I am not a golfer, but recently I found myself at the Arrowhead Golf Course in Wheaton or, more specifically, the Arrowhead American Grill, where I enjoyed a pleasant lunch.
This recently rebuilt and remodeled golf course building, which is a facility of the Wheaton Park District, offers a restaurant that consists of two main dining areas: the dining room and the bar area. Both areas offer nice views of the golf course. In addition, in warmer months, there is plenty of outdoor seating available.
This casual and comfortable restaurant has a stylish décor with wood blinds on the windows, wood-paneled wainscoting and stone pillar accents along the walls. Both the bar area and the dining room have some spacious booths, so you can spread out paper work as you discuss business, if need be.
The dining room has wood flooring and there is a tile floor in the bar area. If you happen to be eating lunch while a larger group is in the facility, and they are rather talkative, it might be a little loud and more difficult to conduct business. My suggestion is to schedule your business meeting at the Grill during non-peak eating hours.
The background music seemed geared to an older crowd: Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong and, my personal favorite, a Bing Crosby and Bob Hope duet “Chicago Style” from Road to Bali, one of seven “Road” pictures that they made together.
Lunch patrons were as dressed up as a couple of gentleman in sport coats and ties and as casual as a man sitting at the bar and wearing shorts and sandals. Most of the lunch-goers fell somewhere between the two. There is no dress requirement, even at dinner.
For my meal I chose a hot turkey sandwich. This plentiful sandwich plate consisted of turkey, caramelized onions, cranberry compote, lettuce and tomato— all on an onion roll. I chose steak fries to accompany the sandwich, but coleslaw and chips are also options.
The dinner menu includes some sandwiches and burgers but is primarily steaks, chops, chicken, pasta and fish.
The knowledgeable and courteous wait staff seemed well-trained in addressing customers’ needs. When my dining partner decided, as an afterthought, that a more well-cooked patty melt burger would be more to her liking, the waiter quickly and efficiently brought her a whole new sandwich, no questions asked.
The staff was not overly friendly, so the atmosphere can be conducive to discuss business. We did not feel rushed in any way.
A unique aspect of the lunch menu is the Deli Board, at which, essentially, you can build your own sandwich. You have a choice of six different breads, six meats, six cheeses and unlimited condiments at $6 for a half sandwich and $8 for a full sandwich.
The facility has a separate room for private functions or meetings and plenty of ample parking. And, since all of Wheaton’s restaurants are non-smoking, Arrowhead American Grill is also.
This is a great place to enjoy a business lunch, even if you are not a golfer.
Arrowhead American Grill
Arrowhead Golf Club
26W151 Butterfield Road, Wheaton. Telephone 630-653-5800
•Monday thru Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
•Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
•Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Reservations are suggested for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays
Price range for lunch, $6 to $12; for dinner, $12 to $26