The Gamekeeper’s Tavern

Always good when I’ve been there. I usually go in winter time when fireplaces are in use. Of course the prices are somewhat high. See any elk or kangaroos around these parts? Get a grip!!!

This place is very nice with a unique menu. I like that they offer local produce and meats. It is pricey but worth it. The waitress was very informative on all the dishes. Although, my father-​in-​law really wanted the Kangaroo that was listed as one of their specials for the night and which the waitress promoted highly… she had to come back to let him know they were out. We told him «no worries» that we were sure that it was NOT from the local farm. Also, how sad to eat a kangaroo! I was glad they were out!

It was really good, especially after a long hike in the mountain. The Quail and Waffles, Smashed Potatoes and Lanz Filet with Demi Glacé and Roasted Garlic was to die for. Their selection of beverages was really good as well. Until next year…

My family and I ate here tonight on our Christmas vacation. I have to say that it was excellent, and exceeded my expectations. I’m a sucker for places that serve game meats instead of the typical farm raised selection, and this place was no disappointment. First of all, their wine selection was very respectable, and my wife ordered a second glass of the pinot noir that she ordered. I ordered two different beers that were both very satisfying compliments to my meal. When the server listed the beers on tap, I was more than pleased that there wasn’t a single light or mass produced domestic on the list.
Food wise, we started with a side of fire roasted brussels sprouts as an appetizer. I spent the rest of the time until our entrees came out unsuccessfully trying to puzzle out the composition of the sauce they were cooked and served in, but it was nearly perfect. For entrees, my wife ordered the catch of the day which was sole and for the side she chose marsala mushrooms. I tried both, and we were both happy with the flavors and the doneness of the fish. For my entrée, I ordered the plantation quail and waffles, which is one of the specialties of the house. I’ve had quail many times and waffles many times, but the combination was new and very pleasing. The three quail were fried and served over a savory Belgian style waffle with some kind of pepper syrup. It was utterly delicious and a hit with me, my wife, and my three year old daughter. For the kids there was a decent kids’ menu; nothing groundbreaking, but both of my kids left full and happy. Dessert was an apple cobbler a la mode with some French press coffee. Delicious!
The service was as good as I’ve had anywhere and warranted a greater than 20% tip. Next time we’re in Cashiers/​Sapphire, this will be my first stop for dinner.

Wonderful dinner with great wine selection. Staff was extremely responsive to our needs. Trout with crabmeat was very good.

My boyfriend and I came here while on vacation, we had excellent service and great food! We got quail wrapped in bacon, filet mignon, and elk chop. All were fantastic and even better complimented by martinis. ;)

A New American menu with added interest from game such as wild boar and Texas antelope.

I went here with a group of friend and the service was just awful. The server was extremely inattentive, which was ridiculous because the place was dead. One of my friends ordered the shrimp and grits and got a plate of shrimp, no grits. I had to ask the server several times for sugar. Then after telling us that he would split the bill evenly and even bringing out separate checks for everyone, only one person’s credit card was charged and it was for the entire bill. Some people paid cash, so they got paid twice for some meals. We will not be going back

So, so good. We broke a family rule and ate here multiple times on one vacation. Terrific menu options (both «game» and standard fare choices abound), and the preparations were flavorful and spot-​on (ask for rare, you get rare). My wife proclaimed one dinner the best wild caught salmon she’s ever had (and she has had a lot). Their burger was fantastic. The shrimp and grits were solid. Candied bacon is a fantastic appetizer (never felt sorrier for those who keep kosher). They even nailed the kids menu: our six year old thought the grilled cheese was the best he’d ever had (I tasted it, and he was right: outstanding).
Staff was friendly and reasonably attentive. Each of the three rooms has its own vibe. Get a reservation … it can be busy.

