Charleston’s vibrant food scene is having a rippling effect on quieter, smaller nearby towns. Heading north on U.S. 17 for about 60 miles to Winyah Bay, you will discover one such gem: Georgetown. South Carolina’s third-oldest city and second-largest seaport sits at the confluence of the Great Pee Dee, Waccamaw, Sampit, and Black Rivers. Georgetown is poised to add “dining destination” to its list of titles.
Stop in Historic Georgetown, where Southern time meets maritime. Walk along streets lined with ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss and discover this charming town, founded in 1729. It’s South Carolina’s third oldest city, following Charleston and Beaufort.
Today, I’ll feature one of my top picks for dinner in this seaside town.
Between the Antlers is an exciting restaurant located between the steel mill and Front Street, on a bluff called Vinegar Hill on the Sampit River, in the heart of Georgetown, with a damn good view and some of the best food this side of the Mississippi.
James Dickey, “A Starry Place Between the Antlers”
James Dickey, an American poet and novelist, is perhaps best known for Deliverance, his novel about four suburban men struggling to survive a canoe trip gone awry. He is also well known for The Starry Place Between the Antlers: Why I Live in South Carolina.
George Washington drank rum here in 1791 when it was a federal wharf. You have to experience it to understand why this is one of the greatest places along the edge of Carolina. But, shhh, please don’t tell anyone.
What a great place for an ice-cold beer and a few Wild Santee Perlau Fritters. There’s so much more. Try their Unda Da’ Sea Fish Sandwich, Debordieu Shrimp Salad, and Illegal Hushpuppies.
Pictured below: Crispy Snowy Grouper Fish Tacos with lettuce, pico, and a black truffle sriracha aioli.
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