Dining at a Country Club

[jlejsek@sbcglobal.net]

Hello,
My husband and I will be visiting the Villages later this month. Any suggestioms for dinner at one of the country clubs? We have previously eaten at Evans Prairie and Cane Garden. Thank you!

[Two Bills]

Lopez has always had a pretty good reputation. We found it a lot better than most others.
JMO.

[Kelevision]

Hello,
My husband and I will be visiting the Villages later this month. Any suggestioms for dinner at one of the country clubs? We have previously eaten at Evans Prairie and Cane Garden. Thank you!

I think Nancy Lopez is supposed to be one of the best. I went a couple of years ago and liked it. I’d go there more often if I lived in the northern part.

[BrianL99]

Hello,
My husband and I will be visiting the Villages later this month. Any suggestioms for dinner at one of the country clubs? We have previously eaten at Evans Prairie and Cane Garden. Thank you!

"Dining at a country club" in TV, is like having dinner at a 2.5 Star restaurant in the real world.

[retiredguy123]

They are called country clubs, but they are actually just restaurants. They are open to the public and there is no membership required.

[Pondboy]

Lopez and Palmer would be my recommendation for a good dinner. But, if you’re a foodie, you will be disappointed in any restaurant or County Club in the villages. It’s just basic fare.

[BrianL99]

Lopez and Palmer would be my recommendation for a good dinner. But, if you’re a foodie, you will be disappointed in any restaurant or County Club in the villages. It’s just basic fare.

I would add Glenview to that list, at least for "steak night".

Disappointment abounds, when it comes to food in TV.

[MX rider]

We go to Mallory Hill CC often. Good food at reasonable prices. Very good brick oven pizza.
Owner is a good guy. He only owns this restaurant and buys quality food. I worked for a large food dist for many years. I was a sales rep and sold food to restaurants. I can tell when an operator is skimping on quality.

[thelegges]

I would add Glenview to that list, at least for "steak night".

Disappointment abounds, when it comes to food in TV.

Glenview was our go to, however past 2 years has been disappointing, and taking guests embarrassing. Sunday brunch was guest favorite, until last year. Beef so tough couldn’t cut it ham was rolled pressed like at school lunch.

Went with friends to Monday steak night, meat was less than desired over cooked tough and steam tables unkept. Management stopped by looked at full plates of food as we were paying bill. His comment was some buffets are for all guests. Didn’t ask why we didn’t eat, just moved on. Will remove from our list for at least 6 months

Seems “CC” food quality changes after April, we travel outside the bubble if we eat out.

[BubblesandPat]

Lopez and Palmer would be my recommendation for a good dinner. But, if you’re a foodie, you will be disappointed in any restaurant or County Club in the villages. It’s just basic fare.

I have found that too..was wondering if I'm just too picky because I worked in the culinary field before retirement. We don't eat out very often and haven't even found anything exciting outside the Villages. Not that the food is bad...it just lacks imagination and well...taste. haha

[gatorbill1]

Mallory has the best food and prices. Was not taken over by one of the rich people who think price is no problem for people here.

[retiredguy123]

Mallory has the best food and prices. Was not taken over by one of the rich people who think price is no problem for people here.
Mallory has good pizza. Note that some of the "country clubs" don't offer pizza, but they should.

[dewilson58]

Was jus at Mallory.

Italian Grinder was okay.

Chicken Stir Fry was horrible......chicken had zero favor/seasoning and was served in, more or less, chicken broth.

[Stu from NYC]

We like Havana

[tophcfa]

Lopez for sure. Whatever you do, avoid Hacienda Hills, you will go hungry.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I had the rack of lamb last night at Lopez ,it’s very good , I also like the sea bass and as always the service was excellent. I’m there 3or 4 time a month and never disappointed

[kkingston57]

"Dining at a country club" in TV, is like having dinner at a 2.5 Star restaurant in the real world.

Might be a little low as there is hardly any other fine dining restaurants in the area. On average they are better as their competition is chain restaurants

[BrianL99]

Mallory has the best food and prices. Was not taken over by one of the rich people who think price is no problem for people here.

The prices aren't crazy. The food was reminiscent of Perkin's or perhaps even Cracker Barrel.

[vintageogauge]

We have tried them all, Lopez used to be our favorite of them but the last two times not so good, won't go back. Cane Garden has been having a lot of health code violations lately and their staff has a poor attitude, won't go back there, Palmer in my opinion is the best of the country club restaurants and all of the others are just fair at best.. I prefer Blue Fin or Prima's within The Villages but other's won't agree, guess it's all up to the individual.

[Battlebasset]

Nancy Lopez is the best we have dined at. We've hit a few others, and the food ranges from average to down-right inedible.

