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Hooray for Hollywood Dining: Five Restaurants Worth a Stop
Libby Wiersema
Libby Wiersema lived in California and Alabama before settling in South Carolina 38 years ago,
where she's covered the state's best culinary offerings and tells the stories behind the food.
Travelers tooling down SC Highway 162 through the rural crossroads village of Hollywood aren’t looking for glamour and bright lights. They are likely on their way to the shores of Edisto Island to enjoy the serenity of the beach and the pleasures of dining on fresh SC seafood.
While the “We’re the Real Hollywood” signs will certainly evoke a good-natured chuckle from passersby, when it comes to good eats, this tiny Tinseltown namesake is no laughing matter. If you find yourself hungry and within the vicinity—or if you just want to sample some starring dishes—make a pit stop at one of these locally famous restaurants.
Fillin' Station Diner
The family-owned and -operated Hollywood tradition called the Fillin' Station Diner has been serving award-winning burgers, hot dogs, blue-plate specials and more since 2013. An appreciative fan base fills the tables daily for their fill of made-from-scratch meals for lunch and dinner like country-fried steak with gravy and meatloaf that’s moist enough to rival Mama’s.
Hollywood Pizza
There is magic issuing from the ovens of Hollywood Pizza in the form of New York-style pies with spot-on thin crust with puffed edges, a tasty blend of cheeses, piquant, house-made tomato sauce and a great selection of toppings, generously applied. (Calabrian peppers, anyone?) While there’s no dining room, in the back of this plain, cinderblock building you’ll find a garden from which greens and other ingredients are sourced as well as a decorative little patio with picnic tables for fun al fresco dining.
Pane e Vino
Before opening its doors in Hollywood, Pane e Vino enjoyed a long run in downtown Charleston. Now, its legion of fans gladly traverses the extra 21 miles to get their pasta fix inside a cozy, renovated fire station. Chef Alfredo Temelini has continued his tradition of serving fine Italian cuisine without missing a beat. The restaurant kicks back on Tuesdays for brick oven pizza and salads only, then reverts to a full-menu, white-tablecloth operation the rest of the week. Reservations are strongly suggested, as is the tiramisu.
Venture just a little farther to check out two more restaurants worthy of applause:
Roxbury Mercantile, Meggett
Just a short drive from Hollywood along SC 174 toward Edisto, you’ll find this historic dining gem that most recently housed Captain Jimmy Bell’s seafood cafe. Renovated and named for the general store that burned down after serving the area for six decades, Roxbury Mercantile is infused with Southern charm and a Lowcountry menu worthy of a place in local culinary lore. The outdoor areas are designed for socializing, with a fire pit, joggling boards and rockers on the homey front porch, a small stage for live entertainment, and a prettily landscaped patio with plenty of tables for diners.
Edingsville Grocery, Edisto
Go a few miles farther on SC 174 and pull off at Edingsville Grocery. Super fresh seafood is the specialty of the house, courtesy of brothers Russell and Robert Hughs who hail from Conway. They fired up this restaurant in 2021, blending a coastal vibe with homey touches like antiques, framed family pics and a fireplace for chilly nights. Chef Robert heads the kitchen where local catch is transformed into shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, crab cakes and more. Barbecue plates can be completed with regional favorites like homemade hash and rice, butter beans and Adluh grits.
Libby Wiersema lived in California and Alabama before settling in South Carolina 38 years ago,
where she's covered the state's best culinary offerings and tells the stories behind the food.