Like the theme song to one of my longtime favorite television shows says, “sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.” Ideally located in West Ocean City, the 19th Hole Bar & Grille is certainly the place where everyone greets you by first name. Co-owners and twin sisters Cindy & Roberta spread their cheerful energy throughout our beach community, while bartender Bert welcomes each customer with a cold drink and a “tell me about your day” greeting. Indeed, the staff at the 19th Hole treats everyone like family.
    I visited the 19th Hole Bar & Grille on Burger Night this week with my fiancé, Joey, and we both remarked on the friendly atmosphere in the bar and restaurant. Manager Tabby recognized us from our last visit. Happy Hour customers at the busy bar shouted out “hello” to each patron that entered the door.
    That level of camaraderie is infectious, and also is evident in the 19th Hole Bar & Grille’s participation in local charities and events. Annually, the restaurant hosts a huge golfing fundraiser party for Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides respite housing at the beach to families with children in medical crisis. And, the 19th Hole Bar & Grille is competing in next month’s Best Wings in Ocean City contest.
    The 19th Hole Bar & Grille pays it forward to customers. Weekly lunch, dinner, and happy hour specials provide affordable meals to your entire family or golf group. On Monday nights, enjoy Prime Rib Night at the 19th Hole Bar & Grille. Each Tuesday night is Burger Night. Dinner specials vary monthly Wednesday through Sunday, but you’ll always find a palate-pleasing discount on the menu, such as Chicken Parmesan and Soft Shell Crab. Happy Hour takes place every day from 3-7 p.m.
    In honor of Burger Night, Joey and I ordered the mother of all burgers—the Hurr Burger. Overloaded with bacon, provolone and pepper jack cheese, and fried onion rings, this juicy burger is absolutely scrumptious. It was my favorite part of our entire meal. Other hormone-free, certified Angus beef burgers at the 19th Hole Bar & Grille are Steak, Bison, the Guacamole Burger, the Aussie Burger (with egg and avocado),and  the Shore Burger topped with Crab Dip.
    Considering the upcoming wing contest, we also sampled one of the 19th Hole Bar & Grille’s popular wing flavors—Caribbean Jerk. Smothered in messy, delicious sauce, these meaty wings are definitely a contender. The Mango Habanero Wings are another popular flavor on the menu. Of course, you can order your wings prepared in classic flavors like hot, mild, garlic parmesan, garlic butter, teriyaki, or Old Bay, as well.
    For our main course, Joey and I shared another dinner special—Cajun Pasta. Penne pasta with Parmesan cheese comprises a hearty bed for shrimp, scallops, and crabmeat galore. Served with two large pieces of crunchy garlic bread, the Cajun Pasta is a crowd pleaser. Other appealing entrées on the menu at the 19th Hole Bar & Grille are Meatloaf, Liver & Onions, Stuffed Flounder, Crab Cakes, and New York Strip. Each entrée is served with your choice of two sides, including Cole slaw, French fries, sweet potato fries, mac & cheese, side salad, vegetable of the day, and baked or mashed potato. Try a cup or bowl of the warm Chili or Soup of the Day to complement your entrée.
    The 19th Hole Bar & Grille offers many of Ocean City’s favorite entertainers four or five evenings a week and broadcasts everyone’s favorite sporting events. The Baltimore Orioles game was the main feature during our dinner this week. And, the kitchen offers plenty of light fare menu options for munching while you cheer on your favorite team. My favorite is the Maui Wowie Shrimp. Steamed Shrimp, Crab Dip, Crabby Pretzel, Chicken Quesadilla, Crab Balls, and Mozzarella Sticks top off the appetizers menu.
    Sandwich fanatics (like me) will find a variety of tasty options on the menu. I recommend the Rueben or the Rachel for an overstuffed serving of turkey or corn beef with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread. The Shrimp Salad Sandwich is another of my favorites. Prime Rib, Crab Cake, and many other fresh concoctions are offered on the sandwich menu.
    On Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. until noon, and on Saturday and Sunday, from 6 a.m. until 1 p.m., the 19th Hole Bar & Grille serves breakfast platters. This is the best way to start your day and fuel up before your golf game. Including coffee or hot tea, breakfast platters are a plate full of two eggs, choice of home fries or grits and toast, and choice of bacon, ham, scrapple, or sausage links or patties. Country Ham & Eggs, Creamed Chip Beef or Sausage Gravy, Sirloin Steak & Eggs are a few more hearty breakfast choices. You can also create your own omelet, try a breakfast sandwich or Crab Meat Omelet, or order the classic 2-2-2 combo meal. Breakfast specialties are Eggs Benedict and Chesapeake Crab Benedict.
    The 19th Hole Bar & Grille is easy to find from Ocean City and West Ocean City. The dining area features ample seating for large groups, accented by dark oak details and a swank ambiance. For online photo galleries, visit the 19th Hole Bar & Grille’s Facebook page. For more information, call 410-213-9204.