If you are looking for pizza in the Villages, IMO, the best place is Frenchy's at Sawgrass Grove. Not a country club, one of their food court restaurants. Wood-fired. This is coming from a guy who lived both in NJ and Chicagoland, so I've had my share of good pizza.

[tophcfa]

Nancy Lopez is the best we have dined at. We've hit a few others, and the food ranges from average to down-right inedible.

If you are looking for pizza in the Villages, IMO, the best place is Frenchy's at Sawgrass Grove. Not a country club, one of their food court restaurants. Wood-fired. This is coming from a guy who lived both in NJ and Chicagoland, so I've had my share of good pizza.

Agree about Lopez, but disagree about pizza. By far the best pizza we have found in the Villages is Sammy Joe’s. It’s a little hole in the wall place in the Mulberry Grove Plaza that makes a very good grease wheel and does a lot of take out business.

[Bogie Shooter]

We have tried them all, Lopez used to be our favorite of them but the last two times not so good, won't go back. Cane Garden has been having a lot of health code violations lately and their staff has a poor attitude, won't go back there, Palmer in my opinion is the best of the country club restaurants and all of the others are just fair at best.. I prefer Blue Fin or Prima's within The Villages but other's won't agree, guess it's all up to the individual.

I always smile when I read “won’t go back” that is such a long time commitment.:shrug:

[jlejsek@sbcglobal.net]

Nancy Lopez is the best we have dined at. We've hit a few others, and the food ranges from average to down-right inedible.

If you are looking for pizza in the Villages, IMO, the best place is Frenchy's at Sawgrass Grove. Not a country club, one of their food court restaurants. Wood-fired. This is coming from a guy who lived both in NJ and Chicagoland, so I've had my share of good pizza.
We are frm Chicago so I believe you. Good pizza can be hard to find.

[oldtimes]

Lopez is our absolute favorite but the name is actually Legacy Restaurant. The Lopez name was removed several years ago.

[Stu from NYC]

The prices aren't crazy. The food was reminiscent of Perkin's or perhaps even Cracker Barrel.

Cracker barrrel is several notches below any cc restaurant

[dewilson58]

Lopez is our absolute favorite but the name is actually Legacy Restaurant. The Lopez name was removed several years ago.

Actually: The Legacy Restaurant at Nancy Lopez Country Club

:jester::jester:

[Pondboy]

I have found that too..was wondering if I'm just too picky because I worked in the culinary field before retirement. We don't eat out very often and haven't even found anything exciting outside the Villages. Not that the food is bad...it just lacks imagination and well...taste. haha

I’m kinda thinking it’s the clientele ; Less adventurous, easily agitated digestive system (would rather have bland food) , don’t want to pay top $ for a great meal, but will be happy with a mediocre one at a less $ value…..

[vintageogauge]

I always smile when I read “won’t go back” that is such a long time commitment.:shrug:

Won't go back in my book means exactly that. There are many places that I stated I would never go back to over the last 60 years or so, not just restaurants, and I haven't gone back and never will. I always give restaurants a second or even third chance before I make that decision but once made it is forever and at this point in my life forever is not that much of a long time commitment so no reason for you to smile when you read my statement.

[retiredguy123]

Lopez is our absolute favorite but the name is actually Legacy Restaurant. The Lopez name was removed several years ago.
The Nancy Lopez name was not removed. Check the website.

[oldtimes]

The Nancy Lopez name was not removed. Check the website.

It was originally named The Nancy Lopez Legacy Restaurant (Country Club) but is now named The Legacy Restaurant (Country Club). I believe this happened when it changed ownership.

[oldtimes]

Actually: The Legacy Restaurant at Nancy Lopez Country Club

:jester::jester:

Yes totally correct :BigApplause:

[retiredguy123]

It was originally named The Nancy Lopez Legacy Restaurant (Country Club) but is now named The Legacy Restaurant (Country Club). I believe this happened when it changed ownership.
As I understand it, the official name of the restaurant is "Legacy Restaurant at the Nancy Lopez Country Club". That is the way it is stated on the website and other websites. Nancy Lopez wanted her name removed from the restaurant name because she didn't want to be identified as endorsing it. But, it actually didn't happen because her name is still part of the restaurant name.

[BubblesandPat]

I’m kinda thinking it’s the clientele ; Less adventurous, easily agitated digestive system (would rather have bland food) , don’t want to pay top $ for a great meal, but will be happy with a mediocre one at a less $ value…..

Never thought of it that way. Maybe I should pack some balsamic and kosher salt in my purse?

[BubblesandPat]

Chicago pizza not as good as NY but still pretty good, close second
I wish we could find a decent Chinese restaurant..

[Flyers999]

My family definitely prefers Lopez but just heard a friend say that he ate at Evans Prairie recently and it was just as good as Lopez but cheaper.

