IslandVibesIOP.com 15 As an end-of-summer salute to Isle of Palms’ hospitality scene and all of the food and beverage workers that have survived the busy tourist season, we thought it was an appropriate time to remind regulars of their favorite places to frequent this offseason. The offseason represents a dramatic shift for local restaurants. As the tourist crowds thin out following the busy summer months, the vibrant energy of packed patios, long waitlists and bustling beachgoers gives way to a much quieter time. While this lull can be a welcome breather after months of nonstop service, it also brings significant financial and operational challenges for restaurant owners and staff alike. Undoubtedly, summertime is a make-or-break season for the food and beverage industry. The revenue generated between Memorial Day and Labor Day often sustains them through the slower fall and winter months. Once the vacationers leave, so does the money in their pockets. Staff hours are often reduced and in some cases seasonal workers work jobs elsewhere. For the establishments that stay open year-round, keeping business steady becomes a matter of community. This is where the role of locals becomes vital. The support of year-round residents can mean the difference between survival and closure for many small businesses during the offseason. Locals help provide consistent income when tourism dries up. "For a small community, our island offers great choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner," said IOP Mayor Phillip Pounds. "I love the variety we have on the island and what each business brings to our community. During our busy season, it is infinitely more convenient to stay on the island and not fight the traffic to go elsewhere, but as full timers, it’s important to remember to support our local businesses during the offseason when our crowds are smaller." Beyond just the financial support, locals help create a sense of community and stability for restaurant owners and staff. Regulars become familiar faces and relationships form that go beyond transactions. These connections are part of what makes IOP more than just a tourist destination. Restaurants that thrive during the offseason are often those that have built strong ties with local patrons through excellent service, consistent quality and a genuine presence in the neighborhood. “Watching the Isle of Palms evolve over the past 40 years, it’s remarkable to see the diversity of options now available — from world-class cuisine to grab-and-go sandwiches, stretching from one end of the island to the other,” said Alex Stone, president of the IOP Chamber of Commerce. “We are truly blessed with a vibrant food and beverage community, each establishment offering its own unique flavor and hospitality. As residents, we have the privilege and responsibility to support these businesses not just in peak season, but year-round — ensuring they continue to thrive as the heart and soul of our island.” The following is a rundown of recommended restaurants, bars, quick bites and onthe-go places. We couldn’t pick just one because we love them all. So, we decided to list them all. Bon appétit! Prices: $ – $15 or less | $$ – $15-22 | $$$ – More than $22 TASTE OF IOP Help food & bev industry thrive this offseason By Zach Giroux RESTAURANTS Acme Lowcountry Kitchen com‑ bines upscale, yet casual elements of traditional coastal cuisine with classic fare. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in a casual beach atmosphere with flavor profiles that exemplify fresh local ingredients and sustainable seafood. Cuisine: American/Seafood | $-$$ 31 JC Long Blvd. | (843) 886-3474 acmelowcountrykitchen.com Indoor/Outdoor Seating | Pets Allowed Coastal Crust (Wild Dunes Resort) brings hand‑stretched, wood‑fired Neapoli‑ tan‑style pizzas and Italian‑inspired dishes made from scratch—think fig & prosciutto, short‑rib gnocchi and flavorful shared plates in a relaxed resort setting. Cuisine: Italian/Pizza | $‑$$ 5802 Palmetto Drive | (843) 886‑7300 coastalcrust.com Indoor/Outoor Seating | Pets Allowed Coastal Provisions (Wild Dunes Resort) blends upscale yet resort-casual dining with coastal charm, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a warm, inviting atmosphere inspired by Charleston’s sailing heritage. Cuisine: American/Seafood | $$–$$$ 200 Grand Pavilion Blvd. | (843) 886‑2200 wilddunesresort.com/dining Indoor/Outdoor Seating | Pets Allowed Coconut Joe’s dishes up island-inspired eats and offers stunning views of the ocean from a covered outside deck, air-condi‑ tioned dining room or open-air rooftop bar. Cuisine: American | $-$$ 1120 Ocean Blvd. | (843) 886-0046 coconutjoesbeachgrill.com Indoor/Outdoor Seating Coda del Pesce offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy handmade pasta, fresh Italian cuisine inspired by the sea and a stellar Italian wine selection. Cuisine: Italian/Seafood | $-$$ 1130 Ocean Blvd. | (843) 242-8570 codadelpesce.com Huey’s on the