Best Restaurants with Outdoor Seating in Mount Pleasant, SC 2022

Last Updated on April 7, 2023 by Dr. Shannon Barrett

 

Mount Pleasant is a city in Charleston that connects our iconic downtown area with two of our fantastic beaches, Sullivans Island and Isle of Palms. For visitors eager to reach the sandy shores of our islands, Mount Pleasant can get overlooked if you rushing from downtown to the islands. However, if you have a few days to spare while you are in town, there are some great restaurants to check out. Some visitors may choose to avoid the crowds of downtown Charleston altogether and and stay in Mount Pleasant while visiting the Lowcountry. If you do choose to stay in Mt. Pleasant, you are only a short drive from downtown Charleston and a it’s quick trip to our beaches. While you are here, stop in at a few of our favorite restaurants.

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What are our favorite restaurants in Mount Pleasant?

1. Crave kitchen and cocktails

 

Crave is a Mount Pleasant favorite that offers upscale casual dining and a wide selection of options. Their fried chicken is delicious and they are known for their bedazzled mac and cheese dishes. I love their mac and cheese with short ribs. Who wouldn’t? Their mac and cheese is so well loved, that they even have a food truck that serves them at local festivals. Crave has a great patio that gets quite busy on warm nights. They also offer a nice selection of cocktails plus wine and beer. They are located in the Seaside Farms plaza. There is ample parking and you can stroll along the shops located inside Seaside Farms after you finish your meal and a beverage. Their patio is dog friendly. 

Know Before You Go

Vibe: Upscale casual. Still laid back enough to not require a dress code. Have a full bar and dining room inside as well as a large patio outside.

Reservations: Recommended

Price: Dinner Entrees $20-$48

Outdoor Seating: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Address: 1968 Riviera Drive, Unit O, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

Phone: 843-884-1177

https://cravekitchenandcocktails.com/

2. Red Drum

 

 

 

Red Drum is one of our favorite restaurants in Mount Pleasant. We especially love their brunch on Sundays. Hands-down one of the best brunch places in the area. We’ve never had a bad meal and it is our go-to place to take friends or family visiting from out of town. We know we will always have a delicious meal and excellent service.  There are so many wonderful things on the menu that it’s hard to just pick one. However, the wood-grilled chicken breast is amazing. It sounds odd to recommend grilled chicken when the Charleston area is full of such delicious options but trust me – you will not be disappointed! Their flank steak is filled with flavor and you have the option of adding several different sides. If you are lucky enough to be there when the cinnamon-spiced donuts are on the menu, don’t hesitate in ordering them. They are served with a Dulce de Leche crema that you will dream about for years. If you can plan your trip around being there for brunch, do it! They offer peach bellini and mimosas to make sure your Sunday is nice and lazy. Their outdoor patio is wonderful but for those cold days, they do have a spacious indoor dining room and even a cozy fireplace. 

Know Before You Go

Vibe: Upscale casual. Professional waiters. Very lively, especially in the indoor dining room. Can get loud inside when busy due to tall ceilings. A smaller dining room by the fireplace tends to be quieter if looking for a more intimate setting. The patio is covered.

Reservations: Recommended

Price: Dinner Entrees $20-$48

Outdoor Seating: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Address: 803 Coleman Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

Phone: 843-849-0313

https://reddrumrestaurant.com/

3. Saltwater Cowboys

 

Saltwater Cowboys is located on Shem Creek. If you are looking for a water view and yummy food, Saltwater Cowboys is for you. Shem Creek is a great place to go for lunch or dinner. Shem Creek has several options for dining and drinks. We prefer this spot because their food is good so you are not just paying for the view but you’re paying for the quality of the food. Enjoy seating on their outdoor deck, while you watch the dolphins play in the creek. For picture perfect shots, there are often shrimp boats in the distance. Depending on the day, they do have live music on the deck. The BBQ sandwich is pretty tasty and their nachos are a feast for the eyes. On sunny days, make sure you come in an island state of mind because there will likely be a wait. However, if you’re going to have to wait for a table, at least you will have a great view. Relax, and enjoy the beautiful Inlet with a delicious fruity cocktail. You’re on vacation, after all.

