There aren’t many things more authentically Pawleys Island than enjoying a plate of shell fish or a Lowcountry Boil in a casual, laid-back shack. And Pawleys Raw Bar is one such place where that kind of experience can be had.
Whether raw, boiled, fried, grilled, or seared, the focus of the menu here is fish. There are a few exceptions to that rule – wings, burgers – but you don’t go to the movie theater to play football, or something. The raw selection here includes Oysters (Blue Point and Apalachicola), Little Neck Clams, Mussels, Shrimp, Crab Legs, and Blue Crab, each available in at least two different sizes.
For appetizers, choose from things delicious small plates like Blue Crab Dip, Bangin Shrimp, Oyster Rockefeller, or even some Wings. Several sandwiches are also available, including a couple of Po’ Boys (Fried Creek Shrimp, Fried Oyster), Crab Cake Sandwich, Soft Shell Crab Sandwich, and a Burger. For those in the mood for a hearty meal, try the Lowcountry Boil, a slightly-enhanced version of the traditional stew, with shrimp, mussels, clams, oysters, crab legs, corn on the cob, sausage, and potatoes in a bay seasoning broth.
And in addition to a fresh Catch of the Day, Specialties include Fried Seafood Platters (Creek Shrimp, Oyster, Flounder, or all three), Blackened Fish Tacos (flounder, cilantro aioli, pico de gallo, lettuce, sides of black beans and rice), Mango Ginger Tuna, and Shrimp and Grits (smoked sausage, garlic cream sauce).
This is a place to go to relax, focus on the food, and have a good time – much like the area itself.
It’s also something of a local’s hangout, but that shouldn’t stop you from pulling up a chair at the bar and joining in on whatever conversation happens to be taking place. With sports usually showing on the televisions, the talk might be about the game, or maybe, if you’re lucky, you’ll find some regulars discussing what’s biting out in the ocean or in the inlet. And if you haven’t ordered yet, be sure to ask their opinions first. Dress code is arrogantly shabby, without the arrogance.
