Poe’s Tavern
2210 Middle St, Sullivan's Island, SC, 29482
Poe’s Tavern Menu
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Address :
2210 Middle St
Sullivan's Island, SC, 29482 - Phone (843) 883-0083
- Website https://www.poestavern.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Accepts Bitcoin : No
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : No
Best Nights : Fri, Sat, Sun
Coat Check : No
Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Drive-Thru : No
Caters : No
Categories
Burgers
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Farrah B.
I visited this place by the suggestion of my sister who now lives around the Charleston area because she thought I would enjoy the theme of the restaurant. I didn't just like it, I loved it! The theme is right up my alley; the walls are decked out with Edgar Allen Poe art and everything, I even wanted to pick up a shirt, but I was short on cash, unfortunately. It was really busy when we went to go eat (even being a Tuesday evening), and you seat yourself and whatnot. Our server was pretty cool and we got all of our food quickly for how busy it was. I got their black bean burger and made it a signature burger with their amontillado burger, sans cheese (so it came with guacamole and pico de gallo), with a side of fries. The burger itself was incredible, and it tasted fresh and handmade, kind of crumbly, but that's how I like my veggie burgers; if they're too compact it leads me to think it was just a frozen patty, you see. The fries were a bit greasy, but they were perfectly crunchy. Anytime I'm in the area I'm going back!
(4)David L.
Made a stop here while on vacation... Based on a recommendation from a friend, we chose Poe's for a late lunch while traveling through. Quick rundown: - a true tavern look, with a nice bar and spacious seating. - a good variety on the menu, from salads to burgers to seafood dishes - very friendly staff - good, quick service, with excellent follow-up Our group chose burgers and fish tacos. The burgers were two fingers thick and cooked exactly to order, and the fish tacos (two variations) had a wonderful burst of citrus and peppery favors. Cold beers rounded out the meal. For my money, this place was extremely good value. For my enjoyment and relaxation, this spot is a must-stop!
(4)Jesse T.
*****Disclaimer: 5 stars based on the burgers (you should really just come for the burgers), 4 stars based on other items (appetizers and fish tacos were good, but I wouldn't come for just them)***** This was my second trip to Charleston and the second time I've gone out of my way to grab a burger at Poe's in Sullivan's island. Needless to say, the burgers are the bomb diggity. I've had the Black Cat and Tell-Tale Heart, both are delicious. Fries are solid as well. This is your spot if you're a burger lover. Will I come back here a third time the next time I'm in Charleston? You bet your half-pound angus beef patty ground in-house I will!
(5)Glenn W.
We always go to Poe's when we're on the Island. I sat watching the clouds and the people. I had the buffalo shrimp tacos and two Holy City porters and enjoyed every mouthful.
(4)Kathe H.
awesome atmosphere.... crowded when busy and lots of noise. Quick place for lunch.... variety menu. If you are an edgar allen poe fan it's a must for the decor. Would I go back.... Just to take a visitor
(4)heather y.
I had been told I had to go here when visiting isle of palms so I decided to make it my first stop before even checking in and boy am I glad I did! It was so good that we came back again later in the week! Get the burger, don't try to be good and get fish tacos, it will only result in burger envy and a second trip back later The cheese fries are also great, oo and get the onion straws too! Seriously, awesome burgers, one of my favorites ever
(5)Michael T.
This is a two part review- The food is strictly bar food and not that even that great for bar food! If you have had several drinks though, then it will taste just fine. Also, slow service would not even be an accurate assessment of how long it takes to get your food. However, the servers are very nice and helpful, but when the kitchen is slammed there is only so much the servers can do. In terms of a place to grab a drink while at the beach, this place is fantastic! The outdoor seating is amazing with a killer view! I would give this place 5 stars as far as a fun lively bar scene!
(3)Troy T.
There is just something awesome about coming right off the beach to a burger joint. Poes sits a couple of blocks off the water in a great building that has plenty of outdoor space. The burgers are huge and incredible (in my opinion, you shouldn't bother getting anything else) and they include a pile of fries to match. The restaurant is also filled with all sorts of Edgar Allen Poe memorabilia and it is interesting to learn his South Carolina connections. The only negative about the restaurant is that it runs as a seat-yourself establishment which can cause long lines and messy seating arrangements. Trust me though, you will get over that as soon as you take a sip of that beer, grab a bite of that burger, and smell the ocean air blowing in.
