Hello, Adventurers! Welcome back to the Coastal Expeditions blog! If this is your first time visiting our blog, we’re happy to have you here. We are all about nature, adventure, and making the most out of the beautiful outdoors of South Carolina. If you enjoy all things hiking, paddling, kayaking, and spending time outdoors, you’ve come to the right place! Here on the blog, we dive deep into different habitats, excursions, conservation efforts, and nature programs. Our site is filled with interactive maps, destination guides, and educational resources. Since the weather is incredibly warm, we want to help you get out there and take advantage of all that the Lowcountry has to offer! We offer guided tours of the beautiful Lowcountry by kayak, paddleboard, ferry, boat, and private charter. We also have hands-on workshops taught by highly-trained guides on wilderness skills, birding, identifying native plants, sustainability, and camping. Anything you want to learn about, we teach! If you haven’t already, we encourage you to take a look around our site to learn more about our offerings. In our last post, we talked all about some of the magnificent creatures that can be found in coastal waters– Sharks! Today, we’ll be discussing some of the best places to get dinner before or after one of our guided eco-tours! 

If you’re spending the day enjoying all of the beauty that our guided tours have to offer, what better way to end your day than to enjoy the food, drinks, and ambiance that our local eateries have to offer? That’s why we want to recommend some of the best local restaurants to visit after your Coastal Expeditions tour. Let’s start with our Shem Creek location!

Best Restaurants in Shem Creek

Shem Creek is a beautiful waterfront district located in Mount Pleasant, SC. It’s not far from Downtown Charleston, but still offers a peaceful, quiet change of pace from the busy downtown area. It also happens to be home to our flagship location! There’s a reason we chose Shem Creek. It has a wonderful ambiance, a small-town feel, and incredible access to the Lowcountry outdoors and wildlife we work so hard to showcase for each of you.

If you’re joining us for a Shem Creek guided tour, here are our recommendations for your lunch or dinner plans!

Post House Inn

The Post House Inn offers brunch, lunch, and dinner, making it a great option if you will be joining us for an early morning tour like our Sunrise Kayak Tour! They are a functioning inn, which means if you are an out-of-towner looking for a serene, charming “home away from home” while you are in the area, you can also book a room! Locals love the simple yet delicious seasonal food offerings. You can plan to visit for a meal, or just to sample their drinks menu!

NICO

NICO is, at its heart, an upscale oyster bar. Chef and owner Nico Romo is a French Master Chef with extensive experience and a love for marrying fresh local ingredients with French cuisine. You don’t have to be a fan of oysters or seafood to enjoy the menu–NICO’s menu includes a variety of carefully curated French dishes, and they are all delicious! The best part? NICO is located directly along Shem Creek!

The Shelter

The Shelter is a popular bar and restaurant located minutes away from Shem Creek. If you’re looking for a spot that is dog-friendly or family-friendly, The Shelter might be the right choice for you! The menu is full of Southern staples like Shrimp & Grits, Fried Chicken, Collard Greens, and Boiled Peanuts, but there’s something for everyone at The Shelter. They even have a variety of food options on the kids’ menu, from PB&J to fried shrimp!

Brown Fox Coffee Co.

If you’re looking for a cup of coffee or a pastry, Brown Fox Coffee Co. is right around the corner! Their shop is a little different from most–instead of heading inside, you’ll walk up to the window to place your order! They have a beautiful, cozy outdoor seating area plenty of space to hang out and relax after your Shem Creek tour. They’re pet- and kid-friendly, so bring the whole family!

The Pickled Palate

The Pickled Palate offers a simple-but-delicious menu of sandwiches, salads, and soups. Locals love the fresh ingredients and the creative approach to classic comfort foods! Order a heart of palm salad, a ham panini with creole mayo, or a pimiento cheese sandwich made with house-made pimiento cheese. If your crew has picky eaters, this is a great spot for basics that are anything but boring.

Tavern & Table

Looking for an upscale bar experience for your Shem Creek dining? Visit Tavern & Table! Whether you’re visiting for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch, this local gem offers a selection of menu items that are familiar, yet still keep it interesting. This is the perfect spot if your Shem Creek tour is part of a celebratory occasion, or if you’re taking your special someone on a date!

Saltwater Cowboys

If you’re looking for something casual and fun, check out Saltwater Cowboys! They’re a true waterfront restaurant, located directly on Shem Creek, and the view is spectacular. The menu boasts lighthearted favorites like the ever-popular Trash Can Nachos, along with a mix of BBQ and seafood cuisine. They even offer a dog treat menu, so don’t hesitate to bring your furry family member! They have a steady lineup of local musicians, so you’re sure to catch some tunes if you visit in the evening.

Water’s Edge

Water’s Edge is another great choice if you’re looking for a waterfront experience–after all, it’s in the name! They offer a “diverse menu of gourmet seafood, family favorites and juicy, delicious burgers,” along with an extensive selection of wines. Water’s Edge is a more upscale experience, but if you want to enjoy their offerings in a more casual setting, they offer the downstairs Cabana Bar, which still boasts a full service menu!

Red’s Ice House

If seafood and a beer in a low-key environment is your preference, check out Red’s Ice House! It’s been a local staple for a long time, and for good reason. They’ve been voted Best Waterfront Bar since 2004. They offer locally-sourced seafood, so you can get your high-quality seafood experience in a laid-back setting.

Still not sure where to eat?

Mount Pleasant is full of incredible restaurants. You don’t have to stay on Shem Creek to enjoy a meal after your tour! If you’re willing to take a quick drive, here are some other nearby restaurants that you may enjoy:

• Basil Thai

• Burtons Grill & Bar

• Crave Kitchen & Cocktail

• Graze

• Locals
• Opal Restaurant & Bar
• Page’s Okra Grill

• Mustard Seed

• Melvin’s Southern BBQ

We hope this helps you plan your day out here in beautiful Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant! In our next blog, we’ll be sharing recommendations to help you choose where to dine after you tour with us in Isle of Palms.

Until then, be sure to check out our current Tours & Trips on our website. Now that school is back in session, we also want to remind you that we offer guided field trips for school classes! If you are a teacher or school administrator searching for a fun, educational, hands-on learning experience, give us a call. We’d love to talk with you about it! And if you’re a parent of a local student, be sure to recommend us to your child’s teachers!

At Coastal Expeditions, we are committed to introducing people to the wonders of the ecosystems of the Charleston area by providing guided tours and educational opportunities. If you’re looking to explore all that the Lowcountry has to offer, check out our offerings on our website to find the adventure which suits you best! We also offer kid-friendly tours as well as kids’ programs, camps, and kayak lessons. Our tours are led by knowledgeable, approachable naturalists and sea captains who are eager to answer your questions! Until next time, readers. Get out there and explore! Adventure awaits!