I could live in Sun City Lincoln Hills, maybe not just yet, but certainly when my friends and I are retired and looking for more than just a casual golf game to fill our days. Did you know they have a summer concert series and often host special events at their restaurant, like last month’s four-course Brewmaster’s Dinner? Food, beer, golf and live music? Count me in.

Open to the public seven days a week, Meridians boasts a beautiful facility that sits inside Orchard Creek Lodge and has two bars and a restaurant, the latter which features vaulted, wood-beam ceilings, stone columns, views onto the golf course and a stunning waterfall. I sat in the restaurant for lunch, so I could enjoy the water feature and bright sunshine.

My server, Leah, recommended the wings as a starter, which I was inclined to do anyway…great minds, right? Cooked Buffalo-style, the unbreaded drumettes and flats were deep-fried and served alongside ranch dressing with the obligatory celery spears—resulting in plenty of crunch and just enough spicy sauce to warrant wet wipes (thank you, Leah, for your foresight). 

Next came a shrimp Louie salad replete with everything I like on my Louie: tender bay shrimp, avocado, cucumbers, hard-boiled eggs and tomatoes on a bed of crisp lettuce, with the classic mayo-based dressing. Each flavor-packed forkful was full of crunch and creaminess, and left me feeling satiated but not stuffed. 

As an entrée, you can order salmon sliders, which make for a great “share” when you’re trying to lighten up lunch. My order arrived with an ample portion of salmon filet alongside tomatoes, spinach, raw red onions and a citrus-spiked cream cheese spread on soft slider buns. A healthy portion of French fries were a much-welcomed addition to the plate—though I could’ve also opted for potato salad, sweet potato fries, soup, cottage cheese, a side salad or coleslaw. They also serve cheddar beef and vegan portabello sliders if you prefer yours sans seafood. 

Once again, at the behest of my server, I was prompted to try dessert, specifically the key lime tart. She was very convincing, and I’m apparently an easy sell. I’m not usually a fan of key lime anything, since it’s almost always too sweet, but Meridians’ version was a mini-pie with just the right ratio of filling to crust…mitigating the need for a trip to the dentist.

There’s a myriad of special events going on nightly, too—from “BBQ Night Thursdays” featuring ribs, brisket, tri-tip and more  (through August 31); to a “Tuesday Dance Night” and “Brain Freeze Trivia” on Mondays. Whether you’re young or old, and reside in Sun City or just passing through, Meridians is a prime pick for your next meal out.    

Hours:  7 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-8 p.m. (Sundays); 7-10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-8 p.m. (Monday-Thursday); 7-10 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-9 p.m. (Friday-Saturday)

Try This: Salmon Sliders, Shrimp Louie Salad, Grilled Lamb Chops, Sunday Brunch Buffet, Key Lime Tart

Alcohol: Full bar; beer, wine and cocktails

Tab: $$

Heads-Up: Special events include “New York Mondays” ($19 half-pound steak dinner with all the fixin’s from 5-8 p.m.), “Prime Rib Wednesdays,” $6 breakfast buffet on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 6-9 a.m., and “Grand Brunch Buffet” on Sundays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; daily Happy Hour from 4-6 p.m.; half-orders available on sandwiches/burgers for half-price; gluten-free bread and pasta available on request

Meridians Restaurant, 965 Orchard Creek Lane, Lincoln, 916-625-4040

By Lorn Randall   //  photos by Dante Fontana