Isle of Palms Dining Guide

The closest restaurant to 1140 Ocean Blvd #102 and the one you'll probably hit the most. Banana Cabana is a laid-back beachfront spot with tacos, burgers, frozen drinks, and ocean views from every seat. It's the kind of place where sandy feet and wet swimsuits are perfectly acceptable dress code.

The fish tacos are the move — fresh catch with mango salsa and a lime crema that keeps people coming back. Pair them with one of their frozen rum punches and you've got the quintessential IOP lunch. They also do a solid breakfast if you want to fuel up before a beach day.

Pro tip: Grab a seat on the deck for the best views. It fills up fast during peak lunch hours (12-2pm), so arrive early or plan for a late lunch around 2:30pm when the crowd thins.

The Windjammer is a Charleston institution and arguably the most legendary beach bar on the East Coast. It sits right on the sand at Front Beach with an enormous deck, multiple bars, and live music every weekend that draws crowds from across the Lowcountry.

The food is solid beach-bar fare — burgers, wings, fried seafood baskets, and a surprisingly good shrimp po'boy. But honestly, you come to The Windjammer for the atmosphere. Cold beer, live bands, ocean breeze, sand between your toes. It's the kind of place where a quick drink turns into an all-afternoon session.

Pro tip: Check their live music schedule before your trip. Weekend shows draw big crowds and the energy is electric. Weekday afternoons are more chill — perfect for a relaxed beer with an ocean view.

Acme Lowcountry Kitchen is IOP's go-to spot for elevated Lowcountry cuisine without leaving the island. The menu leans heavily on fresh, local seafood — shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, and a rotating fresh catch that changes based on what the local boats bring in.

The atmosphere strikes a nice balance between casual beach town and proper restaurant. You don't need a reservation for most weeknight visits, but weekend dinners fill up. It's a great option when you want something a step above bar food but don't feel like making the drive into Charleston.

Pro tip: Try their Lowcountry boil if it's on the specials board. It's a pile of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes that feeds the whole table.

Coda Del Pesce brings authentic Italian seafood to Isle of Palms, and it's one of the best-kept secrets on the island. The menu features handmade pastas, wood-fired fish preparations, and a wine list that would hold its own in downtown Charleston. Think whole branzino, lobster linguine, and veal piccata.

The dining room is intimate and the service is polished — this is your date-night spot on the island. If you're celebrating something special during your stay, this is where to do it without the hassle of driving into the city.

Pro tip: Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends. The restaurant is small and word has gotten out — locals from Mount Pleasant and downtown make the drive specifically for this place.

Long Island Cafe has been an IOP institution for decades, and it's still the island's premier upscale seafood restaurant. The menu blends classic Lowcountry seafood with contemporary preparations — crispy flounder, pan-seared grouper, and a decadent lobster mac and cheese that regulars swear by.

The atmosphere is refined but relaxed — you can dress up a little without feeling out of place, but nobody will bat an eye at a clean polo and khakis. The bar area is a popular gathering spot for locals, and the cocktail program is one of the best on the island.

Pro tip: Sunday brunch at Long Island Cafe is a local tradition. Go hungry — the portions are generous and the Bloody Marys are top shelf.