Know Before You Go

Vibe: Casual island vibe. Large outdoor deck for seating. Can get very crowded on the weekends and happy hour times. They Do have 2 outdoor bars and live music a few days a week.

Reservations: Not accepted, do not take call ahead seating

Price: Dinner Entrees $11-$26

Outdoor Seating: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Address: 130 Mill Street, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

Phone: 843-856-0700

https://www.saltwater-cowboys.com/

4. The Pickled Palate

 

 

If you have ever wanted to eat lunch in a secret garden then the Pickled Palate is your happy place. Tucked away near Shem Creek in Mt Pleasant, this adorable restaurant is one of my favorite lunch spots. They offer true garden-to-plate sandwiches, salads, and other tasty delights. Everything is fresh and delicious. Enjoy fresh organic teas and coffees to compliment your meal. Or if you have time, grab a bottle of wine and take it to the beautiful garden. The Pickled Palate is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and is always dog friendly. It’s a great way for you and your furry travel companion to have lunch and plan your next travel adventure.

Know Before You Go

Vibe: Very casual vibe. The majority of seating is outdoor in the garden. The restaurant is very dog friendly.

Reservations: Not needed

Price: Dinner Entrees $8-$20

Outdoor Seating: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Address: 411 Hibben Street, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

Phone: 843-388-7813

https://www.thepickledpalate.com/

5. Burtons Grill

While Burtons Grill is a chain, it does not feel like a typical commercialized restaurant. They offer California cuisine and a wide selection of high-quality items. It is one of our go-to places whether for mid-week dining or if we have out of town guests. It is located in the Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. They have some delicious cocktails and a wide variety of wine selections. We’ve never had a bad meal here. When the weather is nice, they have a dog-friendly patio. I’m very fond of their burger with Parmesan fries while my husband loves their Mediterranean chicken risotto. They also make a pretty good steak which you would not expect from a restaurant that has such wide variety on the menu. Many locals do frequent Burtons Grill because they have a little bit of everything in a casual dining atmosphere. It’s a great place for both couples and families. If you’re someone that prefers to eat at the bar, their bar is very welcoming. You can enjoy the full menu while enjoying a glass of wine or a well-made cocktail. Its location in the Mount Pleasant Towne Centre makes it convenient to have a meal and stroll around the shops. There is also plenty of parking which is not always the case while visiting our lovely downtown.

Know Before You Go

Vibe: California Casual vibe. Will see a mix of customers wearing shorts and sundresses. Can eat the full menu in the bar if you prefer.

Reservations: Accepted but not required however there can be a wait on weekends

Price: Dinner Entrees $17-$40

Outdoor Seating: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Address: 1875 US-17, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

Phone: 843-606-2590

https://burtonsgrill.com/location/mt-pleasant-sc/

This is just a sampling of the many restaurants in Mount Pleasant. These are some of our favorites with outdoor seating. The farm to table model has thrived here in Mount Pleasant and allows us to enjoy the freshest ingredients with a southern flare. Mount Pleasant boasts an excellent food scene for hungry residents and visitors alike. We hope you find time to enjoy a delicious meal on one of our great patio’s. You may even make a new friend with a very fluffy tail!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is it hard to find parking in Mount Pleasant?

No, there are plenty of options to park in Mount Pleasant. All of the restaurants have parking lots associated with their restaurants and some offer valet depending on the restaurant.

Is there a variety of restaurant options in Mount Pleasant?

Yes, there are plenty of options for great food in Mt. Pleasant. Since so many Charlestonians live and work in Mt. Pleasant, there are casual dining and more upscale dining options. If you want a quick place to grab a sandwich, we have those too!

Where can you find fresh seafood in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina?

If you are looking for seafood and great dining experiences, head to Shem Creek. There are several waterfront restaurants off Coleman Blvd. Many of these offer local seafood such as shrimp and grits and Lowcountry cuisine.