Sullivan’s Island is one of my favorite places in the Charleston area. As a kid, I spent many summer days at my Aunt’s house with family and later, I even got engaged on the beach at Station 24 so it holds a special place in my heart. I love spending beach days here, taking walks around the island, and indulging in the diverse dining scene. For a tiny, residential beach town, the restaurants sure do impress. From Italian to seafood to Mexican, Sullivan’s Island has plenty of places to dine. I’m sharing all the best restaurants on Sullivan’s Island to try and a few of my favorite dishes at each!
The Obstinate Daughter
2063 Middle St, Sullivan’s Island, SC | Accepts Reservations: YES
Located on Sullivan’s Island, Obstinate Daughter is one of all time favorites spots for pasta. It is probably the nicest restaurant on the island and well suited for a date night, but not overly fancy or anything. I’ve gone for nice date nights, but also worn workout clothes for brunch on the patio.
The short rib gnocchi is to die for and if you are vegetarian, ask for the secret menu veg version of it. We love to split the pasta and any of their pizzas, but the Old Danger is a top contender! Be sure to make a reservation well in advance!
Pro tip: after dinner, pop downstairs for ice cream sandwiches at Beardcat’s.
Sullivan’s Fish Camp
2019 Middle St Unit A, Sullivan’s Island, SC | Accepts Reservations: YES
Sullivan’s Fish Camp is one of the newer restaurants on Sullivan’s Island. It took over an iconic old spot called Sullivan’s that was there for decades. This new spot is seriously so good with tons of great options for seafood and festive cocktails. You can head there after the beach and sit on the patio or reserve a table inside for a nice dinner!
My favorite items? The hush puppies are made with a smoked gouda and are incredible. I like the local fish sandwich and it comes with a side of chips that are seasoned with old bay. The tuna nachos are divine, but I recommend splitting them as an appetizer!
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina
2205 Middle St, Sullivan’s Island, SC | Accepts Reservations: NO
Mex1 Coastal Cantina is my go to laid back beach spot on Sullivan’s Island serving coastal, Mexican cuisine. I always come here on a beach day for margs and tacos. I love the cauliflower taco, the bangin’ shrimp, grilled fish, and santos shrimp tacos. The chips here are always fresh, warm, and super light!
Poe’s Tavern
2210 Middle St, Sullivan’s Island, SC | Accepts Reservations: NO
Poe’s Tavern is an iconic spot on Sullivan’s Island named for Edgar Allen Poe who was once stationed at Fort Moultrie. It is one of the original and staple restaurants on the island. Go for burgers and beers, but you can also order salads, tacos, and more. They have indoor and outdoor seating options and it’s great for families with kids.
If visiting in the summer, go early to put your name down on the list!
Hometeam BBQ
2209 Middle St, Sullivan’s Island, SC | Accepts Reservations: NO
Hometeam BBQ is beloved by everyone in Charleston and is easily one of the best restaurants on Sullivan’s Island. They are well-known for their “gamechanger” drink which is a like a painkiller – a frozen cocktail of orange, pineapple, coconut and rum. I personally really like the frozen Irish coffee as well! Aside, from the great drinks, they specialize in barbecue, but you’ll also find more variety on the menu like burgers and nachos. They also have a kids menu and area outside for kids to play!
It’s a smaller space with limited seating so plan to wait if you are there in the busy summer season!
The Longboard
2213-B Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island, SC | Accepts Reservations: YES
The Longboard is set inside a bright, airy tropical space that transports you to the Caribbean. They have great cocktails and even better food. The menu is filled with things like poke bowls, oysters, sushi wraps, salads, and an extensive raw bar menu! I also really appreciate that they have several mocktails on the menu!
The Co-Op Frosé & Eatery
2019 Middle St, Sullivan’s Island, SC | Accepts Reservations: NO
The Co-Op is famous in the area for their frozen rosé. Head in to the Co-Op on Sullivan’s for sandwiches and a frozé flight! You can also grab some to-go food & frozé to enjoy at home or on the boat. NOTE: it is actually illegal to drink on the beach and comes with a hefty fine.
High Thyme
2213 Middle St C, Sullivan’s Island | Accepts Reservations: NO
High Thyme is your nicer dinner spot on Sullivan’s Island open from 5pm-10pm. It has that classic seafood restaurant menu with familiar favorites like scallops, mussels, seared tuna served along great sides. You’ll also find great comfort food like pork chops and bolognese. The vibe is casual with indoor seating in addition to a good sized patio along Middle Street.
You can’t go wrong when searching for the best place to eat on Sullivan’s Island. Each restaurant is wonderful in its own way. My best tip is to plan ahead in the summer. These spots will be busy so plan to make reservations or go early with the expectation that you may have to wait! Bon appetit!
If you are looking for more, check out all of my favorite places to eat in Charleston as a local!
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