Thursday, Sep. 17, 2009
Swinging Family Fare by the Swing Bridge
River City Cafe, Socastee
Swiss Mushroom Burger at River City Cafe in Socastee. - Photo by Ashley Morris for Weekly Surge.
SETTING THE TABLE
As my toddler slyly looked at me with that “I-know-I-would-never-get-away-with-this-at-home” grin after throwing another handful of peanut shells on the floor, I laughed and knew River City Cafe would be a hit for our family dinner out tonight.
Another set of parents with preschoolers standing up in a booth nearby looked like they shared the same sentiment. Crushed peanut shells on the cement floor and graffiti writing encouraged on the tables, the chairs and the license plate collages plastered on the walls? I mean, who wouldn’t feel comfortable bringing their kids for dinner to this fun, casual restaurant while Mom and Dad have a beer and a burger?
I had made my way to several other River City Cafes in Myrtle Beach over the years, but this was my first visit to the new – and seventh – River City locale in Socastee, overlooking the historic Socastee Swing Bridge that crosses the Intracoastal Waterway. The River City Cafe family of restaurants hit its 25th year mark.
One large dining room surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows is furnished with four-tops, booths and that signature River City rustic flair. A small bar area hugs one corner and a covered outdoor patio swings out the back.
DOWN THE HATCH
Hubby, son and I were guided to a rainbow-colorful table and set of chairs with a standard casual-dining six-pack centerpiece stocked with condiments.
To me, it’s a sin to leave this place without manhandling one of its nearly 30 burger concoctions. So I did, but first we ordered a dozen teriyaki-tossed wings ($6.49), which were tasty and on the large end of my scale of wing measurement of those served up and down the beach.
My rookie River City guest loved his children’s cheeseburger (squirted with ketchup and mustard), side of apple sauce (I knew he would sneak quite a few of my French fries) and apple juice. I liked the price of $4.99 for that combo.
It’s always so difficult for me to decide on the burger mood I’m in when I’m at River City. Am I feeling blue and settle on either the Bleu or Black-n-Blue burger (blue cheese crumbles and Cajun seasoning)? Should I spice things up with the Chili Cheeseburger, Pepper Jack Burger, Tex-Mex Burger or R.C. Burger (chili, jalapenos, bacon, mushrooms, Swiss and cheddar)? Should I be bold and try something new (Peanut Butter Burger or Mai Tai Burger with teriyaki glaze and pineapple chunks) or play it safe (Bacon Cheeseburger)?
I decided to stay middle of the road, although hubby says I didn’t venture far enough outside the burger box, with the Swiss Mushroom Burger ($4.99). Sweetly sautéed mushrooms melted into a layer of Swiss cheese atop a thick, perfectly cooked burger bursting out of a fresh bun. The only thing that made the burger just a little better were the hand-cut fries filling up the other side of the basket (mouth-watering when doused with just a little bit of malt vinegar) and cup of homemade slaw (an additional $1.99).
Hubby, who felt it his duty to represent other sections of the River City menu, had the Grouper Finger Basket with fries and slaw ($7.99). He said he enjoyed the crisp breading and grouper meat, but was hoping for bigger fingers.
We washed our hearty meal down with a couple bottles of Bud Light and Budweiser ($3 each).
CHECK, PLEASE
Just as its River City forefathers, the new Socastee sister keeps with the tradition of serving up great burgers, cold beer, smiling service and a fun atmosphere for the family. As this slice of Socastee needed a family-friendly restaurant retreat – it may turn into a post-game stop after the Socastee High School football games this season.
River City Cafe is in Socastee at 5835 Dick Pond Road. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (sometimes 11 p.m.) daily. For additional locations, visit www.rivercitycafe.com. For additional info, call 215-8806.
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