Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008
talking turkey in carolina forest
longbeards bar & grill
By Ashley Morris
For Weekly Surge
setting the table
On Thanksgiving Week Eve, three ladies and a hungry tot ventured out in festive turkey spirit to a new place erected as a tribute to turkeys (and other wild species): Longbeards Bar & Grill.
The dark stretch of forest-lined River Oaks Drive seemed to be the perfect precursor route for a hunting lodge-like destination. Just a curve beyond the newly sprouted strip of boutiques and cafes at the intersection of Carolina Forest Boulevard sat a large, beautiful log cabin shrine surrounded by Carolina pines. Signage was miniscule and unlit, however, so I do hope that doesn't discourage clientele.
A nice, wide-planked porch stepped up to double doors, which opened into a massive room with high ceilings built with polished cedar. Instantly, I felt a warmth glowing from the hearth of the central gas fireplace and the smiling hostess. Walls displayed mounted moose, deer and turkeys. Rows of tables and benches lined the central dining room; booths wrapped around the picture windows. A bar/lounge with flat-screens was secluded on the other side of the fireplace.
We were seated at a booth among other booths and tables filled with families and large gatherings of friends. It was nice to see that Longbeards really welcomed families, not just famished hunters looking to wash down wings with some beer.
down the hatch
Servers were uniformed in camouflage T-shirts, which was a cute addition to the ambiance. I loved our server: a very pleasant, older woman who had just the right, encouraging things to say to us and my toddler - without too much fluff.
We skidded under happy hour time specials, which meant $2 off appetizers and $1 off beer, plus mixed drink specials. Tonight, my Yuengling draft was $2; Mom and Grandma each had a glass of wine (in a hip, stemless tumbler) for $4.
I didn't waste turkey time, ordering a basket of the Big Tom Turkey Wings tossed in teriyaki sauce ($7.99, minus $2 for happy hour). Turkeys are big birds, so these wings were also hefty, meaty and delicious. If you're game (pun intended) for it, you can also try the K.C. Wild Boar Wings ($7.99), three large bone-in wild pork shanks smothered in smoky barbecue sauce.
My son was a corn dog carnivore on our visit. A corn dog and grilled veggies came to $5; he absolutely loved it.
I wound up being a little too adventurous for my dinner, so this doesn't reflect on Longbeards. I ordered the buffalo burger ($9.99) with applewood-smoked bacon and feta cheese, thinking the meat couldn't taste that much different from my good ol' beef burger. Ahem, well, my taste buds said it was, so my husband chowed down on it at home and really seemed to like it. Sometimes I'm "wild" about things like deer bologna or venison, other times I'm not.
So, Mom graciously shared half of her Chopped Beef Steak & Onions ($12.99), which was a tender cut of peppered beef topped with caramelized onions. The blend was very tasty, and my fresh-cut fries were addicting. Mom's sweet potato fries were like candy - a little too sweet for her taste, but unique, nonetheless.
Grandma went with the Chicken Philly ($8.99), which had her "Mmmm-ing" between mouthfuls.
Unique game entrees that may tempt you to dine at Longbeards are: Quail & Grits (Manchester Farms quail breasts marinated, breaded and fried, then tossed in Tasso gravy and served over creamy stone ground grits with sausage and bacon) and Longbeards Turkey Meatloaf (ground homemade turkey and brown mushroom gravy with smashed potatoes and veggies). And there is a cornucopia of standard menu offerings, too, such as quesadillas, calamari, Reubens, pork barbecue, rib eyes, fish baskets and more.
check, please
I'm a fan of Longbeards Bar & Grill - especially the people, or hands, behind Longbeards. The owner happily stopped at our table to make sure everything was fine because, "I want to make sure everyone's enjoying my place." After our compliments on the building structure, he proudly explained that he personally nailed in place every cedar wood board in the place over the summer. That's another level of commitment.
And before we left, he mentioned that Longbeards is having a pig pickin' to benefit a local charity, which is admirable for a business just starting up. This commitment and dedication to the community, I hope, will help Longbeards live for many years.
Longbeards Bar & Grill is located at 5040 Carolina Forest Blvd., Myrtle Beach. Hours are 10:30 a.m.-until, daily. For additional info (and takeout), call-903-2905.
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