Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008

Best of the Beach: Kicks! Picks

The Sun News has the results of its 2008 Best of the Beach survey, voted by our readers.

Favorite Sub Sandwich

FIREHOUSE SUBS

Carolina Forest, 3755 Renee Drive 236-7827;

Myrtle Beach, 1211 38th Ave. N. 626-9111;

Socastee, 5407 Dick Pond Road 215-3473;

Gator Hole Plaza, 560 U.S. 17 Bypass, North Myrtle Beach, 663-3473; www.firehousesubs.com

There's nothing like the Hook & Ladder sub "fully involved" - smoked turkey breast and Virginia honey ham smothered with Monterey Jack cheese on lightly toasted bread with the works. Order your grub and then run next door (they always seem to be in strip malls) to shop for a few minutes, as they are kind of slow. But it's well worth the 410 calories for a medium sub.

Favorite spot for a romantic dinner

FRANK'S OUTBACK

10434 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island

237-3030, www.franksandoutback.com

Don't be confused, this isn't a ripoff or in any way related to the Outback Steakhouse chain. No boomerangs and bloomin' onions here, mate.

The name comes from the fact that it is literally "out-back" of Frank's Restaurant and Bar, which you can see from Ocean Highway (Frank's Outback, you cannot).

There's some seating in a cottage that also houses the kitchen and restrooms, but you want to be in the al fresco section, underneath white tents and canopies that look like the setup for a huge wedding reception. There's an outdoor fireplace, heaters for the chillier months, a small bar area, strands of lights, a pond and a bridge, plenty of greenery - it looks like something from an HGTV show.

For a bit more privacy, ask for one of the garden nooks, which'll give you a Charleston-y/New Orleans-like feel.

And a romantic dinner has to have stellar food, right?

We can personally vouch for the Grilled Herb and Garlic Marinated Pork Tenderloin ($18.95), and most recently the nightly special grilled steak topped with Clemson bleu cheese (for all you Gamecock fans out there) and served atop garlic mashed potatoes.

Best place to watch sports with a gourmet sandwich

DAGWOOD'S DELI AND SPORTS BAR

600 U.S. 17 N., Surfside Beach 828-4600

The Grand Strand's collection of sports bars has mushroomed in recent times, and this sports-lovers' paradise upped the ante with its dark-wood elongated bar, wainscot-paneled booths and gobs of flat panel TVs of various sizes, including a semi-private bank of screens facing the so-called "mafia booths." The former Shoney's was previously transformed into a sports bar, but this time, the Dagwood's folks did it right.

And of course there's the awesome sandwiches, such as the signature Oriental Chicken Philly on fresh-baked bread.

This establishment is technically smoke-free, due to Surfside Beach's smoking ban, but there's an outdoor deck for the tobacco puffers.

Owner/figurehead Jonathan Staton has described this Southside sister location of his popular Dagwood's Deli/Bumstead's Pub as "Bumstead's on steroids" and we figure it can't be said better than that.

Best this-doesn't-feel-like-Myrtle-Beach nightspot

BUDDHA LOUNGE

1715 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach 626-5542

Do you hookah?

You can here.

There's an Eastern-influenced and decorated hookah lounge attached to the main dining area - and if you're uninitiated, this means the lair features large, communal hookah pipes that you can smoke flavored tobacco from.

Want a night out sans the flip-flop sporting, Bud Light-swilling, three-kids in tow, early bird special crowd, and feel like you're in a hip major metropolis?

Of course it wouldn't be Myrtle Beach if one of the area's sleekest joints wasn't in a non-descript looking strip mall fronting Kings Highway.

But it's not all style and no substance: the sushi, sake and desserts are top notch.

File this one under: plan ahead for Valentine's Day.

Favorite place for meatloaf

GORDON BIERSCH BREWERY RESTAURANT

3060 Howard Avenue, The Market Common, Myrtle Beach

839-0249, www.gordonbiersch.com

This ain't your grandma's meatloaf.

This concoction features a mix of ground beef (standard), with the non-standard ground Italian sausage, and herbs and seasoning that give this loaf ($14.95) an extra kick.

And here's the real kicker: it appears to have been sliced off the loaf and tossed on the grill and then laid atop garlic mashed potatoes and vegetables.

Hands down this is the best meatloaf to ever come across this palate, and that's coming from a Southern Boy.

And you can wash it down with Gordon Biersch's on-site brewed specialty beers.

Best place to eat with a creek-side view

SARA J'S

314 Atlantic Ave., Garden City Beach

651-1657, www.sarajs.com

There's a large family-friendly dining room, but head straight for the porch for maximum creek-viewing pleasure.

With ceiling fans overhead and the breeze coming off the creek, marsh and nearby ocean, this porch (or perch) stays cool, even during the dog days of summer.

At night, the view is majestic, with twinkling hotel and pier lights bouncing off the water.

Sara J's might look touristy because of its high profile location overlooking the causeway (and on-site gift shop), but it has a locals' feel, too. It can get crowded here during the height of tourist season, but there's a bar inside where you can order libations to get you through the wait. Once you're seated, a must order is one of Sara J's specialties: Anglers Seafood Casserole ($16.95), a filling blend of various seafoods, including shrimp, crabmeat, and scallops mixed with stuffing, a hint of wine, and covered in melted Swiss cheese.

