Beautiful weather and sunny days are officially here on the Charleston Coast, and we could not be happier. From days spent soaking up the rays on the pristine beaches of Kiawah Island to evenings sipping cocktails on rooftop decks Downtown, there’s always some kind of outdoor activity calling.
Here at Sweetgrass Properties, a local property management company based in Charleston, South Carolina, our team has quite a few favorite ways to spend warm summer days, and nearly all of them revolve around outdoor dining in and around Charleston. Need recommendations for the best spots? Don’t worry, our team has got you covered.
The Boathouse at Breach Inlet
Isle of Palms and Wild Dunes
The Boathouse at Breach Inlet
One of our personal favorites on the Sweetgrass team, this waterfront dining establishment has been around since 1997 and is constantly adapting to serve up the seafood that Charleston locals and visitors crave. From local oysters to seafood pastas, happy hour deals to delicious cocktails, The Boathouse at Breach Inlet offers stunning views not only in their screened-in dining room but also from their rooftop deck, perfect for catching those stunning Carolina sunsets.
The Outpost
If you find yourself at The Outpost, tell them Sweetgrass sent you! This one of a kind trading post is your new favorite shopping and dining experience. Not only is The Outpost chock full of some of the trendiest island merchandise and snacks, they also offer a full menu of seafood and sandwich options you won’t be able to say no to! We highly recommend the Buffalo Chicken Wrap with Broccoli Salad as your side. Enjoy those Marina views from their deck and tap into their free guest Wifi while you’re there!
The Outpost
Islander 71
Everyone loves Islander 71, and who wouldn’t! This large dining establishment is an island hit, with multiple floors perfect for hosting large parties, local events, or just enjoying an island Happy Hour on the rooftop deck. Strategically located at the edge of the Isle of Palms Marina, every angle of this restaurant boasts waterfront views. Even better, they’re constantly hosting fun events for the locals and visitors to attend, so stay in the loop on what’s coming up by following @islander71iop over on Instagram!
Coconut Joe’s
Local legend Coconut Joe’s had to be a part of the list, obviously! A dive-y, seafood bar right on the Isle of Palms beach is hard to beat, especially when it’s got three porches of hangout spots with oceanfront views. Whether you’re heading to the restaurant for their seafood (and those to die for Coconut Shrimp) or just grabbing an Orange Crush before hitting the beach, Coconut Joe’s is an island hit for a reason.
Kiawah and Seabrook Islands
Cafe Eugenia
Heading further down the coast to Johns Island, there’s a little bit of everything for every type of local or guest. If you’re caught between Kiawah and Seabrook and don’t want to have to drive beyond the gates, then we highly recommend Cafe Eugenia. A local favorite placed on the pond-side of Freshfields Village, this local cafe boasts homemade items like Chicken Salad, Quiche, Pimento Cheese Dip and more, and is popular for a reason! A healthy, refreshing spot with plenty of patio seating, we’re head over heels for this Johns Island gem.
Cafe Eugenia
Pelican’s Nest at the Seabrook Island Club
Staying within the gates of Seabrook Island and want something quick you can drive your golf cart to? The views don’t get much better than at The Pelican’s Nest. Strategically located on the tip of Seabrook, this restaurant offers panoramic waterfront views and easy access to the Beach Club pool and shoreline. This gorgeous restaurant is open seasonally but boasts an updated menu and standout drink options. Definitely our favorite Seabrook Island pick!
Tomasso at Turtle Point
Staying on Kiawah Island instead? Don’t fret. The Kiawah Resort has plenty of dining options throughout The Sanctuary and its many golf houses. Our personal favorite? An Aperol Spritz and some Bruschetta on the patio of Tomasso at Turtle Point. With golf course views in a central location on the island, this restaurant is a hidden gem that doesn’t feel overly stuffy or busy during those busy summer months. We highly recommend it!
Lost Isle
When heading away from the coast and towards Downtown, you may stumble upon some local Johns Island favorites that the locals are keeping a secret. Don’t worry, we won’t do that to you! Lost Isle is an award-winning, wood-fired dining establishment that is open-air and located right in the heart of Johns Island. This restaurant is nestled amongst the oaks on a gravel lot, and offers that backwoods, Lowcountry charm most visitors come to Charleston to experience.
