ony Robinson has been a beloved bartender in the Charleston area for many years. His journey began at The Break Room and later took him across the Connector to Isle of Palms, where he now resides at The Refuge. The Refuge is a versatile establishment offering a coffee bar, lunch and dinner. The atmosphere is friendly and casual; it invites you to come as you are, but also offers an upscale dining as well. "The best part about working here is the people," said Robinson. He credits his enjoyment to the camaraderie with his coworkers and the endearing relationships he has built with his loyal customers. "Oftentimes, the locals will come in an hour or so before closing,” said Robinson. “I don’t mind, though. I will stay as long as they want and just talk with them. None of us mind; we all enjoy it." 20 IslandVibesIOP.com FOOD & BEV 1517 Palm Blvd., Suite A Isle of Palms, SC Open 7 Days a Week 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Tuesday: Steak Night Wednesday: Live Music Sunday: Lobster Night Weekly Events This family owned and operated venue is sure to please all. Enjoy your morning Macchiato with a fresh omelet or shrimp and grits from The Refuge’s Morning Tide menu. Follow up with us in our dining room, where we also serve fresh, local food for lunch and dinner. A night at The Refuge wouldn’t be complete without one of our signature cocktails concocted by our in-house mixologist. Planning a special event in Isle of Palms just got easier with our customized catering services available at The Refuge. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite for lunch or a memorable evening of dining, let us be your refuge. Behind the Bar The Refuge: Time well spent with Tony By Brooke Kaping T Robinson emphasized the loyalty and respect within the community. "People that have worked at these bars have been here a long time,” said Robinson. “That speaks volumes about the people and locals. They take care of us." Robinson's admiration extends to the restaurant's owners, whom he describes as highly interactive and respected by staff and patrons alike. "They are why people come and stay. The owner of this restaurant has built relationships with all the other restaurants around here." During our conversation, a barista delivered Robinson's coffee. Their friendly exchange highlighted the close-knit atmosphere. He then excused himself to deliver another coffee to a lady sitting at the bar — his wife, Tiffany, whom he met while bartending at The Refuge. They recently married, with many of Robinson's island friends attending their wedding in Jamaica. "That tells you right there what kind of community The Refuge and Isle of Palms have," said Robinson. "The people here are the essence of community." Beyond bartending, Robinson has a passion for playing guitar. He recalls trading off bar tabs for guitar lessons with a teacher he met while working at The Windjammer. "All these years later, it is my favorite thing to do." Robinson feels that The Refuge possesses a unique charm. "People come here and have a nice dinner, but can also let loose a bit. You can come in here and meet a bunch of different people, have cool conversations, but not be overwhelmed." Describing an ideal night at The Refuge, Robinson fondly remembered Wednesday live music nights and Sunday brunches. Two very different vibes, both loved for very different reasons. Robinson considers his work to be like family, attributing much of his loyalty to the kindness and dedication of the owners. "I am a loyal person, but it’s our owners and locals that have kept us here. I have seen these owners and the Isle of Palms people do extraordinary acts of kindness." Come stop by and ask for Tony when ordering one of their modern craft cocktails, a coffee, or coming in for Sunday brunch. His warm presence and exceptional service will make your visit memorable. At The Refuge, it's not just about a drink or a meal; it's about being part of a tradition and feeling connected. Next time you're on IOP, Tony will be there with a smile and a story worth hearing.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjcyNTM1