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Teasers for the main course: 5 restaurants with unique appetizers in Pawleys Island

The name says it all. Appetizers are known to serve as a teaser for the main course at any restaurant, gently awakening the senses and preparing the palate for the upcoming meal.

They introduce the overall dining experience by giving guests a preview of the culinary style or theme of the restaurant. And everyone knows that a well-chosen appetizer can hint at the flavors and ingredients of the main course.

In many restaurants, appetizers help ease guests into conversation while they wait for the main course. Whether it’s tuna poke, cauliflower wings, or barbecue beef brisket nachos, appetizers encourage interaction and can be served in bite-sized portions, making them easy to share.

For chefs in the Pawleys Island area, appetizers are an opportunity to experiment with presentation, flavor, and technique in small portions. They can showcase innovation and creativity without the commitment of a full entrée.

Cauliflower wings bisqit-onlypawleys
Cauliflower wings with Buffalo sauce puts a new spin on chicken wings at bisQit. (Photo courtesy of bisQit)

Here are the five great bets for unique appetizers at local restaurants that are just minutes away on the mainland from historic Pawleys Island:

bisQit

Located in the Hammock Shops Village at 10880 Ocean Highway, unit 22, bisQit specializes in handcrafted burgers, signature sandwiches, creative cocktails, and creamy milkshakes. For the full menu click here.

Appetizers to try at bisQit include:

Garlic rosemary, chili queso or bacon, cheese and ranch

Buffalo, Hoisin red chili, garlic-parmesan, Nashville hot or barbecue

Bistro 217

Located at 10707 Ocean Highway, unit D, just north of the Downtown Pawleys shopping center, Bistro 217 strives to deliver a welcoming atmosphere, superior service and delicious, eclectic food. For the full menu click here.

Appetizers we recommend that you try at Bistro 217 include:

Pounded beef tenderloin, arugula, fennel, Parmesan Reggiano, fried artichokes, shallot, mustard vinaigrette

Served with candied jalapeno sauce

Baked brie bistro 217-onlypawleys
Baked brie served with Jezebel sauce, roasted mushrooms and housemade grilled bread is a popular appetizer at Bistro 217. (Photo courtesy of Bistro 217)

Served with Jezebel sauce, roasted mushrooms, housemade grilled bread

Roasted tomato, basil pesto, balsamic reduction with grilled bread

Frank’s and Frank’s Outback

Frank’s and Frank’s Outback are both located at 10434 Ocean Highway, just off the North Causeway to Pawleys Island. With high style and a bustling bistro atmosphere, Frank’s and Frank’s Outback have set the standard to which other restaurants aspire. For the full menu click here.

Appetizers we recommend while dining at Frank’s:

Served with bacon, corn, black bean Lowcountry caviar and pomegranate reduction

Sauteed lump crsb cakes franks-onlypawleys
Frank’s and Frank’s Outback offer crab cakes in a whole new way. (Photo courtesy of Frank’s)

Marinated in soy, sesame, and sriracha and served with wonton chips

Served with country ham, bacon, collard greens, black-eyed peas, cabbage and honey mustard dipping sauce

Served with bacon and jalapeño and topped with crispy prosciutto

Local Eat Drink Celebrate

Positioned in the center of the Hammock Shops Village, at 10880 Ocean Highway, unit 21, Local Eat Drink Celebrate embraces its vision of using locally sourced food and ingredients. For the full menu click here.

Local-iced apps for your pleasure here include:

A bioled Southern favorite, Local makes its version with Parmigiano Reddiano and roasted garlic broth

Flash fried with choices of salt ‘n’ malt, barbecue dust or Old Bay

Creamed cornbread batter, pickled jalapenos and cheddar cheese with Crystal honey butter

Sweet potato hummus local-onlypawleys
Sweet potato hummus is an interesting taste combination at Local Eat Drink Celebrate. (Photo courtesy of Eat Drink Celebrate)

House-made, served with pickled vegetables and crudites

Rustic Table

Located at 10683 Ocean Highway, unit A, in the Downtown Pawleys shopping center, Rustic Table is known for upscale Southern food made from scratch. And it’s a sister restaurant to Bistro 217. For the full menu click here.

To get things started at Rustic Table, we recommend these appetizers:

Brisket, pepper jack, pickled jalapenos, corn salsa, avocado & jalapeno sour cream

Angry gator bites rustic table 1-onlypawleys
Angry gator bites are a tasty treat at Rustic Table. (Photo courtesy of Rustic Table)

Served with lemon aioli & pepper jelly

Served with tortilla strips

Compiled by Clayton Stairs / tourism manager for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce