THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED The Clubhouse

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED The Clubhouse Restaurant Review:

With its retro glam décor and South Coast Plaza locale, The Clubhouse is a good place for big crowds, and many special events are held in its private executive rooms. The American cuisine here lacks in invention, but it is certainly hearty and the portions are rather large. The half moon-shaped wood bar is the place to relax before your meal with a glass of wine, signature martini or old-school cocktail. Chef James Woodfork serves up so-so renditions of appetizer classics such as the bruschetta with a sticky sweet balsamic sauce or seared ahi with wasabi aïoli. The entrée salads are a good size but could use a pinch of sophistication. It’s hard to find good lobster in OC, so don’t even think about ordering the lobster and rock shrimp risotto here. Instead, opt for the tender, hearty and nicely cooked bone-in Kansas City strip steak. Another winner is the tangy and juicy blue cheese burger. Sunday brunch is popular here. And despite the upscale dress code in the dining room, you won't get dirty looks in the bar if you come straight from the mall in casual clothes and loaded down with shopping bags.