Make the Right Call - Legendary neighborhood sports bar is SO much more! (Originally published 8/10)

What do you get when you cross over 300 homemade menu items with Boston’s largest martini menu, and throw it all together amidst more than 20 hi-definition televisions and some of the neatest sports memorabilia (and personalities) in town?

Why the Coolidge Corner Clubhouse, of course!

Set just across the street from the historic Coolidge Corner Theater, the similarly-named Clubhouse offers flavors from all walks of life- From Boston’s best burgers to authentic Mexican (e.g., vegetarian chimichangas, chicken, beef, shrimp, or veggie enchiladas and fajitas) to their “signature” roll ups (which offer such delectable fillings as smoked turkey, portabella mushroom, and barbecue chicken) and their absolutely RIDICULOUS desserts (including the biggest, gooiest, most mouth-watering mudpies around), the C.C.C. is A-O.K. for A.L.L.

Each main course comes with one of the Clubhouse’s homemade sides, which include a heaping bowlful of healthful salad, a variety of fresh soups, and a pleasant selection of potato variations, including seasoned curly fries. On the front end of the ever-unfolding menu are such great members of ”the starting line-up” as the soft pretzel basket, a vegetarian “health plate” that includes carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, mushrooms, black olives, pepperoncini, and assorted cheeses served with the Clubhouse’s one-of-a-kind avocado ranch dressing, in addition to the expected “sports bar” fare like nachos (a HEAPING plate full with salsa, guacamole, and jalapenos) and a chicken quesadilla (made just different enough with the Clubhouse’s Buffalo seasoning and diced tomatoes). For those hearty (and hungry) souls who make it to the “back nine,” the Clubhouse also offers a wide array of homemade desserts that, in addition to the aforementioned (and worth re-mentioning) mudpies, may include such favorites as carrot cake, apple crisp, and chocolate lava cake. Speaking of desserts, the more sports-minded are always welcome to try their hand at the Clubhouse’s nightly trivia question. If your table guesses correctly, you get a slice of mud pie on the house!

No matter what night it is or what game is on the line (see the website for a complete schedule of games and special events, as well as trivia and even a newsletter), the Clubhouse is always comfortably filled with a friendly mixture of enthusiastic sports fans, local food fans, romantic diners, movers and shakers, and families out for a good, solid meal. If there is a game on, the Clubhouse’s seats may be at a premium, Even when the place is rockin’ with cheers, however, there is always room for one (or two) more at the room-long bar, where quick and friendly tenders mix up some of the tastiest concoctions around, including a selection of over 40 martini flavors!

While cheering along, you may find yourself set alongside ESPN’s Peter Gammons and other famous neighborhood denizens. And even when there are no famous faces to be found, there are plenty of known names in the menu. In fact, nearly every item is named after a famous sports celebrity. From the Rony Seikaly salad (Greek chicken salad with feta cheese, pepperoncini, and black olives) to the Tom Brady chicken sandwich (grilled chicken breast with bacon and Boursin cheese), The Ted Williams burger (“simply the best” with bacon, mushrooms, and melted cheddar cheese), all of Boston’s best and brightest from yesterday and today are represented with taste-ful and tantalizing tributes. And with plenty of items yet to be named – including steak, ribs, and other items from the CCC’s mixed grill – and more than a few vegetarian options, there is truly something for everyone at the Clubhouse!

So whether it’s the Final Four or a first date, the best place for casual dining and athletic fun is definitely the Coolidge Corner Clubhouse

Coolidge Corner Clubhouse

307 Harvard Ave

Brookline, MA 02445

617 566 4948