Published: Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008 / Updated: Wednesday, Jan. 06, 2010 10:57 AM
Dining out: Steve and Kelly's a merry experience
In the spirit of the season, we headed to Steve and Kelly's Grille House, nestled off Gold Hill Road near the entrance of Tega Cay with plenty of parking and lighting. I'd been wanting to come here for some time.
Through the front door entrance is the large, smoke-free main dining area. It's a mix of relaxed and nice, yet casual, steakhouse atmosphere -- great for any occasion. There also are at least eight televisions throughout the room for kickin' back and watching the football games. There's also a bar, smoking permitted, through glass doors with more TVs and games, including a pool table.
It was Friday evening. We were quickly greeted and seated, and our waitress was friendly and helpful. When I asked her what Steve and Kelly's is known for, she said the fish and seafood (Steve of Captain Steve's) and steak (Kelly). I asked her what she liked best, and she suggested the stuffed chicken ($13.95). "It's the best," she said. Oh, chicken, I thought. How good can chicken be compared to menu items like Jack Daniels Bourbon Glazed Salmon ($15.95) or filet ($21.50)? I ordered the chicken; my friend went with the 12-ounce USDA choice ribeye ($16.95).
As we waited for our meal, we dug into the tear-it-with-your-teeth bread crust covered in what tasted like a honey-butter glaze with a wonderfully soft inside. It was hard to hold back on the bread to save room for the meal.
As my friend and I talked, we realized it was getting louder and looked around to see the tables filling up quick. And then I saw the twinkling Christmas tree tucked in the corner, the reason I'd decided to come here in the spirit of the season. Steve and Kelly's, as well as Dilworth Coffee House in Lake Wylie, are supporting "Be a Santa to a Senior" to help make York County senior citizens' season a little brighter by putting up Angel Trees with wishes (we saw many simply asking for a gift card to Wal-Mart) written on paper ornaments.
As we sat back down, our meal came out hot and smelling fantastic. As I took my first bite of the chicken stuffed with applewood smoked bacon, spinach and boursin cheese, my tastebuds smiled on me. Our waitress was right. It belongs on a menu with steaks and seafood, and I would definitely order it again. For a side, I had steamed broccoli, which came out crisp and warm. My friend said his steak was good, but still, he liked my chicken, too.
Steve and Kelly's seafood appetizers include shrimp and crab fondue ($8.95) or Seared Ahi Tuna ($9.95). There's also the Raw Bar with crab legs, steamed oyster bucket ($17.95) and oysters on the half shell (six for $5.95 or 12 for $10.95). Salad options come with tuna ($11.95) or blackened shrimp ($8.95). There's pastas with shrimp, and, of course, seafood entrees like shrimp and grits ($14.95), and more.
Not a seafood lover? That's okay. There's appetizers for you, too, like wings and quesadilla. There's chili, soup of the day, salads, pasta and entrees of filet ($21.50), Charbroiled Chicken ($11.95) and ribs (half rack, $9.95, or full rack, $16.95).
Sandwiches of burgers, wraps, Reuben and more run $6.95 to $7.95. The kids' menu is $3.95 to $4.95. And, of course, desserts like key lime pie and chocolate cake. Unfortunately, we were too full to indulge.
Steve and Kelly's also offers a lengthy wine menu. After our meal, we headed through the interior glass doors into the packed bar area, where there was a party being held at the bottom of the "L-shaped" room near the pool table.
With it's casual, relaxed atmosphere, Steve and Kelly's could be right for a special occasion or any time with friends and family.
And, through Dec. 17, Steve and Kelly's is serving more than great food and atmosphere by offering diners and bar patrons the opportunity to be a "Santa." Talk about eat, drink and be merry!
Catherine Muccigrosso, Lake Wylie Pilot editor
STEVE AND KELLY'S GRILLE HOUSE
Location: 2150 Gold Hill Road, Fort Mill
Hours: 3 p.m. to midnight Mondays through Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to midnight Sundays
Phone: 803-548-1799
Ambiance: Casual, relaxed seafood and steak house
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