Holed Up Out West, notes from the Target

Sinking Winter Feelin'. West OC commercial harbor, 2/21.

   We still got that winter chill goin' on.  You know. Not cold enough to snow, but the wind chill keeps the bones achin'.  Keeps the surf raw.  So the Journey begins.  A destination to warm the soul.  At least for me.  I was late...left the Watt sitting in a truck as night fell, bringing with it below freezing temps. I work in a warehouse with no heat, so I was finding it a bit difficult to leave a warm house.  But cold beers and hot wings were callin'. The commercial harbor waters of West OC were the test for tonight's sojourn.
   About a mile up the road from the docks, the 19th Hole, a seemingly small anchor bar in an even smaller corner strip center.  But as we entered we found the place took up the majority of the building.  The reviews we had read had been mixed.  But let's face it.  It's ours that count!  So we entree'd.
   Nice interior, dark wood bar with plenty of flat screens and even a little fireplace cracklin'.  Music choice was excellent.  Speakers...Dollar Store brand...not so much.  Enjoying primo tunes was a chore.  And that's tough considering the sports selections - golf and replays of an earlier hockey game.  Late winter = empty bar, so seating was ample.  Barkeep was friendly and service timely.  Might also be due to late winter blahs.  But the real eye opener... the pearl in the oyster so to speak... the prices.  The B-Tender claimed 'em as a neighborhood joint; $5 year-round specials to keep locals in and tourons out.  Fidy-cent wings and two dolla drafts ...not bad brah.  Beers, refreshingly cold with a couple local crafts on draft. Wings: meaty, crispy and hot, the way we like 'em.  We got the Mango Habanero- sweet, good taste, but disappointingly mild.  Not the kick we look for.  Now the Garlic Parmesan- a change of pace that was surprisingly good, the pungent flavorful parm combo'd well with the distinctive but not overwhelming garlic.
   As with any off season bar experience, it's kinda hard to judge.  But this year we intend to be harsh.  Expectations need to be met.  Would we return? Yes.  Would we recommend 19th Hole to others? Certainly.  Our ratings are tough, but the experience had us stoked.

THE RATINGS-

Mango Habanero Wings: C+

Garlic Parmesan Wings: B+

Beer: C+

Atmoshere: C+

Overall Score = 2.50