While Daniel Island doesn't offer a ton of options when it comes to great restaurants, I would argue that The Islander is the best option on the island. I love the tropical, beachy vibe of the place and especially love the outdoor patio in the spring and summertime. The menu has a ton of options mostly centered around seafood, in addition to tacos and a large sushi section. One of the best deals are the $9 Baja Fish Tacos, which include two large flour tortillas that fill you up. The Island Pork Sliders for lunch are also fantastic, served on Hawaiian rolls with grilled pineapple and a sweet slaw. If it's your first time to Daniel Island, be sure and walk around the island's gorgeous walkways and parks. So many hidden spots worth exploring! Must-order items: Baja Fish Tacos Island Pork Sliders Island Burger w. Grilled Pineapple
(4)
Aimee L.
Ok let's break this down here 1)Decor- awesome. I love how it's set up and the interior looks beautiful. There is a very cute outdoor patio space. 2) Service- amazing! Our waitress was very attentive and my water glass was never empty. Very knowledgeable and was able to answer all of our questions concerning the menu 3) Food- meh. It was ok, a little over priced. I paid $10 for a kale salad with a few mandarin oranges and about 6 small pieces of avocado. It was decent enough. I paid an extra $4.99 to add jerk chicken to the salad. Not sure why it's jerk chicken not just grilled chicken. It was $10 to add salmon which is ridiculous and would give you a $20 salad. My husband and friend got the fried green tomato Benedict and the salmon Benedict. My husband thought the Benedict was good as did his friend but nothing memorable. I'm thinking that they are playing up the fact it's on Daniel island so they think they can charge more. Overall it was a pleasant experience but the food was not in line with the pricing. I don't mind paying more when the food is equal to the price but we paid $50 for a salad, eggs Benedict and a grilled cheese for our daughter.
(3)
Amy L.
The decor was pleasant and so was our staff, but overall the food was mostly just okay. It was good but not WOW. I think a lot of the reviews say the same thing- it's a very pleasant location and the food isn't bad but no one said a pep about it after we left. It was perfectly good... and forgettable. Some of the dishes our table tried were: the calamari appetizer, the mussels appetizer, the shrimp and grits, the salmon entree, the seafood pot pie, the conch chowder, and the steak tacos. Everyone liked their dish it seemed, but no one actually said much about them! If you're a vegetarian you have to mention it when you RSVP if you want them to put something together for you- menu options are limited. I managed to get vegetarian sushi on no notice but they seem to REALLY prefer you call ahead if you have any special needs. The staff do a great job so I almost feel bad for being hard on the food, but I just can't tell you to go out of your way for this place. If you're in the area it's a perfectly good choice though.
(3)
Dustin E.
This place is fantastic! The bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly! The shrimp and grits is my favorite! Followed by the steak tacos and Baja fish tacos. Everything here is made from scratch and all the seafood is FRESH! The jerk chicken sandwich is the best jerk chicken you will find. Chef John has a Well rounded menu here.
(5)
Deborah C.
I like this place. Really nice outdoor bar! She crab soup is really good! Every time I have eaten here the foods been great! The seafood pot pie is huge and loaded!
(4)
Michael B.
The Islander is a nice restaurant looks great. They have a very nice patio where the bar is located of which 1/2 is covered and heated during the winter. The bar also opens up into the dining room creating almost a garage door feel. It's the kind of place you want to bring your friends and have happy hour; problem is that there isn't really a happy hour for The Islander when it comes to prices. I think they have bottles of Corona for $3.00 as their happy hour special; but should be running specials on their limited draft selection. The service here is great and all the servers are on top of their game. I find it weird that the hostess sits at a table as you walk in the door rather standing at a hostess stand; it just looks and feels weird. The main problem I have with The Islander is the high prices and mediocre food; which is limited in selection. Yesterday I ordered the Grilled Mahi Taco with a side of fries; the tacos were cold and burnt while the fries were also cold and rubbery. I paid $8.99 for the tacos and the fries were another $4.99; for that they should have been perfect. It's such a shame that I have to give The Islander only 2 stars because it has so much potential. Makes me wish Queen Anne's pirate restaurant was still here.
(2)
Daryl C. A.
Wow!!! Our Server Melissa was amazing, friendly, and our food was awesome. Our drinks were filled before we knew they were getting low!!! And again.....the food was awesome!! Had the fish tacos, conch chowder soup, and oysters trio!! Mmmmmm The island theme and weather was beautiful........and within 30 yards of our hotel!!! Beautiful night at the Islander!!!
(5)
Adrienne L.
Cobb salad and soups are great! Better prices than I thought and the outdoor patio makes it a great getaway from work for the lunch hour. Their Deli sandwiches supposedly were so goo so my friend and I got the turkey one, it was okay but won't get again. Should have stuck with the Cobb which is amazing and huge!
(3)
Bill S.
Awesome!!!! Atmosphere, food quality, selection and service. Great place if your staying at the Hampton Inn or on DI. Atmosphere is all Low Country and the crowd is usually good.
(5)
Colleen J.
This place looks amazing. The indoor/outdoor bar is really cool and I just want to day drink and lounge there alllll dayyyy long.. but then I remember how hangovers feel and I suddenly have a change of heart. Again, the Islander looks awesome and the atmosphere is pretty neat. The prices and the food are another story. It's clear that this place caters to the hotel and convenience of BF right around the corner, because the prices are high and the food is mediocre and small in portions. My friend and tried their tacos and were not impressed. Bland, boring and not that great. I recommend it for a fun happy hour spot but nothing more.
