Indulge in Islander 71’s Lowcountry-leaning daily catch or Minero’s glorious griddled cheese burrito
Islander 71
This laid-back fish house at the Isle of Palms Marina features panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway and a surf and turf menu with a Southern twist. Perch on the large lawn outfitted with cornhole boards, cushioned chairs, and a stage for live music; at the outdoor bar and patio; or on the breezy upper deck to soak in the surroundings. A lineup of cocktails and boat drinks nod toward nostalgic beach days, like the Yachties Day Off or 7 Mile Mai Tai (both also available as mocktails), in addition to local brews and an Islander 71 special lager. Seafood finds its way to the plate in traditional forms, with baskets of fried oysters and flounder and fish sandwiches served with Old Bay rémoulade; and in-house specialities, such as the fries coated in creamy she-crab and ceviche served with fried saltines. Don’t miss the Lowcountry-leaning daily catch, served over Carolina Gold rice risotto with tomato butter and peas, or the cheesy shrimp and pimiento grits. islander71.com
Minero Mexican Grill & Cantina
Among the tide of tiny heartbreaks the pandemic wrought was the shuttering of downtown’s Minero in spring 2020. Would we ever see the likes of the glorious griddled cheese burrito in Charleston again? Happily, yes, the latest iteration of the casual Mexican spot opened in June in the former Fat Hen on John’s Island with a contemporary dining room, lively indoor-outdoor bar area, and vast covered patio with a bank of TVs. The burrito is back, along with the charcoal-grilled wings and tacos with house-made tortillas. Executive chef Shamil Velázquez has also livened up the menu with a Yucatan-style local catch (black grouper on a recent visit), a showstopping tomahawk pork chop, and a delightful Mexican chocolate-passionfruit mousse with mini churros. Three frozen concoctions are on offer, including a frosé sangria, but we’re here for the margaritas, no? Diners are invited to customize their own, but the spicy signature version hits the spot. minerojohnsisland.com
