I’ve been to my fair share of “19th hole” bars after a sweaty round of golf at the course’s clubhouse to grab a cold beer, but they are often not much to write about. They typically have a basic setup of snack bags or bar grub, cans of beer, and worn-out tables filled with golfers grumbling about their high scoring games.

Then there’s Terrazza 19 at the Grande Dunes, which raises the bar on clubhouse hangouts. I had no idea that anything was open to the public once you cross the elite gated community’s private bridge, but the Terrazza 19 bar and outdoor patio is, indeed! 

Featuring the Grande Dunes signature architecture, the exterior exudes that stucco Spanish/Mediterranean revival style, but, inside, the newly expanded clubhouse that houses the new restaurant has a sleek, modern farmhouse feel. A set of clear dome lights hang above the bar and cutting-edge ring lights dot the dining room ceiling. Hardwood floors are laid out below and plank wood ceilings and beams run overhead. A wall of windows overlooks the 18th hole, practice putting green, and the Grande Dunes marina on the Intracoastal Waterway to the east. 

While the indoor dining room is updated and pleasant, the back patio that offers alfresco dining is the main event and where we chose to sit. Tables of various sizes are scattered on the patio, with outdoor couches and chairs clustered closer to the green, including a gas fire pit or two, which would be perfect to cozy up to on cooler evenings. 

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at Terrazza 19, and we chose lunch on a Saturday. Menus feature a mix of tapas, shareable plates, and craft cocktails created using seasonal ingredients. We started with a Candied Bacon shareable, thick-cut bacon skewered and coated in maple bourbon brown sugar, which were absolutely delicious. It was comforting to know we were off to a good start! More shareable options include soft pretzels with beer cheese and stone-ground mustard, pita nachos with your choice of pork, chicken, or steak, stuffed mushrooms (with sausage cream cheese, panko, and chives), fried brussels sprouts with pork belly, a roasted tomato and brie spread, and more. 

Beyond shareables, there is a collection of fresh salads, flatbreads, tacos, wraps, burgers, handhelds, paninis, and fried seafood or chicken baskets. I chose the Margherita flatbread topped with mozzarella, tomato, and basil, and drizzled with balsamic vinegar. Every bite was light, fresh, and tasty. Hubby went with the Chef Salad, a massive heaping of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, cheese blend, croutons, ham, turkey, and bacon with honey mustard dressing. He practically licked the bowl clean. Although we didn’t golf on the day of our visit, we did have a round of local lagers from Grand Strand Brewing Co. 

Other lunch menu standouts worth a try are the Korean Pork Flatbread, Chipotle Chicken Wrap (chicken, bacon, gouda, lettuce, tomato, and chipotle ranch), and the Cuban Panini, to name a few. The dinner menu lists a weekly pasta special (gluten-free pasta is also available) served with homemade garlic bread, along with tempting tapas, like steak, chicken, or tempura shrimp skewers, a surf and turf flatbread, and a Truffle Mushroom Swiss Burger topped with portabella mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and truffle oil on a brioche roll. Terrazza 19 even offers an impressive group of desserts, such as a Rustic Apple Tart with caramel drizzle and Maple Bacon Bomboloni filled with vanilla cream.

Traditional breakfast items are served starting at 7 a.m. and a happy hour menu with discount wines, liquors, beer drafts, and shots is available Monday through Friday, 4-7 p.m. Each month, Terrazza 19 hosts an Italian Wine Tasting, where guests get to sip and sup their way through a different region of Italy through wine and cuisine. The bar also has ample space for live entertainment, indoors or out.

Terrazza 19 is one of Myrtle Beach’s best-kept secrets behind the gates and over the private bridge at Grande Dunes. I’m almost reluctant to reveal how good it is in fear of fighting for a table next time we visit. At the same time, it’s nice to be pleasantly surprised by a new restaurant that broke the barrier on the average clubhouse pub.

Terrazza 19 
8700 Golf Village Lane, Myrtle Beach
Phone: 843-315-0333
Web: Grandedunesgolf.com/terrazza19/
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.