He said he searched high and low to find a produce man and buys everything he can locally,  incorporating what’s in season into his menu.

“My menu is never fixed,” he said.

The décor in the tavern is based solely on comfort. There are tables and a bar in the main room and a private room known as the tack room, where groups can lounge on couches. The room is decorated with equestrian items as well as photographs Hat has taken through her and Mike’s travels across the country.

The tavern also has WiFi.

The name Little Hat Tavern obviously came from Hat’s name. Her parents were an artist and a photographer.

“She’s my little Hat,” Mike said.

The tavern also includes a long deck where bands play on the weekends and customers can relax.

“We designed this place for people to be comfortable,” Mike said. “We want people to come and sit on the deck and enjoy themselves.”

And so far, that’s what people are doing. Although you can come in and get your food quickly, some groups have hung out at The Little Hat Tavern for three to four hours at a time.

There is no smoking inside and no pool tables.

The tavern is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to midnight. Wednesdays include Happy Hour from 5:30 to 7 p.m. with two for one drinks and drafts with a free bowl of chili. Friday Happy Hours will include a small free buffet with the purchase of drinks and music beginning at 8 p.m.

Music includes classic rock, southern and blues. This Saturday, May 11, The Little Tavern has Trophy Husbands playing at 8 p.m.

The Little Hat Tavern, located at 22349 Asheville Hwy, Landrum, can be contacted by calling 864-457-4215 or finding them at The Little Hat Tavern on Facebook.