Dining on the green is relaxing

One of the best things about living in the Lincoln/Sacramento area is the weather. For most of the year, it's an unbroken string of cloudless days and warm to hot days with comfortable evenings. In many areas around the country and throughout the world, there's outdoor dining. Yes, sometimes it gets noisy, and it can be hot (or cool), but there's something glorious about being in the fresh air. Locally, there are few places for fresh-air dining. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many food establishments pivoted to outside dining out of necessity but those have almost all gone. We do have a few restaurants where one can enjoy the afternoon or evening breezes, i.e., upstairs at Old Town Pizza, The 12 Wine Bar & Kitchen, and Siino's Pizza (the latter two in the Twelve Bridges shopping center). A little-known outdoor possibility is Turkey Creek Golf Course Bar and Grill, built on the site of an old granite quarry and within city limits. The restaurant includes a large inside dining area and an outdoor, covered option. With our region's low humidity, outdoor dining is comfortable, even in the heat of the summer. It's not fancy and its pub-style food but having breakfast or lunch or an early dinner, while sitting on the patio adjacent to the putting green and looking over a large pond, is a sure way to relax in the great outdoors. Even if you're not a golfer, there's something always moving within eyesight. And coming into the grounds, there's the possibility of having to brake for the wild turkeys that have made this area their habitat for a long time. Fortunately for us, because turkeys can be aggressive, they don't wander near the restaurant. The food Breakfast and lunch (or an early dinner) is served from 7 a.m. through 6 p.m. when the kitchen closes. You can, however, stay afterwards to finish your meal. Ordering is done at the kitchen window and your meal is brought to your table. The breakfast Quesadilla, with flour tortillas, egg, shredded cheese and choice of bacon or sausage is great, as is the breakfast burrito (both $11). There are super burgers, with my favorite being the Western Burger, with cheese, onion rings, bacon, and BBQ bourbon sauce ($14). Add the delicious French Fries to expand the meal. Actually, all the side dishes – fries, chips, tater tots, potato salad and fruit – are very reasonably priced at an additional $2. Another favorite is the Buffalo Chicken Wings ($14), which is offered with several sauces and frequently makes for a second lunch at home after. I'm a former New York City boy and the restaurant makes a very nice Pastrami Rueben sandwich. A nice range of hot dogs, salads and sandwiches round out the menu. Wine, beer, and mixed cocktails are available. Verdict Great value in a delightful dining environment with reasonable pricing and excellent service. There are numerous tables outside: typically four-tops but movable. The service is always attentive and friendly and the food consistently good. Full disclosure, I've eaten there with my lunch group one day most every week when the weather is even reasonably comfortable for outdoor dining (OK, nine months a year) for several years. And no, they don't serve turkey on Thanksgiving. Richard Pearl is a Lincoln resident who, as an extensive business traveler and wide-ranging tourist after retirement, has eaten in more than his share of restaurants worldwide. Email him at richardpearl.lnm@gmail.com with comments or ideas for other unique restaurants.