Sam Snead's: Your Neighborhood Restaurant

August 07, 2012
Posted By: Megan Greenberg

You may spend the evening surrounded by golf clubs and memorabilia, but you don’t have to know lick about the game itself to enjoy lunch, dinner or drinks at Sam Snead’s American Grill. I mean, look at me -- I spent the majority of my youth thinking a bogie was a type of hawk but spent the majority of last week dreaming about Sam Snead’s Pimm’s Cup and their beautiful bowl of bisque.

Sam Snead’s used to carry the title ‘Oak Grill and Tavern,’ but they’ve recently decided to update their name, their look and their menu - replete with doggie dining, mind you. Now known as Sam Snead’s American Grill, this stylin’ and profilin’ Osprey Avenue restaurant is continuing their tradition of serving high quality food but in a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. Think Casual Upscale. It’s a new term. I coined it. It doesn’t rhyme. You’re welcome. This coming February, they will celebrate their 10th anniversary at their Southside Village location, meanwhile they have some pretty big plans in the works for the restaurant and the community, including charitable events, festivals, benefits and a slew of new menu items.

Their new menu, launching September 3, will feature a new ‘healthier’ happy hour with bar menu items such as Tuna Poke on Baked Wontons, as opposed to fried, as well as other fresh and light fare. The bar menu is focusing on ‘Six for $6,’ which is six smaller portioned items for only six bucks. But, don’t worry, you can still get their famous ribs no matter what time you want them. And you are going to want them at all times. These tender, juicy ribs really do fall right off the bone. Literally. I tried to pick one up and eat it and was left just holding the bone as the meat had nosedived right back down to the plate. Slow-cooked on an oak grill over an open flame, with drippings from the dry rub added to the homemade barbecue sauce, it’s no wonder that this place is famous for their ribs.

Snead’s will also be featuring a brand new Prix Fixe menu - be on the lookout!

The ribs aren’t the only things being made from scratch. Pretty much every single item, from soups to sauces, is made on the scene, like their perfectly made Tomato Bisque. Know what else is made on scene? Their drinks. Come on in for $6 Stoli Martini (they have a thing for sixes) or a spiked Arnold Palmer. Or, leave it in the hands of their British bartender to make you the best Pimms Cup this side of the equator.

For real, don’t forget about the Doggie Dining. This menu is too legit to quit. Forget a kid’s menu, your little ones are going to want to eat from the canine menu. Any place that happily welcomes man’s best friend is tops in my book. And this menu is ridiculous! They offer the same options that humans enjoy but tailor made for pup’s picky palate (read: no salt, no sauces).

I spoke with Manager, Megan Kelly, and PR Rep, Kelsey Anderson, about what sets Sam Snead’s apart. Both women talked about quality. Snead’s prides itself on high quality ingredients and high quality service. They are also more than happy for the ‘Cheers’ comparison they often receive and pride themselves on knowing repeat customers and being Sarasota’s neighborhood bar. They also stressed the fact that not only do they welcome SRQ neighbors with open arms but they also reach out to the community at every available opportunity. And I’m not talking about a Sunday BBQ once every year. When it comes to philanthropy Sam Snead’s means business.

Snead’s has worked with a number of organizations, including the ASPCA, with the intention of working with as many charities as possible. This year they’ve focused a large amount of their attention on 9/11 and all those affected by it, from families to firefighters. They work diligently with the Wounded Warrior Project which helps victims and families of 9/11. They are also planning a big event, this year, to continue honoring 9/11. The event is somewhat hush hush, but I can tell you that men and women in service uniforms will be very, very pleased.

They will also be hosting an Oktoberfest event that is more than just day drinking for adults. This kid and family friendly festival benefits Conductive Education Centers of Sarasota-Bradenton, an organization that helps family members, of all ages, with disabilities.

Speaking of events, be sure to be a fan of Sam Snead’s on Facebook to be in the know for their VIP Party celebrating the launch of their new menu, including a Progressive Wine Tasting. The launch of the new menu goes hand in hand with Snead’s new look. The restaurant is restructuring its interior to have a more fresh and modern feel, as well as adding cool extras like live acoustic music. Sweet.