Change is good, right? Or so the saying goes. Normally I agree but when it comes to restaurants–particularly if they are neighborhood favorites–change can often negate that statement.
I’ve already admitted to my love of food. I have no shame. So I’m always willing to try new places, and experience new atmospheres. So when I made plans to have dinner with a friend of mine who’s in from out-of-town she’d mentioned Sam’s Music Bar and Bistro in the well-known MetroWest community. If you’re familiar with MetroWest you probably know Sam’s is formerly Sam Snead’s.
My friend and I arrived at the venue around 7pm, and met-up with her friend at the bar. First things first: the place was dead. I’m talking yawn, yawn, yawn! Not typical of most restaurants during dinner time on a Thursday night, particularly in MetroWest. In fact, when we drove past Taquitos Jalisco a few doors down, it was jammin’! Should’ve been a sign.
The lack of patronage continued throughout the night, but fortunately that was fitting for our situation — we wanted to visit and chat with each other, and we got to do just that. We got to be our loud, obnoxious selves without worrying about disturbing other guests (there were none!). The food was great, so that’s a plus; the live music was not.
One of the truly unique things about Sam’s, though, is they rent Huka pipes to willing patrons. Apparently you can rent a pipe for $15 (according to one of the waitresses), along with the flavored tobacco of your choice. Not something that’s common around the Orlando/Central Florida area.
If you’d like to check-out Sam’s for yourself, they are located at:
2461 S. Hiawassee Road
Orlando, FL 32835
For more information:
Phone: 407.295.9999
Site: Website
E-mail: E-mail
Overall, I wasn’t the biggest fan of this “new” Sam’s, and I’ve come to the conclusion change is not always good. That being said, I am willing to give it one more shot…probably on a Friday or Saturday night.
Guess I won’t be rushing over to MetroWest for dinner anytime soon!!
I highly recommend (although I am a bit biased) that you check out Tavern on the Lake which is brand new, adjacent to Sam’s and located in Veranda Park.
This restaurant is becoming where the locals who know go.
http://www.tavernorlando.com
Adam:
Firstly, thanks for stopping by our blog and commenting. We appreciate the support, and are enjoying connecting with other local residents.
Secondly, it’s funny you should mention Tavern. The friend I was with the evening I visited Sam’s had plans to have dinner at Tavern the very next evening, and she was really looking forward to it. I haven’t spoken with her yet to find out how her experience was.
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Elliah Finckleton:
Thanks! Glad you found this post helpful. Is there anything in particular you think we should talk about here on our blog? We’re always looking for suggestions.