Birdies: A hilltop eatery hiding in plain sight

Birdies became the restaurant at the Stanford Golf Course about a year ago — and we think it’s a hidden gem.  And no, you don’t need to be a golf course member or player to dine there.

Now newly open for breakfast at 8:00 am on week days and for brunch at weekends at 10:00 am, Birdies stays open to 6:00 pm (closed Mondays). Given the hours, the menu is more lunch than dinner oriented. But we went for an early dinner and no one rushed us on our way.

One of the clubhouse specialities — crispy fish tacos — was a winner.

Owner Jeremy Cheng told us the tacos are indeed one of its signature dishes.

Jeremy got in the food business by way of golf. “I worked at the Mariners Point golf course and then transferred to the restaurant side,” he told us.

Ultimately he attended the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, which he said was “the best 18 months of school ever.”

After working for the Avenir Group for a number of years, Jeremy started William J Catering in 2019 before opening Birdies in 2023. A “birdie” for the non-golf crowd is when a golfer gets the ball in the hole under par — a feat to be celebrated.

One of Birdies’ delights is that the dining area is perched atop a hill with views extending across the bay. We also were amused at the sign posted at the entrance. A eatery with good food — and a sense of humor!

Birdies is located adjacent to the first tee at the Stanford Golf Course (198 Junipero Serra Blvd.) In addition to its regular hours, the space is available for private parties in the evening.

Photos by Linda Hubbard (c) 2024