Out of the beaches that surround Charleston, Folly is the most beloved by locals due to its laid-back vibe and unique array of eateries. Yes, some of them may play the music a bit too loud and half of the patrons are barefoot, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. It puts you in a vacation state of mind, even if you have to go back to work the next day. As a local food writer and content creator for over a decade, these are the essential restaurants on Folly that I think visitors and locals alike will enjoy.
Chico Feo
122 East Ashley Ave
If you’re wondering which eatery has the barefoot people and loud music, it’s this one. A Charleston summer isn’t complete without a visit to this beach bar, sipping on their signature Samurai Sling cocktail (a refreshing mixture of sake and lemonade) while your sunburn sinks in. This spot may look divey, but looks can be deceiving. Their menu is an eclectic mix of international eats, from tacos to Vietnamese bun cha, all packed with flavor and will send you home smiling.
Bert’s Market
202 East Ashley Ave
This beach grocer’s motto is “We may doze, but we never close,” because they are open 24/7. Yes, even on major holidays. If the airport lost your luggage, you could go to Bert’s and get everything you needed for your trip, no exaggeration. Fuel your early-morning beach or surf day with their signature breakfast burrito, packed with eggs, potatoes, salsa, spinach and turkey bacon, wrapped in a jalapeño cheddar flour tortilla. For a mid-day pick-me-up, stop in for a 75-cent hot dog (Yeah, you read that right). After patronizing Folly’s bars, find a safe haven in their grill menu that has cheeseburgers, chicken wings, chicken tenders and jalapeño poppers to spice up your evening.
Jack of Cups Saloon
34 Center Street
When you’re strolling down the main drag of Folly, make sure to look up to find the Jack of Cups mannequin sitting on the rooftop of this one-of-a-kind eatery. This funky favorite draws inspiration from Asian and Indian cuisine for truly unique dishes, like their signature red curry mac and cheese that will have you questioning every prior preparation of the comfort food. The sweet and spicy Cap’n Crunch Deviled Eggs will surprise your taste buds in the best way, and the menu has vegan- and vegetarian-friendly items, so there truly is something for everyone.
Pineapple Hut
108 W Erie Ave
That pineapple dessert you had at a certain theme park in Orlando pales in comparison to Pineapple Hut. This dairy-free soft serve captures the flavor of the tropical treat in a perfectly balanced way; not too sweet, not too tangy. Enjoy the classic pineapple whip or double up the flavor by adding pineapple juice or chunks. To make all the other beachgoers jealous, order it in the extremely Instagrammable pineapple “bowl.”
Lost Dog
106 West Huron Ave
Lost Dog is the go-to, all-day breakfast spot on Folly, known for its laid-back and dog-friendly atmosphere. You can enjoy Southern favorites like shrimp and grits and biscuits and gravy, coupled with an order of French toast or pancakes for the table, of course. Take one of their freshly baked muffins to go and you’re ready for a full day of Folly fun.
Revelry Brewing
13B Center Street
The first location of Revelry Brewing is downtown, but it always had a beachy vibe to it, so it’s very fitting their second location would be tucked in an alleyway on Center Street. The Poke the Bear American Pale Ale and Never Sunny IPA are customer favorites, but they also have options for non-beer drinkers like housemade spiked seltzer and frozen cocktails. The food options come from the neighboring Bounty Bar and include classic bar food like wings, shrimp tacos and a smash burger.
Lowlife Bar
106 E Hudson Ave
Although this cocktail bar is right off the main drag, it has a “locals only” vibe to it. There’s nothing better after a long beach day than a frozen Erik Estrada, the bar’s take on a piña colada with allspice and clove for extra oomph. The Farmer Tan cocktail is a sweet-and-spicy option with a tequila base, chipotle, strawberry, pineapple and lime. The Mother’s cheeseburger is everything you’re looking for after the beach; the spicy ketchup and momma’s secret sauce are a truly magical combination. The Thai chile Brussels sprouts are also a sleeper hit on the menu; they don’t last long in front of a group of hungry beachgoers.