(2)
Russell P.
Originally made reservations for a Monday Night, only to switch them to Sunday night to take advantage of the Sushi special advertised on their menu/website. Our disappointment began when we arrived and were promptly seated, then waited approx 7-10 minutes before water was brought to our table. Another few minutes brought our server, along with the news that they were no longer honoring the Sushi specials, and couldn't prepare the Mussel appetizer I was craving because they needed the mussels for that nights dinner special. REALLY? REALLY! Our party of 5 eventually settled on their choices, and most were disappointed with meals. Surprised to hear this place will be celebrating 1 year on Thursday. Not sure they will make it to year 2 if they can't get their act together!!!
(2)
Gloria K.
Went for drinks after dinner. The patio was infested with Mosquitos and the only area large enough for our group. The drink was mediocre and the atmosphere left something to be desired.
(2)
Chet R.
We were recommended by our hotel to come here for dinner. Everything was great. I had an Islander Burger, rare as ordered and with great hand cut fries. Wife had Shrimp & Grits dinner which was also exceptional with a touch of spice, a must try signature dish. The also have great beers on tap. Service was great. Wife & I will definitely return.
(5)
Tom G.
They had their soft opening last week and I'll update my review once they fully open and I've been back. I think they should've waited to open until they were really ready. First time (2nd night opened) they didn't have any beer on tap yet. We had the calamari appetizer and bottled Bud (first one since I was 17 years old). The portion size of the appetizer was really small and it was under-cooked. Second time we went, we thought we'd watch the Kentucky Derby and have a drink and something to eat at the outside bar area. They didn't have the TV working yet, so we left. Third time was somewhat better. We met some friends and had dinner and a couple beers. Beers were now on tap at this point and some ok choices. We had the fish tacos which were rather bland. I doubt it was fresh seafood; seemed frozen. Service was pretty good. The menu is way too seafood-ish. Yes, I know they are "The Islander", but not much really jumped off the menu and caught my eye and if you weren't into seafood, your choices were very limited. We'll try it again. Daniel Island is getting better with dining choices, but needs more. I hope they succeed.
(2)
Jay K.
I will give it 3 stars "A-OK", but this last visit was disappointing. I've been about 4 times. I live on Daniel Island, and don't think often to go here. I agree with most of the reviews - the place was well-designed. Love the atmosphere, inside and out. The staff has always been attentive. But the food has consistently been "Meh...." And you know what? In a town like Charleston, it's hard to compete. We are spoiled and have high expectations. :) But, the prices don't match the quality here. Yesterday, I only wanted a light lunch and ordered the Conch Chowder. The cup is $4.99 and bowl is $7.99. I splurged for the bowl (and hey, $8 is a hefty price for a bowl of soup). What I received was probably one of the smallest "bowls" of soup I've ever ordered at a restaurant. I bet if you took the cup they use for soup, and poured it into a bowl, the quantity would be dead-on the same. And this was nothing more than some vegetables in broth, with one or two tiny identifiable pieces of bacon. No conch. At the end of my meal, the waiter asked, "How was it?" I replied with a smile, "Meh..." We laughed and he said "I'll tell them in the back." He should have asked, "Why was it just meh?" I told my lunch companion I'd give them a signal that I wasn't very happy, and see if they inquire more...before going to the lengths of writing a review on Yelp! :) Well, they didn't. And here you have it folks. When you're a bit tired of Orlando's Honeycomb, Vespa or Ali Baba on Daniel Island, this isn't a bad place to go. But they either need to lower their prices (fat chance) or bring in a quality assurance expert for their food to step it up a notch.
(3)
Janice D.
We had one of the most inventive sushi plates ever at The Islander on Daniel Island. Excellent service, Gorgeous room. An undiscovered treasure. Strongly recommend!
(4)
t f.
Good not great. First the good. Fried local shrimp plate with fries. Delicious and generous. Kale salad with fried oysters. Great beachy modern atmosphere and outdoor area. Local oysters and solid understanding of Asian flavors. This should be my favorite neighborhood spot. Why isn't it? Overpriced drinks. Spotty service. Worst is a manager who doesn't know how to deal with issues when they come up. Like when, a raw burger was served. Came back over cooked. Ate alone since everyone was done by the time I switched to tacos. Nothing comped. Mild apology. Can go once and love. Go back and have same thing and meh....Too bad. I want to love it more.
(3)
Staci B.
I try really hard not to give negative reviews - I like to give places the benefit of the doubt that maybe my experience was a rarity when it's not a good one. Fortunately - that was probably the case in this instance. Went for lunch and ordered the Jerk Chicken Cobb Salad - in theory it sounded great. Delivery wasn't perfect. The avocado was not even close to ripe - in face it was hard as a rock. When you're cutting an avocado you know right away that it's not ripe - so why would you still serve that? The flavor of the chicken was ok. The bacon was more like little cubes of ham. Overall - I wasn't impressed with it. I'd go back and give it another shot. It's got a great atmosphere and outside area. Maybe it was just an off day.
(2)
Joe F.