Excellent food, poor service.
My family has gone to late lunch and dinner at Gamekeepers a few times this summer, and while the great food kept us coming back for a second and third try, the service is consistently disappointing.
Our waiter made little eye contact, and grossly mishandled an instance of over cooked meat (which was a charcoal briquette on the outside) — it was brought out from the kitchen after being sent back (technically illegal in many states) claiming the kitchen said that the meat could be re-​ordered at full price, but other options were unavailable.
Additionally, our waiter struggled to check in with our table (after peak hours) to refill waters, drinks, and to ensure that the proper meal was delivered to its respective diner.
While the menu was sensitive to various dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan and gluten free), my entire party agreed that Gamekeeper’s Tavern delivers a steerage-​class experience at first class prices.

Thought we’d try this place one more time. I’m sorry we did. Service started out great and then we had to hunt the waitress down for the check. This place has gone down hill since our very first visit three years ago. Save yourself the time and check out Table 64, just down the way. (Hint…half of their servers/​chefs are from the Game Keeper!)

This place has amazing options for healthy people and people with food allergies. I recommend the beet salad and the bison blue burger on a gluten free bun. The service is great and there’s live music some nights. I’ll definitely be back next time I’m here!

Service and atmosphere excellent. Outdoor seating. Bar seating. And a nice inside restaurant area with fireplace.
Had the grilled Caesar salad with chicken and it was really flavorful. So far the best meal we’ve had in Cashiers.

We were inspired to come here because of the candied bacon appetizer and selection wine. We were dining with friends and our children and we sat indoors. The ambiance was nice and, generally speaking, the place was quiet — most people dining were couples and there for a fine dining experience. Although we were dining with our young children, I would not recommend one bring their little ones unless they can stay seated and not raise the volume too much. So the food: for appetizers we had the candied bacon which was delicious and Greek Nachos with lamb which were interesting and tasty. They do have «game» on the menu, the special was a Mako shark overnighted from Hawaii (!) but I suppose with regards to game, I was expecting the food to be much more local game which it was not. At any rate, kids had burgers. Which a they seemed to enjoy. I had the mountain trout with Carolina rice which I found good, not amazing, but it was good. My husband had a sirloin which said was fine. Dessert was Apple cobbler and brownie ala mode, both which everyone enjoyed.

Ambiance and atmosphere is very nice. This restaurant is tucked in the mountains and definitely has the lodge feel. Dark, candles, and fireplaces set the stage for the lighting, while lights with moose and deer racks add to the lodge feel.
We were welcomed with smiling faces and had a table within minutes. We did call ahead for reservations, but when we got there many tables were available… it was a Tuesday night.
Server was nice and you could tell he was new. He did well all night. Service was good. Now to the menu. Good selection but a little on the pricey side, although I don’t mind paying for a good meal.
My wife and I decided to get the fried green tomato appetizer, which was pretty good. Then we both ordered our meal. She had the carbonara and I got the rib eye. She was not at all impressed with the carbonara and the rib eye I had was just not good. I just don’t know how else to say it. I had been in the mood for a good steak all day and this was a major let down and on top of that my wife’s dish wasn’t good either. For the price we paid for our meal, we were expecting exquisite food but we were served below average entrees. Maybe we just both ordered the wrong dishes but our waiter was insistent that we had made good choices.
If I was to go back here it would be for drinks and appetizers. They have a great bar area and a nice sitting area outside with a fireplace. The atmosphere is really nice. It’s a good place to enjoy some good wine and appetizers with friends…, but I would stay away from the rib eye and the carbonara entrees.

I stumbled upon Gamekeeper’s Tavern by chance one summer evening after a long day at Turtleback Falls. Famished and very lost with not a lot of options in the area this place popped up on Unilocal.Little did we know this was a member’s only restaurant and we were sorely unprepared and in wet bathing suits. They were kind enough to let us dine in the bar area. What an unexpected surprise. We sampled many wild game options and were impressed with all offerings even though the food was a little rich — but divine. Next time, I will dress to impress but can not wait to try this place again.

