2 Pawleys Island “sister” restaurants are culinary gems on the Hammock Coast

Two of the most popular and beloved restaurants in Pawleys Island — Bistro 217 and Rustic Table — are sister restaurants.

Both located in the Downtown Pawleys shopping center, just north of the North Causeway to the island on U.S. Highway 17, these two restaurants are co-owned by Anne Hardee and award-winning Chef Adam Kirby.

“Both restaurants have a loyal following year-round,” Hardee said, “and we appreciate the continued support of this incredible community.”

So, what makes these sister restaurants so special? We have boiled it down to just five reasons: experience, atmosphere, cuisine, private events, and service.

Experience

Hardee and her late husband, Russell, opened Bistro 217 in 2004 after already operating Island Café and Deli where Rustic Table is today. Hardee says she gave the new business its unusual name because it was their second restaurant and because it’s located on U.S. 17, the main north/south thoroughfare skirting the Hammock Coast. After her husband passed away, Hardee partnered with Kirby to operate Bistro 217 and closed Island Café and Deli.

Then the two also opened Rustic Table at the the former café location in 2015. Anne has more than 20 years’ restaurant ownership experience, and she “wanted to create a unique, eclectic atmosphere.” She said it’s nice to see plans work out so well.

“After his intense culinary training, Kirby spent several years travelling the country while working for several renowned restaurants including Stars in San Francisco, California, Spice Canoe and the Terrace Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Gasthaus Restaurant at the Widmer Brewery in Portland, Oregon,” Hardee said.

Having Kirby overseeing the kitchens at both Rustic Table and Bistro 217 in Pawleys Island is a crowning achievement for the culinary scene on the Hammock Coast.

Atmosphere

Entering Bistro 217 from the picturesque courtyard, customers see wrought iron tables ringed by painted brick walls and sheltered by sturdy reinforced canvas overlaid with shiplap.

“The space can be enclosed and climate controlled or opened to allow balmy beach breezes,” Hardee said. “Air plants and succulents add to the inviting atmosphere and diffused natural light provides a Zen-like aura.”

Inside Bistro 217 are banquettes and booths, a well-defined bar area and small nooks for business meals or “pleasurable privacy.” Bistro 217 continues to strive to deliver a great atmosphere, superior service and delicious, eclectic food.

Rustic Table brings you upscale Southern food done right, and from scratch. Offering a family-friendly environment and full bar.

“The inviting alfresco atmosphere at Bistro 217 brings in diffused natural light which adds to the energetic vibe,” Hardee said. “Rustic Table has an atmosphere that lures you in, featuring an inside bar, outdoor covered patio and two dining room options.” 

Cuisine

Chef Kirby, officially named by the governor as a South Carolina Chef Ambassador, has successfully taken his culinary influences and created diverse Southern menus.

“Growing up in Atlanta, I had the benefit of learning from two fantastic Southern cooks at a young age, my mother and grandmother,” Kirby said.

Kirby later moved from Atlanta to Hawaii, where he fell in love with the cuisine on the islands and decided to pursue a career that mirrored his passion for cooking. Adam then moved to Portland, Oregon, and graduated from Le Cordon Bleu of the Western Culinary Institute.

Today, Chef Kirby’s menu at Bistro 217 and Rustic Table exemplifies his culinary talents and wide-ranging influences. His style of cuisine is described as Southern and Pacific Rim by some and described as delicious by all. Chef Kirby has been with the restaurant since it opened in 2004, and the menu has expanded quite a bit over the years.

The menus feature fish tacos, the Pawleys Island Sandwich, the Bistro Burger, grilled filet with shrimp, whole fried crispy fish, and herb-encrusted grouper.

“I love to create new, exciting and flavorful dishes. I will often have nightly specials and I will sometimes incorporate them into the menu permanently,” Kirby said. “I want to present a menu that has something for everyone.”

In addition, Chef Kirby prides himself on utilizing consistently fresh ingredients and not cutting any corners. At Bistro 217 and Rustic Table, even the ice cream is homemade.

Private events

Both Bistro 217 and Rustic Table offer separate areas for private events. From business lunches to small receptions, both restaurants can accommodate any modest gathering.

“Bistro 217 offers a newly renovated courtyard bar where locals and vacationers gather for libations and a chat with one of the well-known bartenders,” Hardee said. “The back room of Rustic Table overlooks the pond and can accommodate smaller to larger gatherings up to 35 guests.”

Service

The professional waitstaff at Bistro 217 and Rustic Table strive to offer excellent service. The staff is knowledgeable and well-trained to add to the exquisite experience.

“We are a family, and the work environment shows it,” Hardee said. “Some of our employees have been with us for 20 years, and all I can say is that is just priceless.”

Bistro 217 is open Monday through Thursday, with lunch served from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 9 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday with lunch served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 9:30 p.m. It is located at 10707 Ocean Highway. For reservations or more information, call 843-235-8217, or click here.

Rustic Table is open for lunch from Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; dinner Tuesday to Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m.; and brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is located at 10683 Ocean Highway. For more information, call 843-314-0164, or click here.

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