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Ralph Sampson's American Taproom, Charlottesville, VA

Ralph Sampson's American Taproom

4.3
4.3
231 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
Top tags:
BIG FLAVORS FOR THE BIG GAME (FROM THE ORIGINAL BIG MAN)
Whether you’re pre-gaming with burgers and wings or celebrating a big win with premium steaks and seafood, our menu has you (and your team) covered.

LOCAL EATS, LOCAL BREWS (FROM A LOCAL LEGEND)
Proudly featuring “Ralph’s Big Juicy” — a citrusy India Pale Ale made in collaboration with Three Notch’d Brewing Company.

“IT’S ALWAYS BEEN A DREAM OF MINE”
An upscale sports bar experience years in the making conveniently located in the heart of Charlottesville, Virginia.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 8 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    American, Steak

  • Hours of Operation

    Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 3:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 3:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (434) 422-8093

  • Website

    http://www.americantaproom.com/

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress Code

    Casual Dress

  • Owned/operated by

    Black

  • Location

    973 Emmet St N, Charlottesville, VA 22903

  • Neighbourhood

    Charlottesville

  • Parking Details

    Private Lot

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 231 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.2Service
  • 4.2Ambience
  • 4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Charlottesville

    Great for brunch

  • Charlottesville

    Good for groups

  • Charlottesville

    Hot spot

  • Charlottesville

    Lively

  1. LoriT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a late lunch at Ralph's house and we were very pleased with the excellent service and delicious food. Our server was prompt, friendly and helpful. The "Freakin'" good chicken sandwich is, in fact, freakin' good! The cauliflower appetizer was fantastic. I could have had that as my meal. Fries and asparagus sides were excellent. While we selected the restaurant because we're UVA fans and wanted to see the memorabilia, we were extremely pleased by the quality of the food and the service. We'll definitely eat here when in C'ville.

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  2. Marcus

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    The Food was not that great for the price that we paid and the Server at the pass. Keep on rubbing his hair then touching the food. Which is the most nastiest thing you can do. I was about to walk out before my food came but luckily someone else service use our food. I will never eat at this restaurant again.

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  3. DeniseS

    Richmond

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service as always. The brunch menu offered a variety of food choices. The wedge, avocado toast and deviled eggs were our favorite.

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  4. KatharineM

    Richmond

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We will make it our go to get together place in Cville!

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  5. TracyS

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience3
    I went there for Mother's Day and I was disappointed with how many dishes were sold out by 1:00. I guess I was expecting more for the Mother's Day Brunch. Unfortunately, it wasn't special and I won't go there for any occasions worth celebrating. I really wanted it to be a place I would visit again. The peach mimosa was good but they ran out of that too. I would recommend trying it at least once.

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great meatloaf , great service , great atmosphere!

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall4food1service4ambience3
    Water glass had soap scrub floating on top of water after I drank. Another guest had the cheesesteak and said it tasted like it had been washed with soap too.

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  8. Rebecca

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience3
    It was the night of a concert, but we arrived (with reservations) on the early end of the evening at 5pm. Waited approx 25 mins for our drinks, appetizers arrived before the drinks. And then another 30 mins for the 2nd round. Waiter and manager all apologized profusely about the back up, but the 2nd round was beer and wine to hopefully expedite the process. Food was good, bar service the worst ever experienced!

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  9. margaretg

    New Orleans

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We had a table of 5 and were given excellent service and delicious food. The only complaint was there were no bloody mary's which some of us wanted. We will return!

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience1
    It was horrible. The bartender was extremely unfriendly and rude. He took 30+ minutes to check on us.

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  11. DisappointedInCville

    Richmond

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    We got there and the host was very attentive. I asked him if it was possible to change our reserved table to a table outside. He took us outside and told us we could chose any of the empty tables. ALL of them were dirty and still full from the previous people who sat there. He said someone would come by and remove the plates and wipe down the tables when they come to take our order and left us with menus. My friend and I cleaned our own table, used our own disinfectant wipes we had with us to wipe down the table and after waiting over TWENTY MINUTES to be acknowledged by the waitstaff, we got up and left. This was the first time I had been to this restaurant and it surely will be the last. I’m very disappointed.