[Malsua]

Whatever you do, avoid Hacienda Hills, you will go hungry.

Standing in a parking lot will do that to you. You'll have the same experience at the Chula Vista restaurant.

[Eagle06]

Hello,
My husband and I will be visiting the Villages later this month. Any suggestioms for dinner at one of the country clubs? We have previously eaten at Evans Prairie and Cane Garden. Thank you!

We ate at Nancy Lopez yesterday. The food and service was great.

[wisbad1]

"Dining at a country club" in TV, is like having dinner at a 2.5 Star restaurant in the real world.
It’s hit and miss. Sometimes not so good.

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

My favorites are Bonifay and Havana. But that’s because I haven’t tried all the rest. But I will!

[JMintzer]

We ate at Nancy Lopez yesterday. The food and service was great.

Agreed. Never had anything but a very good meal there...

[JMintzer]

Cane Gardens has amazing chicken tenders. The only ones that compare are @ Fenney Grille

[Nevinator]

I’ve been to the Havana Club several times. Service has always been outstanding. Also Belle Glade. No complaints.

[Papa_lecki]

As I understand it, the official name of the restaurant is "Legacy Restaurant at the Nancy Lopez Country Club". That is the way it is stated on the website and other websites. Nancy Lopez wanted her name removed from the restaurant name because she didn't want to be identified as endorsing it. But, it actually didn't happen because her name is still part of the restaurant name.

It has to do with licensing Nancy Lopez’s name. She probably granted the right to use her name on the golf course, and that’s all.
A restaurant with her name probably isn’t in the licensing agreement, BUT there is a work around, the restaurant is at the Nancy Lopez CC

[mikemalloy]

Here's another vote for Havana. We dine there 2 or 3 times a month and it's always crowded and we make reservations. Their staff is better than many of the other clubs and we find the food very good.

[RetiredCPA]

If you want steak, Longhorn has the best Filet in the Villages.

[Marmaduke]

I have found that too..was wondering if I'm just too picky because I worked in the culinary field before retirement. We don't eat out very often and haven't even found anything exciting outside the Villages. Not that the food is bad...it just lacks imagination and well...taste. haha
There are many good restaurants in Ocala, for instance. Give them a try next time!

[Papa_lecki]

The best thing about the country club restaurants is the view. Sit on the end of the terrace with a great view of golf courses.

Food is good and consistent. Personally, I think they are best for lunch or a quick dinner.

[retiredguy123]

It has to do with licensing Nancy Lopez’s name. She probably granted the right to use her name on the golf course, and that’s all.
A restaurant with her name probably isn’t in the licensing agreement, BUT there is a work around, the restaurant is at the Nancy Lopez CC
You are probably correct, but, if she didn't want her name to be used in connection with the restaurant, it hasn't worked. Most people will say that they dined at Lopez, not Legacy.

[Flyers999]

The best thing about the country club restaurants is the view. Sit on the end of the terrace with a great view of golf courses.
...
.



Good point. Great places to take first time visitors.

I'd give Evans Prairie the top prize for ambience and views.

[PaulWerner]

Belle Glade (especially in the evening) overlooking the golf course is beautiful !!

[Pennyt]

Agree! We used to go to Cane Garden all the time when we first moved to The Villages. It changed hands and went downhill fast. We stopped going after 2 bad meals in a row. Saw that they had a new manager, so thought we'd try again. No better. There are too many other places to eat in and around The Villages, so we have checked Cane Garden off our list. The only thing that will encourage us to return is if we hear there are new owners.

[Pennyt]

We have tried them all, Lopez used to be our favorite of them but the last two times not so good, won't go back. Cane Garden has been having a lot of health code violations lately and their staff has a poor attitude, won't go back there, Palmer in my opinion is the best of the country club restaurants and all of the others are just fair at best.. I prefer Blue Fin or Prima's within The Villages but other's won't agree, guess it's all up to the individual.

Agree! We used to go to Cane Garden all the time when we first moved to The Villages. It changed hands and went downhill fast. We stopped going after 2 bad meals in a row. Saw that they had a new manager, so thought we'd try again. No better. There are too many other places to eat in and around The Villages, so we have checked Cane Garden off our list. The only thing that will encourage us to return is if we hear there are new owners.

[PugMom]

just my personal opinion, but i like EvansPrairie & Bonifay, but Legacy is also a very nice place :thumbup:

[Rsener]

Lopez

[flsteve]

We have tried them all, Lopez used to be our favorite of them but the last two times not so good, won't go back. Cane Garden has been having a lot of health code violations lately and their staff has a poor attitude, won't go back there, Palmer in my opinion is the best of the country club restaurants and all of the others are just fair at best.. I prefer Blue Fin or Prima's within The Villages but other's won't agree, guess it's all up to the individual.


