The National Tavern

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Tavern Rooted in Golf and Lake Country

The National Tavern sits at the heart of Reynolds Lake Oconee, positioned directly on the 18th hole of the Richland golf course. It's a setting that shapes the entire experience: sweeping veranda views, a firepit for cooler evenings, and a bar and lounge that draws golfers, lake residents, and visitors alike into something genuinely convivial.

The kitchen takes a straightforward but considered approach to American cuisine — chefs source locally grown and seasonal ingredients, then use them to put fresh spins on familiar favorites. The result is comfort food with a bit of craft behind it, served in a warm, pub-like atmosphere that never takes itself too seriously.

Where to Sit, What to Expect

Guests can settle into the dining room for a more relaxed meal, pull up a stool at the bar, or take a table on one of two verandas with open views of the course. The Tavern works equally well for a casual lunch, a longer dinner, or simply watching a game in comfortable surroundings. Private and semi-private dining options make it a natural choice for gatherings, and outdoor seating extends the experience through the warmer months.

Recognized for Its Wine Program

The Tavern's wine list has earned consistent recognition from Wine Spectator — the restaurant has been honored in the publication's Restaurant Awards for seven consecutive years, a mark of genuine commitment to the cellar rather than a one-off achievement. For a lakeside American tavern, that kind of sustained recognition speaks to real depth of selection and service.

The National Tavern is one of eleven dining venues across Reynolds Lake Oconee, but it holds a particular place as the community's go-to spot for everyday gatherings — unpretentious, well-stocked, and reliably good.