Ahh, yes! Date night — the lifeblood of any good, long-lasting, successful relationship. This is especially true if you’ve got kids or busy schedules that rarely match up.
When you’re a golfer, the cocktail of too much time at work mixed with a hectic home life usually means you play about as much golf nowadays as Anthony Kim — but it doesn’t need to be that way.
Especially if the Misses also enjoys hitting the links…
One of the easiest, most fun ways to get more golf in your life — and spend time with your significant other — is to combine the two. “Dine and Nine” dates are becoming quite popular among this generation of multi-tasking golfers who are simply looking for any opportunity to get their spikes on a bit more often.
Lucky for Southern California golfers, there are some excellent opportunities in the area to enjoy this kind of evening in the area. With countless dining options and almost as many choices for your game.
Here are 5 great pairings for you and yours to enjoy on your night on the town:
Alhambra Golf Course and 38 Degree Alehouse and Grill
Nine: There aren’t too many course in the Los Angeles area better suited for the afternoon 9-hole loop than Alhambra Golf Course. If you and yours are looking to sneak out for nine holes before dinner, Alhambra offers affordable rates and supreme conditions for a casual, twilight nine — which, if you ask me, is the ideal time to play golf.
At just over 5,200 yards from the blue tees, the Alhambra golf club prides itself on being the site of “your best round,” and is accommodating to players of all abilities — and it’s only going to set you back around $35 for both of you to play.
Dine: After your round, you’re going to want to check out 38 Degree Alehouse and Grill. There are plenty of options in the Los Angeles area, but if you’re going out for a “Dine and Nine” evening, you’re probably looking to enjoy something close to home or the course. In this case, that makes 38 Degree Alehouse and Grill your top choice.
As the name suggests, 38 Degree is a craft beer house — but it’s far more than just utopia for SoCal beer nerd. Offering a menu of classic bar favorites in a tavern-like setting, the 38 Degree Alehouse and Grill is the perfect option after the “best round of your life.”
Los Feliz Golf Course and Amalfi Bar and Kitchen — Los Angeles
Nine: The Los Angeles area is surrounded by quality municipal golf courses — but if you’re looking for a quick 9-hole loop before dinner, Loz Feliz is the perfect choice.
Not only is Los Feliz only nine holes, it’s also a par-3 course — which is makes it the ideal choice for a “Dine and Nine” evening for a couple reasons.
First of all, it’s short and sweet — meaning you get in and out and over to dinner quickly. Second, it’s not a championship course, so if your significant other isn’t as interested in the golf as you may be, it won’t be a daunting experience.
Add to that that it’s only going to set the two of you back $15 — leaving plenty of room on the debit card for dinner.
Dine: One of my favorite LA haunts is Amalfi Bar and Kitchen. Located on N. La Brea Ave, Amalfi offers just about everything you could want. From mac and cheese to braised short rib, there’s something for everyone on the menu.
Amalfi boasts the popular Room 5 music venue, which is always showcasing up-and-coming musicians and hosting some of your favorite artists.
The only drawback — if you can call it that — is that Amalfi is a 25 minute drive from Los Feliz. While it is a bit longer jaunty than some of the others on this list, Amalfi and Room 5 are certainly worth the drive.
Bonita Golf Course and TJ Oyster — Bonita
Nine: In beautiful South Bay lies the Bonita Golf Course — the perfect track for you and yours to kick off your “Dine and Nine” evening.
The Bonita Golf Course — referred to on their site as the “home of the happy golfer” — is a par-71 track that offers challenges to golfers of all abilities.
Obviously, if you’re only playing nine holes before dinner, you won’t see the entire layout — but that’s OK! You’ll still enjoy scenic views of Mt. Miguel and enjoy the rolling fairways that make up the course.
For the two of you, golf will set you back around $40, making Bonita Golf Course an excellent — and affordable — “Dine and Nine” option.
Dine: After the round, why not take a quick, three-minute drive over to TJ Oyster for dinner?
If you like seafood or, more specifically, fish tacos, then TJ Oyster is a great call for a casual post-round dinner. Billed as “Tijuana-style” seafood, TJ Oyster boasts a menu of all sorts of fresh seafood, fresh vegetables and sides, as well as mouth-watering appetizers sure to please anyone.
Emerald Isle Executive Course and Miramar Fish Tacos and Beer — Oceanside
Nine: If you find yourself in the Oceanside neck of the woods and are trying to put together an enjoyable “Dine and Nine” evening, you ought to start your night at the Emerald Isle executive golf course.
Anytime you’re playing with your significant other, it’s a great idea to play an executive or par-3 course because they save time, are less intimidating for novice golfers and, usually, are quite affordable. The course at Emerald Isle fits nicely into all of these categories.
For just about $40, you and yours can enjoy a challenging 9-holes at one of the area’s best tracks before the sun sets and it’s time for dinner.
Dine: After the round, I suggest you and the misses cruise over to Miramar Fish Tacos and Beer. If you haven’t caught on yet, fish tacos and seafood are quite popular in the area and it’s for a good reason — they’re the best you’ll ever have.
Miramar offers an extensive seafood menu — along with some favorite fare that resides on land — that has become a favorite for locals and tourists alike.
If you’re looking for a casual atmosphere and a delicious-yet-affordable dinner, then the famous Miramar is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Best of all? Miramar is a short five-minute drive from Emerald Isle, meaning you won’t have to wait too long to satisfy your growing appetite.
Vista Valencia Golf Club and Dario’s Mexican Restaurant — Santa Clarita
Nine: One of my absolute favorite Southern California golf courses is Vista Valencia Golf Club in Santa Clarita. Not only is this track incredibly fun for you and your buddies playing around, but it’s absolutely ideal for a “Dine and Nine” night with your significant other.
Why? There are a few reasons. First of all, Vista Valencia is a 27-hole facility — which means that even if your “Dine and Nine” evening is a last-minute audible, you’ll probably be able to score a tee time, be it for 9-holes on the executive course or on their stand alone par-3 track.
Second, it’s affordable. Vista Valencia isn’t going to cost you more than $40 for both of you to play golf if you make your tee time after 3:00 PM — which I assume you’re doing since you’ve got dinner plans right after your round.
Ultimately, you have a few choices in the Santa Clarita area, but Vista Valencia is tough to beat in this situation. The course is more fun than it is difficult and both of you will enjoy your round instead of struggling to make pars.
Dine: Once you’re done your round and you’re good and hungry, take a little drive over to Dario’s Mexican Restaurant.
Another one of my personal favorites in Southern California, Dario’s has gotten rave reviews from almost everyone who has frequented the place. If you’re in the mood for high-quality Mexican cuisine, then you absolutely must hit Dario’s.
If the delectable food and relatively private atmosphere (the booths are separated by curtains) isn’t enough to persuade you, there’s this: Dario’s is known in the area for having the best margaritas around. If you’re other half is anything like mine, that’s enough to sell the entire evening.
On top of all this, Dario’s is extremely affordable. No matter how much you eat, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how affordable your meal was.
If you need a little more for you date night, try and get there on a Saturday night when Dario’s features live music to entertain you during your dinner.
Ultimately, you’re going to have a thousand-and-one options for “Dine and Nine” nights in Southern California. Few locations in the country offer the same eclectic collection of golf courses so close to such delicious fine and casual dining options as Southern Californians do — so be smart and take advantage of the embarrassment of riches at your disposal. Kill two birds with one stone, play more golf and keep your significant other happy.
Really, it’s hard to argue with the “Dine and Nine” date night.