Ralph Sampson’s American Taproom

Ralph Sampson was more famous as basketball player in Charlottesville than he ever was a restauranteur. Thompson Hospitality, owner of the restaurant, announced its closing in March 2025. So long Ralph!

Ralph Sampson may always one of the University of Virginia’s most famous graduates.  Now he’s the front man of one of Charlottesville’s best sports bars, Ralph Sampson’s American Taproom. Located in Barracks Road Shopping Center, only a skyhook from John Paul Jones Arena, Ralph Sampson’s American Taproom is the penultimate destination before a UVA game.

The taproom features a bustling bar with fabulous sight lines. It’s an ideal gathering spot. Be prepared to settle in for dinner though. The elevated menu includes appetizers like deviled eggs and fried calamari.  Crowd-pleasing entrees like Ralph’s Flatiron Steak and Fries  Warren’s Fine Fried Chicken & Waffles come next. Sides are in perfect complement and reveal something of Ralph’s culinary leanings: enjoy mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, or collard greens with bacon. See Ralph Sampson’s full menu HERE.

Behind our favorite 7’4″ Hoo is the restaurant expertise of another alumnus, Warren Thompson (Darden ’83). His group also introduced The Ridley, a blue chip restaurant inside The Draftsman Hotel on West Main.

See the Complete Charlottesville Guide to Dining here.