The Sportsman Tavern

To riff on a classic line from the 1998 cult classic film by Joel and Ethan Cohen (The Big Lebowski), "Sometimes, there's a bar. And sometimes, well...well, sometimes, *there's a bar*." To say that The Sportsman Tavern left an impression would be to trifle in cliches. After all, here I am--at the request of my co-travelers--writing a review for beer joint we popped into six whole months ago. This bar rules. The beer was cold, the tunes (among others, Tim "Bootyman" Wilson's artistic response to "Baby Got Back" (aptly entitled "Bootyman"); the obscure but withering ballad "Debra" by Grammy-winner Beck--wafted through the rafters, nay, through our hearts. And the prices were reasonable yet respectable for an establishment that carried the crowned jewels of West Virginia's up-and-coming and super-good craft beer scene (Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company is where's it's at; also, Freefolk and Bridge Brew Works, ya heard?). Indeed, to call The Sportsman Tavern simply a bar would risk making it sound seedy. It's a beer joint...for everyone: classy or sassy, rich or poor (well, not too poor; it is craft beer, after all), young and old. Just ask the multi-tasking father of two who we befriended and bought a round as he--as I recall it, offering his wife a well-deserved day off--attended to his two adorable kids and showed us his tasteful yet frankly befuddling tattoo of a half-woman, half-fish reminiscent of a "Bigmouth Billy Bass." Wherever you are, sir, you're great. And hopefully he's at the Sportsman Tavern, which is where you, o' reader, should be too. Get there. Be there. Live there, if they permit that kind of thing. Make friends there. Hell, we did. Three long-time pals and I have canoe-camped all over this fine country of ours. And so popping in for a couple of afternoon eight beers is not, as it were, our first rodeo. And yet here I am: singing the praises of The Sportsman Tavern. Sincerely and without any humor that could be mistaken for sarcasm, this wonderful local establishment has everything that I have come to associate with the state that my family and I now call home: quality, care, and friendliness. Go check it out, and don't forget to tip your bartender.

What a cool looking place we found by accident! Great atmosphere and great tasting food! Loved that the sodas were served in a chilled glass. The WV Hotdog with onion rings hit the spot. Will definitely stop by again. 😊

This retro-themed bar is an absolute gem, beautifully restored and full of character. We stopped in for a drink and to check out the vibe, and it did not disappoint. The retro decor is on point, right down to the unique bathroom wallpaper. The bartender and patrons added to the fantastic atmosphere. A must-visit spot!

They have great hot dogs the Wv dog is the best and the atmosphere is really cool. I love how the place is laid out. They even have a shuffleboard and ofcourse pool tables but shuffleboard is so fun and you don’t see them anymore so it’s cool to see one anyways this place has been here for a long time. They recently did some upgrades and it looks great go check it out

What a Gem, A Small Town feel with a amazing Characteristics Vibe. Service is First Class. Dawn is a amazing bartender and Brittany is a excellent chef and cook that makes simple bar dishes into flavorful delights. Add Local Music, bar games And a friendly local crowd and you have a place to call your local watering holes. Where everyone is a friend.

The Sportsman Tavern is a small town bar done right. It's a beautiful venue with a brick wall, and an old-timey tin ceiling. I love that it has games such as arcade machines, pool table, and a shuffle board. How can you go wrong with that in a small bar? I'd like to say it's the heart and soul of Ronceverte. It's one of the best bars around that part of Greenbrier County. I like how you could be sitting inside and having a drink and watch the train go by. It just adds to that authentic small town bar vibes. They always have a great selection of beer, along with a good selection of wine and liquor. I recently tried their food for the first time and it was great. The Drunken Burger and Fries were delicious and went great with the Dunkelweizen beer I was drinking. The Sportsman is a place with gentle vibes and liveliness, making it a top-notch bar to hang out at for some drinks and conversation with friends. If you want a change of venue and a different bar than the ones in Lewisburg, this is the place to go.

We'll be back for more of their craft beer choices, great bar menu and excellent service. All this and very affordable. Way to go hometown pride business.

Great Atmosphere!! Love the decor!! Will have to visit again next time I'm in ronceverte 👍

We got the weekly special on carry out. The atmosphere was really awesome but not as awesome as the food!! Especially when ramp season is in!!! When you want something great to eat, don't count them out!! They have a full time menu , don't forget to follow them on Facebook for weekly and daily specials with pictures!!

Old bays were excellent, service couldn't have been better and live music a true gem in the world today a must come to

We had a great lunch there the other day. One fish tacos, the other a very good hot dog. Fries and onion rings good too.

Cole dear beer pint glass I've ever gotten. Good selection of local beers and arcade games!

Was the spot , great location for bands and busses , now its over , long live the sportsmans Legendary

It was our first time visiting The Sportsman Tavern in Ronceverte. The bartender was very friendly and was knowledgeable about the drinks we had questions about. I understand the building was recently renovated and I thought it looked like a job well done. It was relaxing and easy going. A great place to unwind. I am looking forward to going back some day to try the pizza after their new kitchen is up and operating.

Reopened- A completely renovated and revived Sportsman Tavern, true to its roots, yet revamped with a new bar top, removal of the bad plaster covering beautiful brick now exposed, new windows in the rear and new storefront on the front side. The old storefront now serves as a mirror behind the bar, much of the wood was salvaged out of the old place to make the current bar top and 2 seater hand crafted tables are bar height and made for checker or chess table.. Brew selection is extensive mix of import and domestics. Also have 12 craft brews on tap. An antique drop pocket pool table has replaced the old as well as a 1920s standing shuffleboard gaming table and two vintage pinball machines. The old bathroom is gone and replaced with two modern bathrooms. Plan is for food trucks to be offered.

The newly renovated Sportsman Tavern in Ronceverte is a great place to grab a drink, meet locals, and have a good time. Plans in the work for food truck days as well as opening the kitchen. Stop by for a game of pool, shuffleboard or try you hand a one of their vintage video games.

My hometown is Ronceverte. We came here 2 years ago and it was just a hole on the wall. Still loved the hometown vibe but SO glad to see it renovated and a happening place for both the locals and visitors. We love visiting!!

Ronceverte has seen better days no doubt and many businesses on what was once a thriving retail area near the train depot have closed up but this bar, which has been in business apparently since the 1930s, stuck around and remains popular with locals. Beer and billards are the main draw here, it's certainly not fancy but serves the need for a neighborhood bar fine. Unlike some bars in neighboring Lewisburg, there is nothing trendy or pretentious about this tavern. Nor do they carry a vast or exotic selection of beers, either. In fact their selection is pretty much limited to tried and true American standards so if you'd like a Coors or Bud Light probably they can handle that just fine. The interior is well-worn but comfy and it's a great place to meet locals who actually live in Ronceverte. Certainly a very different experience than Lewisburg and one worth having to see a bit more of this part of West Virginia.

Cheapest beer you will ever find. A 6 pack of Bud Lite is $8. Everyone here was friendly. A good place to watch the WVU game for cheap and hang out with the locals.