I can’t remember the last time I ordered a turkey burger.  Come to think of it, I don’t know that I’ve ever ordered a turkey burger.  I’ll admit, I generally thumb my nose at them.  I view ‘em like fat free ice cream: if you’re going to have ice cream, have ice cream.

That said, Tavern at Croton Landing and its turkey burger have changed my thinking.

Before we get there, let’s talk about this Tavern place for a second.  It has the musty, pubby feel of a well-patronized neighborhood joint.  It’s refreshingly unpretentious. The food was surprisingly good.  Also, it’s dark inside.

You can’t tell at all from this picture (the sun’s at my back), but when my friend Michael and I went for lunch the other day, there were no lights on, just the sun streaming in through the windows.  Are they trying to save on the electric bill?  I’m not sure. All I know is, I was seated facing the windows, and Michael with his spiky hair was silhouetted and looking eerily like Jack Nance from Eraserhead.

So that was unsettling.  The room could use more light.

But anyway, back to the food.

I ordered this chunky corn and crab chowder with nice pieces of crab.

Michael went for the French onion soup, which we both agreed is one of the most perfect food creations known to man. God bless the French.

Then it was on to the burgers.  Here’s Michael’s sizeable, beefy bacon cheeseburger.

I wanted a big burger too, but with a tough workout coming later in the day, I decided a lean turkey burger would be less of a gut bomb.  And besides, this was packed with spinach, garlic, herbs and topped with artichokes — not your ordinary turkey burger.

So that’s the secret!   Fill it with stuff to give the banal turkey a super shot of flavor and moisture.  This burger was juicy and extremely tasty.  With a side of non-greasy sweet potato fries, I was very happy.

I bet this place is fun after dark when the bar fills up and the jukebox gets going.  I could definitely see myself downing a few pints there.  Assuming they turn the lights on at night, Tavern at Croton Landing is worth a visit.

Tavern at Croton Landing
41 N. Riverside Ave.
Croton-on-Hudson, NY
914-271-8020