Best Restaurants in Isle of Palms
Explore exceptional dining options in Isle of Palms, Charleston SC
Crow Bar
Crow Bar is the upstairs bar above the restaurant below — a casual spot locals go for after-dinner drinks and sunset views. Folks mention enjoying cocktails and bar snacks while watching the harbor.
Simmons Seafood Inc
Simmons Seafood is a casual, no-frills seafood market where locals buy fresh shrimp, oysters and fish to take home or eat nearby. Reviews rave about affordable, super-fresh shrimp and a bushel of Virginia select oysters that people keep coming back for.
The Nest Rooftop Bar at Wild Dunes
The Nest Rooftop Bar at Wild Dunes is a casual spot up top with good views where folks grab cocktails, oysters, and a crab cake sandwich. It’s more laid-back bar than fancy restaurant — great for drinks and small plates after a beach day.
Sweet T's Island Kitchen
Sweet T's Island Kitchen is a casual, home-style spot on Isle of Palms that does catering, takeout and delivery — folks rave about the fried chicken, fried fish, shrimp, seafood gumbo, collards and hoppin' john. They've even catered Thanksgiving and people say the desserts and cake are worth it.
Indigenius Cuisine
Indigenius Cuisine is a casual, chef-driven spot best known for their dinner club, salads and hearty club sandwiches — they also do reliable catering and will cook at your rental like they did for an Isle of Palms group I know. Chef Roland is friendly, consistent, and people rave about their catering for weddings and private dinners.
Acme Lowcountry Kitchen
Acme Lowcountry Kitchen is a cozy, casual spot in Charleston known for shrimp and other Lowcountry seafood — people rave about the food and friendly service. Expect straightforward brunch and seafood plates (they’re flexible with substitutions) without any fancy fuss.
The Outpost at IOP Marina
The Outpost at IOP Marina is a casual, grab-and-go type spot at the marina where folks swing by for sandwiches like the Chicken Avocado Club or the Beach Club with fries or potato salad. It’s a family-friendly, low-key place — good for a weekend lunch after a walk on the pier.
Café Paname
Café Paname is a cozy, casual spot in Charleston known for really good coffee, lattes (try the CC), and breakfast croissant sandwiches. People also rave about their crunchy fresh bread, melted sandwiches and juicy hamburgers — owner is friendly and the vibe is low-key.
Long Island Cafe
Long Island Cafe is a casual, family-friendly IOP spot known for generous seafood plates — think stuffed shrimp with mash and veggies, shrimp, tuna, soups and pasta. Sit outside with friends, expect friendly staff, decent pours, and relaxed beach vibes.
Sea Biscuit Cafe
Sea Biscuit Cafe is a casual, friendly spot in Charleston — great for brunch with a group and known for quick service and tasty fries. The mermaid-themed decor is fun and the staff are super welcoming.
IOP Raw Bar
IOP Raw Bar is a casual spot on Isle of Palms where locals pop in for fresh seafood — people rave about the shrimp and small plates that look carefully plated. It’s the kind of no-fuss place you might stop at quick before errands or grab a relaxed bite while visiting Charleston.
The Windjammer
The Windjammer is a casual bar-and-grill on the waterfront that's equal parts music venue and neighborhood hangout. Folks rave about the club sandwich, live bands like #TheNovatones and #Evergreen, and that it's a relaxed spot you can even host a party at.
Smugglers Island Eats and Rum Shack
Smugglers Island Eats and Rum Shack is a casual, family-friendly bar and grill where folks grab burgers, shrimp and fries and hang out at the outside bar. The Bloody Marys get a lot of love here and the vibe is relaxed — not fancy, just good seafood and drinks.
Coda Del Pesce
Coda Del Pesce is a casual, slightly upscale Italian-seafood spot in Charleston where people rave about dishes like calamari Bolognese, grouper braciole (served in a little Le Creuset pot), and wreckfish with a crispy potato crust. It’s the kind of place locals go for fresh fish and pasta when they want a nicer night out without being stuffy.
Jeff's Bagel Run
Jeff's Bagel Run is a casual spot for seriously good bagels — chewy and fluffy inside with a crunchy crust. Try the cacio e pepe bagel with onion & chive cream cheese or the asiago bagel with roasted jalapeño cream cheese; people here rave about them.
The Refuge
The Refuge is a quiet, casual spot in Charleston that does brunch and steaks — people rave about the crab cake eggs Benedict, western omelet with home fries, and shrimp or tuna dishes. It’s clean and modern-feeling, more relaxed than fancy, good for a low-key meal or a long brunch.
Harris Teeter
Harris Teeter is a clean, well-organized grocery with a solid deli, bakery and butcher — customers mention sandwiches, rotisserie chicken and fresh bakery items. It’s a casual spot to grab groceries or a quick takeout snack while staying on Isle of Palms.
The Spa at Sweetgrass
This is actually a spa (yes, called The Spa at Sweetgrass) that people rave about for spa services and easy valet, not a full restaurant—though clients mention grabbing a burger or chicken nearby or after treatments. It's casual and popular for girls' day outs and birthdays, with a solid 4.4 rating from locals.
