By Kate Bartlett
T Squared Tees and Taps is a “Golf Lounge” with top-of-the-line golf simulators, full restaurant and bar with 2 locations in Orchard Park and on Hertel Avenue in Buffalo. Their menu rotates seasonally, and is well-known for their seafood, especially the lobster roll. Play over 75 courses on the simulators with 16-foot screens, or enjoy the outdoor patio and putting green where guests can chip and putt for free.
T Squared Tees and Taps is a family run business with Tony Tuber and his father (Mike), mother (Michelle) and brothers (Mike Jr and Joseph). Tony started playing golf in high school and quickly became a golf enthusiast. “I loved the sport,” explains Tony. “I played all the time and I started wondering about creating my own putters.” Tony’s dad had experience in surgical and dental manufacturing, and guided Tony in the process of creating putters. What started as a small project, has grown into a full-time career and family business with two locations and 8 different models of putters.
The concept of T Squared Tees and Taps was originally to highlight the putters, and provide a place for golfers to putt. “We figured the best way to feature putters was with an outdoor putting green that is a replica of the famous 13th green at Augusta National where the Masters is played and an indoor putter showroom with the addition of golf simulators to elevate the guest experience”, explains Tony. “Then we figured golfers might want to relax with a beer or a bite to eat, so we added food and drink.” Tony and his family saw the opportunity for a Golf Lounge, so they opened their first location in Orchard Park in 2021, four and half years ago.
While golf simulators were a hit, the restaurant and bar quickly gained popularity and a regular customer base. “We started the business with golf simulators at the forefront, but now we are known for our food” explains Tony. “The restaurant has really taken off, and for good reason.”
The menu specializes in seafood (Tuna Tartare, Fried Calamari, $1 oyster specials on Tuesday), is highly renowned for their lobster roll, but also features other crowd favorite dishes (steak quesadilla, Flank Steak Tacos). The menu rotates seasonally and currently offers fall flavors including fall squash salad, and corn chowder. The bar features many drink specials including craft cocktails, bourbon, beer and wine.
Chef Heather has been working with Tees and Taps for over 5 years and has 40+ years in the culinary industry. “Heather was originally brought on to prepare serve lunches for the staff at the manufacturing plant in Orchard Park,” explains Tony. “When we decided to open a restaurant, she created the menu and helped us launch the restaurant.” Head chef Laura is newer to the business, but brings her own creative flair and has learned a lot from Chef Heather. “They work great together and come up with incredible recipes. We have our crowd favorites, but also feature seasonal specials to keep things fresh.”
The Orchard Park location offers 2 golf simulators, and the Hertel Avenue location offers 4. Golfers must make reservations for tee-time online, and are encouraged to sign up soon, as times are typically booked during the colder months, November through March. Both locations offer retail shops with the ability to create your perfect T Squared Putter using the CAPTO Golf System, custom built in just a few weeks.
For more information, visit teesandtaps.com and follow on social media, or call (716) 677-9215 or email info@Tsquaredputters.com.