Enjoyed a leisurely lunch on Black Friday-- Very Tasty Portobello Mushroom Burger done just right! Others had a generous Shrimp Po' Boy and a perfectly grilled Burger. Service was attentive and we were not rushed. Dining room was busy but quiet, so we could enjoy conversation. There is also a very nice Sports Bar with big screen HDTV's and a beautiful outdoor view. Rest room was spotless. It's location is a bit tricky-- not in downtown Daniel Island, but near the Hampton Inn. A little gem. Enjoy.
(4)
Robert R.
Massive improvement from Queen Ann's Revenge. Best place on the island for seafood, and a great place for sushi. My family and I have a wonderful time every time we come. The bartenders and the staff are always friendly and engaging while providing exemplary service.
(5)
Kevin G.
Ive heard about this place opening a month ago. It is a very cool relaxed place. The atmosphere is just very soothing. The staff was fantastic and attentitive. Great outdoor patio and music playing felt like you were on "an island" I had the ceviche sampler as an appetizer. I ordered the Pork Chop which came with the best sauteed kale and a grilled pineapple chutney and au gratin potatoes. My friend got the Flounder Filet... which basically was fish and chips but let me tell you.. it was the best fluffy flounder ever!! Melted in your mouth came with a jalapeno Tartar sauce. I enjoyed myself so much and will defintely be back. I highly recommend you go and check out this place.
(5)
Billy S.
Highs: friendly staff, plenty of parking, comfortable patio and bar, sushi, menu selection, food presentation. Lows: price, cold & uninviting atmosphere, not kid or family friendly, slow service, price, limited beer selection, no happy hour, no lunch hours, price, not dog friendly, no smoking area even on the patio, price. Overview: the Islander will soon need to go through major changes or it will most likely not be open much beyond 2014.
(2)
Dennis B.
I don't know why there are so many bad reviews. My experience was great. My server, Matthew, was very knowledgeable of the menu and made excellent suggestions. The she crab soup was a little the watery side. Good flavor but I prefer it on the thicker side. My server suggested the grouper and I am so glad I listened. The grouper was cooked to perfection and the sauce that accompanied it was a delicious key lime burre blance sauce.it was s very generous portion and left me stuffed. I just had to order the bread pudding, again at my server's recommendation. It was so good, but be warned it's not really in pudding form. It's more of a cake but delicious nonetheless. Would definitely return.
(4)
Jerry Z.
Wasn't even sure this place was officially open yet but drove by and saw a crowd so I stopped in. Much brighter and open than the previous restaurant in this spot and the outdoor bar and deck are just what the island needed. Bar service from Jamie and Jason was very friendly and attentive. They even gave me a Koozie for my beer. Had the stuffed shrimp appetizer which was delicious and a Jerk Chicken Cobb Salad which was also very tasty. The only critique I would give to both the appetizer and the salad is that they were heavy on the sauce/dressing. I would ask for lighter next time but this might just be my personal preference. Met the manager Eric who was accommodating in showing me the expansive event space and private dining room available. Will be back to try the sushi, raw bar and tacos! Good Luck, Islander. Welcome to DI.
(5)
Cassie C.
Truly enjoyed our dinner at the newly opened Islander on Daniel Island. Fantastic menu with a great variety of dishes. We got the BBQ horseradish oysters as an app, off the charts. I got the fish special, which was Wreckfish with mashed and slaw, it was cooked absolutely perfectly. Husband had seafood gumbo, also very tasty. Saw a few other dishes go by and they looked great. The sushi rolls were a work of art. I got the last glass of Chardonnay, but they will work out the kinks. Very friendly staff, great setting and just a golf cart ride away. Oh, and really fantastic artwork. Two thumbs up. Thanks Eric and team,
(4)
Karen O.
Pluses-the ease of getting a reservation last minute during Restaurant week with lots of parking. Varied menu at reasonable prices. Negatives- Brain dead servers offered to leave one empty plate for our mussel shells as 3 of us had mussels as a starter and when we happily agreed she cleared them all. Served my daughter's bowl of soup with no spoon with a very long wait to get one. We ordered spicy Thai shrimp as our entree. The noodles were mushy , the shrimp was overlooked and there was nothing remotely spicy about the dish. Key Lime pie was very nice but the wait was too long. the front of the house just seemed unorganized I would not recommend without major changes
(1)
Steven P.
Place is okay. I wouldn't recommend it. Food is average and lacking a little flavor. Sushi was pretty good and also the craft beer on tap. Other than that it was expensive and you don't get a lot to eat.
(2)
Walter H.
Sad, we live down street and was at this place 4 times previously at bar and enjoyed it but this Saturday night was AWFUL! Sat at 4 top out on patio and go there early on saturday at 545pm - took forever for server to get to us, longer to get drinks and were almost asleep before apps showed up. Complained nicely to server and asst manager and NOTHING. Then Gen Manager, Eric, came by and while seemed concerned.....again NOTHING! Didn't even offer a free drink for the apathetic service and food delays....awful. Not going back. The other alternatives on DI at this price point - Sermets. Wasabai and LIDI BLOW this place away. I will not be going back and sad for them - we live 1/2 mile away and go out a great deal weekly on the island to eat and drink. Save yourself the hassle and headache - go somewhere else or ONLY sit at the bar. The rest is simply not worth the waste of money and the frustration!
(1)
Danielle M V.