Consistently good food. Reasonable prices. Very unusual specials.
Sit in bar area or outside if possible.

Went here just a few days ago to celebrate our last day of vacation and boy was it a mistake. The waitress was awful and we waited a horribly long time for her to clear the table of our appetizers and bring refills. We actually waited so long the hostess came and cleared the appetizer plates. It was very clear that the staff only catered to the people that looked to be very wealthy and well dressed. While we had more than enough money to afford our meals it didn’t matter because we didn’t have the «look» i guess. While they were bringing around the fresh ground pepper to all of the other tables they skipped us and the other table of «regular» looking people wearing t-​shirts and shorts, who by the way waited much longer than anyone else to be seated.
Then the manager or whoever it was walking around in a suit asking people how their meals were, went to every other table in the restaurant besides ours and the other folks I previously mentioned. Once the food did come out after waiting a very long time (close to an hour) it was not very good at all. First of all the sweet potato mash was ice cold. The elk I ordered that cost $ 38 was not cooked how it was ordered and not very warm at all. The wild berry sweet demi glaze was very bitter. My «seasonal vegetables» which were just green beans, the easiest thing to cook were completely raw! To say the least we were all very disappointed in our meals and the service was completely awful.
Once our check finally came we paid it and then told someone about our experience so they wouldn’t assume we were looking for a free meal. Once we could actually get ahold of someone that is, because it seemed our table got no attention whatsoever. She insisted on giving us a free desert after declining a few times we finally just let them bring out the sundae for us. She also took my meal off of the bill which was the most expensive thing but it didn’t change the service or food quality.
If you’re in the area I say drive right past it and don’t think twice! I do however recommend the orchard which isn’t too far away and had incredible service and the food was to die for! Now that’s a restaurant I will go to year after year.

The fam spent Memorial Weekend in Cashiers celebrating Dad’s 65^th. Intrigued by the exotic menu, we booked ressies at The Gamekeeper’s Tavern. Venue was fab — rustic yet charming spot with a fascinating menu including kangaroo fillet, bison brisket, elk chops, buffalo nachos and wild boar quesadillas. The kangaroo and nachos were a personal fave, while the elk was a bit tough and gamey. We rounded out the meal with white chocolate bread pudding (toasted, an unusual yet tasty touch), a fudge sundae topped with candied walnuts, and banana crème pie. While we should’ve taken a pass on the pie (uninspiring), the bread pudding and sundae were excellent.
Overall a great experience, and a definite must try if you are in the area. We will certainly be back on our next visit!

While staying at Foxhunt resort in Sapphire, NC we chose our restaurant carefully. On vacation, I do the cooking at the suite except for one visit to the best restaurant in the area. Gamekeeper’s Taverns website drew our attention. Then we stopped by to check the current menu; it’s the same as the dazzling menu online. It wasn’t a menu from two chefs ago as we often find.
We went for dinner tonight and were waited on by a bartender and waitress; no busser. Even though the lounge was full, the service didn’t miss a beat. The waitress even said twice, «Thanks for your patience» which wasn’t necessary; the service was spot on. We live in South Florida and can spot bad service a mile away. Service was excellent here.
First, the Yam and Ginger Soup was perfectly balanced. It wasn’t too sweet or too strong on the ginger. The trout dinner with Poblano garlic rice was extraordinary; the trout skin was even delicious. The Broken Arrow Burger — a venison burger — was topped with bacon, cheese, and caramelized onions with crispy potato wedges on the side. Gamekeeper’s is home-​cooked Carolina food kicked up a notch with exotic ingredients and imagination.
The draft beer and wine selection was a good mix that complements the food. I tried two dark beers — a Sweetwater brew from Atlanta and a Winter Ale by New Belgium brews. They also served a surprisingly good margarita on the rocks.
You can see they take their quality seriously at Gamekeeper’s Tavern.