OAKLAND — As the Oakland Golf Course opens for the season, Shrimp on the Barbie continues as its restaurant and bar.
The establishment, owned by Chris “Aussie” Watson, opened in July.
“The golf club was asking for expressions of interest in taking over the restaurant and bar, as the previous people did not want to continue it for the 2020 season,” Watson said. “I threw my hat in the ring, and long story short, I ended up with Shrimp on the Barbie.”
The restaurant officially opened July 2.
“COVID injected some challenges, as I was supposed to open May 1,” Watson said. “It’s been a constant struggle trying to find staff initially, as the benefits to stay home were enormous.”
The restaurant hosted a large amount of outside dining over the summer, with the outside “Outback Bar” being open. When the weather cooled, dining had to move inside at 50% capacity.
“It then went to 75%, and now finally we are at 100%, but with the six-foot social distancing rule still in effect, it didn’t really allow us to change too much,” Watson said. “We have struggled over winter but persevered and made it out the end. Some people, when asked, didn’t even know we had a golf course in Oakland with a restaurant.”
Current staff members include Jo Rineer, Angie Sincell, Meredith Skeweris, Jamie Nobles, Shannon Sexton, Kenzi Shreve, Rachel Vecchioni, Breann Lemley, Dr. Abby Feathers, Kameron Barnard, Patty Arbogast, Bryan Shaffer and Jacques Hourtal.
Watson said the restaurant’s general theme has been steak, seafood and barbecue with an Aussie flair.
“We have a large, varied menu for all tastes,” he said.
There are some gluten-free and vegetarian items. Some of the signature dishes and drinks offered are Bryan’s Famous Crab cake, steamer buckets, boils, crab legs, fillet with crab imperial, fish and chips, crab dip, oysters, New York strip with grilled shrimp, salmon, Mahi Mahi, Ahi tuna, calamari, oyster shooters and various cocktails.
Regular specials include Monday, Wing Night; Tuesday, half-price appetizers; Wednesday, reef and beef tacos; Thursday, $1 drafts; Friday, reef and beef steak with seafood; Saturday, chef’s choice; and Sunday, seafood boil. Customers can follow Shrimp on the Barbie on Facebook for daily specials.
Peak times for the restaurant are 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Hours vary by season, but Watson noted that soon the restaurant will be open from 8-11 a.m. for breakfast sandwiches and drinks for golfers and the public, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for lunch and from 4-9 p.m. for dinner.
Updated hours to match the weather will be announced on Facebook.
The bar will stay open later depending on patronage. The Outback Bar on the Patio will open May 1, with outdoor seating and picnic tables.
The Menufy App was adapted for takeout orders and curbside pickup.
The Oakland Golf Course’s opening day is April 1, and Watson noted that the course is “looking incredible already.”
“For those who haven’t considered membership out here, they have a great first-time member deal of $500 for the first year, $800 for the second year and then up to the normal membership price of $1,000 for the third year,” he said.
Bryce Friend runs the Golf Club Pro Shop, offering lessons, men’s groups, ladies’ groups, club repairs and a large range of apparel, rentals and golf equipment.
The club also offers a driving range on top of the hill, as well as a practice putting green.
“The OGC and Shrimp on the Barbie are working together to provide quick service to the golfers in the form of breakfast sandwiches, drinks, beverages, beer and grab-and-go items, as well as a full sit-down menu for lunches and dinner,” Watson said.
Membership is not required to visit the course, restaurant or bar. As a reminder, it is against Maryland law to bring alcohol onto the Oakland Golf Course. Beverages are available for purchase at the Outback Bar.
“We will be featuring some special events through the year,” Watson said. “For example, a Crab Festival, Octoberfest and live music. We will continue Octoberfest this year, based on the attendance being in excess of 900 for the last one.”
Watson moved to Oakland in 2007 and has two children, Myah Watson, 13, and Kane Watson, 11.
He noted that he and the business are community-focused, buying from suppliers in the county and sponsoring various teams and events. This includes sponsoring Kane’s baseball team, the Dodgers, and buying Connor Clary’s goat at the fair in August, as well as various other awards.
The restaurant is located at 433 N. Bradley Lane in Oakland. The phone number is 301-334-2444.
April 02, 2021 at 03:00AM
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Shrimp on the Barbie offers a varied menu with an Aussie flare - WV News
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