Went there with 3 other people for my birthday... The overall experience was very good. The painkiller drink was very good but I did not taste the nutmeg in it & my girlfriends came with a huge piece of pineapple & mine came with a tiny sliver . The sampler of baked oysters were very good-I however did not care for the BBQ one, no biggie. The sampler of the ceviche was nicely presented- my favorite was the mixture of scallops & shrimp but I could not taste any of the coconut in the tuna ceviche. The crab dip was tasty. The salmon entree was excellent ! I was told that the burgers were good and they definitely looked good. The pimento fried green tomatoes were yummy and the conch fritters we're nice but would have been better if they had a different sauce for dipping- I would have loved a tangy key lime sauce of some sorts . My friend really enjoyed their peanut butter chocolate pie- I was way too full to even go there! Lol ! ;-) Nice place, outdoor patio looks wonderful will definitely go back and try happy hour and maybe the mussels next time!
(4)
Tara B.
I have been to The Islander three or four times over the last few months and haven't really been impressed. The prices are high and the food is average. After suggesting a happy hour a few months ago via multiple suggestion cards in the check folder, they have yet to offer any drink or food specials after work. The service is good. The back room, where a large group of us were sent one afternoon is a little stuffy and doesn't really fit with the vibe of the front of the house. Of the local bars and restaurants on the island, I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here.
(3)
Dee S.
Stopped in for quick drinks & food at 9:30pm, walked from nearby Hampton Inn, oysters Rockefeller was best I've had, fun menu selection, great service, sat indoors next to outdoor bar area & was a bit chilly, but understandable with open bar area. Outdoor seating area looked inviting also. Will return to this classy spot!
(5)
Cathy J J.
I want this to be our goto neighborhood eatery as it is a short walk from my home? Food is fine but nothing has been outstanding or what would make us want to return. Dinners seem a bit pricey given the fact that this is DI and not downtown. Burgers are decent; tacos underwhelming; shrimp and grits nicely prepared. Nice spot for happy hour.
(4)
Drew F.
Solid. Visiting from New York City where we are accustomed to great food. The Service is 3.5 stars and the food is 4.5 stars. Food was AMAZING. The Chopped Cesar Salad and Shrimp and Grits were super tasty. And I looks like Charleston finally got a place to get great sushi. Atmosphere is 4 stars. Very laid back. Not a romantic or fancy place. Lots of kids, but if you want a great date night or a nicer place for the family this will be a great go-to place. The price point for the food is great. This is a great staple for food. We will DEFINITELY be back.
(4)
A P.
$240 for 6 people + $40 tip- you would thing the food would be outstanding. It was average at best. Our drinks ran out twice & we waited a while for refills. Was so excited to try this place but was very disappointed,
(2)
Morgan S.
I give The Islander a solid 3 1/2 stars. I'm going to break my review down to a couple of areas. Service: 5 stars. We sat at the outdoor bar, which is beautifully laid out, and received stellar service from Drew and Jamie. Very attentive without being obtrusive. Our drinks and food were always timely which was especially nice since we were there the second day they were open. You tend to get spotty service when restaurants are working out the kinks but definitely not here! Drinks: The beer menu was a bit lacking. I think there were 6 beers on tap although they were out of 2 of them. Seemed odd? Also, their bottle beer menu is light. They have Corona but no Corona Lite. I heard two different people question the bartender about that. We tried a Mai Tai and it was delicious. Food: The bread that is brought to you is insanely good. I'm not sure if it's the bread, or the butter or the combo but I couldn't stop eating it. We then got the crab dip which was good but not great. It needed more acid & salt. I had the Baja tacos & my husband got the shrimp & grits. Both were flavorful. The tacos were well priced at $8 which is very cheap for The Islander. I have to say I was surprised how expensive everything is. As a DI resident, I was hoping for something a bit more affordable. Even so, the shrimp & grits were $20 but very good. My husband thought as good as Red Drum but perhaps a step below SNOB's. We'd both get our entrees again. I will say that they ran out of things very quickly. We were there early (6ish) and they ran out of two appetizers and one entree during the hour we were at the bar. Maybe because it just opened and they didn't want to over stock? Hopefully that won't be the norm. Overall, a great experience and we'll be back! I think we'll always try and eat at the back patio because it was so well done. The inside decor was a bit sterile for my taste although I was happy to see any resemblance of QAR gone!
(4)
Sarah M.
Food was excellent. Ate inside but had a drink before dinner on the patio. Patio was very nice! Love the renovation inside and out.
(4)
Paula C.
Absolutely awful. We went there to try something different for Sunday Brunch. There were maybe 6 other people in the restaurant and we had to wait for close to 45 minutes for our food. The excuse was that they had the wrong temperature to poach eggs!? My husband had the pork belly benedict which was described as similar to bacon. However, the meat was a fat slab of nothing but pure fat. It was disgusting looking and nasty. Cannot believe they are part of the group that owns Virginia's on King which has always been excellent. Will not ever go back. They cannot stay open for long.
(1)
Henry A.
Very upscale decor, great service and very unique menu items. We had the Vietnamese bahn mi sandwiches and they we're great.
(4)
James T.
Yes, I realize this is a seafood restaurant but being a vegan, I made things difficult for them. However, they were more than willing to oblige me. The food was fresh and very tasty!! On the seafood side, I understand it's amazing as well, says the folks with me. The ambiance is awesome and I highly suggest you sit outside. Come on down!
