Cote’s 19th Tee is at 3389 S.C. 9, and the number is 734-0758. Smoking is not allowed inside, but there are benches out front under an overhang with ashtrays at their sides.

Sports Fans Munch Out at Cote’s

COTE’S 19TH TEE

Setting the Table

Anyone who visited the restaurant by Food Lion off S.C. 9 just west of Little River when it was Hillbilly’s Still ‘n’ Grill or when it was German John’s will be amazed at the remodeling that took place to turn it into Cote’s 19th Tee.

The Cote is Reggie Cote, a retired New York State Highway Patrol officer who, back in the 1980s, owned a New York bar. With the help of general manager Tim Crimminger and front of house manager Curt Wagers, the space was transformed into a spotless sports bar.

Walls now have beadboard paneling painted a cheerful green, and televisions line the walls. The staff built a new bar, booths and tables out of pine and lacquered them to a high sheen. The tables are cocktail height with footrests, and forest green bar stools are high-backed and cushioned.

When the Mr. and I visited on a recent Saturday, most televisions were tuned to one college football game with its audio piped loudly over the restaurant’s sound system. Booths have their own televisions, and we were able to change the channel and catch scores of other games. Cote’s is equipped with Sunday Ticket and ESPN Game Zone.

Down the Hatch

Open daily for lunch and dinner, the kitchen stays open until 1 a.m. serving sports-friendly munchies.

For our late lunch we split a Buffalo Shrimp appetizer and loved how the cook topped the juicy medium-size shrimp with chopped celery and blue cheese crumbles. One bite combined all the flavors and textures.

Other appetizers ($6-$9) include Loaded Nachos, Spinach Artichoke Dip, Chili Cheese Fries and Wings (hot, mild, Cote’s Golden, barbecue, teriyaki).

Salads come wrapped up for $8-$9, such as a Caesar Wrap filled with Caesar salad and a choice of ahi tuna, grilled chicken or grilled shrimp, that comes with a side dish. Sides are fries, pasta salad, onion rings, veggie of the day, garlic parsley potatoes or fried corn.

You can have soup with that, including New England Clam Chowder or Chili with Beans, for $5 per bowl.

We chose from the burgers and sandwiches list ($6-$10, comes with a side, slaw and a pickle spear).

The Mr. enjoyed Cote’s Jack Daniels Barbecue Sandwich, where big shreds of tender pork were doused in sweet tomato-based sauce. I had a Crab Cake sandwich that was filled with lump crabmeat and appreciated the nicely toasted bun.

Our server, who was cute dressed in a football jersey, said she loves the Philly Steak. A few more choices are Turkey Club, Cajun Chicken, Prime Rib Sandwich, Chicken Salad Croissant and a six-ounce fresh Char-Grilled Burger. Next time I want to try the open-face Saloon Steak sandwich that’s a strip steak topped with provolone and sautéed peppers and onions.

Five entrees are $10-$17 and come with two side dishes. They are Baby Back Ribs Rack, 12-ounce New York Strip, Fish of the Day, Southern Fried Chicken Tenderloin and 8-ounce Prime Rib. Actually, the Prime Rib can go up to 20 ounces, if you care to pay an additional dollar for every added ounce beyond eight.

Check, please

Happy Hour is from 4-7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays when several appetizers are priced $3-$4 and drink specials are $2-$5, including a $5 “U Call It” where “Your favorite liquor is served with your choice of juice or soda.”

Becky Billingsley serves up fresh news daily at MyrtleBeachRestaurantNews.com.