Lost Isle
Downtown Charleston
Little Palm
Heading Downtown is a must-do when visiting Charleston. For the perfect, rooftop and pool-side combination, we highly recommend Little Palm at The Ryder Hotel. This perfectly pink bar is the perfect spot for some drinks with the girls or a sitdown meal under a poolside cabana. With a constantly rotating drink menu and access to the public, this is one of our favorite rooftop experiences Downtown.
Park & Grove
Wanting to check out a neighborhood favorite to feel like a local? Park & Grove has the patio and greenery of our dreams, with a true neighborhood feel that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Their brunch offerings are divine (might I suggest the Cinnamon Roll) and their dinner service is intimate and superb. Get local and get to experience the heart of what Charleston is all about with this neighborhood favorite.
Park & Grove
Fleet Landing
Waterfront dining Downtown is shockingly hard to come by, which is why Fleet Landing is obviously a standout on this list. Serving up fresh seafood options and plenty of views from the edge of the peninsula, Fleet Landing is a busy spot for all visitors. Now that construction on the stunning new The Cooper Hotel is completed, Fleet Landing now features a gorgeous and easily accessible walk-up with unparalleled views across the Cooper River.
82 Queen
If you look up any list regarding outdoor dining in Charleston, 82 Queen will be on it. With outdoor dining located in a stunning courtyard in the heart of Downtown, a restaurant simply does not get more Southern than this. Featuring a brick patio and a pergola outside paired with outstanding brunch and dinner menus, this Southern-style eatery should be at the top of any list!
The Island Cabana Bar
A little farther out from Downtown located at the Seabreeze Marina, The Island Cabana Bar is a favorite that has seen quite a bit of stardom over on TikTok. Featuring favorites like Poke Nachos and the Sharkbite Frozen Drink, this waterfront restaurant is known for their delicious options and stunning deck out to the water with views of The Cooper River Bridge. Even better? Pair your restaurant experience with a boat rental from Quarterdeck. Grab some drinks from the bar and head out on the water for a perfect day in Charleston.
Island Cabana Bar
Outside Charleston
Tavern & Table
Shem Creek is a popular hotspot for vacationers and partiers alike. One of the more laid-back, food-focused waterfront gems is Tavern & Table. Boasting an expansive outdoor deck on the creek with bistro lights galore, this spot is the perfect place to grab seafood, American food, and offers the best views of Shem Creek shenanigans. You may even spot some dolphins while you’re enjoying the sites!
Saltwater Cowboys
Another Shem Creek favorite, but more so for the sips and shenanigans! Perfect for large groups looking to enjoy an evening by the water, Saltwater Cowboys is a great bar and restaurant for all. Our personal favorite snack has got to be the Trash Can Nachos (I’m sure you’ve seen them on Instagram) and the Boardwalk Lemonade. Known to many on the internet as the place to go when visiting Charleston, we had to include this one on our list!
Saltwater Cowboys
Momo’s at Riverfront Park
Off the beaten path just north of Charleston at the Riverfront Park is Momo’s, a stunning riverfront dining spot with a gorgeous patio tucked amongst the oak trees dotting the old Charleston Navy Yard. Although this area is primarily used for weddings these days, the history surrounding Momo’s is definitely worth driving out for. With outstanding Truffle Fries and one of our favorite Cacio E Pepe’s in Charleston, this spot is a hidden gem we highly recommend.
Ellis Creek Fish Camp
Located on James Island just over the connector, Ellis Creek Fish Camp is the ideal marshfront restaurant for catching the sunset, enjoying happy hour deals and partaking in some good ol’ fried seafood. If you’re so fortunate, we encourage you to get to the restaurant during Softie Season (Softshell Crab Season) so you can partake in their out of this world Softshell Crab Sandwich. We also can’t say no to some Hush Puppies and Fried Okra!
Ellis Creek Fish Camp
Book Your Charleston Summer Getaway
Looking to enjoy a getaway on the coast to pair perfectly with your Charleston food tour? Sweetgrass Properties offers an abundance of options for every kind of escape. From cozy waterfront condos with stunning oceanfront views to expansive, modern mansions on Isle of Palms for those craving high luxury, we’ve got it all!
Check out properties across islands like Kiawah, Seabrook, Isle of Palms, and Wild Dunes for your next vacation and experience the Sweetgrass difference.