When Saddlebrook Resort began its massive $92 million renovation, one of its primary goals was clear: transform a resort that had seen better days back into the jewel of Wesley Chapel.
The pool was upgraded, the golf course reimagined, the rooms renovated and maybe most important of all, the food was elevated, with the addition of a coffee shop, upgraded pool bar and kitchen and fine dining with RARE1981.
So far, Saddlebrook has been hitting home runs … or rather, holes-in-one, with its new offerings.
The streak continues with the latest culinary offering: GOAT Kitchen & Bar, a new modern, sports-centric dining destination the resort recently unveiled.
“The idea is to be an upscale sports bar. Nothing that you can compare to anything around here,” said Edwardo Torres, Saddlebrook’s director of restaurants. “We will have the NHL games. We will have the NFL package, the World Series, the NCAA, all of that.”
GOAT, an acronym for Greatest Of All Time, is rather fitting for a resort focused on golf and tennis. One of the most fervent debates in all of sports, once you get past the LeBron James-Michael Jordan argument, is the debate over who is the all-time best between Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
The venue
It’s gorgeous, so much so that calling it a sports bar doesn’t seem right. But the TVs on the walls, the homage paid to former Saddlebrook golf and tennis players, and the vibe make it clear: it works as a place to catch a game on a Saturday afternoon, or a nice place to take a date later on that night. And the outdoor seating has a great view.
The menu
Sports bars are popular because they offer simple bar food like wings, burgers and beer, with plenty of TVs for your viewing pleasure.
At GOAT, simple bar food is replaced by elevated classics. Chef Mark Davis and company have engineered a menu intent of redefining bar food.
Not that you can’t get wings and burgers. The wings, however, are Sous Vide — “low and slow,” Davis says — and marinated with roasted garlic and fresh herbs before being finished crisp with a flavor and juiciness Davis says can’t be touched by regular fry-and-serve wings.
And the burger is a Wagyu smashburger, topped with aged white cheddar, shallot jam, black garlic aioli and served on a brioche bun.
Other menu highlights include short rib nachos (slow braised for 12-14 hours) and hand-cut tortilla chips, which was one of our favorites. The hearty fish and chips was tasty as well, and the pan-seared filet tips, southern fried chicken with cheddar grits and collard greens and Asian steak salad caught our eye as well.
Torres said the Saddlebrook’s New England-style Clam Chowder is a longtime resort tradition, and Davis has added a few touches that make it better than before.
Washing it down
This is where GOAT blends a host of signature drinks with the sports.
Themed beverages are tied to major sporting events, like the Azalea cocktails and pimento cheese served on Masters weekend. Whether you are watching Wimbledon while sipping on a Pimm’s Cup or downing a local craft beer during the Super Bowl, GOAT offers the drink that brings you closest to the game, as well as some of its own concoctions.
Pro tip
While GOAT is open to everyone, it’s not super friendly to the non-resort folks, as the parking is not free. Considering you’ll already be paying a premium on the food and drinks, the extra $12 (at a minimum) you’ll pay to park is definitely something you need to consider. Of course, if you’re already at the resort, it’s a no-brainer to check out.
The verdict
Some folks don’t want or need a fancy sports bar, but for those intrigued by the upscale surroundings and menu, and probably a more mellow setting, GOAT will have great appeal. Saddlebrook is still working to shed the image of a place only well-heeled members can enjoy, and while you can’t just show up and play tennis or take a dip in the pool without a membership, GOAT, and the other restaurants, are open to all.
Hours: Breakfast served daily 7 a.m.-11 a.m. and lunch is served daily 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dinner is served Sunday-Thursday 5 p.m.-9 p.m., with the bar closing at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, dinner is served 5 p.m.-10 p.m., with the bar closing at 11 p.m.
For more information, visit saddlebrook.com.