Last night was the much–anticipated opening of Delray’s Popstroke (with investor Tiger Woods), a compact duo of 18-hole putting courses, complete with fairways, bunkers and rough, and more importantly, generous bars (one on the course with drink delivery), a really great menu and a separate and very yummy ice cream shop. I am not a golfer; I’m not even a miniature golfer. But my friend Judy Larkin of Boca Raton is and she actually played a round the night of the reception. Larkin said it’s challenging, it’s fun and she loved, loved, loved it. And she should know; she was a golf coach at St. Cloud State for 15 years and has a handicap of between 6 and 7, which puts her in the top 3 percent of women players.
But back to the food. The menu here is several notches over what you’d find in a sports bar—and very good. We tried the seared tuna salad, the Korean steak tacos, a boatload of perfect French fries and blackened salmon Caesar. But there is more and more and more, from wings and flatbreads and cedar plank miso salmon to fish and chips, tuna tartare and plenty of classics like burgers and club sandwiches. And the ice cream outpost has first-rate cones and milkshakes and other goodies, so there is a little slice of heaven to go with your other slice.
So my initial take is this: For golfers, you have a fun putting experience (but without the windmills and cartoon characters), tailor-made for group parties and a fun evening or afternoon out. For non-golfers, you have a new sleek sports-bar like venue with good food and plenty of parking well off the buzzy congestion of Atlantic Avenue. I do not think this is a direct competitor with the beloved Puttin’ Around which offers a more whimsical experience, but it’s a fun addition to our things-to-do list—and you’re going to love it.
Popstroke; 1314 N. Federal Highway, Delray Beach; popstroke.com/delray-beach-fl/
