by Becky Billingsley
A happening little haven called Island Bar & Grill is tucked back in the Village Shops in the heart of Pawleys Island, where people of all ages gather for fine food, dancing, socializing and fun special events.
Anthony Caywood is the friendly and efficient owner of this casual establishment where he has created three areas of enjoyment. Inside are two levels: a downstairs dining room with a large bar, and an upstairs sports bar with dozens of televisions, jukebox, pool, darts other games. Both areas have a friendly ambiance and attractive decor where groups men or women wanting to catch the latest scores feel safe and comfortable.
Outside is a cozy deck with a bandstand at the far end and more televisions, including a big screen. There’s always room cleared out for dancing to classic rock, beach music, jazz and more. Many couples of the Baby Boomer generation fill that dance floor, and on Tuesday nights when the house band the Fourclosures performs, it’s like a big house party.
Of course no party is a success without good food, and Island Bar & Grill fills that niche with ease. Caywood created a menu full of moderately priced dishes designed to please many tastes while reflecting regional coastal Carolina cuisine.
Grouper Bites can be blackened, fried or grilled, and they come with a choice of Cajun remoulade, tartar sauce or cocktail sauce. Tip: Try them blackened with the remoulade, and enjoy them with a cold beer.
Other popular finger foods include Shrimp Jammers stuffed with cheese and jalapenos; Shrimp Skewers; Caribbean Spring Rolls; and Pan-seared Tuna that’s crusted with sesame seeds and served with wasabi and an excellent light ginger dipping sauce.
Wings are a hot item, and Island Bar offers 21 flavors including Hot ‘n’ Tangy, Cheesy Teriyaki, Parmesan Garlic, Honey Jerk and Spicy Honey Mustard. For those who enjoy sharing dips there are house-made Chili con Queso; Pimento Cheese; Island Dip with salsa, sour cream and cheeses; and Spinach and Artichoke.
Want soup? Try the chili. In a sandwich mood? They have Wraps (try the Ooie Gooie with grilled chicken and Mexican ingredients); Subs including Oyster or Shrimp Po’ Boy, Grouper and French Dip; and sandwiches that can feature a burger or grilled chicken like the Hang Ten with grilled onions and peppers, Cajun Bleu or Caribbean Jerk. Mini beef or chicken sliders are also available.
Quesadillas are a locals’ favorite, which is not surprising with choices such as Rogman with blackened chicken, cheese, grilled onions, bell peppers and banana peppers; or the Rodeoadilla with barbecued chicken, fried onions, tomatoes and cheese.
That leaves entrees, and eight carefully crafted selections include Twisted Mac Pasta with grilled chicken, bell pepper and cheeses served over penne pasta with Alfredo sauce that contains a modest kick of Buffalo wing sauce; Woody’s Spinach Pasta; Bacon-wrapped Filet Mignon; Grouper Fingers; Fried Seafood Platter; and Chicken or Steak Fajitas.
At 4 p.m. Sundays there are special $7.95 meals for football fans. Wings are included every week, but the entrees change and reflect cuisine from the teams’ home towns, such as Jambalaya when the New Orleans Saints play, or Sausage and Peppers for New York Jets fans.
Other events include trivia on Monday nights (with prizes!) and karaoke. Regulars know to pick up a printed monthly events calendar, or check IslandBarandGrill.com for up-to-date information.
Island Bar & Grill is at 10744 Ocean Highway in the Pawleys Island Village Shops, and the phone number is (843) 235-3399. It’s open daily starting at 11 a.m., and lunches can be delivered from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.