Oh yeah, and frog legs ($13.95) are on the menu too, if you're feeling adventurous. They might have jumped right outta the crick there.

Favorite sports bar

OVERTIME SPORTS CAFE

1409 U.S. 17 S., North Myrtle Beach

361-1514 www.overtimesportscafe.com

With that wall of TVs, you can always find a football game to watch.

And if your group is known to get rowdy, you can always reserve a private room for big parties to watch the game, eat and drink.

Favorite bar for a chocolate chip cookie

DAGWOOD'S DELI & SPORTS BAR

600 U.S. 17 Business N., Surfside Beach 828-4600

There aren't many bars that offer chocolate chip cookies, and even fewer whose chocolate chip cookies actually taste good. Dagwood's cookies deliver on all levels, from taste, to size, to cost. On a good day, you can get a chocolate chip cookie near perfect in taste, close to the size of your face, for about a $1. Top that, Pillsbury.

(You also can go to Dagwood's Deli, 400 11th Ave. N., Myrtle Beach, 448-0100, if you want the cookie without the alcohol chaser.)

Favorite mechanics

HARRY'S DISCOUNT TIRE CENTER

903 Third Ave. S., Myrtle Beach 626-3389

We hate to spend money on tires and auto repairs, especially where there are so many great shoes just waiting to be bought. Still, since we discovered Harry's Discount Tire Center, keeping the old car in good running order has become much more pleasant. Brothers Chris and Brad Cribb (Harry is their father) will have you in and out in a hurry. And even though the store is named "Tire Center," these guys can take care of about any auto problem that comes along.

Favorite place for beauty maintenance

VICTORIA DIANNE'S DAY SPA

413 W. Broadway, Myrtle Beach

448-6876, www.victoriadiannesdayspa.com

Owner and aesthetician Vicki Lofton talks gently to you as she rips stray hairs from your eyebrow line. The atmosphere is so relaxing you can almost fall asleep on her table. Go for a facial, and you'll feel like you're in heaven.

Favorite biker bar

SWING BRIDGE SALOON

4355 Sea Mountain Highway, Little River, 280-7886

Look for the motorcycle hanging in a tree out front. The bartenders are friendly and fast; the bands are consistently good; the outdoor seating (including a bona fide swing) is plentiful; and if you have a full head of your own teeth, you will feel pretty.

Favorite places for karaoke

BROADWAY LOUIE'S

1318 Celebrity Circle, Broadway at the Beach 488-6885

So, you think you can sing? Even if you flub the lines, Broadway Louie's has a supportive atmosphere for the amateur or the pro. Great drink prices and a friendly staff help make this place the best place to test your vocal cords.

Favorite place to get a haircut in a hurry

WAL-MART

1310 N. Fraser St., Georgetown 527-9970

The staff is friendly and they pass the teenager "looking good" test when it comes to styles and cuts. Afterward you can go shopping for light bulbs and cat food - save gas with one-stop shopping.

Best place for Middle Eastern meal or groceries

HABIBI'S CAFE & MARKET

3310 Waccamaw Blvd., off

U.S. 501 236-0150

When you tire of burgers and fish, head here for some authentic ethnic fare. In Myrtle Beach, this is as good as it gets. In addition to having all the basics - hummus, pita and yummy Mediterranean pickles - you don't have to wait until you get home to dine. You can order from a full menu that includes falafel, lamb, chicken and beef. Favorite spot to take your sweetie in tough economic times and not seem cheap

DAMON'S OCEANFRONT

2985 S. Ocean Blvd.

626-8000, www.ribsribsribs.com

The menu is affordable and varied, and the sunset view is priceless. Known for its barbecue ribs, the restaurant also serves seafood plates, sandwiches, salads, and even a meat-and-three (two sides and banana pudding for dessert). You can dine inside or on the open-air deck. Another plus for visitors is that the restaurant is within walking distance of oceanfront hotels.

Favorite Iron Horse ride PEE DEE HIGHWAY

Nothing beats Pee Dee Highway for a tourist-free, bucolic motorcycle ride. From Loris, S.C. 9 turns into S.C. 917, which will take you to the top of Pee Dee Highway, S-26-423. From there you can cruise on down to Georgetown, avoiding the stoplights and traffic that bog down U.S. 17 Bypass and other beach roads. Don't forget to wave to pickup trucks and folks in their yards.

Favorite place for a frugal mom's "Me Time"

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES

U.S. 17 Bypass at 127 Loyola Drive 650-0163

Treasure hunting is a great escape for a stressed out working parent. You can find everything from KISS to Frank Sinatra in their albums and unlikely combinations such as a pair of light-up disco shoes and a fab, faux fur coat. Tax-free shopping is a sure way to cure what ails you - well at least lighten your mood without breaking the bank.

Favorite night out west of the Waterway

DOWNTOWN CONWAY

With a quaintness similar to Bedford Falls in "It's a Wonderful Life," Conway is a great escape from the tourist-jammed restaurants and bars along the beach. Check out a live production at The Main Street Theatre by the drama company Theatre of the Republic and have a sophisticated and scrumptious late dinner across the street at Crady's. Or head to the river for a meal at the Sidewheeler and a moonlight stroll on the Riverwalk. For more ideas go to www.conwaymainstreet.com, call 248-6260 or e-mail mainstreet@sccoast.net