Clubhouse 66: Sportin’ Good Food

When I heard Clubhouse 66 had opened, I was not in a hurry to visit. After all, how good could the food be at a sports bar? So when my non-sportsman husband suggested going there for a meal, I was shocked. He smugly informed me that he had been there a couple times for business lunches and that the food was quite good.

When my in-laws came into town last week, we decided to try it out together. Since the weather was lovely, we opted for outdoor seating on the patio. As we walked through the well-kept restaurant with sports memorabilia and signed sports jerseys adorning the walls, I counted at least seven flat screen TVs, but I know there was more (management has since informed me they have no less than 16!). 

When we arrived at our table next to a grand stone fireplace, I realized there was also a large flat screen outside as well. Obviously, this is the place to be if you do not want to miss one second of a big game, because even the men's room has a TV. No wonder my husband liked this place—even non-sporting males cannot resist a bathroom with a TV.

My father-in-law ordered the Albacore Tuna Melt Panini ($11), which was accompanied by a sizable, (un?)healthy portion of kettle cooked potato chips. He enjoyed the sandwich, which consisted of Tillamook cheddar and albacore tuna salad pressed between tart sourdough bread, panini-style, but raved about the hand cut chips made fresh in-house.

My mother-in-law tried the Original Clubhouse 66 Cheeseburger ($9), sans cheese. She said the ground Angus chuck beef patty was flavorful and the red onions, iceberg lettuce, tomato and pickles were fresh. Her favorite part was the brioche bun, which she thought was a creative touch that complemented the Thousand Island and Dijonnaise sauces.  Her french fries were sprinkled with just the right amount of seasoned salt.

My husband had his old standby, BBQ Chicken Pizza ($13). I consider him a connoisseur of BBQ chicken pizzas, as I know that if we ever go anywhere that has one on the menu, he will order it. The crust was the perfect combination of crisp and chewy; it was topped with BBQ sauce, sweet red onions and roasted red peppers, ripe tomatoes, fresh cilantro, shredded mozzarella and tangy BBQ chicken. The oven-fired pizza was generous enough that he could not finish it in one sitting, although it was tasty enough that it was not for lack of trying.

I was overwhelmed by the wide selection of menu items, so I asked our server for suggestions.  She said the French Dip Sandwich ($12) was one of the most popular items, so I ordered it with a side of sweet potato fries.  I never knew a piece of bread with meat could be so heavenly.  Their French dip is thinly-sliced, tender-roasted ribeye crammed into a crusty French roll.  Served au jus with a creamy horseradish sauce, every bite was a delight.  The sweet potato fries were yummy too, but the French dip was a tough act to follow (or be served next to).

Clubhouse 66 offers daily lunch specials and weekday Happy Hour specials. They also host live music on Friday and Saturday nights.  The hostess recommended reservations for those evenings, as well as for any time a big game is scheduled. I may still not be a sports fan, but as for Clubhouse 66, I am now a HUGE fan.

Clubhouse 66

Address: 1200 E. Route 66, Glendora, CA  91740
Business Hours: Sunday 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Monday – Thursday, 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Friday – Saturday, 11:30 a.m. – midnight
Phone Number: (626) 914-0066

Website: www.clubhouse66.com
Price Range: $4 - $25           
Type of Cuisine: American
Standout Dish: French Dip