Taste of the Four States
Leave Your Troubles Behind at Haven 55
By Savanah Mandeville
Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday
Lunch, 11 am-2 pm
Dinner, 5 pm-9 pm
Specials:
Lunch specials daily
Catfish Tuesday, 5-9 pm
Prime Rib Wednesday, 5-9 pm
Fresh Catch Friday, 5-9 pm
Reservations recommended Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
I had the best seat in the house at Haven 55.
It was a lazy afternoon in March, the first warm day of the year, and I snagged a spot right by the window overlooking the dam on Little Sugar Creek. In fact, the whole back side of the building is floor-to-ceiling windows, so you feel like you’re in a tree house no matter where you’re sitting. The rush of the water below combined with feel-good, classic rock songs emanating from the speakers – The Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Simon and Garfunkel – creates a very cool, very peaceful vibe.
Haven 55 is in an unassuming building at 408 Havenhurst Drive in Pineville. Stepping inside, the magnificent view strikes you and you feel you’ve discovered a hidden gem. Even just the drive to Pineville in the sunny weather and elusive 60-something degree temperature was wistfully nostalgic. After the long winter, I rolled my window down and reminisced about happy float trips of yesteryear. Haven 55 just has that joyful feeling of being on the creek without a care in the world.
It also has an outdoor deck overlooking the dam with cozy lights strung above, so I absolutely can’t wait to go back this summer and have a sunset dinner outside.
If the atmosphere alone hasn’t convinced you to visit, the food will. Owner and Executive Chef Alan Bone is a classically trained culinary artist who brings exquisite care to every plate prepared. People travel far and wide to get a seat for the coveted prime rib on Wednesday nights. It’s highly recommended to call and make a reservation.
Some of Haven 55’s other popular meals are the 16-ounce New York strip steak with blue cheese cream sauce and twice baked potato with maple glazed Brussels sprouts; the Haven 55 chicken and mushroom cream sauce with a twice baked potato and sautéed asparagus; and the hamburger with mushrooms and cheddar served with hand-cut fries. There’s always a gourmet dessert to try like Crème Brûlée and Chocolate Bouchon. There is also a large craft beer menu so you can get choosy and find one that pairs perfectly with your food.
The food is amazing, but ask anyone who’s been to Haven 55, and they’ll rave about the service. All the servers have an upbeat, friendly attitude and make you feel they’re rolling out the red carpet and personally want you to have a good time.
Check out Haven 55 for a laid-back environment with upscale food and service fit for royalty.