New Food & Drink Establishment in Belle Hall Station Mt. Pleasant Celebrates Sports & Sports Fans

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer / Food & Beverage Review

Being a dedicated 'foodie', as well as a restaurant reviewer, I continually prescribe to four ingredients (pun intended) when it comes to food & beverage establishments, with the top two absolutely the most essential when it comes to making or breaking a business. The first should be obvious. If the food doesn't taste good, people won't be returning. Presentation factors in, but the bottom line is the food has to taste good, not overly great, just good in every sense of the word.

The second most important factor is service. If your wait staff, host or hostess, as well as management is subpar or just going through the motions, then the writing is on the wall. Bad service equals no business. The third is an extension of the second, that is to say the eatery has to maintain a manner of cleanliness. Just like bad service, an dirty restaurant with unkempt restrooms will turn people off. The fourth aspect is only somewhat key to success. Location, location, location is nice, but if all of the other three are met, true food lovers will seek you out. 

Fortunately, the newly opened All American Sports Bar located in the 545 Belle Station Blvd. in Belle Hall Station off Long Point Road in Mount Pleasant checks all the right boxes. Owned and operated by former Albany NY native Anthony Triola, the All American Sports Bar holds fast to an ever present business model, 'serving up bold bar fare with southern flair surrounded by a cool local vibes'.

Furthermore Triola's food & beverage doctrine is 'Inspect what you expect'. In layman's terms that means he oversees every aspect at All American to ensure patrons enjoy good food and good service, all in a super clean and safe place. Open 11am until midnight seven days a week, Triola is in his sports bar as much as possible. He may not wear 'I'm the owner' on his sleeve, but it's evident in his rapport with guests, visiting tables and making certain everything is up to his standards.

This neighborhood gathering place is somewhat of an old school tavern with a modern day panache. While kids are welcome especially earlier in the day, the All American Sports Bar ideally caters to adults and sports fans from dinner until closing. All American features two bars, a spacious courtyard, two pool tables, video games, and non-stop sports airing on 27 big screen TVs, with three of the TVs located in the courtyard, and several in the patio bar. Whether you prefer college football, the NFL, or both, All American has you covered no matter where you choose to sit. 

Additionally they host APA sanctioned pool tournaments on Monday, trivia on Tuesday nights, and live music on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Weekends are where All American kick it up in high gear. Every Saturday (1-4pm) will have its own theme. The first Saturday of every month features a pig roast. Drop in second Saturdays for a good old fashioned lowcountry boil. Every third Saturday come out for an oyster roast, but save some room for the fourth Saturday when All American serve up steamed blue crabs.

All the aforementioned is awesome when you're hanging out with friends and family, but let's revisit my first ingredient, the food. All American doesn't bill itself as upscale or five star cuisine, rather it boasts 'bold bar fare with southern flavor'. Several of your neighborhood favorites are among their menu items, including Smoked & Fried Wings and a monster-sized (we're talking 'huge') All American Pretzel served with beer cheese and spicy mustard. Just two of a half dozen appetizers. When it comes to the pretzel, actual item is much bigger than it appears. Two could feed off this salty starter.

A few of your preferred tasty southern nuggets are listed under the small plates grouping. You can enjoy eight plump Fried Shrimp or its cool cousin a chilled Shrimp Cocktail. Maybe chow down on a Cheese Quesadilla or max it out with your choice of chicken or pork surrounded by bacon and jalapenos. Both come teeming with Monterey jack cheese, pico, and sour cream. Yummy! Goes great with a cold brew.

While they don't serve pizza, they do offer cheese, pepperoni, sausage, and barbecue chicken Flatbreads including a Meat Lovers, as well as a Veggie Supreme and Margherita (basil & tomato) for non-meat eaters. Vegans have three additional salad choices.

Carnivore lovers might gravitate straight to the Handheld portion of the menu, offering a variety of sandwiches, hoagies, and burgers. A dozen in all, including their All American Dawg, a oversized all beef hotdog loaded down with chili, onions, and slaw before laced with mustard. Craving a bit of seafood, maybe opt for the Blackened Mahi Sandwich or a palmetto state favorite, the Shrimp Po' Boy. 

I can give two thumbs up to their signature Smash Burger (all the rage), a full half pound all beef burger blanketed under sautéed shaved onions, oozing with American cheese and their special sauce on a soft brioche bun. An equally juicy and messy burger that is worthy of bold bar fare title. Best to have a few more napkins on hand. All handhelds and some small plates come complete with house fries.

I would be remiss if I didn't extend kudos to their Cast Iron Mac n' Cheese (side) or it's heftier big brother the Pork Belly Mac n' Cheese. Both crafted from shell pasta and smoked cheddar. Awesome baby! Got a sweet tooth? Saved a little room for dessert. All American offer three that appeal to varying tastes. Maybe order the tangy Mini Key Lime Pie with it's custard like filling, a Griddle Cake, or their Bread Pudding, a preferred Charleston area dessert.

There's no reason to serve up really good food without really good drink. All American pour serve up a variety of cold brews, with 12 on tap including seasonal beers from Sam Adams, and three rotating beers from local brewers such as Holy City, New Realm, and Mount Pleasant's own Two Blokes. Want more? They offer a wide selection of bourbons, cocktails, mixed drinks, wine, and Pepsi products. 

Do you love specials. How about this. Enjoy happy hour 4-7pm weekdays with $1 off draft beer, $2 domestics, $4 house liquors, and $2 off glasses of wine. Every Wednesday 4pm til close enjoy half price bottles of wine and charcuterie boards (meat & cheeses). Unless you're ordering a huge amount of wings, almost everything on the menu is under $19, with most items $15 or less.

Coming full circle All America Sports Bar is an awesome place to chow down on really good everyday comfort food while enjoying an adult beverage. The name alone should give you a clue to the overall vibe. Triola salutes the American spirit. First responders and military (active and retired) receive 15% off every time they come in.

Furthermore the owner presents his neighborhood watering hole as a 'safe adult playground', where patrons can shoot a game of pool, play video games, watch their favorite sports, all while savoring good food and drink. He doesn't care if you where your allegiance lies when it comes to sports.

You could be a Cowboys fan, love the Chiefs, follow the Gamecocks, or be a diehard Clemson fan. The only rule Anthony Triola and his staff have at All American Sports Bar is that you enjoy every minute you're in their welcoming sports bar, and that you tell your friends about it. 

If you live and or work anywhere near Belle Hall, along Long Point Road then I encourage you to drop in for lunch or dinner. You can catch up on the latest sports and have a quick bite, or stay as long as you like. Just a mile off I-526, All American Sports Bar is just minutes away from Daniel Island, Snee Farms, Mount Pleasant Towne Center, and most of Mount Pleasant. Just look for the red, white, and blue American flag and the eagle over the entryway and you'll know you've arrived.

When the weather allows it's awesome to hang out in the courtyard, socialize with your friends, meet new ones, and watch your favorite sports together. For more visit https://www.allamericansportsbar.biz/