Retreat from the world at the Castle Creek Country Club

The View Restaurant at Castle Creek Country Club is only a few miles from I-15 near Gopher Canyon Road, but if you are like me, you have probably driven by the location and thought it was an interesting name, but never bothered to check it out. The restaurant not only offers great food at great prices, but has what they call a “million dollar” view. The large plate glass windows afford a wide view of the meandering cart paths and lush greens of the golf course.

The establishment is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and has quite a colorful past. Last year Larry Taylor compiled a history of the country club, which is located in an area known as Moosa Canyon. Larry tells us that on January 18, 1888, some squatters led by a man dubbed Peg-Leg had taken possession of a homestead about one mile east of number five green. The owner returned from a business trip to find the squatters in his cabin. Since the squatters refused to budge, the homesteader later returned to the cabin with six armed men and “by the time the smoke cleared” three of the squatters, including Peg-Leg and two members of the posse, were killed. It is rumored that the clubhouse has a ghost passing through its walls. Larry Taylor thinks it might be Peg-Leg looking for a drink!

There really is a castle near the country club. It is a replica of a Scottish castle built in 1893 by Isaac Jenkinson Frazee. Larry says that the castle turret “can be seen from the top of Castle Road looking towards Escondido into the canyon.”

The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, but the view at lunch is refreshing. I ate my Mandarin Chicken Salad at a window table while taking in the “million dollar” view. The salad was served on a bed of mixed greens with thin-slivered almonds, a generous amount of mandarin oranges, diced tomatoes and lean grilled chicken. The Ginger Sesame Seed dressing helped to create a delicious dish reminiscent of China.

Other luncheon dishes include a Calamari Sandwich, Western Steak Sandwich and the Castle Creek Club Sandwich. The menu also features hamburgers and a wide array of appetizers.

The country club is also open for dinner with daily specials including “All-You-Can-Eat” Beef Ribs for $8.95 on Tuesdays and a twelve-ounce Prime Rib steak for $12.95 on Saturdays.

Castle Creek Country Club is located at 8797 Circle R Drive in Escondido. Take I-15 to Gopher Canyon Road, exit east to Highway 395 then north to Circle R Drive. Please call (760) 760-749-2422 for reservations.