Go Old School
A Lowcountry staple for 60 years, Bowens Island Restaurant is better described as an experience. Eat your fill of locally harvested seafood—steamed oysters, fried fish, Frogmore stew, and shrimp fixed a variety of ways—in an elevated shack on the Folly River. The no-frills atmosphere lends to its familial charm. Gazing at the salt marsh with a cold beer and a platter of fried local shrimp—you must be livin’ right. 1870 Bowens Island Rd., James Island; bowensisland.com
Fun & Funky
“Ocean adjacent,” as a real estate listing would say, Jack of Cups is just a stone’s throw from the beach. This funky eatery boasts an eclectic, internationally inspired menu that results in some quirky cuisine mash-ups, such as the red curry mac-n-cheese and beet Caesar salad. There’s plenty of vegan and vegetarian fare as well, including mock eel and bok choy rice bowls and cashew chutney with teriyaki toast. 34 Center St., Folly Beach, jackofcupssaloon.net
Frosé All Day
It’s all about the frosé at The Co-Op, on both Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. Pop-up flavors include elderflower, prickly pear, cherry cola, and even chocolate-covered strawberry. Their latest, “The Powers of Hibiscus,” features an icy combination of mango, rosé, and, of course, hibiscus, creating a new kind of mimosa that complements the all-day breakfast menu. 2019 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island & 1515 Palm Blvd. Ste. C, Isle of Palms; thecoopsi.com
Top Shelf Bar Food
Located downstairs from its sister restaurant, Code del Pesce, on front beach Isle of Palms, Binky’s Oyster & Liquor Bar is a casual indoor-outdoor option with great views. This is the place you can order a 64-ounce fishbowl drink with six different flavored vodkas and sip with your friends (or alone, no judgment). You won’t find a kids’ menu (“it’s a bar” the rules quip), but Binky’s has legit food game with, of course, oysters on the half shell, plus burgers, blue crab quesadillas, and a yellowfin tuna seven-layer dip that steals the show. 1130 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms; binkysbar.com
Taco Time
With tacos named “Juan Corleone,” “Fishin’ in the Dark,” and “Gotta Go Gringo,” Papi’s Taqueria isn’t your average taco stand. Settle into the casual eatery with an ocean view for chef-inspired tacos and sides plus an impressive tequila list. Save room for the churro beignets. 1012 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms; papisiop.com
Favorite Haunt
Poe’s Tavern on Sullivan’s Island is indeed named for the famous poet who was inspired to write his short story “The Gold Bug” while stationed at Fort Moultrie. Locals and visitors alike love this come-as-you-are place for the signature burgers (try the “Pit & Pendulum” or “Tell-Tale Heart”) as well as everything from fish tacos to piled-high nachos and a long list of local beers on tap. 2210 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island; poestavern.com
Eat Like a King
With views of the Wando River, Daniel Island’s new The Kingstide serves up a seafood-driven menu two ways. Make reservations in the downstairs dining room for entrees such as seared tuna, lobster agnolotti, or the “Campfire Trout.” Head up to the first-come, first-served raw bar for more casual eats—including fish sliders, lobster rolls, and peel-and-eat shrimp. Add a Lefty Loosey from Revelry Brewing and take in the sunset scene. 32 River Landing Dr., Daniel Island, thekingstide.com
Southern View
With the only waterfront dining on the peninsula proper, Fleet Landing offers up a menu of Southern soul food dressed up a bit for company. Here, you’ll find fried green tomatoes, she crab soup, lobster hush puppies, oysters and shrimp prepared to your liking, and crispy fried flounder with an apricot glaze. 186 Concord St., fleetlanding.net
The Salt Life
Sip and stay awhile at The Salty Dog Café at Bohicket Marina for waterfront dining, island atmosphere, live music, and a great sunset view. The raw bar has oysters on the half shell and gator bites for the more adventurous. If you have the kids in tow, stop next door for Salty Dog Ice Cream; if not, pull up a seat at the Blender Bar for all manner of fruity, frozen concoctions. 1882 Andell Bluff Blvd., John’s Island; bohicket.saltydog.com
Local Flavor
Down Edisto way, make a point to stop by the Briny Swine. It’s a waterside experience dedicated to two Southern pastimes: the oyster roast and pig pickin’. And it’s a darn good combination. There’s local oysters, local beer, and local flavor in every bite. From the barbecue roasted oysters to “The Front Porch” sandwich with house-smoked turkey, you’ll want to pull up a chair and sit awhile. 3731 Docksite Rd., Edisto Island; brinyswine.com
Get Crabby
Make dinner an adventure! Barrier Island Eco Tours offers boat trips to Capers Island where naturalist guides help you bag blue crabs with a hand line and net and pull up a few crab traps to explain the anatomy and behaviors of the crustacean. The beach day culminates in a crab boil for the whole family. Bring a cooler with your beverage of choice and additional snacks for this hard-earned seafood feast. 50 41st Ave., Isle of Palms. Monday-Friday, 1:30-5 p.m. $50; $40 ages 12 and under. nature-tours.com
