Autumn Delights: Award-Winning Cuisine, Signature Cocktails & Stunning Views at The Country Club at Golden Nugget

By guest blogger Angie Dilmore

After conquering the 18th hole, satisfy your appetite with exceptional service from General Manager Kelly McDevitt and her outstanding team. "The Country Club at Golden Nugget is a hidden gem in Lake Charles," McDevitt shares.

Since its grand opening last October, The Country Club at Golden Nugget has become the premier destination for diners and golfers seeking top-tier cuisine, artisanal cocktails, and panoramic views of the serene golf course and iconic I-210 bridge. Cozy up by the verandah fire pits for a romantic date night overlooking the Calcasieu River and lush fairways.

Award-winning Head Chef Charles Reed oversees the menu and kitchen. Recently, he triumphed at Landry’s Iron Chef Competition in Galveston, earning awards for Best Overall Dish and Best Dessert—a decadent chocolate butterscotch cake. For fall, Reed has introduced seasonal specialties. On a recent visit, my husband and I savored a succulent Mediterranean rack of lamb, paired with a pear-shaped potato croquette, grilled tomato, and fresh asparagus. Absolute perfection!

Chef Reed prepares this lamb dish using techniques learned 30 years ago from an Iranian mentor. "I discovered Persian cooking from a talented 19-year-old chef from Tehran—one of the best I've known," Reed recalls. "To him, haute cuisine meant fresh, light, and balanced. For rack of lamb, he used fresh lemons, butter basting, salt, pepper, and fragrant sumac."

While awaiting your entrée, enjoy Chef Reed's signature house-made pimento cheese spread with fresh-baked crackers—a refreshing twist on the traditional bread service.

Head Bartender Garrett Steech crafts standout cocktails, like the Country Club Manhattan: Garrison Brothers Bourbon from Texas, Carpano Antica Vermouth, Angostura Bitters, black cherry, and caramelized orange brûlée. The first sip delivers bold bourbon warmth, followed by sweet vermouth and zesty orange. "It's a robust classic perfect for cooler fall evenings," notes McDevitt.

Save room for dessert! We indulged in Chef Reed's apple and goat cheese cobbler with almond crumb topping, garnished with chocolate-dipped French white apple—pure indulgence.

The Country Club also offers a premium cigar menu, rare in the area.

Visit The Country Club at Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino. Hours:

Main Dining:
Wednesday & Thursday: 5–9 p.m.
Friday: 5–10 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Bar:
7:30 a.m. Daily
Happy Hour: 4–7 p.m. Monday–Friday
Happy Hour Food: 4–7 p.m. Wednesday–Friday

Golf Grill:
7:30 a.m.–Twilight/Dusk Daily

The Country Club accommodates private events during off-hours.