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