Guest Post: Where to Eat in Ardmore During the U.S. Open

What's up Tiger Woods

It's U.S. Open week at Merion Golf Club! We were both lucky enough to get Practice Round tickets on days that aren't pouring rain and have been soaking up the chance to see golf's greatest players up close.

The Open is bringing people from all over world to little Ardmore, PA, so our good friend at Lunchboy's Lunchbox helped us put together a list of the best places to eat while in the area. Here's a guest post from Lunchboy. Check out his Facebook page for his always clever take on lunch options in the Philly area, good photos and banter among his many fans.

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As golf fans near and far descend on Ardmore, PA, to catch a glimpse of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott at the Merion Golf Club, they’ll hear plenty of tips on how to navigate the town and areas to park.  Any broadcast outlet, especially sports talk and our TV choppers, are all over the story.

Sadly, news reports are missing out on what should be the top story of the day, especially between the hours of 12 and 2 pm ET:  what’s for lunch?  While I might not know a lot about golf, I do have some knowledge to share about the most important meal of the day.  Here are a few places to consider in the heart of Ardmore, PA, while in town for the U.S. Open.  All places are found near the Ardmore Train Station and within walking distance to the parking lots on or near Lancaster Ave (Rt.30).

Lunching during the U.S. Open 2013:  The top picks by the founder and chief eater of Lunchboy’s Lunchbox, consider:



1. McCloskey’s Tavern – My favorite place to lunch.  It’s the Irish in me, I guess?  For an off the menu order, try the sammich that made me who I am, a roast beef with lettuce, tomato, onion and provolone on toasted rye with Horseradish and Mayo (ask for them separate, not the pre-made sauce).  If you want something on the menu, my go-to is the Margherita Chicken sammich.  Basil, fresh mozz and a panko-crusted tomato along with the grilled chicken.  A good selection of beers to cool you off from the long walks on the course.

2. John Henry’s – Another great spot for eating and drinking.  While past their prime (people think sliders are passé), I love the Cheeseburger Sliders. A healthier choice is the Mandarin Salad with the fish of the day grilled (blackened maybe?) atop.  If nice out, hang outside on the newly renovated porch area and continue to work on your golfer’s tan.  We might even run into each other at Happy Hour.

3. The Beer Shoppe  – Pick up a six-pack of your favorite craft beer to sneak onto the course and nourish yourself with a couple of Chicago-style Hotdogs.  Every ingredient is imported from the Windy City and these dogs bring plenty of bark and bite.  (Editor's Note: For more, see our review of The Beer Shoppe from April)  

4. A la Maison Bistro – Say “au revoir” to Ardmore for an hour or so and “bonjour" to the Boeuf Bourguignon Grilled Cheese.  A delicious short rib sammich with gruyere served on brioche.  Order the frites, too.

5. Primavera Pizza Kitchen – For those that need and crave Italian at every meal.  The pizza is okay, as are the salads, but I feel the real winner is the gnocchi in pink sauce with shrimp.  Buon Appetito.

6. Farmer’s Market at Suburban Square -You’ll be able to window shop at one of America’s oldest malls while on your way there and then find plenty of choices for lunch once you arrive.  I suggest the pizza or the sushi stands, found at opposite ends of the “cafeteria.”

If you happen to visit any of these place, I would love to know what you thought of them.  Tasty, not-so, or otherwise.

Happy eating and take good care,
Lunchboy

From Tuesday's practice round....