Lowcountry Pleasantries at Pawleys Island Tavern
By Becky Billingsley
Grand Strand visitors who crave an authentic local atmosphere, regional food specialties and some of the area's best live local music will find good times at Pawleys Island Tavern.
Fondly know as The PIT, this is a shady oasis under honking big live oak trees that looks a little spooky at night, in a pleasing spine-chilling way. It's close enough to the ocean to catch a few cool breezes, and the sprawling patio is extremely pleasant after the sun goes down.
And then the party begins. While inside there is a bar and a sort of a sun porch dining room, outside is a sprawling deck with plenty of seating, a tiki stage and a tiki bar. People dance, people sing, people eat and all have fun.
Diners may enjoy cocktails and wine or choose from an extensive list of premium beers before savoring some of the scrumptious seafood dishes for which this restaurant is known.
Start with the incredible Seafood Chowder, which brims with grouper and shrimp and delivers a spicy kick. If you like crab this is a great place to go for the bite-size Crab Ball appetizer, spicy Crab Dip or incredible Crab Cakes filled with jumbo lump meat.
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And while entrees such as Shrimp and Yellow Grits are delicious and memorable, there are also many “fun food” selections such as wings and locally renowned pizzas.
The menu has grown through the years to include even more local specialties.
Appetizers include Crawfish & Gravy in tasso cream gravy over scallion grits; house-made Pimento Cheese and chips; Grouper Fingers; Conch Fritters; and Crawfish Quesadilla. There are green salads, and Shrimp Salad is one of the dishes people like to buy in bulk and take home along with the Pimento Cheese, Crab Dip and uncooked Crab Cakes.
While listening to the funky soul of Painted Man, the blues of Shrimp City Slim or the hi-test hillbilly of Tater you can dine on Barbecue Plates, Crab Cake Plates and Po' Boys. Seafood baskets and sandwiches are tasty, and The PIT is known for its gourmet pizzas such as Lavaisha's Special with olive oil, garlic, red onions, bacon, and cheese; or the Garlic Lovers' with roasted garlic, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a feta/mozzarella blend.
Dress comfortably - you can relax here. If you're in the neighborhood for Halloween, this is a fine place to chill out.
Pawleys Island Tavern is at 10635 Ocean Highway (a.k.a. U.S. 17) in Pawleys Island. Look for PIT on a green mailbox beside The Mole Hole, and turn down the dirt lane. It's open starting at 11 a.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, and the number is 843-237-8465.
We have been visiting Litchfield Beach Resort for over 12 years now and always figure at least two meals here on each visit. Some of the best service and food around. Steaks and seafood are excellent. The atmosphere is down home and comfortable. Come early, enjoy the food and stay for the entertainment.