Folly Beach has a well cultivated food and beverage scene that includes live music all over the island. We are beginning a series that will include the following:
Best Jazz Venues and Festivals
Where Do the Locals Go?
Best Happy Hours on the Island
Best Dance Venues
Late Night Eats, Drinks and Dance
Shaggin’ Rights on the Island
Folly’s Favorite Local Bands
Todays post will offer a brief description of all the music venues found on Folly Beach. If you’re looking for something right on the water, or if youre seeking something off of the beaten path, Folly Beach has something special just for you. Check out these local restaurants and bars, and plan to visit them during your next visit or night out on the town.
Blu Restaurant and Bar
Located right on the beach, Blu Restaurant and Bar offers great food and live music throughout the year. You know the party has just begun when beach-goers take over the outside deck behind the Tides Hotel during the summer. An outside bar is available to enjoy cocktails on the deck while enjoying some tunes from a visiting band, and there is plenty of seating to enjoy dinner inside the restaurant or outside on the patio. During the fall and winter months, you can find live music on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Drop In Deli with Sushi By Lisa
The Drop In Deli is located on Center Street and offers a range of delicious favorites, such as fish tacos, sandwiches and Sushi By Lisa. On Thursdays, you can find Stratton Lawrence playing a jam session with reggae beats and a twist.
Chico Feo
Love comedy, music and more? Chico Feo has something for every taste. Stop by on Wednesdays from 7-9pm for an open mic open to all types of entertainment. You never know what youre going to get, from magic to a quick jam session. The restaurants limited menu offers Curry Goat, Mahi/Smoked Pork/Pollo Tacos and Cuban Beans and Rice. Most importantly, they have $2 PBR’s along with a short list of other beer and wine to choose from.
St. James Gate and the Green Room
St James Gate sits on the right corner of Center Street just before you arrive at the Tides Hotel. This new Irish Pub offers music in the dining room as well as a hip new venue upstairs, The Green Room. Food includes burgers, seafood and signature Irish pub dishes such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, or corned beef and cabbage. The Green Room is quickly becoming one of the largest dance venues on Folly Beach, and bands are lining up to play at the new location. The honky-tonk vibe of the upstairs party-room is perfect for Rock-A-Billy, Country, Jam bands and anyone who feels like dancing.
The Surf Bar
This cool locale is found at 103 W Cooper Avenue. The Surf Bars menu incorporate most of the fun bar food you’ve come to recognize and love, with wings, burgers and philly cheese steak sandwiches topping the list. Live music may be found on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10-1am.
Loggerhead’s
Head over to West Ashley Avenue to Loggerheads for outdoor dining, dancing and plenty of drinks! Live music can be found daily throughout the year, and the restaurant offers a variety of bites for every taste. Appetizers, meat lover’s specials, seafood or fabulous salads are on the regular menu. Watch for special events throughout the year, as Loggerhead’s offers seasonal parties and supports local nonprofits, such as Pet Helpers.
Rita’s
Owned and operated by the same family that owns Halls Chophouse downtown, Rita’s is one of the most familiar places on the island. Located on the left corner of Center Street just before the Tides Hotel, it’s a great place to go for cocktails and stay within close walking distance of the beach. Music is often played on the deck by local bands during early evenings on the weekend.
Island Grill and Bar
The Grill and Island Bar is host to the Folly Beach Bluegrass Band every Thursday from 8-11pm.
The popular restaurant is one of the first stops during most festivals and used to be the where the Farmer’s Market was held on Wednesday’s. They are open for brunch, lunch and dinner daily. Lite Bites, Fritters, Salads, Burgers, Seafood (grilled or fried) and other dining choices are available.
Planet Follywood
Friday and Saturday nights at Planet Follywood are when live music may be found on the deck. Starting at 10pm, bands are found throughout the year entertaining visitors and locals alike as they nosh on delicious array of fried mushrooms and okra, quesadillas, salads, varietal baskets, burgers and more.
Folly Beach Crab Shack
The Crab Shack, located on Center Street, offers live local music playing most evenings. If youre interested in playing during Open Mic Night, head out on Mondays from 9 until closing. Special music is played on Saturdays and Sundays, with hot brunches being delivered straight from the kitchen. Regional favorites, such as Shrimp and Grits and She Crab Soup are served with a Crabby Mary that will knock your socks off. There is also a Raw Bar available for adventurous types.
The Sand Dollar
This “private club” has no kitchen, and its simplicity is part of its charm. Typically, motorcycles line up outside of its doors, but nearly everyone who is anyone visits the quaint little bar located on Center Street. Rock and roll is the flavor of most of the bands who stop by on the weekends, and membership is inexpensive. If you’re visiting for more than just one day, plan to add this one to your To Do List. It’s definitely an experience you won’t soon forget.
—————————————————–
This collection of music venues may be updated as changes occur on the island. Have you been to any of the above? Which ones have been your favorite, and who would you recommend to your friends? If you could pick just one venue, which one would it be? One thing is for certain. Folly Beach Rocks when it comes to live music and good food.
