As part of our world travels over the past few weeks, we also had the opportunity to spend a weekend at The Homestead in Hot Springs, VA. This resort features a variety of activities, including a spa, golf, hunting, shopping, skiing, etc. and a number of restaurants. For our first meal during our time at the resort, we had dinner at Sam Snead’s.

Sam Snead’s is not actually located in The Homestead, but it is just across the street from the resort and it is still treated as part of the property. You can provide the waitress your room number for your bill and I think the staff at the restaurant fall under the umbrella of The Homestead.

The atmosphere at Sam Snead’s is very interesting and unique. It has the feel of a tavern and there is golf memorabilia everywhere in the restaurant. Everything is themed around the legendary golfer, Sam Snead, who is grew up caddying and playing at The Homestead and went on to become one of the most successful golfers in history. The restaurant features replicas of Snead’s clubs and tributes to his numerous accomplishments in the game of golf. It’s a cool way to introduce visitors to some of the rich golf history that exists in Hot Springs.

We were in a large group for dinner and it took a while for our table to be ready, but I enjoyed using the free time to take in the golf memorabilia. Once we were seated, we ordered a few different appetizers for the table to sample some of the offerings. For the appetizers, we tried the steamed mussels, fried pickles, and shrimp & crab fondue. I thought the shrimp and crab fondue was the highlight and the presentation was great, with the fondue being served in a glass jar with a lid. The fried pickles were bizarre and basically gross. Instead of it being pickle chips that were fried, they were entire pickles that were fried. Very little flavor from the batter or the pickle.

For my entrée, I ordered the angus beef burger, which was topped with lettuce, tomato, bacon, and cheddar cheese. The burger was cooked to medium well and had a good, beef flavor but it was lacking the char-grilled flavor I usually hope for in a burger. It also came with a side of sweet potato fries that were served in a mug. I thought they would be crispier, and seemed to get soggy rather quickly, which was a disappointment. For around $15, this wasn’t a dish worth ordering again.

I’d have to say the atmosphere at Sam Snead’s is probably better than the food being served. It seemed over-priced for the quality of the dishes and the execution wasn’t at the level I was expecting. However, the tavern feel and atmosphere is a great alternative to some of the fancy dining rooms at The Homestead and the golf decorations are quite impressive.

Information:
Sam Snead's Tavern
7696 Sam Snead Highway, Hot Springs, VA 24445
540.839.1766