(5)
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Address :160-B Fairchild St
Daniel Island, SC, 29492
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dessert Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Charlie P.
While Daniel Island doesn't offer a ton of options when it comes to great restaurants, I would argue that The Islander is the best option on the island. I love the tropical, beachy vibe of the place and especially love the outdoor patio in the spring and summertime. The menu has a ton of options mostly centered around seafood, in addition to tacos and a large sushi section. One of the best deals are the $9 Baja Fish Tacos, which include two large flour tortillas that fill you up. The Island Pork Sliders for lunch are also fantastic, served on Hawaiian rolls with grilled pineapple and a sweet slaw. If it's your first time to Daniel Island, be sure and walk around the island's gorgeous walkways and parks. So many hidden spots worth exploring! Must-order items: Baja Fish Tacos Island Pork Sliders Island Burger w. Grilled Pineapple
(4)Aimee L.
Ok let's break this down here 1)Decor- awesome. I love how it's set up and the interior looks beautiful. There is a very cute outdoor patio space. 2) Service- amazing! Our waitress was very attentive and my water glass was never empty. Very knowledgeable and was able to answer all of our questions concerning the menu 3) Food- meh. It was ok, a little over priced. I paid $10 for a kale salad with a few mandarin oranges and about 6 small pieces of avocado. It was decent enough. I paid an extra $4.99 to add jerk chicken to the salad. Not sure why it's jerk chicken not just grilled chicken. It was $10 to add salmon which is ridiculous and would give you a $20 salad. My husband and friend got the fried green tomato Benedict and the salmon Benedict. My husband thought the Benedict was good as did his friend but nothing memorable. I'm thinking that they are playing up the fact it's on Daniel island so they think they can charge more. Overall it was a pleasant experience but the food was not in line with the pricing. I don't mind paying more when the food is equal to the price but we paid $50 for a salad, eggs Benedict and a grilled cheese for our daughter.
(3)Amy L.
The decor was pleasant and so was our staff, but overall the food was mostly just okay. It was good but not WOW. I think a lot of the reviews say the same thing- it's a very pleasant location and the food isn't bad but no one said a pep about it after we left. It was perfectly good... and forgettable. Some of the dishes our table tried were: the calamari appetizer, the mussels appetizer, the shrimp and grits, the salmon entree, the seafood pot pie, the conch chowder, and the steak tacos. Everyone liked their dish it seemed, but no one actually said much about them! If you're a vegetarian you have to mention it when you RSVP if you want them to put something together for you- menu options are limited. I managed to get vegetarian sushi on no notice but they seem to REALLY prefer you call ahead if you have any special needs. The staff do a great job so I almost feel bad for being hard on the food, but I just can't tell you to go out of your way for this place. If you're in the area it's a perfectly good choice though.
(3)Dustin E.
This place is fantastic! The bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly! The shrimp and grits is my favorite! Followed by the steak tacos and Baja fish tacos. Everything here is made from scratch and all the seafood is FRESH! The jerk chicken sandwich is the best jerk chicken you will find. Chef John has a Well rounded menu here.
(5)Deborah C.
I like this place. Really nice outdoor bar! She crab soup is really good! Every time I have eaten here the foods been great! The seafood pot pie is huge and loaded!
(4)Michael B.
The Islander is a nice restaurant looks great. They have a very nice patio where the bar is located of which 1/2 is covered and heated during the winter. The bar also opens up into the dining room creating almost a garage door feel. It's the kind of place you want to bring your friends and have happy hour; problem is that there isn't really a happy hour for The Islander when it comes to prices. I think they have bottles of Corona for $3.00 as their happy hour special; but should be running specials on their limited draft selection. The service here is great and all the servers are on top of their game. I find it weird that the hostess sits at a table as you walk in the door rather standing at a hostess stand; it just looks and feels weird. The main problem I have with The Islander is the high prices and mediocre food; which is limited in selection. Yesterday I ordered the Grilled Mahi Taco with a side of fries; the tacos were cold and burnt while the fries were also cold and rubbery. I paid $8.99 for the tacos and the fries were another $4.99; for that they should have been perfect. It's such a shame that I have to give The Islander only 2 stars because it has so much potential. Makes me wish Queen Anne's pirate restaurant was still here.
(2)Daryl C. A.
Wow!!! Our Server Melissa was amazing, friendly, and our food was awesome. Our drinks were filled before we knew they were getting low!!! And again.....the food was awesome!! Had the fish tacos, conch chowder soup, and oysters trio!! Mmmmmm The island theme and weather was beautiful........and within 30 yards of our hotel!!! Beautiful night at the Islander!!!
(5)Adrienne L.
Cobb salad and soups are great! Better prices than I thought and the outdoor patio makes it a great getaway from work for the lunch hour. Their Deli sandwiches supposedly were so goo so my friend and I got the turkey one, it was okay but won't get again. Should have stuck with the Cobb which is amazing and huge!
(3)Bill S.
Awesome!!!! Atmosphere, food quality, selection and service. Great place if your staying at the Hampton Inn or on DI. Atmosphere is all Low Country and the crowd is usually good.
(5)Colleen J.
