Red’s Tavern & Pizzeria

This is the first time I have wrote a review that is not 5 star. We had a birthday party at Red’s Pizza with about 20 people attending the party. For 30 years we typically try to make it a point to dine at family owned businesses. We debated between Harvard’s Bop’s Burgers (where they are above and beyond accomodating) and Red’s Tavern, for this party.
Negatives:
1. When we initially called Red’s to book the party we asked if we could have a side table for a sheet cake (¼ size of a full sheet cake). We were told, «No, we can’t provide a side table. You can put the cake on the dinner table and when the pizza is served we can remove the cake to make room for the appetizers/pizza’s.» Perfect. We were good with that! There was no conversation whatsoever about balloons. We didn’t even think about asking if balloons were allowed. Since the subject of balloons never came up, we assumed (we know-​never assume), balloons were allowed. The night of the party we arrived with one cluster of average size helium filled balloons. We were stopped immediately upon arrival and told absolutely NO balloons anywhere in the bar or restaurant area. They said they told us on the phone that there were no balloons allowed. That was NOT said in either of the two phone conversations prior to the party. Our single cluster of balloons were average size and were held down with ONE (golf ball size) weight. We wanted to place the small weight in the middle of three oblong tables lined up. It was clear there were no overhead lights, ceiling fans, view obstructions or anything hazardous where the cluster of balloons would be above the table. There was one wooden beam on the ceiling that centered nicely in the middle of the lined up tables. The balloons would be on the right side of the beam, held together by strings attached to the single small weight that we would place on the table to assure the balloons would not float near anything else. We expressed our disappointment and it was also shared that we would share this on Unilocal believing other people should know that no balloons are ever allowed, anywhere at their location. Their response, «That’s fine. Share that, we don’t care.» We can’t imagine being in business and having the attitude,“‘we don’t care” about customer responses. Even more disturbing, I just found out yesterday that one of our party guests heard one of the restaurant staff talking to people at a table near our party, (perhaps personal friends?) saying, «she wanted balloons… I am going to be a bitch to her…(laughing)». Are you kidding me? I guess I am old school and this type of customer service is disappointing, to say the very least. Customers, whether it be group business (which most restaurants appreciate) or not group business, you always TRY to say yes… AS LONG AS it is not hazardous, requires extra staff or additional expense to the business.
Make no mistake about it, the balloons are not the main point at all, it is the principal of how there was a lack of appreciation, blatant disrespect and poor customer service. The statement to other restaurant patrons about how she (staff member) was going to be a bitch to me, made a strong statement. They definitely did not need the group business or customer feedback. Despite this, we did leave a nice gratuity and appreciated the efforts of those who prepared the pizza.
Positives:
1. There were good comments from some of the party attendees about the pizza. They liked the thin crust. One of our party attendees lives locally and had nothing but good things to say about the owners.
2. The owner came around toward the end of the dinner and she was very friendly to everyone. For that reason, if you like thin crust pizza, NOT looking to have a celebration party with balloons, an extra table or area for a cake and you want to support family owned businesses, you may enjoy Red’s.
We will continue to support famliy owned businesses because typically they have the warmth and appreciation that is sometimes lacking in large restaurant chains.

Luv luv luv this place the best in the west that’s for sure never had a bad order always on point hours are the only thing wish it was open for my cravings at all times is my only complaint best pizza I’ve ever had they should consider delivery awsome is all I got to say!!!:)*

Love love LOVE Red’s pizza. Extremely thin crust, lots of topping choices and Bonnie always makes you feel like family. Very affordable but bring cash or your checkbook– RED’S DOES NOT TAKE CREDIT CARDS.

Great corn crust, ultra thin pizza!

Recently moved into the area heard this place had great pizza so I gave it a try… The place is very small only a few tables. I ordered the pizza to take out which might have been a mistake. It wasn’t bad but it was greasy and by the time I got it home (about a 15 minute ride) the crust was soggy.. the sausage tasted alright.. It sure isn’t Chicago pizza but I am going to try eating the next one there and see if it makes a difference.. I will say for the Harvard area this is the best pizza I had found around here…

I’m going to start out by calling this place a «joint», as it is a small place in rural america. It is all by it’s self along a main highway so it can be passed be easily.
The establishment is a throw back to the 60’s but inviting and comfortable. The owner behind the bar greets everyone that walks in with a wave. If you are a fan of NASCAR you are his friend immediately. The place is decorated with all kinds of race paraphernalia, including a hood. The staff is very friendly as well as the rest of the patrons. You are greeted like old friends by all.
Now for the food: I have only had the pizza in my 2 visits here and I can’t believe the thinness of the crust. It’s super thin, crispy, and yet strong enough to hold up tho the weight of the ingredients on top.
The beer is served in cans and bottles, pop in cans, and heard that the wine is served in a juice glass.
The rest of the menu items sound inviting and if I can stay away from the pizza I will have to try something else.
GO! Try this place and enjoy yourself.

