By Becky Billingsley

Monday, July 2, 2012, Conway - With elbow room to spare, Encore Sports Bar and Grill in Conway is serving food, drinks, games and karaoke.

Debbie Smith is the person who opened Encore; she also had Bamboozle's in Conway. Now she has a long bar; a game room with pool, darts and more; and plenty of dining space, including a separate room good for large groups, meetings and private parties. A large dance floor in the dining room's middle is where there's nightly karaoke with Bill Benson.

Two slow-cookers behind the bar are filled with simmering boiled peanuts, and a serving is $1.

Robert Singleton, a student in the culinary arts program at Horry-Georgetown Technical College with much local industry experience, was in the kitchen on June 28. He said the menu is still developing, and while for now the emphasis is on finger foods, salads and sandwiches, entrees and steaks will come later.

A few of those finger foods ($4-$6.50) include Nachos, Wings (Hot & Spicy, Southern Style, Parmesan, Barbecue, Teriyaki) and Fried Pickles.

The long sandwich list ($1.69-$8.89) spans hot dogs, corn dogs, freshly made egg, tuna and chicken salads, burgers and subs. The bartender said the Bacon Cheeseburger is emerging as a top seller.

Six salad choices include the Grilled Chicken Salad ($4.19) with tomatoes, black olives and hard-boiled egg that is topped with French fries and shredded Cheddar cheese.

Domestic beers are $2.50, imports are $3 and glasses of wine are $4.

Encore Sports Bar and Grill is at 618 Church St. in Conway, and the number is (843) 488-9930. It's open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and smoking is allowed inside.