This place looks amazing. The indoor/outdoor bar is really cool and I just want to day drink and lounge there alllll dayyyy long.. but then I remember how hangovers feel and I suddenly have a change of heart. Again, the Islander looks awesome and the atmosphere is pretty neat. The prices and the food are another story. It's clear that this place caters to the hotel and convenience of BF right around the corner, because the prices are high and the food is mediocre and small in portions. My friend and tried their tacos and were not impressed. Bland, boring and not that great. I recommend it for a fun happy hour spot but nothing more.
(2)Russell P.
Originally made reservations for a Monday Night, only to switch them to Sunday night to take advantage of the Sushi special advertised on their menu/website. Our disappointment began when we arrived and were promptly seated, then waited approx 7-10 minutes before water was brought to our table. Another few minutes brought our server, along with the news that they were no longer honoring the Sushi specials, and couldn't prepare the Mussel appetizer I was craving because they needed the mussels for that nights dinner special. REALLY? REALLY! Our party of 5 eventually settled on their choices, and most were disappointed with meals. Surprised to hear this place will be celebrating 1 year on Thursday. Not sure they will make it to year 2 if they can't get their act together!!!
(2)Gloria K.
Went for drinks after dinner. The patio was infested with Mosquitos and the only area large enough for our group. The drink was mediocre and the atmosphere left something to be desired.
(2)Chet R.
We were recommended by our hotel to come here for dinner. Everything was great. I had an Islander Burger, rare as ordered and with great hand cut fries. Wife had Shrimp & Grits dinner which was also exceptional with a touch of spice, a must try signature dish. The also have great beers on tap. Service was great. Wife & I will definitely return.
(5)Tom G.
They had their soft opening last week and I'll update my review once they fully open and I've been back. I think they should've waited to open until they were really ready. First time (2nd night opened) they didn't have any beer on tap yet. We had the calamari appetizer and bottled Bud (first one since I was 17 years old). The portion size of the appetizer was really small and it was under-cooked. Second time we went, we thought we'd watch the Kentucky Derby and have a drink and something to eat at the outside bar area. They didn't have the TV working yet, so we left. Third time was somewhat better. We met some friends and had dinner and a couple beers. Beers were now on tap at this point and some ok choices. We had the fish tacos which were rather bland. I doubt it was fresh seafood; seemed frozen. Service was pretty good. The menu is way too seafood-ish. Yes, I know they are "The Islander", but not much really jumped off the menu and caught my eye and if you weren't into seafood, your choices were very limited. We'll try it again. Daniel Island is getting better with dining choices, but needs more. I hope they succeed.
(2)Jay K.
I will give it 3 stars "A-OK", but this last visit was disappointing. I've been about 4 times. I live on Daniel Island, and don't think often to go here. I agree with most of the reviews - the place was well-designed. Love the atmosphere, inside and out. The staff has always been attentive. But the food has consistently been "Meh...." And you know what? In a town like Charleston, it's hard to compete. We are spoiled and have high expectations. :) But, the prices don't match the quality here. Yesterday, I only wanted a light lunch and ordered the Conch Chowder. The cup is $4.99 and bowl is $7.99. I splurged for the bowl (and hey, $8 is a hefty price for a bowl of soup). What I received was probably one of the smallest "bowls" of soup I've ever ordered at a restaurant. I bet if you took the cup they use for soup, and poured it into a bowl, the quantity would be dead-on the same. And this was nothing more than some vegetables in broth, with one or two tiny identifiable pieces of bacon. No conch. At the end of my meal, the waiter asked, "How was it?" I replied with a smile, "Meh..." We laughed and he said "I'll tell them in the back." He should have asked, "Why was it just meh?" I told my lunch companion I'd give them a signal that I wasn't very happy, and see if they inquire more...before going to the lengths of writing a review on Yelp! :) Well, they didn't. And here you have it folks. When you're a bit tired of Orlando's Honeycomb, Vespa or Ali Baba on Daniel Island, this isn't a bad place to go. But they either need to lower their prices (fat chance) or bring in a quality assurance expert for their food to step it up a notch.
(3)Janice D.
We had one of the most inventive sushi plates ever at The Islander on Daniel Island. Excellent service, Gorgeous room. An undiscovered treasure. Strongly recommend!
(4)t f.
Good not great. First the good. Fried local shrimp plate with fries. Delicious and generous. Kale salad with fried oysters. Great beachy modern atmosphere and outdoor area. Local oysters and solid understanding of Asian flavors. This should be my favorite neighborhood spot. Why isn't it? Overpriced drinks. Spotty service. Worst is a manager who doesn't know how to deal with issues when they come up. Like when, a raw burger was served. Came back over cooked. Ate alone since everyone was done by the time I switched to tacos. Nothing comped. Mild apology. Can go once and love. Go back and have same thing and meh....Too bad. I want to love it more.
(3)Staci B.
I try really hard not to give negative reviews - I like to give places the benefit of the doubt that maybe my experience was a rarity when it's not a good one. Fortunately - that was probably the case in this instance. Went for lunch and ordered the Jerk Chicken Cobb Salad - in theory it sounded great. Delivery wasn't perfect. The avocado was not even close to ripe - in face it was hard as a rock. When you're cutting an avocado you know right away that it's not ripe - so why would you still serve that? The flavor of the chicken was ok. The bacon was more like little cubes of ham. Overall - I wasn't impressed with it. I'd go back and give it another shot. It's got a great atmosphere and outside area. Maybe it was just an off day.
(2)Joe F.