Links Course (Wild Dunes Resort) provides a relaxed, golf‑clubhouse atmosphere with casual lunch and small‑bite lounge menus, paired with scenic views of the Links golf course fairways. Cuisine: American/Southern | $‑$$ 10001 Back Bay Drive. | (843) 886‑2297 wilddunesresort.com/dining Indoor/Outdoor Seating | Pets Allowed IOPizza Co. serves up casual, fami‑ ly-friendly vibes with a retro‑80s décor, offering wood‑oven pizzas, subs, salads, wraps, pasta and a full‑service bar—perfect for post‑beach casual dining, dine‑in or takeout. Cuisine: Italian/Pizza | $‑$$ 1101 Ocean Blvd., Unit C | (843) 242‑8121 www.iopizzaco.com Indoor/Outdoor Seating | Pets Allowed IOP Raw offers a modern, upscale twist on the classic oyster bar experience, fea‑ turing East Coast and local oysters, peeland-eat shrimp, lobster tails and creative coastal dishes in a laid-back yet refined setting. Cuisine: Seafood/Oysters | $$–$$$ 1515 Palm Blvd. | (843) 886-8809 longislandcafesc.com Indoor/Outdoor Seating | Pets Allowed Islander 71 is a waterfront dining expe‑ rience that brings back the beach life. Enjoy live music under the sun with incredible Southern-inspired menu items and a raw bar. Cuisine: Seafood | $$ 80 41st Ave. | (877) 420-9558 www.islander71.com Indoor/Outdoor Seating | Pets Welcome Laughing Gull Restaurant & Bar (Wild Dunes Resort) offers a vibrant, Caribbean-inspired dining experience with tropical cocktails and island-flavored dishes, all served poolside at the Sweet‑ grass Inn. Cuisine: Caribbean/American | $$–$$$ 757 Palm Blvd. | (843) 886-2280 wilddunesresort.com/dining Indoor/Outdoor Seating | Pets Allowed Lawrence’s Seafood Company is a lively beachfront restaurant known for its fresh seafood and Southern-inspired dishes. Cuisine: Seafood | $$ 1130 Ocean Blvd. | (843) 242-8470 lawrencesseafood.com Indoor/Outdoor Seating Long Island Café first opened in 1986. This hidden gem of a restaurant for locals and tourists alike has a seafood-centric menu plus beef, chicken and handmade pasta options. Cuisine: American/Grill/French | $-$$ 1515 Palm Blvd., Suite A | (843) 886-8809 longislandcafesc.com Oystercatcher (Wild Dunes Resort) offers a glob‑ ally inspired, seafood-focused menu in a relaxed, resort-style setting, featuring small plates, shareable dishes and signature cocktails. Cuisine: Fusion/Seafood | $$–$$$ 5757 Palm Blvd. | 843) 886-2280 wilddunesresort.com/dining Indoor/Outdoor Seating | Pets Allowed Papi’s Taqueria offers authentic Mex‑ ican cuisine with a twist. Enjoy some of their delectable dishes with an ocean view on their rooftop bar. A favorite spot among locals and visitors. Cuisine: Mexican | $$ 1012 Ocean Blvd. | (843) 926-7274 papisiop.com Indoor/Outdoor Seating | Pets Welcome Sea Biscuit Café is a bright, cozy cafe with nautical touches serving delicious American breakfast and brunch options. Seasonal hours. Cash only. Cuisine: American | $ 21 JC Long Blvd. | (843) 886-4079 seabiscuitcafe.shop The Boathouse at Breach Inlet serves dinner nightly and Sunday brunch. Its roots run deep when it comes to South‑ ern cooking, drawing from family recipes scrawled on cards in plantation kitchens and relying on South Carolina’s natural abundance. Cuisine: Seafood | $$-$$$ 101 Palm Blvd. | (843) 886-8000 boathouserestaurants.com Indoor/Outdoor Seating The Refuge is a family-owned restau‑ rant and coffee bar that features a bright, modern eatery with coffee, bagels and WiFi by day and cocktails and New American fare by night. Cuisine: Southern | $-$$$ 1517 Palm Blvd. | (843) 242-8934 refugeiop.com Indoor/Outdoor Seating | Pets Welcome Woody’s Eatery (Wild Dunes Resort) offers a laidback, resort-style deli experience with all-day breakfast, hearty sandwiches and classic lunch fare, perfect for golfers, swim‑ mers and families seeking a quick bite or casual sit-down meal. Cuisine: Deli/American | $–$$ 5891 Palmetto Drive | (843) 886-2233 wilddunesresort.com/dining Indoor/Outdoor Seating | Pets Allowed BARS Beachside Burgers & Bar (Wild Dunes Resort) serves up classic American eats with a coastal twist, offering juicy burgers, fresh salads and laid-back favorites in a fun, beachy setting. Perfect for lunch, dinner or sunset cocktails, it’s a casual spot just steps from the sand where locals and visitors kick back and enjoy island vibes. Cuisine: American | $ 1130 Ocean Blvd. | (843) 555-2784 beachsideburgersiop.com Indoor/Outdoor Seating | Pets Allowed Smuggler’s Island Eats allows guests to enjoy a casual and family-friendly dining experience right next to the beach. Cuisine: American | $ 1122 Ocean Blvd. | (843) 885-7009 smugglersiop.com Indoor/Outdoor Seating The Dinghy Tap Room & Kitchen has a laid-back Key West vibe, great food options and plenty of beers on tap. The Dinghy also features a spacious side porch and live music. Cuisine: American/Seafood | $ 8 JC Long Blvd. | (843) 242-8310 dinghyiop.com Indoor/Outdoor Seating Continued on Page 17. FOOD & BEVERAGE
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjcyNTM1