By the Secret Chef
If you believe life is too short to cook all the time (or maybe never 😉), The Links Restaurant located in the historic Buckhannon Country Club, now open to the public, is calling your name.
The Links offers casual & fine dining – we’re talking classic tablecloths, cozy fireplace, tranquil views out of large windows of a lovely golf course and pond (once famed for ice skating) nestled among towering, aged trees.
But also that casual feel that no matter what you are wearing – even early morning bed-head hair – you are welcomed and doted on. Background music is tasteful but quiet enough for lots of happy chat-chatting, and isn’t that what we all love to do?
In back of the newly decorated dining area, the restaurant features a colorful, intimate bar with tables, where specialty drinks such as a Berry Sangria, Frozen Peach Cobbler Daiquiri, or Raspberry Pomegranate Margarita made with Jose Cuervo Silver are created every day, along with the usual wine, beer and mixed drinks.
One of the best parts of the establishment is its outside dining during warm weather. The cozy, covered back porch overlooks the pond and golf trails, where sometimes you can hear peeper or bull frogs. Out front, a large covered patio is also available for casual dining, often with views of golfers teeing off for a little excitement.
The Links owner and chef Zachary Stokes describes his goal as hometown cooking with a modern flair. Chef Zack said that the restaurant is family owned and operated, with several of his relatives working as staff. Previously Zack learned his chef skills from stints at C.J. Maggies and The 88 restaurant before it closed.
His steaks are hand cut, good quality and cooked to order. Pasta is made from scratch, and produce and meat is purchased locally as much as possible. Workers and staff are advised to be accommodating for individual orders, and the day we were there for lunch our waitress was cheerful and more than helpful.
One friend ordered a chef salad with fresh, mixed greens, deli turkey and ham, cheeses, veggies and hard boiled egg. Dressing on the side.
Another order was house-made chicken salad sandwich with grapes and nuts on white or multigrain bread. A side of strawberries and blueberries was added.
I ordered a BLT on multigrain bread and it was tasty, huge and fresh, with crispy kettle chips on the side.
Last, a friend ordered a shaved ribeye steak hoagie, thinly sliced and seasoned with optional onions and peppers, covered with melted provolone cheese served on a toasted hoagie bun.
All portions of our meals were generous and we left sated and merry.
Chef Zack said he strives to provide excellent food and service, and he plans for fun activities in the future along with his meals. This Valentines Day presents a special event: Feb. 14 from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm a four-course dinner (starters, soups or salad, entrees, and dessert) is offered for $50 a person or $95 a couple. Reservations required – 304-460-3508 or Facebook Message. This special menu is available on The Links Restaurant Facebook page.
The Links is located at The Buckhannon Country Club, 551 Tallmansville Road, Buckhannon, and its hours are noon – 9 pm, Monday through Friday, 9 am – 9 pm Saturday, 9 am-2 pm Sunday, closed Monday. Breakfast is served Saturday and Sunday.