(5)Kelsey S.
Wonderful atmosphere,staff is very friendly & the food is amazing! I got a burger it was so juicy and flavorful! I also had a Bloody Mary with cucumber vodka it was delicious I would definitely recommend poes, parking is very limited and you sometimes have to wait for a table but it is worth it!
(5)Sandy S.
There is a reason that this place is ALWAYS packed. The food and service are both fantastic, the location is great, and the atmosphere and new friends you'll meet are a fun time. One of the few places in the area you can get a fish taco, and theirs are excellent! Fun, beachy hangout, with some of the best tavern food around. This is the place to be on Sullivan's Island during the high season, and if you go, you'll soon know why. Huge salads, gourmet burgers the way you like 'em, fish tacos, chicken sandwiches, shrimp po boy, loaded nachos, handcut fries, and a huge beer selection. Oh, and there are vegetarian options (black bean burger, nachos, salads, etc). Per the sign when you walk in... "There is nothing which has yet been contrived by man."
(5)em d.
Wonderful atmosphere, service, people, and food. We walked off our lunch to the beach afterwards. A little slice of heaven!
(5)Scott D.
Best damn burger you'll find! Awesome atmosphere, cool menu choices, great tasting food. The biggest hassle is scoping out a free table as it is basically a "free for all", especially during the busy season. I would give Poe's 5 Stars if you could show up and know that you could get a table.
(4)Andrew M.
One of our favorite places to go in all of Charleston. Makes you feel like you are on vacation in the Key's. The atmosphere is always great and staff is very nice and work hard. The food is amazing. I wish they had a leaner beef for the burger as they look and smell AMAZING. Although the chicken is a great substitute. I wish they had a happy hour because their beer prices are a little high. I was very disappointed when they got rid of their points program, which didn't make us feel as bad for paying for over priced Drinks...please bring this back!!! I recommend the fish tacos and the grilled chicken salad but you really cannot go wrong with your food choice. Great place to go post beach and on a nice cooler fall day. It's really nice to sit in front of the fireplace on a nice chilly Charleston winter afternoon or night.
(4)Dana D.
Poe's is so good that its often a chore to get seated because it is often packed. The seating is often cramped inside and the bathroom is even more cramped...but I still love Poe's. While Poe's is probably best known for their fish tacos, their burgers deserve some recognition too. The Tell-Tale Heart should only be consumed by people in good cardiovascular shape or a good supply of anti-heart attack medication. It consists of a Fried egg, bacon, and cheddar cheese. You can also get a grilled chicken breast instead of a burger. Service is usually ok, but if it is busy, expect to be waiting awhile for your food, refills of water, and the check. The decor is part of the charm of Poe's. There are tons of Edgar Allen Poe related memorabilia on the walls, mostly posters of productions of his plays. Seating in the back is akin to a cramped English pub, so you will most likely feel like you are sharing your table with strangers, so buy them a beer and make some new friends. Parking is horrendous. Plan on parking several blocks down the street during busy times.
(4)Meg A.
cool people watching location with good drink prices - not good salsa. I will come back and eat something else but it was a great place to grab a drink after the beach.
(4)Tastybeverages T.
Love this place, would give it a 5 star rating if not for the lack of hostess. The burgers are phenomenal, the fries delicious, and the ambience is great. My only problem is that it is a free for all to get a table, making me, and other diners act like vultures to get a table which makes everyone uncomfortable. It makes you feel like you have to pound your burger so the lady who's been staring at you for 15 minutes can have a place to sit down. Still worth checking out, as the Sleeper (burger with buffalo shrimp and blue cheese) is worth any inconvenience.
(4)Jen S.
Came here with a friend. It's one of those places where you find the first table you see. It's sort of a drag. That's where it gets its -1 star. I just had nachos and a margarita- they were perfect. I love the atmosphere. The staff are friendly. If I lived down there, I would make it my regular eating place. Parking can get crazy, especially in the summer. So be prepared for that. If any of you are thinking, "Why is there a tavern honoring Poe in SOUTH CAROLINA?" Easy- he was stationed at Fort Moultrie, very near S-I, during the Civil War. There's a beach not far from the restaurant! If you come at the right time, walk down to the beach after dinner and see a gorgeous sunset. Enjoy your meal! And enjoy your time in South Carolina!
(4)Colleen M.
