6.3.08
Come on down to the Salty Nut Cafe'!
by: Jennifer Newlands
jennifer@gardenerguides.com

The Salty Nut Café boasts that they have the biggest deck and the saltiest nuts in five points. While I am not sure if they have the biggest deck or the saltiest nuts, I know that it is the best deck to sit on while eating salty nuts! What could be better then a lazy Saturday afternoon of sitting outside in the warm sunshine and getting a sun tan all while drinking and eating. Just a word of warning...if you sit on the deck, beware of the pigeons! It isn’t illegal to throw peanuts at them, but it does stink when they retaliate by pooping on your table.

Salty Nut isn’t the fanciest bar in town, so if martinis, manhattans or anything that can’t be served in a plastic cup is your thing I suggest you head someplace else. But if a pitcher of any alcoholic substance floats your boat, then try the Long Island Ice Tea Pitcher. You certainly won’t get drunk, but they sure are tasty.

Salty Nut is also good for cheap beer and yummy bar food. The Salty Nut Club is always high on my list of munchies. The honey ham, smoked turkey, and crisp bacon form the perfect mouth watering treat, along with crisp fries, and a cold pickle...what could be better? The portion sizes are a little small, but when everything comes in a fashionable plastic basket that reminds you of a tacky beachside restaurant, what can you expect? The Macho Nachos are good to split between you and a buddy but don’t share with too many people, contrary to their name it’s not the biggest platter of nachos I’ve ever seen. Their chicken fingers are nothing special but they hit the spot after a long night of bar hopping. All the food is fresh and hot, the drinks are cold and the waitresses are friendly.

All in all, the Salty Nut should appeal to anyone who doesn’t mind plastic forks and peanut shells on the floor. So, next time you are in the mood to feel like a college kid again, with no money in your pockets and no fancy clothes to speak of, come on down to the Salty Nut Café.


4.25.08
Liberty Tap Room
by: Jennifer Newlands
jennifer@gardenerguides.com

If the sun is shining and the air is warm, head on down to Liberty Tap Room in the Vista. If there’s an empty table on the outdoor patio, grab it fast, because they go really quick!

Liberty is not just another place to get something to eat. It is the place to relax and enjoy the beautiful South Carolina weather while sipping on an ice cold adult beverage. Oh yeah, the food isn’t bad either. If you happen to be a beer drinker, Liberty has an extensive beer selection featuring seasonal as well as local selections. For those not into beer, have no fear…the drink menu and bartenders are top shelf! I suggest the red pear martini, but then again I suggest anything with vodka.

The drinks aren’t the only good thing at Liberty considering that the kitchen is pretty decent as well. If you are in the mood for something light to go with the warm weather, try a salad or a sandwich. The Liberty Club is always a good choice and it puts an end to that age old stupid question of “which came first…the chicken or the egg” by putting a fried egg on top of grilled chicken. Well, maybe it doesn’t answer the question but it tastes really good! The bacon, sun-dried tomato dressing and great bread only add to the deliciousness of this sandwich. If you prefer beef to chicken, try the Freedom burger. No matter which sandwich or burger you try, spend an extra dollar and order Tommy fries on the side. These roasted potato wedges with melted cheese, crisp bacon and ranch dressing are worth every penny. The chicken nachos are a great way to start your meal as long as you like to share. The heaping plate comes piled high with enough nacho chips and chicken to feed an army (or well, at least two or three soldiers).

I haven’t had a bad thing at Liberty Tap Room yet. I must, however, give you fair warning that if you want a table, or to at least be able to see the bar, I suggest you go early. On Friday and Saturday nights, the crowds pour in and the place really fills up.