Welcome to Charleston Moms EATS! Here we highlight the goodness that is local food in the Lowcountry. It might be a particular dish, a unique drink, or a restaurant that needs to be on your must-try list.
Next up . . .
The Longboard
Location: 2213-B Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482
Confession: I love food. Like first-love obsessed . . . I think about it all the time. I plan my day around it. And I count down the minutes ‘til we’re together again. Adore. Food.
Maybe you can relate? Happily, Charleston’s restaurant scene is a foodie’s fantasy. So I thought I’d feature a (lesser-known?) fave of mine: The Longboard on Sullivan’s Island.
This island-inspired eatery on SI’s Middle Street boasts local seafood and Caribbean cuisine from its coastal kitchen. Happy Hour at the beach is best at Sullivan’s Longboard — trust me.
Happy Hour Recommendations
Their Oyster Happy Hour and accompanying beverage specials are transcendent. (And I don’t throw that word around lightly.) Not only is the famed Frozen Painkiller (think bougie Pina Colada) a delight, but Sullivans 1040 lavender-infused gin libation with mint and cava is the perfect palate pleasure and my personal favorite. And *bonus* so pretty.
Not drinking-drinking? The Anonymous Unanimous features lemon, lemongrass, ginger beer, and spicy honey — proving even mocktails can be tempting curatives. My friend Tiff approves and she has the most discerning mocktail palate. Plus, her skin is perfect which obviously speaks to her judgment. *wink*
Dinner at The Longboard
Now, make sure you stay for dinner because it’s impossible to be disappointed.
For starters, specifically, the Coconut Mussels in a matcha, wasabi, and coconut broth is a culinary delight. Also, the Smoked Fish Spread with house-made Naan is an unexpectedly delightful accompaniment equaled only by the raw oysters served with mignonette and a house cocktail sauce — both locally sourced and Maine-harvested. (I like my oysters like I like my friends, local and a bit salty.) The Longboard puts up.
To follow those apps, the offshore features on their main fare menu vary from Fresh Catch Ceviche to (make-me-weep) Wood Grilled Octopus to (giving Hawaii) Poke bowls. All that’s missing is the hula skirts.
I have been dreaming about their understated Garlic Butter Shrimp, bathed in a white wine and lemon cilantro reduction. These are the exotic fantasies of middle-aged moms: food and how to find time to make it/eat it/work out after it.
However, if poultry is your pleasure, the Chicken Pad Thai holds surprising palate appeal, as does the Berkwood Farms Bone-in Pork Chop with a maple apple glaze. I mean, maple apple glaze? You could slather that on a stick and I’d probably devour it. Fortunately, there is no need.
The elevated, enigmatic cuisine of this Sullivan’s Island hidden treasure consistently exceeds expectations. Maybe best of all, I never feel that gross, self-loathing after dining there. (You know what I mean.) And everything is — as my grandmother Min would say — just luscious.
Finally, if you still have room for dessert, pop over to Beardcat’s for the best gelato this side of Milano. (For real.) I try hard never to skip dessert. It would be tragic to die right after a beet salad, just before cake. So, treat yo’self.
And if you love food even half as much as I do, make a resy at Longboards. You’ll thank me later.
Brilliant and funny, like you!
Bravo! 💛