For this group on the Top 41 list, the patios are profiled for BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; Menlo Circus Club in Atherton, Calif.; We-Ko-Pa Golf Club in Fort McDowell, Ariz.; Desert Highlands in Scottsdale, Ariz.; The Philadelphia (Pa.) Cricket Club; Lauderdale Yacht Club in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; The Estancia Club in Scottsdale, Ariz.; Las Sendas Golf Club in Mesa, Ariz.; The Stanwich Club in Greenwich, Conn.; and Addison Reserve Country Club in Delray Beach, Fla.
Club + Resort Business has released its list of Top Ranked Patios for 2021. The rankings reflect the ratings of club and resort properties that submitted entries, as judged independently by General Managers and Membership/Marketing Directors of several leading clubs.
The rankings reflect the judges’ scoring of data provided on patio square footage, both total and covered; total capacity and seating capacity; features such as outdoor ovens, firepits and outdoor bars/service stations; and average daily meal covers served on the patio.
Entries also included descriptions submitted by the club and resort properties on why their patio area should be top ranked, and a full complement of supporting photos.
The judges weighted the data and material provided to score all entries on a scale of 100.
The full rankings can be viewed on the main Top Ranked Listing Page. Here are profiles of the Nos. 6-15 Ranked Private Clubs in the Patios category.
#6 BallenIsles Country Club, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
In 2018, BallenIsles Country Club expanded its clubhouse’s Grand Terrace to 6,000 sq. ft. of functional patio space, maximizing outdoor use and showcasing expansive golf course views from the generous verandas.
BallenIsles’ dining venues, Bistro 105 and the Skinny Palms/Cabana, offer 5,000 sq. ft. of outdoor al fresco dining space, providing members with an inviting location to socialize under swaying palm trees and the warm glow of string lights.
After the onset of the pandemic, BallenIsles’ outdoor patios delivered the ambiance and square footage required to accommodate safe social distancing while COVID-imposed restrictions were in place. Those gatherings have included evenings accompanied by live music, where members can unwind in comfortable soft seating overlooking BallenIsles’ East Golf Course, choose to savor a cocktail from the Cabana Bar poolside, or attend a themed happy hour, such as a Luau with flamethrowers and Hawaiian dancers.
BallenIsles has also utilized the Grand Terrace as the ideal viewing location for its Spectacular New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show, as well as a host site for outdoor live concerts. The patio venues have quickly become members’ favorite locations for dining and socializing—so much so that the outdoor patio locations have been integrated as permanent additions to the club’s social calendar.
#7 Menlo Circus Club, Atherton, Calif.
Menlo Circus Club’s patio dining area is unique among private clubs, as a place where members can dine for Sunday brunch while a polo match is being played. The patio provides a one-of-a-kind, open and inviting atmosphere where members can dine among friends and family.
The club hosts a variety of events on its patio and polo field, from weddings to special events to the popular weekly “Cocktails and Dogtails” gathering.
#8 We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, Fort McDowell, Ariz.
Whether it’s used to grab a bite to eat before a round of golf or for enjoying a drink and cigar afterwards, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club’s patio provides an ideal setting for relaxation.
In the summer, the patio is the perfect place to get out of the desert heat, with expansive shady areas and umbrellas. In the winter, the roaring firepit provides just enough warmth for al fresco dining and wonderful sunsets. From dusk until dawn, golfers and others are always welcome at the We-Ko-Pa patio.
#9 Desert Highlands, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Desert Highlands’ award-winning clubhouse reflects the club’s pride in making sure its members have outdoor spaces to be enjoyed by all. Scottsdale is known for its exceptional weather, and the Desert Highlands clubhouse has been built with a choice of patios that offer a full opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors.
The club’s several outdoor patio areas feature views of the Sonoran Desert, the Valley and city lights, and the majestic Pinnacle Peak. Both casual and elevated dining areas are offered to provide a variety of experiences.
Jack’s Patio serves members cocktails and culinary bites while viewing the extraordinary view of the Peak. Ventana Patio gives members city lights and Valley views while enjoying an elevated dining experience. And the Sunset Bar is the perfect spot for enjoying a cocktail and taking in the breathtaking Arizona sunsets.
#10 The Philadelphia Cricket Club, Philadelphia, Pa.
The Philadelphia Cricket Club has numerous patios on its multiple campuses where members can enjoy their time overlooking one of the club’s golf courses or its grass tennis courts.
At the St. Martins Clubhouse in Philadelphia’s Chestnut Hill section, the Cricket Club’s covered porch seats 84 people with beautiful views of the grass tennis courts. Adjacent to the porch is the Tennis Patio, which has comfortable soft seating, Adirondack chairs, and firepits. On the Bluestone Patio below the porch, members enjoy open-air seating while sipping cocktails and snacking on light bites.