Red’s is just a great pizza joint! The pizza is delicious and the bar area is very lively and fun. The place is small and can get crowded so if you are going on a weekend with a larger group try to go a little early. In the summer you can sit in the outdoor area. They do not take credit cards so remember to bring your cash.

Great thin crust pizza. Smelt on the menu which can’t always find. Worth the stop.

Great tavern! Friendly staff! Great pizza! Thin and greasy… but the crust still remained crispy. And the prices are great too!
Bring cash, no ATM or plastic! It’s in the middle of the country!

This little joint is just the best. It is a favorite among locals and a well kept secret due to its location in the country off of Rt. 173. But, if an out of towner has the pleasure to make it in the doors they are sure to be impressed. The menu is classic american pizza/​pub style. They have the thinnest pizza around with some great other dishes. This place is phenomenally priced which goes along with the whole throw back feel.
Red, himself, is always stationed behind the bar and if you have been there once before he will remember your face. He is always willing to offer a comment on whichever sport is happening at the time (his specialty being nascar). His wife, Bonnie, runs the show in the kitchen and dining area however. She along with other family members and local high school gals hurry in and out of the saloon style doors slinging sizey pizzas and delicious RC (I mean, where can you get Royal Crown soda anymore besides Reds’s?).
I always get a large pineapple and garlic pizza. DELICIOUS! But truly, I have never had a pizza I did not like. I also always order the Cod Bites (fried pieces of delicious, fresh cod served with homemade tartar sauce).
I have never been able to find another joint that sells pizza similar to Red’s. It’s truly a unique, fun, delicious, and cheap experience!
p. s. CASH ONLY!

Stopped in with 3 buddies and we ordered 2 large pizzas and drinks. We all thought the thin crust pizzas were very tasty. Also, all the menu items seemed to be VERY reasonably priced. This is a great mom and pop bar/​restaurant. The staff was so friendly and made us feel right at home. If you’re looking for something fancy, then this isn’t the place for you. But if you like good food and down home friendliness I highly recommend Red’s Tavern and Pizzeria. I know we’ll be back next year when we come up for our annual golf trip to Harvard.

A divey little bar in Harvard. Tried the pizza. Forget it. Might as well stay at home with a frozen Tombstone. Redneck clientele. avoid.

Red’s is a hometown staple in Harvard. It’s literally that place where everyone knows your name. The owners, Bonnie and Red, have been running this successful restaurant and bar for as long as I can remember (literally, Bonnie still serves tables personally and Red is always behind the bar). Every time I come home to Harvard for a visit someone in my fam requests a visit to Red’s (usually me).
Their pizza is probably the thinnest crust you will find, but it’s saucy and delicious. They have a full menu of other pizzeria type fare, but the pizza (and breaded fried mushrooms) are the standard order for me. They still serve soda and beer in cans which just adds to the throw-​back atmosphere.
Red’s Tavern is timeless — anyone visiting or passing through Harvard needs to stop in to experience excellent service and get a true feel for how great folks from my hometown are.

Red’s gets 5 stars because they are the perfect country bar/​pizza place. Nascar theme, the beer comes in draft or can. (bottles only on products that are not offered in cans). The crust is as thin as a communion wafer but tastes phenomenal. If you order a pizza with everything it includes shrimp, and is about an inch thick. (the crust is about ¹⁄₈ of that.) Best non-​Chicago pizza I’ve had.

Super yummy thin crust pizza. Red’s has perfected the «bar pizza». My recommendation is to get several «large» pizzas simply topped. The crust is wafer thin and it is difficult to maneuver a garbage pizza. The establisment is a rural bar with attached restaurant area and it sure gets crowded for weekend dinner. Definately nothing fancy. Might be intimidating to a first-​time patron from a more urban area. I do wish they delivered, if even during limited hours on the weekends.
Oh ya, this is the place that I had my first beer in a can.