I love this place! I was so excited to eat here because I heard amazing reviews of the place and I was very impressed! We went around lunch time and it was a little busy but we were able to get a table right away. The server was very nice and I got the Pit and the Pendelum Burger which was one of the best burgers I have ever had! The only downside to the meal was the fries were not that good. I would definetly go back to this place because of the excellent food and great atmosphere.
(5)Todd W.
Located on Sullivan's Island, this place is always busy. Known for their burgers and fish tacos, I took down my favorite of buffalo shrimp tacos on my recent visit. Open restaurant with seating outside, at the bar or at tables inside. Bar is open so you can sit outside or inside at the bar. Named after Edgar Allen Poe, there are definitely some interesting pictures around the place. Need a fun lunch spot or a place to hang out mid-afternoon for a break from the beach, this is a great spot.
(4)Lindsay C.
Three words. Buffalo Shrimp Tacos. Delicious!! Love the atmosphere here, but it is always packed. Great place to go after the beach. Nothing better than sand, sun, buffalo shrimp tacos, and some Coronas!
(4)Susan C.
I've always had the burgers before, and they're perfect. This visit, I wasn't starving, so I opted to go lighter with the buffalo shrimp tacos. Fantastic. I don't think you can go wrong at Poe's unless you go on a busy night and you're low on patience and you don't get a table. Even the salad - fresh, big, yummy house dressing. Great beer selection too. Love it. I even bought a tshirt - and I won't advertise for just anyone.
(5)David C.
This place is the tits. It tickles my culinary and literary fixations all at once. The sandwiches are intense - monstrous constructs of meat and creation, kinda like ol' Edgar's stories. In line with his alcoholic tendencies, they've got a decent beer selection, even including some local brews in their lineup. Tables are handsome, rough cut affairs, thick shears of natural wood and sturdy chairs around. Outdoors is generally pleasant, though the fan failed at keeping us free of gno-see-ums. Waitresses are all pleasant. Bathrooms are clean (and frigid!). Really, this place is way too beachy to be associated with the godfather of suspense horror, but irony is always a friend. And beneath the floor boards, the infernal beating of his telltale heart.
(5)Annie R.
So I love the whole concept here, beachy casual, without being to redneckish, with above average food. The burgers here are pretty good, and so is everything else. Yes there is a crowd 80% of the time you go but thats a sign of something good typically right? If you are on Sullivans a must try, even if you make a little day trip to the beach and want to grab a bite to eat, this is a great spot to do so. I heart poes! Parking is a bit tricky the lot is small, but honestly you can park on the street and just walk down, no big deal.
(4)Mr B.
Awesome burger and fries. Fish tacos are great too. Staff is decent but it surely helps to be a local for service.
(4)Bryan W.
Great atmosphere on a nice evening. Burgers were good, nice beer selection. Recommended for good pub grub on a casual evening when you want some good beers and food.
(4)Bill M.
After Juanita's shrimp taco run a couple of days ago, I had to stop by and give Poe's another shot at reclaiming the top spot. Sorry, the fish tacos are still very good but they don't beat Juanita's shrimp taco. The wife had all three kinds and I had a shot at all of them. Very good, indeed. But the news on this trip was the Fried Crab sandwich. My salty dog brother-in-law, a regular in these parts, only orders this, from what I hear, so in deference to Ralphie, I order it. What a great sandwich. The only problem is that it is a huge bite. The slaw, the remoulade, the crab meat, just all blend so nicely. The breading reminded me a bit of an onion ring, but it tasted way better. This place is still a strong recommendation. If you care to avoid the burgers, the fish tacos and the fried crab sandwich are awesome.
(5)Kara K.
We really liked this place. The burgers were really good and they actually cooked mine medium as requested. The fries were hand cut and perfectly cooked. We enjoyed Fat Tire on draft, which is an extra treat since we can't get it at home. The patio was enjoyable, the food was very good and reasonably priced and my daughter got to take home a really cute t-shirt. All in all, a very nice experience.
(4)Eric C.
A gem! They specialize in burgers, and they do that very well. Interesting selections, cooked to order. I had an avocado and jack cheese burger cooked medium and it was gone in 2 minutes. I really wanted to order another! Great beer selection, AWESOME atmosphere, and super great service. They took care of our 9-top like pros. If you are passing thru, this place is a must as it has a very unique atmosphere. If your local, you'll come back for good service and a good meal.
(4)Traci C.
