Myrtle’s Bar and Grill

by T. Kimball

ocated in the heart of downtown Bluffton, Myrtle’s Bar and Grill offers fine dining as well as a “Cheers” like neighborhood gathering place. Along with many fresh, local seafood entrees such as Mother of all Stuffed Shrimp, Myrtles Crab Cakes and Grouper Daufuskie there is also a special section on the menu dedicated to our own May River Oysters aptly named “The Oyster Bed”. These favorites include but are not limited to, fresh shucked oysters on the half-shell, Oyster Pie, Oyster Rockefeller, Oyster Bienville, fried oysters and of course don’t forget a round of Oyster Shooters. The menu will satisfy any beef enthusiast as mouth watering Black Angus steaks and prime rib is also a specialty.

Our party (there were four of us) decided early on that we would all get something different so we could mix and match and sample a bit of everything. This varied from the All Joy Seafood Broiled Platter to the Whole Flounder, Veal Scaloppini and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts. These were all served with ample breads and salads of many choices. Mentioned earlier were the Oyster Shooters and these were a crowd pleaser. We had them as appetizers and they consisted of a fresh shucked oyster served in a shot glass of Bloody Mary mix and a little jazzed up, spice wise. They were absolutely great.

The four of us wined (they have an impressive wine list) and dined in casual elegance. We saw people we knew and had a great dining experience.

They offer a Bar Menu if a bite on the go is your ticket and the Sunday Brunch is a whole ‘nother chapter. This is as good as it gets. The complimentary pastries and mimosas are a starter and the menu is traditional, lowcountry, and every thing in between. One of the more interesting suggestions from the brunch menu was a stack of savory jumbo lump crab pancakes with shiitake mushrooms, topped with pecan butter and blueberry balsamic syrup. It’s truly unique. Another favorite to enjoy on a bright Sunday morning would be Eggs Oscar. This dish consists of two poached eggs with lump crab meat and asparagus on toasted English muffins with Tasso ham and Hollandaise. Fresh fruit is served with your meal and there are many exciting coffee choices including espresso, cappuccino and Lattes.

Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday 5pm-9:30 pm. Happy Hour is from 4pm-7pm at the bar and Sunday Brunch is from 10 am-2pm.

If guests come from out of town, this would be a great choice to impress them with local flavor. I would suggest you go there weather or not you have guests as this is a new Bluffton treasure.