In the past, the coveted Linwood Country Club offered exclusive dining amenities for “members only.” Select individuals could enjoy a meal or a cocktail overlooking the golf course with the Atlantic City skyline as their backdrop. However, the times they are a changing. In the summer of 2020, all food and beverage options at the Club were opened to the public – a dramatic change, to say the least. Whether a casual bite al fresco or formal dining in the banquet room, the Club has transitioned to a premier venue for events and dining - sans membership requirements.
Dougherty Vision
With 100 successful years of history as a golf course and dining location, the Linwood Country Club enjoyed a long and successful drive, if you will. In 2017, the Dougherty Family, local restauranteurs extraordinaire, brought their proven experience as owners of Dock’s Oyster House, Knife & Fork, and Harry’s Oyster Bar in Atlantic City to their new, offshore endeavor. When it comes to the restaurant business, the Dougherty name carries culinary clout. Elizabeth Pritchard, Marketing & Client Development, explains what motivates the family to make the Club a success, “It is more a vision, belief in the power of the local community, and a willingness to take the risk on a location we see having tremendous potential. We have also been fortunate to assemble a great team to help us achieve that vision.”
Since the Dougherty’s took over, the Club has seen a myriad of renovations including a luxurious bridal suite, a remodeled coastal-chic ballroom featuring an ornamental staircase leading up to the bridal suite, updated finishes in the banquet room including a movable glass “wall” with a double-sided fireplace, and a dramatic two-story entry into the club from Shore Road. To ensure dining and special events can be held outdoors from March through November, the Dougherty’s installed a 2,400 square-foot sailcloth tent as well. The space includes a fireplace and firepit overlooking the course. If that is not enough, Pritchard itemizes additional changes coming to the Club in Spring 2021 like expanding the outdoor Fox Den with a new bar, additional seating, a fire pit, and live music.
Dining – Inside or Out
In addition to changing the look of the club, literally and philosophically, the Dougherty’s have revamped food and beverage options. For example, the main dining room offers upscale dinner selections with an emphasis on steak and seafood, with incredible views of the golf course against the bay and the Atlantic City skyline.
Want something more casual? From your high-top table, the main bar offers small plates, salads, and sandwiches as well as all options from the dining room menu. During selected nights throughout the spring, summer, and fall, The Patio, tented and adorned with twinkling lights and a cozy fireplace, brings steak and seafood menu from the restaurant outdoors.
Lastly, located between the 11th tee and the 12th green, The Fox Den offers casual, outdoor dining featuring burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches, as well as a full bar. This summer, the Fox Den will also offer live music every Friday and Saturday night.
Regardless of which venue you select, Pritchard is confident that the Dougherty touch will be present, “Our culinary team created new menus for each of our dining outlets, as well as private events, drawing on their experience at our Atlantic City restaurants as well as Linwood Country Club itself.”
Date Night, Girl’s Night, and Then Some
Some of the signature dishes from sister restaurants can be found on the Linwood Country Club menu. For example, Joe’s Cheese Pie, a legend at Dock’s for years, makes it a favorite addition to the desserts at the Club. Softshell crabs are also a seasonal favorite found on each of the Dougherty’s menus, including Linwood’s. Favorite entrees unique to the Linwood location consist of Crab and Clam Bucatini, Pan Roasted Salmon, and the 14oz. Prime NY Strip. And, start out with the irresistible house made Tater Tots – complete with a “secret sauce.
Looking for a perfect date night? Start with a drink at the bar along with a shared appetizer —cheese plate or blistered shishito peppers. Then, in the dining room or on The Patio, enjoy the views while selecting from a full menu and wine list. After dinner, sample dessert at your table or move to the firepit for an after-dinner drink - al fresco.
For a girl's night out, The Fox Den offers live music every Friday and Saturday night. Share appetizers — wings or onion rings, along with one of the specialty cocktails before selecting your entrée salad, burger, or signature sandwich like the Lobster Reuben or the Avocado Club Burger. For dessert, the Skrewball Milkshake is a must - Skrewball peanut butter whiskey, vanilla ice cream, and more.
Scenic, Delectable, and Welcoming
According to Pritchard, dining at the Linwood Country Club can be described easily in three words: Scenic, Delectable, and Welcoming. From rolling greens on the course to the twinkling lights of Atlantic City, it is hard to imagine a more lovely place for lunch or dinner. In addition to a great location, the Dougherty’s take pride in crafting their menus - from a simple starter to an elaborate entrée. How does Pritchard sum up the Linwood Country Club of today? “Welcoming. We love being part of this community and we are proud to welcome everyone to our club. Whether your first time or 50th time, we want you to feel at home here.”
Linwood Country Club, 500 Shore Road, Linwood, NJ 08221 | 609.927.6134 linwoodcountryclub.com
