Sweet Spot golf-suite restaurant tees off tonight

A grand opening is planned tonight at a new place for food and entertainment in Allentown.

The Sweet Spot is a Topgolf Swing Suite, but owner Terry Ellis said this location is different from many other Topgolf Swing Suites in that it comes with a full restaurant and bar.

Located in a spot that was most recently a Rodizio Grill Brazillian Steakhouse,  the Sweet Spot is one of more than 40 Topgolf Swing Suites in the country, but Ellis said to his knowledge it’s the only one that’s part of a restaurant, which he said adds to the entertainment and gives people more reason to go there.

With a menu of casual bar fare with a golf theme, and an emphasis on Ellis’ food favorite, pulled pork, simulated sports fans can find a large array of burgers, sandwiches and flatbreads as well as craft cocktails and coffees.

But, of course, the main attraction is the golf simulator, where golfers can take a swing on any of 84 different golf courses, including pebble beach.

The catch is, instead of putting on the green, balls are shot into the screen the game is being projected onto.

“We actually like to call it augmented reality because you’re using a real golf club and real golf balls,” Ellis said.

And yes, the projection screen can take the abuse.

“They’re engineered pretty well. We estimated we’ll need to replace them twice a year based on activity,” he said.

Besides playing a full 18 holes, or 9 if one is looking for a quick game, there are different golf skill games available, and Ellis is looking to set up leagues.

“I like to say it’s like a bowling alley, but with golf,” he said.

Not everyone is a golf fan, however, and since Ellis wants his restaurant to be fun for families too, there are games ranging from kicking soccer goals to zombie dodgeball that can be played in the golf simulator.

The Sweet Spot is open 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. – midnight Friday and Saturday.

The grand opening is set for 5:30 p.m. tonight.

Suites can be rented for $45 an hour during off peak times – before 5 p.m. weekdays and for $60 an hour during peak times.