Sports Page Food & Spirits — Restaurant in North Carolina

A Tale of Two Taco Tuesdays To those of you who write reviews, do you not wish that Google’s reviews page would allow you to rate in half-star increments? This review is getting 5 stars but it is solely based on the bar experience. I’ve not eaten in the dining room.

In my little village of Denver, NC, we still have a limited choice of dining experiences although we definitely are not lacking in fast food options. People (and builders) have discovered this quiet little town on the west side of Lake Norman. While Publix opened a store within the last couple of years and 7-11 just set up shop, progress toward diverse choice is slow. No Trader Joe’s. Our wine bar closed pre-pandemic (I guess the locals prefer their Buds and Michelobs). And a daring restaurant called Havalina’s closed before it had a chance to establish itself. In my opinion, that restaurant’s food was better tasting than the venerable Chillfire, but it’s ambience was not equal to the Chillfire fine-dining experience. See my review.

Which brings us to this review of Sports Page in case you started to wonder if I forgot.

I recently wrote a review of my Taco Tuesday experience at Margarita’s. This is the flip-side review.

On the occasion of the last day of my son’s 29th trip around the sun, I took him out for a little celebration. When we go out on Tuesdays, it is usually to Sports Page and their Taco Tuesday. I just wasn’t up for it that time so my son suggested Margarita’s. You can read that review if so inclined as I tried to compare the Two Taco Tuesday experiences looking at choice of taco items, taste, ambience, parking, capacity, and service, price, and adult beverages.

I keep coming back to Sports Page for other reasons. It has both a dining room and a sports bar. I like to watch tv when having a cold one. They have decent choices for bourbon and whiskey and possibly the best selection of craft beer of any restaurant in Denver. If you like craft beer and are looking to take home a six pack, Triangle Food Mart is by far your best choice. Just saying.

Natalie minds the bar when I come. Lydia is great too but her shift is ending about the time I usually show. I appreciate both these people as they are friendly, remember what I like, and go out of their way to be friendly to Chris who has a touch of autism.

You get both the bar and tabletop. It has outdoor seating. But let’s get real: In the Carolinas, we have, in a good year, 4 months of pleasant weather. The rest is merely tolerable.

Sports Page has very loyal bar flies. I mean no disrespect. This Clientele are absolutely crucial to any restaurant’s survival. I don’t go there every day to count myself among this honored breed but am glad they do to support the staff and establishment. Just get there before 5 if you hope to find two adjacent seats at the bar.

Regarding Taco Tuesday, you do get a basket of chips and salsa so overall the better deal is at Margarita’s. However, the quality of food and service at Margarita’s has been uneven. The tacos are almost as good as Margarita’s but you have a wider taco menu at SP and the burgers and wings at Sports Page are also pretty good. Chris likes quesadillas so he’ll have one once in awhile instead of the taco. The quesadilla at Margarita’s is an epic fail.

And mentioning quesadillas, this just put a thought in my head. I think I’ll need to do a comparison of Sports Page and Joey’s, their burgers, wings, and quesadillas. Thanks...

Sports Page Food & Spirits in Denver is one of my places to eat. If you are not from this area, you will be pleasantly surprised. Their menu is very diverse. There is something for everyone! I prefer lunch there. However, I do recommend it for lunch or dinner. If you are looking for a comfortable and casual atmosphere, this is a unique sports bar. I have the Reuben sandwich to go when I am in a hurry. Their daily specials are delicious! Sundays can be very busy. I try to get there right after the rush. Sometimes, I sit at the bar and eat. They serve the best wings. Their beer selection is great. Their prices are reasonable. Whether you choose a traditional meal, a steak dinner, or just appetizers you should be satisfied. This is a very family style/personal service place. If you ever do have a problem, please let the manager know. I have enjoyed this place for many years. I have always felt welcome and appreciated as a customer. Staff is great! I remember when this location first opened. I used to eat at the other location and actually miss staff that had become like family to us! I will add pictures next...

I WALKED OUT. I walked in to place an order (for take out) and the girl politely offered me a menu. I found what I wanted and began to "order" it. The young lady said - "Oh no - I dont take orders. You will have to step to the bar to place the order." So I handed her the menu - thinking well of course, Why not offer to let me view it, and not explain the process - that would have been too easy.

So I stepped to the bar (with my wife), where we proceeded to sit on two chairs and wait for a tender to help us out. Two "Ladies" were behind the bar, one popped a bottle open for the guy 3 stools away, and turned away from me. Thinking she had another intention. NOPE - she proceeded to lean on the surface and continue to talk to the other lady back there with her.

I looked over at my wife - said "No drink for you, not sandwich for me - Lets boogie over to Midtown!!!" And away we went. There is a pretty good chance I won't be back to Sports Page after that. It isn't my first visit, but it was the worst service.

Wish it wasn't so,...