Sip And Savor Summerville's Popular Drinking Establishments--The Newest Addition In The Trolley Tours

In the late 1880's, the dry and refreshing turpentine laden atmosphere of Summerville figured dramatically in a declaration originating out of Paris, France where a Congress of Physicians named it one of two places in the world best suited for the treatment and cure of pulmonary disease. The impact was almost immediate and the town was launched into a Golden Age of economic prosperity and international fame.

The anticipated rise in tourism energized the local government and plans were inaugurated to address the incursion of visitors. Grand inns were built and opportunistic residents turned their homes into bed and breakfasts. To entertain the visitors during their leisure time, tourist attractions were incorporated and tours of local points of interest were arranged. Over time, social, economic and natural upheavals blew through the Flowertown in the Pines and the days of prosperity went quietly into the night.

In 2012, a beloved local magazine dedicated to "celebrating the character, beauty and pace of the South Carolina Lowcountry with Summerville at the center" stepped out on a pretty thick pine tree limb and made a dramatic declaration pronouncing Summerville as the Birthplace of Sweet Tea.

A new day dawned and the town has since been launched into a new Golden Age. Local organizations committed to bettering the community and its businesses embraced the sweet tea renaissance. The Sweet Tea Trail was inaugurated and tours highlighting Summerville's illustrious past and present have been organized in partnership with the Lowcountry Trolley. The Good Eats on the Sweet Tea Trail has been a huge success.

The newest addition to the Trolley Tours was previewed on Saturday, July 19th called Sip and Savor or Drink the Ville. A cocktail hour trolley tour beginning at 4 pm, it takes you on a scenic drive through the historic district of Summerville stopping at three of its favorite establishments. Cocktails, wine or samples of local brews await your arrival for you to sip and savor--bartenders choice. It departs from Oscar's Restaurant on the 3rd Saturday of the month and tickets are $27.

After a couple of pictures in Oscar's reception area and a few welcoming words by our guide, Tina Zimmerman, we were instructed to gather at the bar and choose between two cocktails named Old House Crown and South Cackakackey(Cackalackey is a nickname for Carolina). If you were there as a couple and you incorporated a bit of shrewdness, the choice was easy and rewarding--each mark a different selection and enjoy both cocktails by sharing.

While we sipped the outstanding drinks Tom, Oscar's representative, introduced the bartender and shared the contents of the cocktails. While going over the dinner selections for that evening, he flavored his narration with some humorous quips, also introducing himself by what he referred to as his Indian name, Running Tab. Crab dip on a small cracker was placed before us as a teaser. The sly maneuver left you wanting more.

After a pleasant ride on the trolley, our second stop was Miler Country Club or better known by long time residents as the Country Club of Summerville. An interesting piece of golf course history mixed in with a full glass of a refreshing sweet tea concoction and cups of Palmetto Cheese and Chicken Salad was offered up.

We were cooled by the "Big Ass Fan" while sitting at tables on the Candlelite Pavillion. Another group picture and we were on the road to the "C" of Summerville or Coastal Coffee Roasters, our third and final stop.

The "C's" community table was lined with glasses of Sierra Nevada and platters of jelly covered bread. Those who didn't want to drink beer were accommodated with a replacement beverage.

Brad Mallett, owner and orchestrator of the "most popular venue in Summerville", welcomed the group and spoke about the "C's" driving force, community spirit. Besides roasting the finest coffee, it is a gathering place for talented musicians and artists, imaginative writers, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Plans are underway for a brewery on sight.

The group ended the visit gathered at the painting of Bill Murray drinking coffee for a parting snapshot--something of a tradition these days.

After the tours completion, feedback and suggestions on ideas or improvements were encouraged. In my humble opinion, the three stops were an appropriate number. A fourth stop might have put me over the edge of feeling pretty good. The scheduled hour and a half went by quickly. Depending on distances between stops, possibly 5 to 10 minutes, it appears twenty minutes was enough time to complete your drink and if not, you were allowed to bring in onto the trolley to finish off while traveling to the next establishment. When you consider drinks cost on a average of $5 to $7 dollars, adding appetizer teasers, the $27 ticket appears reasonable.

