Stepping into the Bull Pen cafe at the Miami Lakes Golf Course is like taking a mini-vacation.
At what is perhaps Miami Lakes’ best-kept secret, the view is of a majestic row of banyan trees lined up like sentries along the greens, awaiting optimistic golfers.
And everyone is invited.
“It’s not just golfers who come in,” said Cassandra Gadea, supervisor at the Bull Pen.
The restaurant's name is a throwback to the town’s origins as a dairy farm. It was established as the Golf Course Snack Bar around 1968 and is next to the pro shop at 7601 Miami Lakes Drive.
Inside, flat screen TVs are tuned to sports networks.
Golfers stop in at the turn or after play for a cold one and a satisfying lunch.
The lures: Half-pound, hand-crafted burgers made from a custom blend of Black Angus sirloin, short rib and brisket.
The Bogey burger on a brioche-style bun, with cheddar, bacon and BBQ sauce, is probably the best thing on the menu that is prepared by Lead Cook Travis Ware, Gadea said.
“It’s huge, and everybody loves it,” said Gadea.
Ware’s fries that land on most plates also are perfect, crispy and lightly salted.
She said of Ware’s skills: “Everything is made to order. He really cares for the customer and does everything with love and makes sure it’s fresh and well-made.”
Gadea is also the bartender and known for her Bloody Marys, stuffed with olives, celery and lime – “I make it as spicy as they want,” she said.
Imported and domestic beers, soft drinks and Arnold Palmer Iced Tea are available, too.
There is also a delicious grilled Mahi fish sandwich; a sliced New York steak sandwich on a toasted baguette with gruyere cheese and grilled onions which at $21 is the most expensive item; a grilled chicken breast sandwich, a sliced turkey club and a veggie burger.
And to complete the barbecue vibe: All beef, quarter-pound hot dogs on hoagie rolls, including the All American which comes fully loaded with chopped onions and cheddar cheese.
Classic or boneless wings are served mild, hot, BBQ or sweet chili, and there are two grilled chicken salads, one chopped with avocado, blue cheese and bacon and the other is a Caesar.
Portions are large, designed for golfers who’ve built up appetites on the course. They can call in their orders from the 7th hole and take it away before they head out to the links again.
Enjoying takeout on the outdoor patio is an option too.
Gadea says she sees a lot of regulars, especially during weekends.
“They come in and feel like they are welcomed, and at home,” Gadea said. “That’s what you want in a course.”
The Bull Pen is open for lunch Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and lunch is served from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
For more information go to: https://www.MiamiLakesGolf.com or call 305-820-8078.