Dining at Bandon Dunes

[TK3]

Hey guys,

 

My 4some will be at Bandon in June 2025. Super excited but need some advice…

 

We all know the courses and resort are spectacular, but I’ve read mixed reviews on meals while at the resort. 
 

Can anyone shed some light as to where we should have breakfast, lunch or post round meals?  We’ll be there for 5 days. 

 

Cheers!

TK3

[Chanceman]

Tony’s Crab Shack on the wharf in Bandon is worth a visit. In fact the whole town is. 

[jvincent]

1 hour ago, TK3 said:

Hey guys,

 

My 4some will be at Bandon in June 2025. Super excited but need some advice…

 

We all know the courses and resort are spectacular, but I’ve read mixed reviews on meals while at the resort. 
 

Can anyone shed some light as to where we should have breakfast, lunch or post round meals?  We’ll be there for 5 days. 

 

 

Assuming you are playing 36/day, I would just get breakfast/lunch at either Charlottes (at the practice center) or at the clubhouses/ of the course you are playing. All I need is a breakfast sandwich or similar for lunch.

 

McKees is fine for casual dining and I like the menu at Pacific Grill. I haven't been to the Ghost Tree Grill yet.

[TK3]

Thanks JV. 

[oneunderbogey]

I always do 36+ a day, dinner reservations in advance (on site or in town) ~1 hour after sunset, without reservations you can be waiting awhile.  My experience is the food on site is ok to good not amazing, pricing is fine.  Bring some snacks with you for the room + golf bag.  

 

Breakfast sandwiches, burritos or similar.  I like going into town for Bandon Coffee cafe if our first tee time is late enough.  Onsite is fine too. 

 

Lunch at the course we just played or the one we play next

 

Edited November 18, 2024 by oneunderbogey

[puttnforthe8]

All the evening restaurants are quite good.  Make reservations for nights at Ghost Grill, Mckees and Pacific Grill depending on the menu items you want.   I would prob do it 2, 1, 1/2.  And consider going into town for dinner once - Edgewood, crab shack, my fav Alloro, pizza at Bandon Brewing.

 

Lunch - bring stuff to make your own sandwiches or snacks.  

 

For Brekkie and lunch I think Trails is good.  

 

[graveydellic]

Trails is the best lunch spot IMO if you have the time.  Just a good setting.  Dinner is a mixed bag, most end up at McKees because it's simple. If you want a nice big meal do Ghost Tree.  I absolutely love the buildout there and the vibe, especially at the bar or outside by the firepit.  I don't think I have ever eaten at Pacific besides covid carryout, but allegedly some of the best food there.  

[VNutz]

4 hours ago, TK3 said:

Hey guys,

 

My 4some will be at Bandon in June 2025. Super excited but need some advice…

 

We all know the courses and resort are spectacular, but I’ve read mixed reviews on meals while at the resort. 
 

Can anyone shed some light as to where we should have breakfast, lunch or post round meals?  We’ll be there for 5 days. 

 

Cheers!

TK3

 

Just returned from a 5 day trip. I believe all have menus posted online if that helps.

Dinner:

McKees - Was a 2 hour wait one night for a group of 6 people. I never dined there, but we did do room service with it one night. Food was typical good McKees food, just a bit boring in a room. If you can, I highly recommend a reservation to McKee's upstairs.

 

Ghost Tree Grill - Very impressed. Really enjoyed the Ribeye and the Braised Lamb Shank. Need reservations.

 

We did not hit the Gallery & Puffin Bar. We skipped Pacific to go into town. I've dined there before and it's fine, but has always been a bit on the slower side and feels way too cramped for me.

 

Lunch:

Trails was great. Menu has a bit more Asian flare, but some more traditional options as well. I'm not normally a chicken and waffles fan but their lunch sandwich was amazing.

Bandon Dunes turn is fine for a hot dog, chili, etc.

Sheep Ranch has sandwiches but they were quite slow, hot dog from there recommended if you have later plans.

 

Breakfast

Pacific - Many guys reported very slow service there. And for typical bacon and eggs type dishes. I ordered the Lemon Ricatta pancakes there the final day and it was solid.

Trails - Good simple options, also have sandwiche/wraps that are more "to go" style for those heading out to the tee.

 

In town

Bandon Coffee is a small spot with several options for baked goods. Donuts, etc. I had biscuits and gravy and enjoyed it.

[knock it close]

Trails is my favorite food spot but they still aren't doing standalone dinners which is too bad. Pricing is what you'd expect, they could gouge you but they don't. Everything's been solid, get reservations.

 

I'm there next week we're eating at:

New Gallery x2

Ghost tree x2

Trails End

Pac Grill

 

Mins for group booking at mckees didn't make sense so we ditched it. 

[spud3]

2 hours ago, oneunderbogey said:

I always do 36+ a day, dinner reservations in advance (on site or in town) ~1 hour after sunset, without reservations you can be waiting awhile.  My experience is the food on site is ok to good not amazing, pricing is fine.  Bring some snacks with you for the room + golf bag.  

