proprietor Daren Yarmin.

The 501 Tavern has become a destination for food, drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere since opening its doors in October 2023.

Daren shared with KDWA listeners what makes this North Hudson establishment stand out.

“Sure. So the 501 Tavern is a great local establishment. The building itself has been a part of North Hudson for many, many years, and we opened in October of 2023. And what we try to do at the 501 Tavern is create great drinks and great food, and food that you can’t get in North Hudson, or some items that you can’t get in North Hudson, and some items that you can’t even get in Hudson alone. So we do have your usual bar fare, but we’re adding things like flatbreads. We have Saturday prime rib, some of the best burgers in town, and homemade seasonal soups.”

Visitors can even preview the restaurant before stopping in. The 360-degree tour on the 501 Tavern website gives guests a look inside and showcases the warm, inviting atmosphere. Darren offers more details.

“When you walk in the door of the 501 Tavern, you get that great Northwoods feel. It is a log cabin feel. The upstairs, the level that you walk in on, is a dining room area with a full bar downstairs. So we kind of have two atmospheres going at once. We have a traditional, almost a supper club feel up top, and then a nice, cozy Northwoods bar atmosphere in the basement.”

When it comes to the menu, Daren says there are three standout favorites.

“Absolutely, I’ll give you my three favorite items. Number one is our walleye, so it’s a lemon pepper broiled walleye. It comes with your choice of vegetable and potatoes, and it is by far the most popular thing on our menu. Then my favorite burger is the bacon bourbon burger—sautéed onions with a bourbon glaze, cheese over a perfectly prepared burger. And then Saturday, and this was my idea to bring it on Saturdays, we have a prime rib special. You’re getting a 16-ounce cut of prime rib cooked medium rare. We can cook it a little longer if you want, with potatoes and vegetables, for just $27.99, and you can’t find that deal anywhere.”

The conversation also turned to beverages, with Daren highlighting one of Wisconsin’s signature cocktails.

“For those of you that are bourbon drinkers, we have a pretty decent bourbon selection with the ones you’ve heard of, as well as the special ones. And then our bartenders are very well trained in making a great old-fashioned, which is a Wisconsin staple.”

To wrap up, Daren invited KDWA listeners to experience the restaurant for themselves.

“Definitely check us out at 501tavern.com. And I know everybody is very savvy on the internet, but I tell you what: just take that risk and stop by. Come up to North Hudson; it’s a great place to be. You won’t be disappointed.”

All links mentioned in this report can be found on KDWA.com

[Click the soundbite to listen to the report.]