dnd-one-shots:

Have the party start in a tavern

Have the party start in the tavern, which is in fact a giant mimic they had just been devoured by moments before and must escape before they are all digested.

Have the party start in tavern, but its a themed tavern; the theme being ‘a tavern you would find in the mortal realm’.  Clearly visible from the windows is not the mortal realm.

Have the party start in a tavern, as it is where the X on their treasure map lies.  Somewhere within is 20,000 gold worth in stolen jewels.

Have the party start in a tavern with a famed magic mirror on the wall that shows the room 5 minutes in the future .  Eventually a party member looks over and sees them-self being murdered by assassins.  The party now has 5 minutes to prepare in order to change their fate.

Have the party start in a tavern.  The lights go out and when they come back on the baroness is dead.  One of the party members is a murderer..  

Have the party start in a, tavern, which is currently on fire.  The fire is wielding great-swords.  Roll initiative.

Have the party start in a tavern.  They were born here, grew up here, and the tavern is all they know.  Today, the front door opens for the first time.

Have the party start in a tavern.  It was the only thing that survived the great flood and is now floating on the surface of a vast ocean.

Have the party start in a tavern.  On the wall is a portrait of one of the taverns founders, one who looks suspiciously like one the party members; the founder was rumored to be an immortal vampire who disappeared long ago.  The serving staff grow suspicious of the party, and try to dispose of them in the night by an angry mob.  

Have the party start in a tavern.  It is a surprise birthday party for one the party members.  Orcs jump out of the cake.

Have the party start in a tavern.  They own and operate the tavern (bartender, cook, etc).  The low level adventuring party that promised to rid the rats out of the cellar come running up the stairs, dropping their adventuring equipment in panic as they flee screaming into the streets.  Something very not-rat comes skittering up the stairs towards them.