 

Breakfast sandwiches, burritos or similar.  I like going into town for Bandon Coffee cafe if our first tee time is late enough.  Onsite is fine too. 

 

Lunch at the course we just played or the one we play next

 

+1 on all the above.

 

The pastrami sandwich at SR is a must-have, as is the grilled cheese at PD.  Meatloaf at McKee's is usually reliable, sometimes stellar, same for the shepherd's pie.  I found the pizzas at McKee's better than I expected.  The vibe at Ghost Tree is excellent, steaks are good, if over-priced a bit.

 

Truth is, if you're playing 36 a day x5 then the first and last meals are the only ones you'll remember much.  The rest of them are just fueling stops...

 

[NCgolf135]

Pastrami at SR is unreal. Mckees is very good. Just wander down there and you'll be fine most of the time. Gallery was meh, atmosphere there sucked imo. Which was weird. 

 

Ghost Tree is awesome, and is a can't skip meal. Just do it. 

 

Lunch anywhere else is fine, Trails the best. You won't have a bad meal. Bandon is set up for a golf trip like no where else on earth. Enjoy. 

[graveydellic]

1 minute ago, NCgolf135 said:

Pastrami at SR is unreal. Mckees is very good. Just wander down there and you'll be fine most of the time. Gallery was meh, atmosphere there sucked imo. Which was weird. 

 

Ghost Tree is awesome, and is a can't skip meal. Just do it. 

 

Lunch anywhere else is fine, Trails the best. You won't have a bad meal. Bandon is set up for a golf trip like no where else on earth. Enjoy. 

 

Haven't eaten the food at Gallery but have sat in there.  It seems like a really bland space with poor décor.  It was allegedly refurbished but it just feels tired and sparse.  The Lodge deserves to have a really good restaurant but they just haven't figured it out from a food or vibe standpoint.

[ND2005]

55 minutes ago, graveydellic said:

 

Haven't eaten the food at Gallery but have sat in there.  It seems like a really bland space with poor décor.  It was allegedly refurbished but it just feels tired and sparse.  The Lodge deserves to have a really good restaurant but they just haven't figured it out from a food or vibe standpoint.

 

Haven't really heard anyone say much about the new Gallery restaurant since the refresh. Seems like an oversight. 

 

We honestly just ended up at McKee's most every night - their menu honestly has all we needed for a golf trip - you've got burgers and chicken sandwiches, hot wings, pizza, salads, and some decent heavier fare like the Shepherd's Pie. 

[spud3]

Honestly, not too excited about the Gallery redux.  I have a hard time shelling out $20-30 for a plate of pasta.

 

Way more excited about the tacos at Shorty's.

 

McKee's has some new menu items, tho, including a mac and cheese with Andouille sausage, a blackened steelhead dish and chicken & dumplings.

 

I'll be down there in a couple weeks and will report back (probably contained in a trip report in the Northwest forum). 

Edited November 18, 2024 by spud3

[ND2005]

31 minutes ago, spud3 said:

Honestly, not too excited about the Gallery redux.  I have a hard time shelling out $20-30 for a plate of pasta.

 

Way more excited about the tacos at Shorty's.

 

McKee's has some new menu items, tho, including a mac and cheese with Andouille sausage, a blackened steelhead dish and chicken & dumplings.

 

I'll be down there in a couple weeks and will report back (probably contained in a trip report in the Northwest forum). 

speaking of menus - they’ve gotten rid of the normal pizzas at McKees and replaced them with “flatbreads”. 
 
Probly an attempt to differentiate the restaurants more and drive some customers to the gallery 

[Seamus_MacDuff]

Make your dinner reservations at the resort WELL in advance of arrival.  If you wait until you get there, or even within a couple weeks of arriving, you're likely not going to get a reservation or will be eating very early or very late.

[spud3]

1 hour ago, ND2005 said:

speaking of menus - they’ve gotten rid of the normal pizzas at McKees and replaced them with “flatbreads”. 
 
Probly an attempt to differentiate the restaurants more and drive some customers to the gallery 

Good catch - I saw that they moved the pizzas over to the Gallery (and bumped the price about $5), but missed the flatbread on the McKee's menu. Not wild about $23 for a solo-sized pepperoni pizza.  I'll probably just stick with McKee's for the two nights I'm onsite this time and try the new items.  Wish they'd bring back the chicken and mac & cheese....

 

And big +1 on Seamus' comment above about making reservations.  Not as big a deal if you're there as a single, but for a group you should be calling around Feb/March for a June visit.

[dan360]

Last time down I ate Quaker instant oatmeal from breakfast (smuggled contraband), the pastramis for lunch, and meatloaf for dinner.  And lots of bottled water.  Made it three days without dying.  

