Hibachi South · Southern-style hibachi at home
Private HibachiAcross South Carolina
The Grand Strand, the Lowcountry islands and the Upstate lakes each have their own way of throwing a party. Here is how dinner works at each one.
Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand
The Grand Strand runs some sixty miles, and the rental scene changes as you go. North Myrtle Beach and Cherry Grove have channel houses on the marsh side with docks out back. Central Myrtle Beach is heavy on oceanfront condo towers, which tend to have strict rules about propane, so groups there need to check before booking. Surfside Beach and Garden City lean toward family beach houses, and Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island are slower and quieter, with older cottages and wide porches. Golf trips, family reunions and the summer crowd all land here, so June and July fill quickly.
Hilton Head
Much of Hilton Head lives behind gates. Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, Shipyard and Port Royal all have security entrances, and the chef has to be on your guest list or carry a pass arranged through your rental company. Forest Beach and the North End have more open streets. Island houses usually come with a pool, a big deck and a bike rack by the door; we look for the pool deck or a paved driveway and stay out of the dunes.
Charleston and the barrier islands
Around Charleston, hosts book us for rehearsal dinners and porch parties in Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, West Ashley and James Island. Out on the islands:
- Kiawah Island is gated, so the guest list or a gate pass is a must, and many villas have their own owner rules about outdoor cooking.
- Isle of Palms has big oceanfront houses on pilings with shaded parking underneath, a natural spot for the grill.
- Folly Beach is more relaxed and beach-shack in spirit, though lots are small and street parking is tight, so save the driveway for the chef.
A sudden summer storm rolling in off the marsh is a Lowcountry tradition, so a covered space with open sides keeps the evening on track.
Greenville and the Upstate lakes
The Upstate is one of our shorter trips out of state, just across the Georgia line from Buford. Greenville neighborhoods near downtown and Falls Park, along with Travelers Rest and the suburbs toward Simpsonville, host plenty of backyard birthdays. Lake Keowee, Lake Hartwell and Lake Jocassee add lake homes with long staircases down to the water; we cook up top on flat ground near the house, and the dock is for watching the sunset.
Can you get past the gate at Sea Pines or Kiawah?
Yes, once you put the chef on your guest list or your rental company sets up a pass. Send us the gate instructions a few days ahead.
Our Myrtle Beach condo does not allow grills on the balcony. What now?
That rule is common in the towers. Ask the management whether there is an approved ground-level area; if not, a house rental or a friend's place is the better host for the night.
When is a South Carolina date confirmed?
Once the deposit is paid. Until then the date stays open to other bookings, which matters on summer weekends at the beach. Travel to the coast, figured from Buford or the nearest major city, whichever is closer, is shown before you pay.