A Taste of Legacy: Epicure & Jack's Tavern in Millbrook, Alabama

By Kelly Caldwell

In a state known for its deep culinary traditions, there are few places where the past and present collide as beautifully as Epicure & Jack's Tavern in Millbrook, Alabama.

What once operated as Fantail, the largest seafood buffet in Alabama, has been reimagined with fresh energy, bold flavors, and a strong sense of family. Owned by the Finlayson family for more than 40 years, the space now tells a new story—one built on heritage, heart, and a serious passion for good food.

Today, Epicure & Jack's isn't just a place to eat. It's a place to experience,

Reviving a Legacy

When David Finlayson decided to pivot away from the buffet concept, he knew it couldn’t just be another restaurant. It had to honor the decades of family memories while moving confidently into a new era. The answer was creating Epicure, an upscale dining experience focusing on elevated Southern and Italian-inspired dishes, and Jack’s Tavern, a lively, casual side where the beer flows and live music fills the air.

The space feels like a living scrapbook. Finlayson jokes, “When my relatives die, their stuff ends up here,” referencing the antiques, collectibles, and heirlooms that now fill every corner. It’s part of what makes Epicure & Jack’s Tavern feel like home—even on your first visit.

The Masters Behind the Menu

At the heart of Epicure’s kitchen is Chef Glen Tarantino, a culinary craftsman who brings global technique and Southern soul to every plate. His attention to detail and passion for blending flavors shine through in signature dishes like the Chicken Saltimbocca—prosciutto-wrapped chicken perched atop creamy stone-ground grits and asparagus, finished with a decadent sauce that ties every bite together.

Meanwhile, David Finlayson, a key part of the front-of-house team, ensures that every guest feels like part of the family. Whether you’re dining at Epicure or kicking back at Jack’s Tavern, Finlayson’s warm hospitality and knowledge of the menu add a personal touch that’s hard to find anywhere else.

What to Savor

16oz Ribeye, Epicure Style
This isn’t just steak—it’s a statement. Grilled to order, sliced tableside, and drenched in warm garlic butter, it’s rich, tender, and unforgettable.

Chicken Saltimbocca
A dish where each component is better than the last. Juicy chicken, salty prosciutto, creamy grits, crisp asparagus—every forkful is pure comfort.

Bone-In Pork Chop
A Southern classic made extraordinary. Thick, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, it’s the kind of dish that earns a spot in family memory books.

Carrot Cake
Moist, spiced just right, and crowned with luxurious cream cheese frosting. Quite possibly the best carrot cake in Alabama.

Sip and Stay Awhile

Epicure boasts a carefully curated bourbon bar featuring rare and favorite pours perfect for pairing with the hearty menu. If beer is more your style, Jack’s Tavern offers a large selection of draft beers, alongside signature cocktails that keep the conversation flowing.

Thursday and Friday nights bring live music to Jack’s Tavern, making it the perfect place to unwind, laugh, and toast to small-town life.

Why It's Worth the Drive

Epicure & Jack’s Tavern isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a story you get to walk into, sit down in, and savor, bite by bite. It’s a place where the past is honored, the present is celebrated, and the food speaks for itself.

For foodies seeking a genuine Alabama experience—with a little bit of family, a little bit of fun, and a whole lot of flavor—Millbrook’s best-kept secret is ready to welcome you with open arms and a plate full of memories.

If You Go:

• Location: 2060 Downing Street, Millbrook, AL 36054

• Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. (bar open later)

• Reservations: Recommended for Epicure dining, walk-ins welcome at Jack’s Tavern

• Website: epicureandjackstavern.com