I couldn't agree more! This is a pet discussion of mine almost daily anymore.

Do you want great food or great prices? If I offered to buy you dinner ANYWHERE and pay for it, which place would you choose then, based on the FOOD and not the PRICE?

Lopez constantly gets mentioned to me by people, but the food there just does not measure up to something like the Angler's Club upstairs from Red Sauce. However, the food at Palmer IS on a par with Angler's Club, and the service is close to the same because the staff is happy and managers abound on the floor. Both Chef Matt at Angler's and Chef Lucy at Palmer are creative, accommodating, and something to look forward to days in advance of your reservation.

IMO, if you want good food and a good price, go to Lopez; but if you want great food and price is NOT the factor, try Palmer Legends. I recommend a cup of the lobster bisque (with chunks of lobster within) and a petite filet Oscar. Maybe a couple glasses of Meiomi Pinot Noir, if you are so inclined!

[birdawg]

Wedding food that’s ok.

[Shipping up to Boston]

I couldn't agree more! This is a pet discussion of mine almost daily anymore.

Do you want great food or great prices? If I offered to buy you dinner ANYWHERE and pay for it, which place would you choose then, based on the FOOD and not the PRICE?

Lopez constantly gets mentioned to me by people, but the food there just does not measure up to something like the Angler's Club upstairs from Red Sauce. However, the food at Palmer IS on a par with Angler's Club, and the service is close to the same because the staff is happy and managers abound on the floor. Both Chef Matt at Angler's and Chef Lucy at Palmer are creative, accommodating, and something to look forward to days in advance of your reservation.

IMO, if you want good food and a good price, go to Lopez; but if you want great food and price is NOT the factor, try Palmer Legends. I recommend a cup of the lobster bisque (with chunks of lobster within) and a petite filet Oscar. Maybe a couple glasses of Meiomi Pinot Noir, if you are so inclined!

Anglers is members only I thought....

[Veiragirl]

nancy lopez ) EXCELLANT

[Gpsma]

The Country Clubs here serve delectable and excellent food. Cant get better dinners anywhere. The esteemed developer knew what we wanted.

So said a neighbor from bumscrew Illinois. Their closest restaurant was a tgif

[Stu from NYC]

The Country Clubs here serve delectable and excellent food. Cant get better dinners anywhere. The esteemed developer knew what we wanted.

So said a neighbor from bumscrew Illinois. Their closest restaurant was a tgif

Food at the cc's is ok but gourmet not hardly

[HORNET]

Recently we have had not so great dining experiences at Lopez and Palmer’s and Glen View. Be careful!

[La lamy]

Another vote for Lopez CC Restaurant

[fishon]

I’ve had dinner at several country clubs in the real world and none were particularly impressive. Petroleum clubs are a giant step up.

[Shipping up to Boston]

I’ve had dinner at several country clubs in the real world and none were particularly impressive. Petroleum clubs are a giant step up.

Other than The Anglers Club (Members Only), the rest are ok. If you want to call it fine dining....to me, that will always be subjective. Full disclosure, I haven’t been to all but does one really need to ....its pretty uniform. This is a captive community. You’re measuring between white tablecloth mediocre establishments (that are a little overpriced) and chain restaurants. It’s fine for lifestyle visits or if your goal is to stay in the bubble. If you’re anywhere near being a foodie....and really want to impress family and friends, you park the Yamaha and hit the road in your EV or one of your five gas guzzlers and patronize the independents and family owned spots than line the landscape all the way to Orlando. It’s almost like a college dining hall in TV....you make the best of it and hope they add something new and conceptual to the food court. There’s always the Curmudgeon Cafe and the Snarky Bistro (stay home and cook).....or hit the apps.

[BrianL99]

.... It’s almost like a college dining hall in TV....you make the best of it and hope they add something new and conceptual to the food court.




Perfect analogy.

Airports and Mall Food Courts also come to mind.

[tophcfa]

It’s almost like a college dining hall in TV....you make the best of it and hope they add something new and conceptual.

Perfect analogy.

Airports and Mall Food Courts also come to mind.

Hmmmm, the threads topic is about dinning at Country Clubs, not Sawgrass Grove. Although Sawgrass does have a Pro Shop located at the end of the food court and is priced similar to airport food, so I guess the analogy applies?

[Mass288]

Lopez has always had a pretty good reputation. We found it a lot better than most others.
JMO.Nancy Lopez legacy...best steak 2 meals running

[JMintzer]

The Country Clubs here serve delectable and excellent food. Cant get better dinners anywhere. The esteemed developer knew what we wanted.

So said a neighbor from bumscrew Illinois. Their closest restaurant was a tgif

https://y.yarn.co/eca62147-5dfe-4785-b72a-48d2b1f59121_text.gif