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  12. MargaretL

    Richmond

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our first time visiting and were very impressed with the service and food. Our server, Mya, was superb! She was friendly, informative, attentive and handled our group of six, chatty women with grace and patience. Kudos to Mya!! We ordered a variety of appetizers and meals and were very impressed with everything we ordered. The appetizers we ordered, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Crispy Brussels Sprouts and Korean BBQ Cauliflower were all big hits with everyone. We will definitely be back for more.

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    We started by making reservations on the app, but when we walked in, they didn’t even ask and just gave us a seat, so it seemed reservations were unnecessary. The atmosphere was fine. It was on the louder side, but that didn’t bother me. Plenty of of tvs to watch sports and such. The food was great. It wasn’t outstanding, but it was very good. No complaints. The pricing, however, wasn’t. Just considering the fact that the restaurant is more of a sit down experience, we paid a lot more than we should’ve for two people and single servings portions. The service was definitely the worst part of the experience. While I don’t think it was awful, it wasn’t good. We waited a really long time for our food, and that’s only after we had to flag down a waitress to order. Most of the staff seemed ready to leave, which I can relate with, but came off rude fairly often.

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  14. SamC

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience3
    Our first time visiting ATR and that will be the last time. Food was ok but cold and service was terrible. Only saw our waitress once to ask for water and that was at the end of our meal. She brought a carafe of water and our check. So much for selling more food or drink.

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  15. HHCstaunton

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    The food was really okay, but not special enough to warrant the prices. I had Mac and cheese which was good but there was no sign of jalapeño in it. My daughter had a chicken wrap which she said was pretty good. My friend had the burger special which was not at all like their regular burger, but thin, fast-food-like, and NOT on a brioche bun. Our presence seemed to irritate our server until it was time to pay the check. When we ordered and I asked what bread they had other than brioche, she said only gluten free bread - even though they advertise fresh house-made pita chips. Where's the pita bread? All in all, with all the choices in Charlottesville, this was average food with not great service and we will choose some place else next time.

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  16. MsMagenta

    Richmond

    77 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    77 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Always a freshly prepared, consistent, solid meal. Great burgers & fries. The lobster roll special is expensive but very good.

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  17. James

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lots of options, friendly staff, good food, and very welcoming atmosphere for old friends and business colleagues to reconnect.

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  18. jls5k0

    Richmond

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2023

    overall4food4service2ambience3
    Fun place to dine. Close to UVA. Food is good but the service is mediocre. It takes them a while to take your drink order and then the service is spotty.

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  19. gemni71111

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    Nice lively ambience and attentive wait staff. The appetizer was great. The main dishes fell short. The fries in the kids’ meal were seasoned with what tasted like chili powder and were too spicy for the kids. The adults didn’t mind the fries though.

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  20. SusanB

    Washington DC

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    I do not recommend this restaurant. For the cost, quality of food and atmosphere it is just not worth it.

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    I would say that our experience at Ralph Samson American Taproom was delightful. The service was exceptional - our server Mia was friendly, quick and anticipated our needs. We had the pleasure of trying their Easter brunch which included a variety of dishes such as chicken and waffles, French toast, pancakes, avocado toast, deviled eggs, omelettes, Caesar salad, wedge salad and penne pasta. The ambience was good and added to the overall experience. I would highly recommend this establishment to anyone looking for a great meal and excellent service.

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  22. PaulaE

    Charlotte

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    First time there. The restaurant provided large portions and many choices. The service was outstanding and I appreciated your providing the cinnamon bun free since we had to wait so long.

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  23. JenniferB

    Charlotte

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Wanted to love this place but the food and service just wasn’t good. We went for brunch and the menu was confusing as well as didn’t really go together. To me, a brunch menu should be breakfast items, fruit, chicken. Not things like spicy pasta dish, spinach and artichoke dip. Appetizer came out after the food and we had to ask for it. Waiter didn’t keep our water glasses full and the water was served with very little ice. Wouldn’t go back. Need to reevaluate menu. Everything tasted reheated and frozen.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We went for Easter brunch. The food was delicious! Highly recommend the cinnamon rolls. We did the unlimited brunch and enjoyed picking 3 items from the two sections (total of 6 items). Wait service was ok but very friendly. Casual environment and we enjoyed our brunch, and took home leftovers.

