You've probably seen the signs or heard the name dropped when someone mentions "the lake." But honestly, if you think Sam’s Sports Grill Old Hickory is just another run-of-the-mill chain where the wings are frozen and the atmosphere is sterile, you’re missing the boat. Literally.
Tucked away at the Blue Turtle Bay Marina, this isn’t just a place to catch the Titans game. It’s a floating ecosystem of Nashville lake culture. Most people expect a dark room with sticky floors when they hear "sports bar." Instead, you get a sprawling, nautical-themed deck that literally sits on the water of the Cumberland River. It’s kind of a vibe.
Why the Old Hickory Location Hits Different
Location matters. In Nashville, "waterfront dining" is a bit of a rarity unless you count a puddle in a Gulch parking lot. Sam’s at Blue Turtle Bay solved that back in 2014. You aren't just looking at the lake; you're on it.
The deck is massive. It’s covered, which is a lifesaver during those Tennessee July afternoons when the humidity feels like a wet wool blanket. Because it's at a marina, the crowd is a weird, wonderful mix. You’ve got people who just tied up their $200,000 wakeboarding boats, locals from Old Hickory Village who have been coming since day one, and sports fans who drove from Mount Juliet because the TV-to-table ratio is basically 1:1.
The "Everything from Scratch" Claim: Real or Hype?
Here is the thing. Most sports bars lie about their food. They use "house-made" as a marketing buzzword while the "chef" is actually just a teenager with a microwave and a bag of pre-breaded tenders.
Al Thomas and Sam Sanchez, the guys behind the brand, came from the Houston’s restaurant school of thought. If you know anything about the industry, you know Houston’s (now Hillstone) is obsessive about consistency and quality. They brought that DNA here.
At Sam’s Sports Grill Old Hickory, they actually hand-patty the burgers every single day. They make the soups from scratch. Even the dressings. Most people don't realize that the blue cheese you're dipping your wings in didn't come out of a gallon-sized plastic jug. It was mixed in the back.
It makes a difference. You can taste it in the Angus Cheeseburger ($15.95) which is consistently voted one of the best in the city. It’s not fancy. It’s just... right.
What to Actually Order
Don't just get the wings and leave. Or do—the jumbo wings are marinated and actually crispy ($17.95)—but you’re playing it too safe.
The "Knife and Fork" Baby Back Ribs are the sleeper hit. They are slow-cooked and finished on the grill. They aren't that tough, chewy "BBQ" you find at most bars. These things genuinely fall off the bone.
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If you're feeling a bit more "lake life," the Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos are the move. They come with guacamole, spicy ranch, and cilantro. It feels a lot more like the Florida Keys than a marina 20 minutes from downtown Nashville.
And for the vegetarians (yes, they exist at sports bars), the house-made veggie burger is actually impressive. It’s a mix of sweet potato, kale, quinoa, mushrooms, and black beans. It’s not some sad, frozen cardboard puck.
The Logistics of a Floating Restaurant
Let’s get real about the downsides because nothing is perfect.
On a Saturday in June? Expect a wait. A long one. Sometimes 45 minutes to an hour for a lake-view table. The staff does their best, but when the boats start pulling in and the sun is out, the place gets slammed.
Parking can be a bit of a maze since it's at the end of a street mall and shares space with the marina. It’s free, though, which is a win in 2026 Nashville.
Also, it’s a dog-friendly spot. If you don't like Fido sitting at the table next to you, stick to the indoor seating. But if you're a dog person, the outdoor deck is basically heaven. You’ll see every breed imaginable, usually wearing a bandana, just hanging out while their owners crush some Bushwhackers.
Sports: Not Just a Name
They didn't just slap "Sports Grill" on the sign for fun. The audio-visual setup is intense. They use a state-of-the-art system with high-definition screens mounted so there isn't a "dead zone" in the building.
Whether it’s the NFL Sunday Ticket or a random Tuesday night hockey game, they usually have the sound on for the big events. It’s loud. It’s energetic. It’s exactly what you want when your team is actually winning.
The Secret Season
Most people only think of Sam’s Sports Grill Old Hickory during the summer. That’s a mistake.
In the winter, the crowds thin out. The marina gets quiet. They have heaters on the patio, and it’s actually one of the most peaceful places to grab a beer and watch a game. The view of the Cumberland River with a bit of mist on the water is honestly better than the chaotic summer boat traffic.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
- Time it right: If you want a water-view table without a two-hour wait, aim for a late lunch (2:00 PM) or an early weekday dinner.
- Boat Access: If you’re coming by water, you can dock at Blue Turtle Bay Marina. Just check their current slip availability or transit rules before you tie up.
- Sunday Brunch: They do a Sunday brunch from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The Santa Fe Chicken and black beans might be the standard, but the brunch menu is where the locals hide out.
- Check the Events: They frequently run specials for "National Days" (like National Onion Ring Day or IPA Day). It’s an easy way to save a few bucks on the more expensive menu items.
The bottom line is that Sam’s manages to be two things at once: a high-quality "scratch" kitchen and a relaxed, "no-shoes-no-problem" lake bar. That’s a hard needle to thread. Whether you're there for the $16 burger or just to feed the turtles off the side of the dock, it's one of the last few spots in Nashville that feels like the real Nashville.
Check the weather before you go. If it’s clear skies, head to 2001 Lakeshore Drive. Grab a seat on the deck, order the spinach and artichoke dip, and just watch the boats go by. It’s a good way to spend a Saturday.