When visiting the area for my annual summer trip, I was craving a good burger and my family recommended that we try Poe's. Oddly enough, we chose a Monday night thinking that it would be a little slower but the patio, outdoor and indoor bars were packed! Once our group of five was seated inside, we ordered up our drinks and began studying the menu. Each style of burger can also be ordered as a chicken sandwich, which I thought was a nice alternative. The styles are each named after an Edgar Allen Poe poem (he spent some time on Sullivan's Island while enlisted in the military). I went with the Tell Tale Heart, which is a tasty seasoned burger topped with applewood smoked bacon and a fried egg. Sound strange? Hardly! It was by far the best burger I've eaten in a long time. Served with crispy shoestring fries, this meal was worth the trip to the Island! Bottom line: Poe's offers a great variety of seating and meal choices. The atmosphere adds to the experience of this Sullivan's Island gem!
(4)Kathleen B.
Great bar...friendly staff...had really good food & live music! T-shirts for sale are cool as well
(5)Kristen V.
Awesome burgers!!! Fast service. Loved the creative toppings.
(5)Chip O.
I'll admit, I've never had a Poe's burger, but only because I love their tacos. They have the best ahi tuna and mahi mahi tacos in Charleston. Nothing beats sitting outside with a Corona and a plate of three ahi tuna tacos. I always tell my friends who go that they'll have to try the tacos, but I guess the next time I go, I'll be getting the Poe's burger. Maybe :)
(4)Jennifer C.
(clicking heels together) "There's no place like home".... I don't live on Sullivan's anymore but when I go back...this is my first stop. The fish tacos are my favorite. Stepping off the beach and hunkering down at the picnic table with whomever else happens to be sitting there is just one of the many things I love about Poe's. Food is great, the vibe is fun and casual, you always feel welcome here.
(4)Andrew W.
Awesome burgers! I've been wanting to check this place out since I got here, but every time I'm in Sullivan's Island it's packed. I got a run-of-the-mill burger, and it was amazing! Someone told me that they grind their own beef, and I'm not sure what it was, but that burger was awesome. The wait staff was pretty good, although there weren't a whole lot of people there (not much beach traffic now that it's October I reckon). The beer selection seemed alright, but they were out of a few things on the menu. I definitely recommend it and will be going back!
(4)Whit R.
Best burgers in Charleston County - Poe's Tavern. They get the meat nice and fresh, so you can get it cooked however you like it. Yum. It's located a short walk from the beach on somewhat upscale Sullivan's Island. Not my favorite beach in town, but worth an ocassional trip just to get to Poe's. Indoor and ourdoor seating. Great beer selection (Blue Moon on tap). The burgers are a touch pricey, but you'll be glad you coughed up the extra dough. A must if you're staying in Mt Pleasant or out on Sullivan's!
(5)Fred D.
Freakin' Outstanding Burgers ! That's about all you need to know. Oh, and it's a little cozy in the inside dining area... if you have a party of 6 or more, I'd call ahead and let them know your coming or some such. Gets busy in the summer due to limited dining options on Sullivans' and IoP. Go early and enjoy a great burger.
(5)Kurt S.
I was sort of put off by the tacos.. I mean flour tortillas... really. I had the tuna tacos, and the tuna got lost in every. A well, the burgers are very good and the sides were solid. Live music on the weekends. I got fine service even though the place was packed.
(4)Arian A.
A must for Edgar Allen Poe fans and burger fans alike. Before you even enter the restaurant you are greeted with Poe quotes on the sidewalk and stairs leading to the restaurant. Inside you will find everything Poe splashed on the walls ... even in the bathroom that is wallpapered in his writings. The burgers are named after Poe's poems and short stories. I ordered the Amontillado Burger (Guac, Jalapeno Jack, Pico de Gallo & Chipotle Sour Cream) and my husband ordered the Tell-Tale Heart Burger (Fried Egg, Bacon, and Cheddar). Very good dining experience. I even left with a souvenir mug.
(4)Jamie M.
