When Jason and Debbie Page bought Bartram Trail Golf Club five years ago, they set out to reinvent the dining experience at the club’s restaurant, Tavern on the Trail, and spread the word that the restaurant is open to everyone. “Most people already know about Bartram Trail Golf Club, but they don’t know that we have a restaurant with an elevated menu and full bar that is open to the public,” shares Jason. “From the beginning, our dream has been to not only see a parking lot full of golf carts from the neighborhood, but also to welcome area locals and out of town visitors.”
A key part of the transformation has been intentionally focusing on ways to appeal to the whole family and not just those spending the day on the course. “The first thing we did was change the vibe away from a place to grab a quick hot dog and get back on the course and make it a place for the family to come after work, eat, and spend time,” says Jason. “We still have a casual vibe where you don’t have to dress a certain way or have a certain job to feel welcome, but with an upscale menu. We just want you to come, eat some great food, and enjoy your time with us.”
They began by revamping the menu, keeping a few traditional clubhouse staples while adding more substantial and sophisticated fare. “We still have things like chicken wraps, sandwiches, and chicken fingers, but we’ve elevated the dinner menu to include steak, chicken, and fish entrees,” explains Jason. “We have lamb chops that are just absolutely to die for and our steaks are unbelievable. They rival any steak you can find around.”
The menu also includes guest favorites like hand-rolled Philly cheese egg rolls, hand-cut fries, and the Right Turn burger topped with cream cheese, bacon, and pepper jelly. The dessert offerings got a make-over as well with the addition of Crème brûlée, Jason’s favorite dessert.
Another key focus was making all their sauces in-house and from scratch. “You can change a meat completely by just the sauce you use,” Jason explains. “So it’s important to us that we make our sauces in-house, including our honey mustard and ranch.”
They also improved the bar area to make it full service and create an atmosphere where guests feel comfortable relaxing and staying a while. The beverage menu offers a curated selection of wine, beer, and handcrafted cocktails. “We do a maple bacon smoky old-fashioned that is probably my favorite,” says Jason.
In the tavern’s cozy kitchen, the staff prepares each dish with care and guests are treated to a relaxed, unhurried experience with plenty of fun ways to pass the time while waiting for their meal. “Our porch has a great view of the pond for guests to enjoy and right off the porch, there is a putting green for the course. You can grab a putter and putt some balls while your wife sits down on the deck to relax or she can join you,” Jason explains. “We also have a full service driving range with simulation bays where you can track your ball or play games. It’s a great place for a date night or time with the family.”
Tavern on the Trail also hosts theme nights, including trivia night on Mondays and Family Night on Wednesdays. “Kids eat for free on Wednesday nights,” says Jason. “We put a bouncy house up for the kids to enjoy and then there is a kids’ buffet, so they don't have to worry about ordering off the menu.” Other events include monthly karaoke nights and featuring a local acoustic artist on the first Thursday of each month. The restaurant also has space for private events and parties, with full service catering and bartending services available.
“You don’t have to be a member to join us at the restaurant, so we encourage you to stop by and join us,” says Jason. “The food is absolutely unbelievable. I promise you won't come just once - everybody who comes becomes a regular.”
Tavern on the Trail, located at 470 Bartram Trail Club Drive in Evans, is a locally and veteran owned business. To find out more, visit www.bartramtrailgolfclub.org/tavern-on-the-trail, call 706-210-4681, and follow Tavern on the Trail at Bartram Trail Golf Club on Facebook and Instagram.