Takeout has taken over America. It’s always been a popular option. But now more than ever, it’s a great way to dine and feed your family. On the Isle of Palms, you don’t even need to leave the island for a great meal, to go. Depending on what you’re in the mood for, and which meal you’re after, you have some great options.
Here are the top five places to grab some takeout on the IOP.
Saltworks Dockside Deli at the Marina - Best quick bite to go
Saltworks Dockside Deli has fast become a stalwart island classic, staying open during bad weather and pandemics alike. They’re located right at the Isle of Palms Marina, where 41st Avenue meets the Intracoastal Waterway (in other words, on the non-ocean side of the island). Owner Mark Welker has years in the restaurant and catering business and he runs a tight ship. Saltworks’ menu changes daily. You can check them out on Facebook for that day’s offerings, or just show up and look at the sandwich board out front. Here’s a glimpse at a recent lunch menu: Fish & Chips (with fried cod, coleslaw and French fries), Lobster Grilled Cheese (with lobster and mozzarella on panini bread), Bacon Double Cheeseburger (with lettuce, tomato, American cheese on a brioche bun), Shrimp Salad Wrap (with lettuce and tomato), and a Gyro Wrap (beef and lamb, with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce). They’re open from 7:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. and can be reached at (843) 242-8745. You can take your takeout to your home or the beach. They also have spaced out outdoor seating overlooking the water and the marina, if you’d rather stay nearby and eat with a view.
Papi’s Taqueria - Mexican
Papi’s Taqueria is right on the Front Beach on the Isle of Palms. Although it hasn’t been around as long as some island spots (they opened in 2018), it’s fast become a go-to favorite. Some out-of-town friends were visiting recently, and we ordered a big spread from Papi’s. Everything was delicious and fresh, and the servings were generous. They source local products whenever possible. Some recent menu highlights – Carnitas Tacos (with braised pork, grilled pineapple salsa, cotija cheese and cilantro on a Mitla corn tortilla), Fried Fish Taco with Flounder, BBQ Chicken Taco (pulled chicken, BBQ sauce, bacon, jalapenos, shredded jack & cheddar, cilantro on a Mitla tortilla), Buttermilk Fried Chicken Taco, Nachos with Grilled Shrimp, Street Corn (with chili lime dust, buttermilk Mexican crema, cilantro and cotija), refreshing frozen margaritas (the Papi-Rita) and their take on the mojito, the Pap-Jito. Although their menu skews toward lunch and dinner, you can add a fried egg to any taco for a yummy brunch option on weekends. Papi’s Taqueria is located at 1012 Ocean Boulevard and can be reached at (843) 926-7274. They’re open from 11:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, and 4:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays.
Sweet T’s Island Kitchen - Southern
Sweet T’s Island Kitchen is an IOP secret that’s starting to get out. Joseph and Sally have deep southern roots and come from a family of great cooks. They started Sweet T’s as a catering company for all kinds of events. Demand grew, and they now have pickup times on Thursdays through Saturdays, from 11:00 am till 6:00 p.m. for some of their clients’ favorite dishes. Ask the locals - their fried chicken is some of the very best around. It’s a great way to feed a crowd. Some menu highlights - Baby Back Ribs by the Full Rack, Pulled Pork BBQ by the pound, Southern Fried Chicken (16 pieces), Baked Mac & Cheese, Dirty Rice, Seasoned Green Beans, Cole Slaw, Pasta Salad, Lemon Bars and Mini Cheesecake Bites. If you time it right, you can also buy some of their terrific boiled peanuts. Sweet T’s is located at 1028 Carolina Boulevard on the Isle of Palms (behind the Post Office). You can find them on Facebook or give them a call at (843) 303-0207.
Long Island Café - Seafood
While you’re at the beach, you’ve got to eat some seafood. It’s the law. There are several options for seafood on the Isle of Palms. But one place has become a local standard, having been around for almost three and a half decades. That’s a long time in island years! Folks who visit the Isle of Palms regularly, make an annual pilgrimage here to get their Long Island Café seafood fix. It’s true, their seafood is particularly delicious. It has something to do with the cracker meal breading, which makes their fried seafood light and crispy. You can also get their shrimp, scallops, oysters or flounder prepared in other ways. They serve local ingredients whenever possible, like oyster mushrooms from Mepkin Abbey, Breach Inlet clams and McClellanville shrimp. They also serve Lowcountry classics like she-crab soup, shrimp & grits and jumbo lump crab cakes, for takeout. Long Island Café is located at 1515 Palm Boulevard, to the right of Harris-Teeter in the Island Center. Just turn left as you come off the Isle of Palms Connector. Reach them at (843) 886-8809. So when you’re on the IOP, grab some great food to go. You’ve got plenty of options. And if you're looking for one of our beach house rentals Charleston SC, just give us a call at EP. All best, Lowcountry Lisa your Isle of Palms vacation blogger