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Sand, Surf, Suds: SC’s Waterfront Bars

Bob Gillespie Bob Gillespie
Bob is a former sports writer at Columbia’s The State newspaper. He enjoys golf at South Carolina’s 350-plus courses, and after a round, sampling craft beers from the Palmetto State’s breweries.
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With 187 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and an array of coursing creeks, rambling rivers and lovely lakes, it only makes sense that South Carolina would have a vast selection of waterfront bars and eateries.

But for beach lovers and bar-goers "of a certain age," there is one that stands out: The Windjammer.

Founded by brothers Malcolm and James Burgis - originally known as the SufDeck and later The Sea Side before closing in 1969, the brothers reopened in 1972 to stay. This Isle of Palms oceanfront bar has everything you'd expect of a decades-old beach institution, from its wood-framed, two-story structure with a broad porch overlooking the ocean and dunes, to its outdoor sand volleyball pits, cold beers and live music.

Darius Rucker, native South Carolinian, country music superstar and lead singer for SC's own Hootie & The Blowfish, says he's performed on The Windjammer's stage "200 or 300 times," and still returns to sing at charity events.

But even on a slow summer afternoon, without the bands and the crowds, The Windjammer is the perfect place to sit, sip, unwind and soak up the sun as the surf crashes nearby. If you're looking for one of Charleston's favorite pastimes, look no further.

In fact, though, you should look further, because South Carolina has plenty of other welcoming waterfront establishments. Here's a list; come sit, sip and enjoy.

Pick your view, sit, sip and enjoy!

 

Charleston Area

People sitting on deck overlooking Folly Beach.
Drinks are served oceanfront at BLU in Folly Beach.
People sitting at cafe tables along Beaufort waterfront.
Beaufort's waterfront is lined with bars and cafes.

Edisto Beach

People sitting at tables on the water at the Pressley's dock.
Live music, cold drinks and water views are served up on the dock at Pressley's.

Grand Strand

Tiki bar signs on MarshWalk at Wahoo's in Murrells Inlet.
The Tiki Bar at Wahoo's on the MarshWalk is a hotspot for cold drinks and live music.

Little River

Crab Catchers, 4474 Water Front Ave.
Water view: Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway

Patio's Tiki Bar & Grill, 4495 Mineola Ave.
Water view: Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway

North Myrtle Beach

Capt’n Dilligaf’s Tiki Bar at Filet's on the Water, 2120 Sea Mountain Hwy., # 1100
Water view: Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway

Captain Archie's, 2200 Little River Neck Road
Water views: Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway

Molly Darcy's, 1701 S. Ocean Blvd.
Water view: Atlantic Ocean

Myrtle Beach

Groupers at the Pier, 9700 Kings Road (Apache Family Campground)
Water view: Atlantic Ocean

Ocean Annie's, 9550 Shore Drive
Water view: Atlantic Ocean

Riptydz Oceanfront Grill & Rooftop Bar, 1210 N. Ocean Blvd.
Water view: Atlantic Ocean

Surfside/Garden City

Gulf Stream Café, 1536 S. Waccamaw Drive, Garden City
Water view: Atlantic Ocean and Murrells Inlet

Scotty's Beach Bar, 111 S. Seaside Drive, Surfside
Water view: Atlantic Ocean

Murrells Inlet

Bubba's Love Shack, 4037 Highway 17, Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
Water view: Saltwater marsh

Dead Dog Saloon, 4079 Highway 17, Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
Water view: Saltwater marsh

Tiki Bar at Wahoo's, 3993 Highway 17, Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
Water view: Saltwater marsh

Georgetown

Big Tuna Raw Bar, 807 Front St.
Water view: Sampit River

Buzz's Roost, 911 Front St.
Water view: Sampit River

 

Hilton Head Island   

People sit at tables while band plays on the beach at Hilton Head.
Get into the island groove at the beachfront Tiki Bar on Hilton Head.
Located in the Vista district of downtown Columbia, Liberty offers 72 craft beers on tap and a delicious selection of signature steaks and house favorites.

Liberty Tap Room & Grill, 1602 Marina Road, Suite D; Irmo
Water view: Lake Murray

Catfish Johnny's at the Rusty Anchor, 1925 Johnson Marina Road, Chapin
Water view: Lake Murray

 

Clemson Area

Cabana Lake Keowee at the Lighthouse Restaurant, 1285 Doug Hollow Road, Seneca
Water view: Lake Keowee

Grill at Clemson Marina, 150 Seneca Marina Drive, Seneca
Water view: Lake Hartwell

Local Pub & Eatery, 1500 Providence Church Road, Anderson
Water view: Lake Hartwell

 

Santee Area

The Lakehouse, 5321 Dingle Pond Road, Summerton
Water view: Lake Marion

Watermark Bar & Grill, 1033 Black Oak Road, Bonneau Beach
Water view: Lake Moultrie

Bob Gillespie
Bob is a former sports writer at Columbia’s The State newspaper. He enjoys golf at South Carolina’s 350-plus courses, and after a round, sampling craft beers from the Palmetto State’s breweries.