Sampler at
The Sycamore Saloon
With the arrival of spring and a general post-pandemic lightness of heart, restaurants around the county are filling up for a little dinner. Sometimes, we must wander a bit farther afield to experience new dining destinations.
The new Sycamore Saloon, located just a short scenic drive down State Road 135 South, is worth the effort of finding it. Look for the sign on the old red Ford truck that says“ Harmony Tree Resorts.”
We found the place lively, welcoming, and ultimately satisfying on a busy weekend evening.
The large dining area has a wall of windows on either end, revealing beautiful Brown County just beyond. A forest of ceiling lights adds to the warmth of the room. There’ s a long bar that runs down one
whole side of the room, with a stage on one end— where a single cowboy-looking crooner did his best against the roar of the large, happy crowd.
When I am embarking on one of these little gustatorial adventures( we do it all for you, dear reader) I like to bring along some other convivial witnesses— amateur samplers. I invited my brother and his wife, who are not only delightful company, but well acquainted with the ways and means of these important dining expeditions.
It’ s a big menu, and with four people at the table, you get a good cross section of what any average diner might order, not just what I am going to order— the steak.
There is a rhythm and a pace to these things; we order drinks, we get an appetizer, and during this process, we study the menu, offer suggestions, opinions, and insights.
Since the full bar is available, I was encouraged to pursue my ongoing quest for the perfect Old Fashioned— one just like dear old Dad used to make. The ladies had white wine.
I thought the service was outstanding considering that the place was packed on a Saturday evening, and it looked like everybody there was having a good time.
When it comes to appetizers, I can’ t really help myself. I know that, usually, by the end of the meal, I will be wondering why I started out by stuffing my face— but that’ s just the way it is.
The Sycamore has an“ onion stack,” thinly sliced deep fried onions; seasoned“ tater kegs;” and“ mushroom fries,” fried strips of portabella mushrooms served with a sriacha ranch sauce. I also wavered briefly over the jumbo bone-in wings
48 Our Brown County May / June 2023