Let's Eat

McGettigan's 19th Hole plays up its ties to golf and the Irish

By STEVE PRISAMENT
Staff Writer

August 20, 2008

GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP - A lot of history led up to siblings Anne and P.J. McGettigan running McGettigan's 19th Hole Tavern across from the Seaview Marriott Resort and Spa on Route 9, but both agree that the future lies in providing fresh, homemade food in a family atmosphere.
"I work five days a week behind the bar," Anne McGettigan of Galloway Township said Monday, Aug. 18. "He's the numbers cruncher. He pays the bills. I'm more like the front of the house. We make a good team."
The McGettigan name has been associated with Atlantic City bars dating back to the prohibition era, and the parents of the current owners, Manus and Anne McGettigan of Galloway Township, founded the 19th Hole at its current site in 1962.
"There were two owners before us," said P.J., aka Patrick Joseph Michael McGettigan. "I think it was a general store in the early days."
He lives in Absecon with his wife, Suzanne, a nurse at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center's Mainland Campus. They have three sons, two who live at home.
Manus McGettigan, 81, is in the tavern most mornings and brings his wife to dinner every Friday, according to their son.
Partner Anne McGettigan said the building was remodeled in the late 1980s.
"That's when we got into the food," she said. "When my parents had it, it was more a shot and beer bar."
She said that everything is homemade at McGettigan's. They cook their own roast beef and turkey.
"I think our food is pretty good here," she said. "And it's homey; kind of a comfortable bar."
The senior McGettigans had six children who all worked in the business at one time or other.
"My career here dates back to sweeping the floor when I was 10 years old," P.J. McGettigan said.
His sister said the location across from the world-class country club is an advantage.
"We get the golfers - we're lucky there," she said. "We have some big events - certainly St. Patrick's Day. We'll have Irish music - you have to have Irish music."
Coming up in September, she said, is a Halfway to St. Patrick's Day party.
Her brother said they are always changing with the times.
"Our chicken tenders have become very popular, so we offer them a number of ways," he said. "We have a daily special, the Caddy; it's soup and a lighter sandwich. Potato leek soup is very popular on the weekend, and Manhattan clam chowder. They love our soup. Today we have chicken Florentine with bowtie pasta or creamy sun-dried tomato with portabella."
Takeout orders of party trays have been a popular item lately.
"We don't actually cater," P.J. McGettigan said. "But we sell everything they need to host a great party."
He said the McGettigans usually have large families and they have a couple hundred
relatives living nearby.
"Sheriff Jim McGettigan and County Clerk Ed McGettigan are our first cousins," P.J. McGettigan said. "We're proud of our family and proud of our heritage and just try to keep it going."
He said their heritage has given them one of their two themes at the 19th Hole.
"We deal with the Irish and the golf - we're the local pub," he said. We've run a golf league for over 20 years - every Tuesday night."
He said they have a close relationship with the Seaview Marriott.
"We have a great rapport," he said. "Our patrons include the guests at the hotel and their employees."
The McGettigans have also been able to keep loyal employees.
Waitress Donna Harbat has been at McGettigan's since Senor Rattler's Cantina closed more than 13 years ago. Chef Carrie Smith has been with them 12 years.
"She worked her way up," P.J. McGettigan said. She really loves to cook and enjoys her job. She puts her heart into it."
A young patron eating grilled cheese with her family Monday morning offered a testimonial to the 19th Hole.
"I like McGettigan's way more than MacDonald's," said 8-year-old Anastacia Higbee of Absecon.
P.J. McGettigan said they have special theme nights, such as home-style dinners Monday and Thursday starting at $8.95, prime rib on Wednesday and Mexican on Thursday. Weekends feature fresh catch and fancy dinner specials.
"We're one of the few places that pride ourselves with everything being fresh," he said. "We strive to put out a quality product at reasonable prices."

If You Go
McGettigan's 19th Hole Tavern
500 S. New York Road
(across from Seaview Marriott on Route 9 in Galloway Township)
(609) 652-6476

Kitchen open 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday; bar open later
Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday
Complimentary buffet 4 to 7 p.m. Friday
Package goods - beer, liquor and wine sold to go
Major credit cards; ATM


Customer Favorites
Meatloaf Stacker Special ($8.75) Homemade meatloaf with mashed potatoes, gravy and garlic bread - piled high.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese ($25 half chafing dish for takeout; $50 full chafing dish; often available as a side dish) Five different cheeses - cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, Monterey jack and Cooper sharp, with a homemade bread crumb topping.
Wings and Tenders ($7.95 for a pound or 5 tenders; $15.95 for buckets) Tender bites in choice of sauces: hot and spicy, mild, regular, Maryland (Old Bay), barbecue or scampi. The Caddy ($5.95) Cup of soup and the sandwich of the day.
Hole in One Special ($7.95) Burger with bacon, cheese, saut�ed onions and mushrooms.
French Dip Au Jus ($7.95) With melted cheese. Served with horseradish.
Hot Turkey Sandwich ($7.95) Served open-faced with gravy and fries.
Shepherd's Pie ($8.95) Fresh minced beef and vegetables over mashed potatoes, served with garlic toast.
Homemade Crabcake Platter ($13.95) Made with jumbo lump crabmeat.
Grilled Roast Beef Wrap ($7.95) Roasted peppers, mozzarella cheese and horseradish sauce.


To comment on this story, email steve.prisament@catamaranmedia.com.