Out and About

Just a couple of quick mentions to some establishments that I included in my recent perambulations. There are so many great places in Brunswick County--and just "Across the Line" into the Palmetto State and Horry County-- to quaff and dine, that the world will surely be a better place when all the current restrictions have been lifted.

One of those in Horry County I visited for the first time early this week. It's in Little River and it's called Snooky's on the Water (as opposed to its sister in Cherry Grove on the Oceanfront). Now, I'm sure those who are locals down here have known about this place for ages, but I was a first timer, and I have to tell you that everyone in our party was quite impressed.

It's up a few flights of steps from the parking lot, but the climb is worth it. It's kind of a cozy, welcoming place, even though it looks out over a large chunk of marshland. The food is excellent and very reasonably priced and the service--at least from Allison, our server (below)--was both friendly and efficient. I'd guess that in normal times the bar is packed with locals sitting elbow to elbow, speaking with each other (without a muffling mask, which must be a PITA to the servers as well), jawboning about whatever folks jawbone about.

What should you get from the menu? Whatever you want. 'S all good. I was impressed by the presence of Dirty Myrtle on the beer list--and you'll get a full pint, not a shorty. But the Oysters, the Chicken Sandwich and the Chicken tenders were really good. Not as good as the Firecracker Shrimp Taco, according to the missus, who paused after each bite to proclaim its virtues, but everyone else was happy with their choices, too.

So, if you've never been, hit up Snooky's (no relation to the Snooky on that tacky " Jersey Shore" TV show). You will not be disappointed.

The second place I managed to finagle my way into--with a prime seat inside at the wide windows overlooking the ICW--was a place I've reported on before--The Oyster Rock Waterfont Seafood Restaurant in Calabash. That previous story can be found here, and then as now, the emphasis is on perfection.

We were celebrating a birthday (not mine), and I asked The Rock's Cerevisionary Patrick Legendre (above) to suggest which beer I should get from one of the most diverse and impressive beer lists in either state. He brought me out a Bill's Party in the Back, which had just won a Gold Medal at the NC Brewers' Guild convocation. Simply put, the medal was very much deserved, especially when you consider it was up against the toughest competition in the state--and there are some really good beers being made here.

But while The Rock's Beer List is impressive, its food is where you can really taste and enjoy the commitment to excellence that permeates the place. The kitchen makes even an often mundane dish like spaghetti and meatballs into a delicious festival of flavor. The missus had Blackened Mahi Tacos (she's kind of the Taco Queen) that were so good, she didn't pause between bites to tell us so. She didn't have to. The sounds she was making while eating them told us all we needed to know.

I, on the other hand, showed zero reticence in proclaiming to our table--and any others within earshot--the magnificent perfection of my medium rare, perfectly done, succulent-beyond-measure Filet Mignon. Its texture and tenderness combined to make it a dish I will most certainly order again. And the Oyster Appetizer was beautifully presented and of a quality you'd expect at a place that calls itself Oyster Rock.

Make no mistake: you'll pay a little more for that kind of quality, but heck--it was worth it, and it was a birthday. By the way, the Chocolate-Robed Belgian Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich (with house-made vanilla ice cream) was a perfect ending to a great meal.

Thus, two great places within fifteen minutes of each other--one in NC and the other in SC--get my recommendation. Though once the restrictions are lifted, getting a table at either might prove a daunting task.

But don't let that deter you.

Nothing ventured--nothing gained.

Cheers!

The Original PubScout--immersed in the craft beer scene since 1996

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