Thank you Yelp for providing me with the best burger I've had in ages. We stopped here on the way to the beach on Tuesday around noon. We got one of the last parking spaces and by the time we left, there was quite the mad house of people trying to find a place to park. We sat outside to celebrate the fact that it was 70 degrees, insead of the -2 we could be "enjoying" in Minnesota that day. The only thing I didn't like is that when I was sitting next to one of the planters, it kind of smelled like they had just fertilized it. Not really a smell that I need while I'm eating, but whatever, I lived, onto the food. I got the Amontillado, my boyfriend got the Hop-Frog, and his sister got the AnnaBell Lee. They were all really good, even the Hop-Frog and I'm not a huge fan of BBQ. The one strange thing is that we all ordered our burgers medium-well but mine came out BARELY medium and theirs came out well done. We didn't really mind but if you only will eat your burger one way you might need to be pretty specific on the color you want. This place is definitely going to the top of my Charleston list. Thanks Yelp!
(5)Kristal H.
Food was pretty good, fun atmosphere. Very loud, so a good place to bring kids!
(4)Ryan B.
One of the best burgers I've ever had. Perfectly cooked to rare-medium/rare. The fries and drinks were good and the whole place is reasonably priced. The outdoor porch was great for the warm weather. This is a definite the next time I'm in Charleston.
(5)Patrick M.
Friends of mine had mentioned this great place, and it totally lived up to their raves. Great tavern-ish food with an Edgar Allen Poe theme that adds quirkiness, without being too overbearing. The tacos were great - especially the Tuna! - and they will even prepare them very rare - yum! Standard beer selection available, although the Coast Kolsh is a local brew that was in season and proved to be a great compliment to our food. Blue cheese coleslaw and onion straws rounded out a great great late afternoon nosh.
(4)Roxanna M.
One of my favorite places on Sullivans! GREAT burgers!! I also love the fish tacos. My only complaint is that sometimes during tourist season it's tough to get a table because it's so popular. But in my opinion worth a wait!
(5)Tammy W.
You know when you see a line snaking out the front door and down the sidewalk that you can't go wrong and at Poe's, this is certainly the case. I love it and return often. I highly recommend the fish tacos -- always a favorite. For the first time in a long time, I actually went for dinner and ate inside. Was able to catch a football game as well. Great place to hang out and enjoy the company of friends.
(4)craig m.
Eclectic feel.. good bar, great artwork and very good food and service.. we stopped in on the way to IOP an this place doesn't dissappoint..Cheese fries and great people watching in the heart of Sullivans
(4)C M.
6/1/2009 Update: We stopped here for lunch today and it was just as good as we remembered. Efficient service (self seated, waitress in 3 minutes, drinks within 2 more minutes, food 8 minutes after ordering), and fantastic food. We used to get the mahi mahi tacos, but they've added yellowtail with a pineapple salsa, so I got that. OMG was it good. Perfectly seared with a fresh pineapple-fish sauce marinade and minced green onions. It drips a lot, so eat it over the plate, and try not to let the second (or third) taco sit in the sauce lest the flour tacos get gooey. Great addition to the menu. And they have Kaliber, which is a great caramely NA beer with only 71 calories for those of us avoiding alcohol. Jim got the burger and yes, it too was mouthwateringly delicious--charred on the outside, rare on the inside. This time we opted for the roasted garlic and fried onion sliver version; sweet & fresh tomatoes and lettuce. Fries--hand cut, thin and crispy, not the least bit greasy. The burger was accompanied by a pint of Allagash, a whit bier from Maine. Tangy and dry, and to be honest, his beer complemented the fish taco better, and my non-beer the burger. It's been awhile since we've cleaned off our plates. $32 including tax and prior to tip. YUM! Also--parking can be a pain, but even today at lunch, just after Memorial Day, there was a legal spot in front as well as another in the parking lot. If you're coming from Isle of Palms, turn left at Station 23 or earlier because trying to turn left at 22 1/2 is a major pain in the ass. 12/2/2008 This place has the most amazing burgers and fish tacos. I even liked the cole slaw, which has blue cheese in it (I never like cole slaw). Even when we're not hungry, we can't help but polish the plate. The fries are perfect, the produce fresh. They can get really busy during the evening, so we usually head there during lunchtime. My in-laws like it for the live music. Although I won't be in SC for a few more weeks, I'm already looking forward to one of their burgers and half of my husband's order of fish tacos. YUM
(5)Lindsay S.