[ND2005]

9 minutes ago, spud3 said:

Good catch - I saw that they moved the pizzas over to the Gallery (and bumped the price about $5), but missed the flatbread on the McKee's menu. Not wild about $23 for a solo-sized pepperoni pizza.  I'll probably just stick with McKee's for the two nights I'm onsite this time and try the new items.  Wish they'd bring back the chicken and mac & cheese....

 

And big +1 on Seamus' comment above about making reservations.  Not as big a deal if you're there as a single, but for a group you should be calling around Feb/March for a June visit.

its too bad, the pizzas at McKees were pretty good. If you’re a solo usually can get the bartender to order you a half size salad and a pizza. More than enough food. 

[2bGood]

Make reservation now. It books up fast. My notes from many trips:

 

Breakfast/lunch:

Likely you just eat where you are playing but

Trails- Has the best breakfast, also really good lunch

McKee's was hosting the breakfast buffet on my last trip . It was good. I think it is moving back to the lodge soon

Sheep Ranch - Has some great sandwiches. Guys are our last trip made a special shuttle ride to get some.

Pacific - Has a regular breakfast options and casual lunch

 

 

Dinner

Ghost tree is very good - Pricey but great food. 

McKee's- is fine, not too pricey. I you get stuck up stairs is has not atmosphere 

Pacific - I have always liked it. very small, but a nice place to hang out.

Pizza - they deliver from town. This is actually not a bad thing to do one night after 36. Depends on where you stay, but I have eaten in the common area of the Inn or in a room. BD will being you a cooler with ice if you like to chill some beers (wich you can also order)

[graveydellic]

1 hour ago, 2bGood said:

Pizza - they deliver from town. This is actually not a bad thing to do one night after 36. Depends on where you stay, but I have eaten in the common area of the Inn or in a room. BD will being you a cooler with ice if you like to chill some beers (wich you can also order)

 Who delivers Pizza from town?  Tempting idea for a chill meal.  

[mallrat]

How has this thread made it this far without a protein balls recommendation? I could eat those darn things for all 3 meals. 

[Yoshifan151]

18 hours ago, Chanceman said:

Tony’s Crab Shack on the wharf in Bandon is worth a visit. In fact the whole town is. 

This, they had awesome seafood when I went there.

 

Get a burrito from Wilson's Market as well. That little shop had no business making burritos that good. 

[graveydellic]

9 hours ago, Yoshifan151 said:

This, they had awesome seafood when I went there.

 

Get a burrito from Wilson's Market as well. That little shop had no business making burritos that good. 

 

I may have to go to Wilson's now.  Reviews on Google are overwhelmingly positive about the tacos and burritos, looks amazing.

[Yoshifan151]

2 hours ago, graveydellic said:

 

I may have to go to Wilson's now.  Reviews on Google are overwhelmingly positive about the tacos and burritos, looks amazing.

My dad and I had over half of our meals there, the guys inside were super friendly as well. Can't recommend them enough.

[gmerrick15]

Just got back from Bandon last week with a group of 12. We hit every food place on the property except McKees (go figure - not my decision). I thought the food was very good - I don't think anyone in our group had anything but very positive things to say about anywhere we ate.

 

Second the comment above that said Trails is the best lunch spot at the resort. I had the chicken & waffle sandwich twice. Poke is definitely not my thing, but it was highly recommended by those who enjoy seafood. Shorty's clubhouse (birria grilled cheese) and Sheep Ranch (pastrami hoagie) were also favorites for lunch.

 

Ghost Tree Grill and Pacific Grill were both very good - not the best ever, but you certainly won't leave disappointed. The Gallery was the only one I'd consider a little disappointing but I think I just ordered the wrong dish. I made reservations for those about 5 months in advance and we were able to get a reservation for all 12 at The Gallery the night before, but November is definitely a slower time there.

 

Do not skip the protein balls. I wanted an entire suitcase of them to bring back.

[2bGood]

18 hours ago, graveydellic said:

 Who delivers Pizza from town?  Tempting idea for a chill meal.  

The last time we were there we ordered from Wilson's Market - not pizza, a Mexican deli. We have ordered from Bandon Pizza in past years.

[spud3]

Ah, yes, the protein balls!

 

I usually stock up upon arrival, at least one box per day plus a couple more to take home.  Mrs Spud loves them.  Bringing those home with a handful of the little square soap bars and it pretty much guarantees approval from headquarters for the next trip.

[jkody]

I was there a month ago and thought the Gallery and Ghost Tree Grill were both great. McKees was acceptable as always. Lunch/breakfast at Trails rules. The pozole at Shorty's was probably the best thing I ate on property, however.

 

But I also played 36 every day so I probably would have been stoked about McDonald's.

 

Still, we got the chicken parm two nights in a row at the Gallery--one dine in and one take out. Only complaint was that the take out cutlery was absolute trash.

Edited November 21, 2024 by jkody

[shortstop20]

Bandon Trails lunch is great. Recommend the Poke bowls. 

 

Grilled cheese and tacos at Shortys are a killer snack.

 

Steaks at Ghost Tree Grill are very good as are the small plates. Our group passed the small plates around.