Enjoyed a leisurely lunch on Black Friday-- Very Tasty Portobello Mushroom Burger done just right! Others had a generous Shrimp Po' Boy and a perfectly grilled Burger. Service was attentive and we were not rushed. Dining room was busy but quiet, so we could enjoy conversation. There is also a very nice Sports Bar with big screen HDTV's and a beautiful outdoor view. Rest room was spotless. It's location is a bit tricky-- not in downtown Daniel Island, but near the Hampton Inn. A little gem. Enjoy.
(4)Robert R.
Massive improvement from Queen Ann's Revenge. Best place on the island for seafood, and a great place for sushi. My family and I have a wonderful time every time we come. The bartenders and the staff are always friendly and engaging while providing exemplary service.
(5)Kevin G.
Ive heard about this place opening a month ago. It is a very cool relaxed place. The atmosphere is just very soothing. The staff was fantastic and attentitive. Great outdoor patio and music playing felt like you were on "an island" I had the ceviche sampler as an appetizer. I ordered the Pork Chop which came with the best sauteed kale and a grilled pineapple chutney and au gratin potatoes. My friend got the Flounder Filet... which basically was fish and chips but let me tell you.. it was the best fluffy flounder ever!! Melted in your mouth came with a jalapeno Tartar sauce. I enjoyed myself so much and will defintely be back. I highly recommend you go and check out this place.
(5)Billy S.
Highs: friendly staff, plenty of parking, comfortable patio and bar, sushi, menu selection, food presentation. Lows: price, cold & uninviting atmosphere, not kid or family friendly, slow service, price, limited beer selection, no happy hour, no lunch hours, price, not dog friendly, no smoking area even on the patio, price. Overview: the Islander will soon need to go through major changes or it will most likely not be open much beyond 2014.
(2)Dennis B.
I don't know why there are so many bad reviews. My experience was great. My server, Matthew, was very knowledgeable of the menu and made excellent suggestions. The she crab soup was a little the watery side. Good flavor but I prefer it on the thicker side. My server suggested the grouper and I am so glad I listened. The grouper was cooked to perfection and the sauce that accompanied it was a delicious key lime burre blance sauce.it was s very generous portion and left me stuffed. I just had to order the bread pudding, again at my server's recommendation. It was so good, but be warned it's not really in pudding form. It's more of a cake but delicious nonetheless. Would definitely return.
(4)Jerry Z.
Wasn't even sure this place was officially open yet but drove by and saw a crowd so I stopped in. Much brighter and open than the previous restaurant in this spot and the outdoor bar and deck are just what the island needed. Bar service from Jamie and Jason was very friendly and attentive. They even gave me a Koozie for my beer. Had the stuffed shrimp appetizer which was delicious and a Jerk Chicken Cobb Salad which was also very tasty. The only critique I would give to both the appetizer and the salad is that they were heavy on the sauce/dressing. I would ask for lighter next time but this might just be my personal preference. Met the manager Eric who was accommodating in showing me the expansive event space and private dining room available. Will be back to try the sushi, raw bar and tacos! Good Luck, Islander. Welcome to DI.
(5)Cassie C.
Truly enjoyed our dinner at the newly opened Islander on Daniel Island. Fantastic menu with a great variety of dishes. We got the BBQ horseradish oysters as an app, off the charts. I got the fish special, which was Wreckfish with mashed and slaw, it was cooked absolutely perfectly. Husband had seafood gumbo, also very tasty. Saw a few other dishes go by and they looked great. The sushi rolls were a work of art. I got the last glass of Chardonnay, but they will work out the kinks. Very friendly staff, great setting and just a golf cart ride away. Oh, and really fantastic artwork. Two thumbs up. Thanks Eric and team,
(4)Karen O.
Pluses-the ease of getting a reservation last minute during Restaurant week with lots of parking. Varied menu at reasonable prices. Negatives- Brain dead servers offered to leave one empty plate for our mussel shells as 3 of us had mussels as a starter and when we happily agreed she cleared them all. Served my daughter's bowl of soup with no spoon with a very long wait to get one. We ordered spicy Thai shrimp as our entree. The noodles were mushy , the shrimp was overlooked and there was nothing remotely spicy about the dish. Key Lime pie was very nice but the wait was too long. the front of the house just seemed unorganized I would not recommend without major changes
(1)Steven P.
Place is okay. I wouldn't recommend it. Food is average and lacking a little flavor. Sushi was pretty good and also the craft beer on tap. Other than that it was expensive and you don't get a lot to eat.
(2)Walter H.
Sad, we live down street and was at this place 4 times previously at bar and enjoyed it but this Saturday night was AWFUL! Sat at 4 top out on patio and go there early on saturday at 545pm - took forever for server to get to us, longer to get drinks and were almost asleep before apps showed up. Complained nicely to server and asst manager and NOTHING. Then Gen Manager, Eric, came by and while seemed concerned.....again NOTHING! Didn't even offer a free drink for the apathetic service and food delays....awful. Not going back. The other alternatives on DI at this price point - Sermets. Wasabai and LIDI BLOW this place away. I will not be going back and sad for them - we live 1/2 mile away and go out a great deal weekly on the island to eat and drink. Save yourself the hassle and headache - go somewhere else or ONLY sit at the bar. The rest is simply not worth the waste of money and the frustration!
(1)Danielle M V.
