Isle of Palms and Charleston Area Restaurants
After having vacationed in Isle of Palms and Wild Dunes for over 15 years, we've come up with a list of solid restaurants that we enjoy every time we are here (sometimes multiple times per vacation). Here is a listing of some of our favorite spots. When you enjoy our Wild Dunes Vacation Home, we know you need more than just a place to stay...
Boulevard Diner
Southern, $7 to $16, Mount Pleasant
My Recommendation: Fried Grouper sandwich
There are no frills at this counter-and-booth diner where the service is attentive and the food soulfully prepared. Among the winners: the daily variety of homemade veggies, the fried eggplant-and-blue-cheese sandwich, and the Cajun meat loaf and chili. You can also eat breakfast at the Boulevard. MC, V. Closed Sun.
Address: 409 W. Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC, USA
Phone: 843/216-2611
Coast
Seafood, $11 to Over $22, Upper King
My Recommendation: Crispy whole fried Flounder
Tucked away off a little alley in a restored warehouse, Coast has pared-down trappings like exposed brick and wood floors. Fried fare and heavy sauces are on the menu, but lighter dishes such as the fish tacos and ceviche make it a standout. The best choices include fish and lobster grilled over oak, and served with pineapple-chili salsa, a white-wine-and-lemon sauce, or garlic butter, among other options. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch.
Address: 39D John St., Charleston, SC, USA
Phone: 843/722-8838
Coco's
French, $11 to $16, Mount Pleasant
My Recommendation: Rabbit, Flounder, Tuna
A nondescript strip mall hosts this gem of an authentic French bistro, complete with crowded tables and an imported chef-owner. Make the trip over the bridge for homemade duck paté, escargot with garlic butter, rabbit in a red wine mushroom sauce, and pan-fried flounder in brown butter. Prices are less inflated here than food of the same caliber on the downtown Charleston peninsula. AE, MC, V. Closed Sun.
Address: 863 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC, USA
Phone: 843/881-4949
Boathouse Restaurant
Seafood, $16 to Over $22, Isle of Palms
My Recommendation: Cold Water Lobster Tails and Blue Cheese Cole Slaw.
Large portions of fresh seafood at reasonable prices make both Charleston-area locations wildly popular. The shrimp hush puppies with spicy mayonnaise, grilled fish with specialty sauces, and lightly battered fried shrimp and oysters are irresistible. Entrées come with mashed potatoes, grits, collard greens, or blue-cheese coleslaw. The original Isle of Palms location is right on the water. Brunch is served Sunday. Reservations essential. AE, DC, MC, V. No lunch Mon.-Sat. Other location: 549 E. Bay St., Upper King, Charleston, PHONE: 843/577-7171.
Address: 101 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms, SC, USA
Phone: 843/886-8000
Basil
Thai, $10-$20, Charleston
My Recommendation: Soups and Pad Thai
Address: 460 King St. Downtown
Phone: 843-724-3490
Sette Restaurant
Italian, $13-$22
My Recommendation: Any special or Linguini with muscles
Phone: (843) 388-8808
Address: 201 Coleman Blvd
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Mustard Seed
American Contemporary $13-$22
My Recommendation: Any special, Tuna
Address: 1037 Chuck Dawley Blvd
Mt Pleasant, SC 29464-4146
Phone: (843) 388-9314
California Dreaming Restaurant
American $13-$20
My Recommendation: Ribs, Sirloin Steak, Fired Flounder
Address: 1 Ashley Pt Dr
Charleston, SC 29407-7553
Phone: (843) 766-1644