It doesn't take much to please me. I am happy doing most anything along as I am doing something. The tour introduces you to Summerville's drinking establishments and a preview of what they have to offer residents and visitors. It was a pleasant romp on the trolley. I didn't pay much attention to the passing scenery--more occupied with conversation with fellow participants, which was a gratifying by-product of the tour. After all, drinks and conversation go together like Summerville and sweet tea.

Oscar's in Summerville-A Place To Be Or Be Seen For Dinner

When talking about restaurants in Summerville, Oscar's invariably enters the conversation. By those who have eaten there, the references are for the most part complimentary. In my investigation of the reviews compiled by Tripadvisor, the majority proved to be largely positive. Great food and excellent service were common descriptives. Conversely, a common ingredient found in the very small number of negative reviews was over-priced. So, up until recently, I only knew of Oscar's renowned reputation through those passing conversations and what I found on the internet.

One most recent Wednesday evening, while pondering over a verbal list of local restaurants with a friend, Oscar's entered the mix by way of suggestion from my friend after I hesitantly contemplated Firewater Grille as our final choice. Since I had never eaten at Oscar's, I thought this was the opportunity to find out for myself whether it would measure up to the hype. My friend added, "It is more expensive." Despite the caution, we made our way over to its location at 207 West 5th North Street.

Oscar's has built up a reputation with Summerville residents for some time. It has been at this location for over thirty years. We parked the truck and entered the black shuttered, tan colored building. The young hostess was cordial and friendly. I asked if there was any outdoor seating. There was none, but she mentioned what the restaurant referred to as the porch and asked if we wanted to check it out before deciding. She led us to a simple room with a step-up section furnished with smaller table settings than what was in the lower section. Fans turned silently overhead. We accepted and the menus were placed before us on the table.

For a starter, I engaged in some light banter with the server over the specialty drinks. Sometimes, specialty drinks tend to be light on the alcohol. So, I jokingly expressed my hopes that if I were to choose one of their specialty drinks, the alcohol would be noticeable. She assured me it would. What else could she say. The proof would be in the drinking. I chose a mixed drink containing kahlua and vanilla vodka called Vanilla Paradise for $6.50. My friend chose wine. We surveyed the menu choices and the prices.

Upon the servers return with the drinks, we inquired about the different entrees, which she willingly addressed. I chose the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast served with Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese and Speckled Butter Beans for $15. My friend chose the grilled Chicken Breast with a Hollandaise Sauce and two sides for $15. With the picks out of the way, I took a sip of my drink. It was pour-fect. I nodded my approval. The alcohol content was proven with the passing of time and I was satisfied with the resultant affect.

In regard to my entree, the buttermilk coating was not dry or soggy. The chicken was juicy and tender. The Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese was surprisingly tasty. The Speckled Butter Beans were sufficiently satisfying but nothing I would write home about.

I did not get the opportunity to experience the main dining room. I did briefly peek into one of the dining areas while we waited upon the hostess. The atmosphere appeared pleasant. The furnishings were graceful and consistent with the age of the establishment. We walked through the room with the bar on the way to the porch. It exuded a warm, ambient quality, great for nurturing a drink and light conversation. The porch, where we sat, had half windows all the way around. It was less crowded yet somewhat louder since there was a large group seated not far from us, but we were there by our own choice. We would have rethought our decision to sit in the porch.

I can say to my local friends, I have experienced Oscar's. It was delightfully satisfying. The portions were adequate and the service suffice, but for that price range I would personally choose restaurants in Charleston. I am not saying I wouldn't return to Oscar's if at some point in the future there would be an invitation. I invariably cater to the allure to visit Charleston.

 For an upscale culinary experience in Summerville, Oscar's is the place. It has and will remain a favorite among its more loyal Summerville residents. It has thirty years of hometown experience and bears the logo, Summerville's place to be and be seen. So, if you are considering a visit, go to Oscar's menu for a sample of their dinner offerings and prices. Open 11am to 10pm.