Many people might know Briar Leaf Golf Club as a gorgeous location to play a few rounds of golf, the perfect place to take high-quality lessons taught by a professional, and an affordable golfing option for Northwest Indiana residents. What people might not know, though, is that Briar Leaf offers not just one but two incredible dining options that present a great opportunity for anyone looking to treat their taste buds.
“Our full-service facility has everything to do with golf and everything to do with dining. People truly get a full experience when they come here,” said Jay Williams, PGA professional.
Briar Leaf’s first delicious dining option is Portofino Grill, a quality full-service upscale restaurant located in the golf course’s clubhouse. Portofino Grill, which is owned by a local family, has served the community consistently for over 20 years. Many people may not realize that Briar Leaf has such a unique, sit-down restaurant on the property, but those who do never forget it.
“I always see tons and tons and tons of repeat customers. The team at Portofino is doing something right. They've carved out a niche in La Porte. People know they can go there and get a consistent, high-quality meal every single time,” said Williams.
What partially makes Portofino so special is its menu. The restaurant takes the traditional American cuisine that everyone loves to the next level. One of Portofino’s most popular dishes is its prime rib, but Williams recommends any of the restaurant's seafood dishes. People can enjoy a meal at Portofino’s any day of the week except for Sundays. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
“If you can't find something that you like on the menu, then you're not trying,” said Williams.
Not to be forgotten of course is the experience. Portofino overlooks Briar Leaf’s 18th green, and the cascading hills and pristine landscaping are enough to put anyone at ease. For people looking to have an even more relaxing experience, they can sit outside on the veranda and enjoy some fresh air as they dine.
“It’s just so beautiful out there. You’re looking out over the 18th green, taking in the landscaping on the golf course, and that creates a great atmosphere. It’s a nice, relaxed setting,” said Williams.
Portofino is the perfect option for golfers to have a nice meal together after playing a few rounds, but what is remarkable about Portofino is that its team does catered events. The restaurant can seat 150 people inside and even more outside on the veranda, which makes it a great place for local businesses to hold golf outings. Briar Leaf also has several banquet rooms and pavilions that are available to rent for everything from full-scale weddings to intimate retirement parties.
Briar Leaf’s second but just as popular dining option is The Grill House. The Grill House is located behind the ninth hole adjacent to the sixth green. This dining option was strategically placed so that people would pass it multiple times throughout their golf round. This ensures that people are never too far from a drink or snack.
“Many facilities don't have something like The Grill House. Oftentimes, people have to come off of the golf course to go into the clubhouse to get a hot dog or a beer. It's just not as convenient and makes things take so much longer, but here at Briar Leaf, The Grill House is right behind the sixth and ninth greens. People can grab something several times without breaking the flow of their game,” said Williams.
The Grill House features almost any grilled food you can think of such as grilled hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and chicken breasts. Everything is grilled completely fresh—a golfer won’t find a hot dog that’s been rolling on a steamer for hours on end. The Grill House also features a full bar; it’s especially known for Debra’s Secret Recipe Bloody Marys. The drink is so popular, but no matter how many people ask, Briar Leaf won’t share its delicious secrets.
The Grill House is ultimately the perfect option for golfers on the go looking for a quick, but delicious pick-me-up.
“Hot dogs and golf courses just seem to go together,” laughed Williams.
Between Portofino Grill and The Grill House, Briar Leaf Golf Club offers a wide variety of food that golfers and foodies alike can’t get enough of. Whether you’re looking to host an event, kick back on the golf course, or enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends, the Briar Leaf team has you covered and can’t wait to serve you.
“We are proud that we have such high-quality food and drinks. It’s an amenity for our players and it becomes a part of their golf experience. It helps make Briar Leaf not only a destination spot for people to enjoy great dining but also a place to hold all kinds of gatherings. We feel like we touch all the bases for people who are into golf and dining,” said Williams. To learn more about Briar Leaf Golf Club and all of its amenities, visit https://briarleaf.com/.
