Sam Snead’s Tavern Offers A Round

Of Excellence In Dining

Dining out in the Southside Village, we found our way to Sam Snead’s Oak Grill & Tavern. Before we even entered the building, we were welcomed by the enticing scent of the tavern’s Live Oak grill, giving a unique flavor to many of their signature items.

Upon entering the restaurant, we were immersed into the life and history of the “greatest golfer of all time” and the restaurant’s namesake. Museum-like displays adorn the walls and a walk through the restaurant and lounge areas will give even those unacquainted with golf a feeling of intimately knowing the man and his sport.

As there was a brief wait for a table in the dining room, we decided to venture into the bar and lounge area for a drink. With excellent drink specials, music and an entertaining bar staff, we could see how easy it would be for new visitors to become regulars. Having just missed the happy hour - which runs 7 days a week from 4PM to 7PM - we were informed that, as it was Thursday, it was $5 Martini Night. Presented with a list of signature drinks, we each ordered what turned out to be extremely colorful, unique and delicious cocktails.

After some dining suggestions from the knowledgeable bartenders and patrons already enjoying meals at the bar, a courteous hostess offered us seating in the main dining room, but also gave us the option of an outside table on the patio, which are first- come, first-serve. We opted for the former to get a true feel for the restaurant’s ambiance.

The menu is golf-themed and offers a wide array of choices, from fresh sashimi and signature Tavern Flatbreads listed among the “Tee Off” items to the main course listings of oversized cuts of steak, fresh seafood and ribs, which many members of the staff and guests said “can’t be matched anywhere in Sarasota”. There are also nightly specials so popular that some restaurant regulars sitting nearby informed us that they plan their weekly dining around the items offered.

Our server was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the restaurant, menu items and wine list. During the meal, a very friendly manager stopped by our table to introduce himself and inquire as to how we were enjoying our meal.

The full rack of ribs was definitely the right choice, served with a side of homemade coleslaw and choice of side (I opted for the sautéed spinach, while my companion chose the red skin basil mashed potatoes). The meat fell right off the bone without any effort and the flavor was deep and rich. We thanked our wonderful server for the suggestion and agreed with our newfound friends at the adjacent table that we had never had such delicious ribs.

After a wonderful meal, the temptation to peruse the dessert and coffee menu was too great to resist. We opted for the Xango, which is warm cheesecake rolled in a lightly crisped shell with cinnamon, sugar caramel and raspberry syrup, although the Towering Chocolate Cake also sounded decadently delicious. The after dinner drink offerings range from gourmet coffee to specialty drinks, and we each had the “Millionaire’s Cappuccino” with Frangelico, Bailey’s, Kahlua and Grand Marnier. A sweet treat and wonderful nightcap to an enjoyable dining experience.

Unpretentious yet elegant, Sam Snead’s Tavern is an experience that we were happy to have been introduced to by friends of ours who live in the neighborhood and who make it a point to visit the restaurant multiple times through the course of the week for lunch and dinner. Apparently a very well-known secret in Sarasota’s array of dining options, Sam Snead’s offers an evening of food, drink and fun that is unique and unforgettable, bringing honor to it’s namesake - who was as dedicated to excellence in golf as the staff is to making every guest’s dining experience an enjoyable one.

Sam Snead’s Tavern
1830 S. Osprey Ave, Sarasota
941.906.7771

Serving Lunch and Dinner
Monday – Thursday, 11:30AM-10PM
Fridays, 11:30AM-11PM
Saturdays, 12PM-11PM
Sundays, 12PM-10PM
Happy Hour 4PM-7PM, 7 days a week

www.samsneadssarasota.com