Lawrence's Seafood Company
Lawrence's Seafood Company is a casual, friendly spot on Isle of Palms where locals and visitors flock for seafood—think shrimp, fish tacos, burgers and a big plate of fries. People rave about the food and the service, and reviewers say staff are welcoming and the lunch crowd is real.
Papi's Taqueria featuring Cachitas Kitchen
Papi’s Taqueria featuring Cachitas Kitchen is a casual, no-frills spot on IOP where folks rave about the tacos, fish dishes, nachos and the Cachita’s food-trailer roots. It’s solid, affordable Mexican-ish food — the kind of place you go for casual eats, not fine dining.
The Dinghy
The Dinghy is a casual, beachside bar and grill with indoor/outdoor seating where locals grab drinks and simple plates like wraps, fish, shrimp, chicken and salads. It’s relaxed—good for a quick beverage or an easy meal, not fancy but solid food and a great location.
Coconut Joe's
Coconut Joe’s is a casual, laid-back bar and grill on Isle of Palms where people rave about the shrimp, other seafood and solid burgers. It’s exactly the kind of beachy spot you’d stop at on vacation—good food, relaxed vibe, not fancy.
Huey's On The Links Course
Huey’s on the Links is a casual spot on the golf course with solid views and friendly servers like Sydney — Scott and Daniel make great cocktails. Folks mention the club, a so-so salad and some subpar bites, so come for drinks and the scenery more than fine dining.
The Co-Op Gourmet Sandwiches
Small, casual spot in a shopping center that does solid sandwiches—people rave about the California Turkey, Cowboy Chicken, tuna, steak and their salads (and yes, frozen rosé). It's the kind of no-frills cafe/coffee shop you pop into when you want a good sandwich without fuss.
Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar
Islander 71 is a lively, casual seafood spot on Isle of Palms where people rave about the fish, tuna, sandwiches and hearty soups. Expect a fun, sometimes busy vibe (you might wait upstairs) — good for a relaxed meal or an event, not fine dining.
The Boathouse at Breach Inlet
The Boathouse at Breach Inlet is a casual-to-upscale seafood and steak spot right on the water — locals swear by the seafood and people rave about the cakes for dessert. Great place for a celebratory dinner or a drink upstairs with live music and a view, though it’s a bit pricier.
Marina Market
Marina Market is a casual little spot — part deli/grocery/convenience store — where locals grab sandwiches, chicken, and salads. The chicken sandwich gets a lot of love ("it'll change your life" was the line), though service can be hit-or-miss.
Hudson's Market
Hudson's Market is a casual, no-frills spot inside Wild Dunes where you can grab pre-made meals, drinks, and local snacks. People rave about the breakfast sandwich and quiche—good for a quick family breakfast or a grab-and-go sandwich.
Tacos & Tequila
Tacos & Tequila is a casual, no-frills spot (they even run a food truck and serve poolside at Sea Grass Inn) that gets praise for fresh chili shrimp and tacos. It’s laid-back lunch or snack fare — chips and dip are solid, and people seem to like the Mexican-style offerings.
Coastal Provisions
Coastal Provisions is a casual seafood spot on the peninsula where folks rave about their soup and the fresh seafood. It's a relaxed, dependable place — many say they've never had a bad meal and service is usually excellent.
Beachside Burgers & Bar
Beachside Burgers & Bar is a casual, quiet spot by the water where people rave about the blackened swordfish and seafood Alfredo and also come for hefty burgers and subs. Prices can feel steep — one reviewer paid $45 for two burgers and fries — but it’s an easy beach-side lunch or dinner.
IOPizza Co
IOPizza Co is a casual, no-frills spot on Isle of Palms known for pizza, subs and sandwiches — locals stop in before hitting the beach. Reviews praise the friendly staff (especially the woman behind the bar) and say it’s their go-to when they’re in town.
Woody's Eatery
Woody's Eatery is a casual, no-frills spot locals and visitors go for big sandwiches, fried chicken (the fried chicken sandwich with slaw gets raves), chicken salad, steaks, fries and simple breakfast plates. Service is friendly and portions are hearty — don’t expect fancy, just solid, flavorful comfort food.
Laughing Gull Restaurant & Bar
Laughing Gull is a casual, no-frills spot where folks come for burgers, fries, shrimp (the coconut shrimp are decent but need that zippy sauce) and simple chicken plates. Food comes out in handy melamine trays for takeout, and regulars rave about the burgers and mixed drinks even if the place isn’t fancy.
Coastal Crust at Wild Dunes
Coastal Crust at Wild Dunes is a casual, quiet spot near the beach that serves pizza, shrimp, pasta and salads — customers say the food comes out hot and staff are friendly. It’s a simple, bright place for take-away or a low-key meal, though some reviews call parts of it subpar.
Oystercatcher Restaurant & Bar
Oystercatcher Restaurant & Bar at Wild Dunes feels like a casual spot where people go for steak, salads, chicken and decent desserts — locals mention doing the Shuck and Savor oyster experience. Reviews are mixed (3.7), but diners say the food is creative and not overpriced.
Shaka Shack
Shaka Shack is a casual spot in Charleston that mainly does ice cream and desserts — folks rave about two-scoop cones and the summer flavors. They also serve melts and sandwiches, but be aware it can feel pricey for what you get.