5 Reasons Local Eat Drink Celebrate Is A Favorite Restaurant In Pawleys Island

5 Reasons Local Eat Drink Celebrate is a favorite restaurant in Pawleys Island

Local Eat Drink Celebrate, located in the heart of the Hammock Shops Village in Pawleys Island, is one of the most popular restaurants in the area.

The restaurant provides a hint of the feeling that Pawleys Island gives first-time visitors: welcome smiles, the embrace of community, and feelings of being home.

Local front reduced-onlypawleys — Local is located in the heart of Hammock Shops Village in Pawleys Island. (Photo by Clayton Stairs/Georgetown County Chamber)

John Dabrowski, owner of Local, summed it up this way: “As we like to say, ‘Local – it’s more than where you live, it’s how we make you feel.’”

Longtime customer Aaron Ledford agrees, saying that she and her husband, Joseph, have been customers of the restaurant since it opened, and they eat and hang out there once or twice each week. They have also attended many events at Local.

“Local Eat Drink Celebrate lives up to its name on all counts and helps you, whatever the occasion, feel special and unique,” she said.

So, what makes Local Eat Drink Celebrate extra special? We have chopped it down to five reasons: community vision, atmosphere, cuisine and drinks, events, and service.

Local side reduced-onlypawleys — From this angle, the large event space upstairs can be seen. (Photo by Clayton Stairs/Georgetown County Chamber)

Community Vision

Local embraces the vision of its two owners, Dabrowski and Keith Estabrook. The vision is to use locally sourced food and ingredients on both the menu and behind the bar, working with regional artists and vendors, and supporting charities and events within the community.

“We love working with local vendors, so you can enjoy one of the 19 South Carolina beers we have on tap, some fresh baked bread from Benjamin’s Bakery (baked with spent grain from New South Brewing), as well as Benjamin’s Bakery coffee that we grind fresh in house,” Dabrowski said.

Ledford said that Local certainly has shown its community vision through the years.

“They are a pillar of the community when thinking about service and donations to special charities, including the Georgetown County Sheriff’s re-entry program, the Children’s Recovery Center, Baskerville Food Bank, and more,” Ledford said.

Local inside dining-onlypawleys — Local hosts many community events. Trivia Nights are just one of the regular events that make Local a special place in Pawleys Island. (Photo courtesy of Local)

Atmosphere

Local prides itself on providing guests with a welcoming, friendly atmosphere.

“Our regular following have become like family to us, and we love to be part of their birthday celebrations and holidays,” Dabrowski said. “Come enjoy some great food and cocktails in a beautiful, historic building.”

Ledford said that Local has been a spot that has championed everyone being safe, healthy, and respectful of each other.

“Everyone is always welcome at Local with the Golden-Rule attitude: Treat others as you would wish to be treated,” she said.

Local glazed grilled pork chop with mashed sweet potatoes and braised collard greens-onlypawleys — This glazed, grilled pork chop with mashed sweet potatoes and braised collard greens is a favorite at Local. (Photo courtesy of Local)

Cuisine and Drinks

The restaurant’s family-friendly dining room, with a view of the playground and shopping within the historic Hammock Shops, offers an eclectic menu, inspired by some of Chef Keith’s grandmother’s recipes and his own experiences cooking along the East Coast. The menu has vegan and vegetarian options, gluten-free choices, and it’s definitely a meat-lovers dream, too. All meals pair well with one of the 19 local beers on tap, or a signature cocktail or mimosa.

“Our food is high quality with fresh ingredients and everything is made from scratch, including getting local shrimp in daily that we peel ourselves,” Dabrowski said. “It’s a labor of love and I think guests can taste that in our food.”

He said their biggest seller may be the hot chicken sandwich.

“It is two chicken breasts we brine in beer, then fry and serve on a Benjamin’s Bakery spent grain bun with crisp pickles and topped with our famous peri-peri host sauce,” he said. “Follow that with our coconut-fat washed espresso martini and you’re having a great day.”

Enjoy one of the 19 local drafts in the tap room or a signature Tito’s craft cocktail on tap, while surrounded by some Lowcountry history.

Local mixed greens with fried goat cheese-onlypawleys — Mixed greens tossed in a lemon poppy seed vinaigrette, with dried fruit, red onion, heirloom grape tomatoes, spiced candied pecans and fried goat cheese medallion. (Photo courtesy of Local)

“The centuries old brickwork and wooden beams are a perfect accompaniment to our Southern-inspired menu,” Dabrowski said. “Whether you’re looking for somewhere cozy for date night or to escape the kids for a few hours for happy hour, this is this place to be.”

Ledford said the cuisine on the menu and drinks are all delicious at Local.

“I always enjoy finding out what the specials of the day are, as John and his kitchen staff really know how to put up some outstanding cuisine,” Ledford said. “The beer and specialty cocktail menu is extensive and the bartenders are always friendly and exceptionally good at suggestions if you need a little help making up your mind.”

Events

There is also a beautiful private event space upstairs with a view of the live oaks and Hammock Shops. It is a perfect location to host rehearsal dinners, intimate weddings, bridal and baby showers, birthdays and business events.

“We have sample menus available to peruse or, if you prefer, we could set up a personalized menu or buffet for your event,” Dabrowski said.

In addition to providing a welcome environment to the guests and employees, Local hosts fun and unique events – from trivia nights and drag shows to jazz evenings and blues brunches.

Local poached faroe island salmon wrap-onlypawleys — The poached Faroe Island salmon wrap features squash, zucchini, eggplant, lettuce, carrots, asparagus, olive oil and balsamic reduction. (Photo courtesy of Local)

“We have something for everyone,” Dabrowski said. “With many of our events, we pair with a local non-profit to raise money and awareness.”

Nonprofits include SOS Cares, South Strand Pride, Helping Hands and Pawleys Island PFlag.

“I think people want to help their community when they can, and we provide a space to do so,” Dabrowski said.

Ledford said she and her husband have attended many events at Local.

“We have attended their New Year’s parties, special wine-tasting dinner events, birthday parties, trivia nights, St Patrick’s Day events, South Strand Pride Galas, Drag shows, Charity fundraisers, live jazz brunches, Celebration of new Citizenship, Valentine’s Day brunch, weddings, Halloween parties, and celebrations of life,” she said.

Service

The professional waitstaff at Local strive to make customers feel at home. The staff is well trained to add to the Local experience.

The restaurant opened in August 2020, an obviously tumultuous time during the Covid pandemic. Dabrowski says it is thanks to the restaurant’s amazing employees and phenomenal guests that they have made it five years.

“Our goal is to add kindness, inclusivity and love to the community,” he said, “all while feeding everyone really good food and cocktails.”

Local Eat Drink Celebrate is located at 10880 Ocean Highway in Pawleys Island in the Hammock Shops Village. It is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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