Kicks! Quicks | Looking for kosher? Try Jerusalem Mediterranean Restaurant

For those looking for a kosher meal or just a fun evening with delicious Mediterranean food, Jerusalem Mediterranean Restaurant and Bar has it all. Located on North Kings Highway since July, Jerusalem has become an important restaurant in the Myrtle Beach area, as it is the only one completely kosher.

The front parking lot is small for a relatively big building, so guests might find it easier to park in the back. The exterior of the restaurant is unassuming and perhaps a bit easy to overlook. Stepping into Jerusalem, however, is like being instantly transported to the restaurant’s namesake.

Clean and dazzling, the interior of the restaurant is impressive, especially with the pottery along the wall and chandeliers bringing colorful light. There is also a bright display of homemade desserts to gaze at, as if all the food on the menu wasn’t enough temptation. But while this dining area is impressive, the lounge connected to the bar is even more amazing.

Divans trace the walls with tables in front, most of which also have poufs for extra seating space. Bright blue spotlights with a design shine on the floor over beautiful rugs, which later in the evening can be transformed into raving colors for dancing. The bar is bright and neat, offering many different spirits and wines, all of which are kosher.

During the middle of the week, Jerusalem is fairly calm, which lends to personal service and quick food. Naan is served while patrons wait for their meals, and the bread comes out warm and delicious with garlic and butter on top. For those with a taste for spice, the homemade red pepper sauce adds a strong kick, both to the naan and the tahini.

When the food came, everything was still hot, nearly too hot to eat right away. The falafel is definitely one of the restaurant’s highlights, with the perfect amount of spice and crunch. It has so much taste that there’s no reason to dip it in the tahini.

The Moroccan cigars are a delicious finger food and so very easy to eat, plus they make a good pairing with the potato wontons. The kibbeh had the strong flavor of pine nuts, but not overwhelmingly so, and went well with the tahini (mixed with a little of the red pepper sauce).

Happy hour is available throughout the week from 4-7 p.m. House drinks are a few dollars less, as is the Jerusalem Platter.

A gorgeous restaurant with delicious food, a fantastic bar and a place to dance late into the night are all reasons to give Jerusalem a place on the map as a frequent treat. Throw in the availability of kosher meals and drinks, and Jerusalem is a win for everyone.

This story was originally published March 25, 2015 at 9:39 AM with the headline "Kicks! Quicks | Looking for kosher? Try Jerusalem Mediterranean Restaurant ."