Amid the many restaurants in Mount Pleasant, it is always a pleasant surprise to find a locale that offers not only an extensive locally sourced menu, cocktails and drink specials, live music and fun activities such as cornhole boards and pool tables, but is family friendly, too – where even your four-pawed pals are always welcome.
If you can’t decide on lunch or dinner: No problem. The Shelter Kitchen + Bar offers a delicious Saturday through Monday brunch menu as well.
As owner and manager Ashley Berry revealed, “We started The Shelter over six years ago out of a desire to have a nice cold beer in the sunshine, with our beloved pups in tow in a laid-back, inviting, judgment-free atmosphere, and there just were not any places at the time fitting the bill.”
Opened during the summer of 2012 at 202 Coleman Blvd., near historic Shem Creek, The Shelter is an al fresco dining experience, with doors wide open to the inviting large porch and wraparound deck, allowing the sunshine in year-round – or at least as much as weather permits. Comfortable heated and air-conditioned indoor seating is also available. The Shelter does not always accept reservations; however, if you do have a party of six or more, it’s a good idea to call in advance.
The extensive menu is divided into lunch and dinner, brunch and weekly and cocktail specials. New and seasonal dishes appear on the menu, giving every diner an opportunity to savor the imaginative fare prepared by owner Ryan Kaufmann.
From starters such as the Charleston cheese plate and Lowcountry rolls to pub favorites including fried pickles, fried pickled okra and buffalo shrimp (locally sourced of course!) to sandwiches, soups and salads, burgers, sides, dinner features and desserts – The Shelter makes sure it offers a myriad of choices for any appetite. And reasonable prices allow diners to mix and match for a memorable meal. Their popular signature dish, Chicken Bog, which originated in South Carolina, is offered day and night and has been featured on The Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods and Delicious Destinations.”
Drinks? The Shelter serves up a play off of a hurricane shelter, featuring a signature category 6 cocktail, along with local favorites like the “Any Port in the Storm” mystery beers for $2 all the time.
“The Shelter is always changing up the local beverage and craft-beer offerings to keep your interest piqued and your palate satisfied,” said Berry.
She continued, “We welcome everyone and pride ourselves on having a large local following and a very mixed clientele throughout the week. Our goal is to always strive to be better, consistent, friendly and fun, while providing quality elevated pub fare with a nod to our Southern roots for reasonable prices. Our menu is made from scratch and locally sourced as much as possible.”
Berry concluded, “The Shelter is your local shelter from the storm – rain or shine – so take shelter from your hectic week and stop on in!”
Call The Shelter at 843-388-3625 to discuss any large private, corporate or business gatherings. For full-service catering requests, email [email protected]. For more information, visit www.theshelterkitchenandbar.com.
By Eileen Casey