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  25. michelleF

    Jackson Hole

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Good brunch and prices. Great server. Definitely recommend

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  26. CVille4Foodies

    Richmond

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience2
    Sports bar with good food. Staff was stretched thin, drink order was wrong, but that can happen. Fish and chips, pasta and burger were very good. Very loud and busy on a Saturday night.

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  27. kerrib

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 7, 2023

    overall2food4service2ambience3
    Service was slow. Ordered apps and dinners. Apps and dinners came out at same time. Sat with dirty plates in front of us for 45 min. Asked to order dessert, server brought us menu and didn’t come back to take order for at least 45 min. Could not find her. It wasn’t crowded either..

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 6, 2023

    overall3food3service1ambience2
    Unfortunately, they are very understaffed. Drinks took a long time and my husbands appetizer was delivered after he finished his meal

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  29. DenaS

    Richmond

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 26, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Super happy to find an option that can accommodate someone in a wheelchair. This is very rare in Charlottesville. Service was great and so was food. Only I gave it 4 stars is because they were out of several items we ordered. I think they are just finding their way with ordering since it is a new restaurant and not a chain. Overall we were happy to find somewhere my wheelchair bound child could eat when visiting his brother in campus.

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  30. Donteatherebeforejpjeven

    Richmond

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 23, 2023

    overall1food5service1ambience3
    Food was very good, just slightly overpriced. Service was atrocious- made a reservation and had to wait for table and finally got our first drinks, water included, after we were done with our meal.

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  31. KathleenQ

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 23, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    We went before a concert, and the place was packed. We did have a reservation and we got seated right away. It took more than 20 minutes for a server to come to our table and we ordered our food and drinks at the same time. The food came out well before the drinks arrived. The drinks were another 30 minutes after ordering, we were about finished with our food when we got the drinks. the kitchen staff were helping to serve the food and the executive chef was really keeping the food coming out in a timely fashion very hot and very delicious. The bar staff were busy, but they did have four bartenders, and it still took way too long. Maybe the executive chef should be put in charge of the bar too!

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  32. KatieD

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 23, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Great place to have dinner before an event at John Paul Jones Arena. Food and drinks were delicious!

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  33. KeithL

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 23, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience3
    Our waitress was very warm and attentive. The food was very good, my salad wasn’t the most flavorful but the chicken was phenomenal. We had the Brussels sprouts and they were very tasty.

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Sunday brunch, enjoyable experience, food and drinks were very good.

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  35. MsMagenta

    Richmond

    77 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    77 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Consistently very good food and service. Solid local favorite. Good value.

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  36. Eliza

    Richmond

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 13, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience5
    We arrived for our 10:45 brunch reservation and weren’t waited on/ seen by a server for nearly 30 minutes. We were only given brunch menus but were told brunch ended at 11 because of the special event which we were part of. We had to ask for lunch menus and wait a while to order. The manager did bring us cinnamon rolls because the kids were sad there wasn’t brunch anymore which we appreciated. The server was on her phone the whole time and not attentive. We had to ask the hosts to get the check. Service was not good and this was with the owner present.

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  37. AnneW

    Richmond

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Attended the "Bracket Brunch." Great food, great ambiance, wonderful event. Will definitely attend again next year if it is offered.

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  38. JonW

    Richmond

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The breakfast was delicious and the environment was fun. We enjoyed meeting Ralph and hearing his stories. A bonus was filling out a bracket for the NCAA basketball tournament. Can’t wait to come back again in the future.

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  39. DavidC

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, great service! We had a lot of fun! Look forward to dining again soo.

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  40. 71wahoo

    Richmond

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on March 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was great and the service superb. Great location to immerse yourself in UVa athletics.

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FAQs

Ralph Sampson's American Taproom does offer delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats.

Ralph Sampson's American Taproom is rated 4.3 stars by 231 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 8 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Ralph Sampson's American Taproom

973 Emmet St N, Charlottesville, VA 22903

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighbourhood

    Charlottesville

  • Hours of Operation

    Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 3:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 3:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    American, Steak

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress Code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking Details

    Private Lot

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Owned/operated by

    Black

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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