The Cricket Club’s Flourtown Clubhouse outside of Philadelphia boasts views of the historic Wissahickon golf course. With dining seating for 96 people and an abundance of soft seating, this is a lively spot for a post-round meal or just enjoying time with family and friends. The Wissahickon patio can also be transformed into an event space for up to 240 people.
Finally, the casual Militia Hill patio offers the perfect place to relax on soft seating while enjoying the scenic views of the rolling fairways. Menu selections, served straight from the outdoor grill, complement the relaxing atmosphere of this picturesque space.
#11 Lauderdale Yacht Club, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Lauderdale Yacht Club (LYC) is focused on a family-friendly club culture while still maintaining the highest standards for its members and their guests.
The club’s Burgee Patio, located on the second floor, is the premier casual location to dine, offering sweeping views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the club’s expansive, multi-purpose Olympic size pool. On the Burgee Patio, members and guests can dine on elevated Florida coastal cuisine in an approachable, calm and tropical atmosphere, enjoying the view of the coastal landscape from this vantage point while the breeze from the large overhead fans keeps them cool.
The club’s lower patios also offer an elevated dining experience with pristine views of the Intracoastal, which are often filled with LYC’s own local yachtsmen and sailors. The décor is chic, modern, comfortable and inviting.
#12 The Estancia Club, Scottsdale, Ariz.
The Estancia Club’s existing patio was completely scraped and rebuilt in 2018 to take full advantage of the wonderful weather and views of Scottsdale during season.
The ambience created by the new firepits, fireplace and lighting that were added through the renovation has made the patio the primary gathering spot for Estancia’s members.
This was especially evident during the pandemic, when the club’s food-and-beverage sales skyrocketed while other clubs and restaurants without patios suffered greatly. Estancia Club members continue to enjoy one of the most beautiful settings in north Scottsdale.
#13 Las Sendas Golf Club, Mesa, Ariz.
Open Table has ranked the Las Sendas Golf Club as among the top 100 Al Fresco Dining locations for two consecutive years.
Offering views from its location 1,800 feet above the Phoenix valley, Las Sendas’ casual outdoor dining experience is surrounded by breathtaking views of the mountains, desert, golf course fairways and Phoenix city lights.
Live entertainment is provided nightly, and sales exceed $2 million annually for patio revenue.
#14 The Stanwich Club, Greenwich, Conn.
Recently, over 40 club managers in the tri-state area (Connecticut, New York and New Jersey), along with representatives of their respective committees, have visited The Stanwich Club to tour its patio, confirming that it is widely considered to be the benchmark standard by which all outdoor spaces are compared.
Upon entering the historic mansion of Semloh Farm, the property on which the club was built, one’s eyes are drawn instantly to the massive French doors, which are swung open to reveal the crown jewel of outdoor spaces, The Stanwich Club patio. Upon reaching and setting foot on the patio, one is instantly struck by the multitude of spaces that exist throughout the outdoor space—so many different spaces, in fact, that when members and guests are asked by club staff which one they’d like to use, it’s not an easy decision.
The patio alone has two different fireplaces where one can relax. The more formal fireplace encompasses club chairs and couch that overlook the golf course’s 18th green, which is just feet away, and the Long Island Sound. The second fireplace, or firepit, is on the lower level of the patio, providing a more private space to gather with friends, yet still feel the energy of the upper patio.
The main space of the patio is both spacious and inviting, with each seat providing views of the golf course and the Sound. Off the main patio is a sunken lower Terrace that separates parties but keeps everyone close enough to all of the action.
On chillier days, the imported, custom 6×3 granite pavers with 4” bluestone wall caps contain radiant heat and a drop-down screen that allows parties to flow into the outdoor space. The outside bar has enough space to hold people three deep for socializing or watching the big game on the flat-screen television. After one enjoys watching the sun set over the golf course, uplighting that is built into the patio stone highlights its elegance.
The patio itself affords an incredible ease of use, with dedicated power for hosting multiple entertainment options. Built-in, quick-disconnect propane outlets throughout the patio offer ultimate flexibility when cooking for members and guests.
The Veranda, which provides the greatest views of the golf course and Long Island Sound, offers another fireplace and three comfortable and private areas for gathering.
#15 Addison Reserve Country Club, Delray Beach, Fla.
The patio area at Addison Reserve’s Lifestyle Complex. which opened in 2019, provides undercover seating, as well as open-air seating by firepits and the lighted waterfall.
Members enjoy dining in both areas, which have views of the resort-style pool from virtually every angle.
The expansive indoor/outdoor bar is the perfect place to meet for a drink and/or a snack in the afternoons or evenings. Members also enjoy live music during regularly scheduled “Wine Down Wednesdays” and “Fab Fridaze” events, as well as on the weekends.
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