Beach Bites: Bar 19 Twelve

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — A classy, upscale feel, carefully-crafted cocktails and infused liquors and an experience like none other.

That’s what you get when you come to Bar 19 Twelve.

“When you walk in, we don’t want you to feel like you’re in North Myrtle Beach,” bar manager Chance Martini said.

Bar 19 Twelve has been a favorite on the Grand Strand since 2019.

The story behind the name of the restaurant isn’t something you would expect. Martini said they were throwing out a bunch of names and decided on Bar 19 Twelve because it’s actually their address.

From a wedding chapel to an upscale restaurant, the Martini family brought this restaurant to life.

“Dad had a vision because there wasn’t that many places down here that were bourbon bars at the time. So, honestly, me, him, my mom, my sister, none of us knew anything about bourbon,” Martini said. “It took us about a year and six months just to get open with construction because this was formerly a wedding chapel.”

When you drive by, it may not look like much. But when you step inside, you won’t be disappointed.

“You won’t be able to tell from outside. It looks like just something ordinary,” Martini said. “Then you walk in and it’s like New York, Miami, a different vibe. My mom actually did all the décor herself.”

Priding themselves on their bourbon and craft cocktail selection, it’s an experience watching them create your drink.

Their smoked old fashion is made with their bacon-infused bourbon they make in house. They also added a new drink — a strawberry-infused martini.

While the bourbon is smoked, this martini is topped with a bubble!

When it comes to the food, they offer everything — from a charcuterie board to pork chops.

“Our main dish that we normally do is all our fresh fish,” Martini said. “When my father and I go out, we catch a lot of our own fresh fish, so it’s kind of cool to have ocean to table for ourselves.”

Chef Vincenzo Tumminello takes pride in his craft. He is originally from Maryland, and Martini said his crab cakes are the best “on this side of the Mason-Dixon.”

The combination of a fried green tomato, crab cake and chipotle tartar sauce was so delicious, and you could taste the freshness of the crab in each bite.

Tumminello also took a creative spin on the classic birria, turning it into a grilled cheese.

Bar 19 Twelve offers multiple dining experiences. You can enjoy the nice, dim lighting inside or head to their outside patio to soak up the sun while enjoying the beautiful view!

“It’s just unique and one of a kind. The cocktails are amazing, the food’s phenomenal,” Martini said. “All you got to do is try it one time. I promise you’ll come back.”

Bar 19 Twelve is located on N. Kings Highway in North Myrtle Beach. They are open seven days a week from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursdays and 4 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturdays.

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Gracie is a multimedia journalist at News 13 and is from Cleveland, Ohio. Gracie joined the team in June 2023 after graduating from the University of Alabama in May. Follow Gracie on Facebook , Instagram and X, formerly Twitter, & read more of her work here .

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