If you’re like me and sometimes experience an energy downturn in the late morning, associated with hunger pangs and the distraction of planning for lunch, you might not want to read this until the afternoon. The reason why is that it is almost guaranteed to elicit a twinge of anticipation among the old taste buds and kick the appetite into high gear.
My team and I do lunch just about every Friday. The spot is determined by how much we have to do, how much we need to celebrate, and of course, our tastes and preferences. With so many great restaurants to choose from here in town, picking the right one can be a challenge. That is partially why I’ve decided to share some of our favorite ‘go-to’ dining destinations here.
As a local Realtor for more than three decades, it feels like a responsibility to share my favorites and introduce my clients to the best that Pawleys has to offer. And, maybe it goes without saying, but as a native of the Waccamaw Neck, I relish any opportunity to help raise awareness for my friends'/fellow business owners’ establishments.
So without further ado…one place we love to frequent is the Grillroom at Caledonia Golf & Fish Club. With riveting views of the golf course and the Waccamaw River, a fun atmosphere, and a beautiful setting, the appeal is easy to see. Add to that a friendly, professional staff that’s accustomed to patrons staying a while, mix with all the traditional offerings such as club sandwiches, Reubens, and cheesesteaks, then combine with mouthwatering local faves including fish sandwiches, Po Boys and Salad Sandwiches, and what you have is a recipe that entices people to return again and again.
My business is mostly here in Pawleys Island but I serve the areas from Georgetown to Garden City. As a Georgetown native, I jump at the chance to visit my former hometown, and one reason why is that it’s home to The Ball & Que. For those of us who call ourselves ‘foodies’ or who were lucky enough to grow up in the South, a quick note of the unassuming façade will have the alarm bells ringing—great food inside! After exploring the menu, which is known for the best ‘Meat and Three’ ever, plus daily specials like fried chicken, country-style steak, fresh seasonal (and southern seasoned) vegetables, and daily desserts, it will be easy to see why it’s been in operation for more than 52 years. Becoming an iconic, historic staple like this is no accident and I’m confident you will agree after sampling the fried flounder and red rice, the speckled butter beans, and strawberry cake (my personal favorite).
The fact the Ball & Que is operated by a high school classmate and her mother adds to the appeal. Aside from the wonderful food, it’s impossible to go there without a kind word and a hug from either Tammy (my classmate) or Mrs. Joann, so this makes it my team’s top pick for comfort food. There’s no website, probably because Tammy and Mrs. Joann are constantly busy serving up delectables for the locals, but if you want to read about it, check out their Facebook page, Trip Advisor reviews, and anniversary story, here.
When burritos and tacos are on the brain or we are in danger of falling apart, we hit up Luna’s Mexican Bar & Grill in Murrells Inlet. The service is phenomenal and the chips and salsa will be on the table before you can blink! Plus, there are lots of spacious booths, with ample room to spread out and have a private meeting. I mean everybody needs a go-to Mexican restaurant! And with a Caesar Taco Salad that will have you saying, “Que Bueno,” you’ll quickly see why this is our favorite. It comes with either grilled steak or chicken, black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, grated cheese, and jalapeño Caesar dressing. You will also want to sample their tableside guacamole, it’s some of the best I’ve ever had.
At this point, you can probably tell I’m not exactly what you might call a light eater, but since the subject of salads is on the table, I have to mention the Rustic Table at Pawleys. Let’s face it, all of us have probably experienced the frustration of hearing “I just want a salad” from a friend or colleague when you know that what they really want is a burger! I’m kidding of course, but the Rustic Table has something to please everyone, so it is a good solution in that situation.
The salads are substantial and tasty, so who cares if they aren’t low-calorie? Not me! My favorite is Ms. Anne’s Salad, which is topped with pecan-encrusted flounder, or the Rustic Crunch Salad topped with pickle-marinated chicken. Both are so satisfying. And, if you are still just craving a burger, there is the Gray Man Burger or the Smash Burger, which are unlikely to disappoint as they have both been featured by Southern Flavor Magazine as one of the best burgers in the Lowcountry.
Are you hungry yet? I know I am and writing this only makes me feel even more fortunate to have grown up here. Sharing my lifetime’s worth of local knowledge is something I love to do and it’s an absolute honor to help my clients #LiveLikeALocal, so if you want to learn more and receive updates when I post new content, please make sure to hit the subscribe button.
Of course, I’m always happy to chat, so feel free to just give me a call. There are so many different restaurants and amenities here, from golf courses, marinas, and tennis courts, to art galleries, beaches, history and cultural offerings, that it can be a little overwhelming. Finding the right one can be as simple as connecting with the right person, so why do the legwork yourself?