Went there with 3 other people for my birthday... The overall experience was very good. The painkiller drink was very good but I did not taste the nutmeg in it & my girlfriends came with a huge piece of pineapple & mine came with a tiny sliver . The sampler of baked oysters were very good-I however did not care for the BBQ one, no biggie. The sampler of the ceviche was nicely presented- my favorite was the mixture of scallops & shrimp but I could not taste any of the coconut in the tuna ceviche. The crab dip was tasty. The salmon entree was excellent ! I was told that the burgers were good and they definitely looked good. The pimento fried green tomatoes were yummy and the conch fritters we're nice but would have been better if they had a different sauce for dipping- I would have loved a tangy key lime sauce of some sorts . My friend really enjoyed their peanut butter chocolate pie- I was way too full to even go there! Lol ! ;-) Nice place, outdoor patio looks wonderful will definitely go back and try happy hour and maybe the mussels next time!
(4)Tara B.
I have been to The Islander three or four times over the last few months and haven't really been impressed. The prices are high and the food is average. After suggesting a happy hour a few months ago via multiple suggestion cards in the check folder, they have yet to offer any drink or food specials after work. The service is good. The back room, where a large group of us were sent one afternoon is a little stuffy and doesn't really fit with the vibe of the front of the house. Of the local bars and restaurants on the island, I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here.
(3)Dee S.
Stopped in for quick drinks & food at 9:30pm, walked from nearby Hampton Inn, oysters Rockefeller was best I've had, fun menu selection, great service, sat indoors next to outdoor bar area & was a bit chilly, but understandable with open bar area. Outdoor seating area looked inviting also. Will return to this classy spot!
(5)Cathy J J.
I want this to be our goto neighborhood eatery as it is a short walk from my home? Food is fine but nothing has been outstanding or what would make us want to return. Dinners seem a bit pricey given the fact that this is DI and not downtown. Burgers are decent; tacos underwhelming; shrimp and grits nicely prepared. Nice spot for happy hour.
(4)Drew F.
Solid. Visiting from New York City where we are accustomed to great food. The Service is 3.5 stars and the food is 4.5 stars. Food was AMAZING. The Chopped Cesar Salad and Shrimp and Grits were super tasty. And I looks like Charleston finally got a place to get great sushi. Atmosphere is 4 stars. Very laid back. Not a romantic or fancy place. Lots of kids, but if you want a great date night or a nicer place for the family this will be a great go-to place. The price point for the food is great. This is a great staple for food. We will DEFINITELY be back.
(4)A P.
$240 for 6 people + $40 tip- you would thing the food would be outstanding. It was average at best. Our drinks ran out twice & we waited a while for refills. Was so excited to try this place but was very disappointed,
(2)Morgan S.
I give The Islander a solid 3 1/2 stars. I'm going to break my review down to a couple of areas. Service: 5 stars. We sat at the outdoor bar, which is beautifully laid out, and received stellar service from Drew and Jamie. Very attentive without being obtrusive. Our drinks and food were always timely which was especially nice since we were there the second day they were open. You tend to get spotty service when restaurants are working out the kinks but definitely not here! Drinks: The beer menu was a bit lacking. I think there were 6 beers on tap although they were out of 2 of them. Seemed odd? Also, their bottle beer menu is light. They have Corona but no Corona Lite. I heard two different people question the bartender about that. We tried a Mai Tai and it was delicious. Food: The bread that is brought to you is insanely good. I'm not sure if it's the bread, or the butter or the combo but I couldn't stop eating it. We then got the crab dip which was good but not great. It needed more acid & salt. I had the Baja tacos & my husband got the shrimp & grits. Both were flavorful. The tacos were well priced at $8 which is very cheap for The Islander. I have to say I was surprised how expensive everything is. As a DI resident, I was hoping for something a bit more affordable. Even so, the shrimp & grits were $20 but very good. My husband thought as good as Red Drum but perhaps a step below SNOB's. We'd both get our entrees again. I will say that they ran out of things very quickly. We were there early (6ish) and they ran out of two appetizers and one entree during the hour we were at the bar. Maybe because it just opened and they didn't want to over stock? Hopefully that won't be the norm. Overall, a great experience and we'll be back! I think we'll always try and eat at the back patio because it was so well done. The inside decor was a bit sterile for my taste although I was happy to see any resemblance of QAR gone!
(4)Sarah M.
Food was excellent. Ate inside but had a drink before dinner on the patio. Patio was very nice! Love the renovation inside and out.
(4)Paula C.
Absolutely awful. We went there to try something different for Sunday Brunch. There were maybe 6 other people in the restaurant and we had to wait for close to 45 minutes for our food. The excuse was that they had the wrong temperature to poach eggs!? My husband had the pork belly benedict which was described as similar to bacon. However, the meat was a fat slab of nothing but pure fat. It was disgusting looking and nasty. Cannot believe they are part of the group that owns Virginia's on King which has always been excellent. Will not ever go back. They cannot stay open for long.
(1)Henry A.
Very upscale decor, great service and very unique menu items. We had the Vietnamese bahn mi sandwiches and they we're great.
(4)James T.
Yes, I realize this is a seafood restaurant but being a vegan, I made things difficult for them. However, they were more than willing to oblige me. The food was fresh and very tasty!! On the seafood side, I understand it's amazing as well, says the folks with me. The ambiance is awesome and I highly suggest you sit outside. Come on down!
(5)