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Sam's Tavern
Master Critic Review
Sam's Tavern
8.1
Classic FiDi sports bar serving extra-crispy Buffalo wings alongside tavern staples and fast, friendly service. TVs, quick ticket times, and a central Bush Street location make it a reliable after-work or game-day stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Wings (ranch on the side), Spicy Wings, Tavern Burger + tots
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Crispy, sauce-balanced wings in a true FiDi sports-bar setting.
Who should go: After-work crews and game watchers
When to visit: Weekdays 4–6pm for seats and quick kitchen turns
What to order: Buffalo wings; spicy wings; burger with tots
Insider tip: Bar seats get food faster during peak games.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Bush and nearby alleys; metered until 6pm. No dedicated lot, garages within 2–3 blocks.
Dress code: Casual – jerseys, jeans, and work-casual attire all fit. No formal requirements.
Noise level: High during games and happy hour; moderate at off-peak hours. Hard to hold quiet conversations when TVs are on.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for a table during peak games; bar seats turn quicker.
Weekday lunch: 10–15 minutes; usually manageable with quick turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – salads, fries, tots, and some bar snacks.
Vegan options: Very limited – fries or side salad only; wings are not vegan-adaptable.
Gluten-free options: Limited – wings without breading and some salads; no separate prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a quiet first date—it’s loud, TV-heavy, and sports-focused. Better suited to casual meetups or post-work hangs.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. It’s walk-in friendly. Arrive before 5:30pm on weekdays for best seating; otherwise, bar seating is usually open.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—atmosphere is bar-forward with TVs and alcohol focus. Older kids (12+) may be fine during daytime, but evenings are adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Lively sports-bar energy, fast wings with crisp skin, and reliable after-work drink scene.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, upscale ambiance, or robust vegetarian/vegan dining.