Oh where to begin with Poe's Tavern, this place is absolutely the place to visit if you're on Sullivan's Island for the day. And for all of you Yelpers like me, proudly displayed in the window was an "A" rating! My sister & I stopped in to check it out and I was pretty impressed. Located in a beach house with a huge outside porch, festive indoor seating, and more Edgar Allen Poe memorabilia then you could shake a stick at, the staff was friendly and the food was absolutely delicious! I ordered the Pit & the Pendulum sandwich aka a grilled chicken sandwich with bacon & cheese with French Fries. Yum! My sister got one of their killer burgers and French Fries as well. The meal was delicious and I loved the atmosphere it was kind of dark and mysterious. It was packed full of tourists and locals a like located a couple of miles from the beach. The only complaint I have would be the restrooms although they are very nicely decorated with poems and short stories they are extremely small and hard to move around in especially when the restaurant is busy. All in all I will definitely be going back!
(5)Lee E.
After a long morning of touring Charleston, we stopped at Poe's for a late lunch. Street parking and a private lot provide ample spots to park the car stress free. We arrived at about 1 PM on a weekday, and found several empty tables both inside and out. The service was quick, the waitress attentive, and the food arrived hot and fresh only 10 minutes after seating ourselves. Following the advice of other reviews, I decided to try one of their beef burgers, the "Hop-Frog". They are thick burgers! The bacon was very flavorful, the BBQ sauce was tangy, and they complimented each other well. Initially I had ordered the burger with a done-ness of "medium" but the waitress advised that medium tends to come out a bit bloody. Based on her recommendation I went with medium well. The burger was still very juicy with only a small ribbon of pink. Definitely a good call for those a bit squeamish about undercooked beef. The fries were hot and crispy, although a bit oversalted for my taste. Next time I will order them without salt and season them myself. My dining companion ordered the Mahi Mahi tacos based on other reviews. The fish was of very nice quality, although in the end the flavor was uninteresting. They were served with far too much cabbage on top, and the taste was rather bland. Others ordered the shrimp tacos and looked very pleased, definitely something I will try on a return visit. The selection of draft beers was excellent. I had a Hoegaarden which was served appropriately with a lemon wedge, a detail that unexperienced bartenders tend to miss. They also offered Samuel Adams Oktoberfest, in my opinion a great compliment to grilled meat. The decor was themed after Edgar Allan Poe which was interesting and consistent with the name of the restaurant. Although he only lived on the island for a few short years while stationed in the Army, the posters and artwork pay appropriate homage to the poet. Overall I enjoyed Poe's Tavern. The burger was amazing, the Mahi Mahi tacos left a bit to be desired, but I will definitely return to sample their other menu items.
(4)Bing M.
We were looking for a place to get a bite to eat and saw the huge crowd at Poe's so we figured it must be good. It was great....a long wait and crowded but that was part of the whole fun dining experience! I wish I had the recipe for the tomato vinegrette that came with one of the best salads I have ever had!! Hope to get back to Sullivan's Is soon and we will def go back to this charming little restaurant.
(4)Jack B.
they have completely dropped the ball. Got sick after eating the tuna tacos. .. no fun. They have changed out their staff, the new folks are incompetent. 25 minutes to get a drink? Can we get a condiment tray? A glass of water? A bill? it is a joke compared to the first years.. . And by the way, you run a RESTAURANT. HOW HARD IS IT TO MAKE FRENCH FRIES THAT ARE NT A SOGGY DISASTER? Don't risk the stomach issues.
(1)Trish G.
Fork and knife burgers accompanied with some of the BEST fries I have ever had. Try the "black cat" burger you'll be happy you did! Perfect beach restaurant :)
(5)Art H.
Spring break and The Masters... so lots of families and lots of women sans hubbies... "Honey, you go to the Masters and we're going to the beach"... The place was packed but the four of us found a table pretty quickly. The waitress was very good... no rushing. Lots of beer on draft but what's with a 10 oz. beer? Why bother? I'd suggest 16 oz. and 32 oz. We ordered the Mahi Mahi tacos and a couple of burgers. The food took a while to arrive. The tacos were pretty good but nothing to write home about. The burgers, while ordered medium were medium rare at best. The fries were tasty but lukewarm. One of our four really enjoyed their bacon cheeseburger (homemade cheese by the way) while the other three of us thought the food was just OK.... Then again it was hard to think at all with the six women at the table next to us talking so loud that we could hardly think. We'd probably go back but with lower expectations. Almost forgot... great live music... could be heard when the Cougars weren't talking.
(3)Damith F.
This was the best burger I have ever tasted. Period. Ask your server for some recommendations from the menu - I had the Sleeper, which has roasted garlic blue cheese and buffalo shrimp. These toppings did not overpower the beef though and thankfully so - the meat to me was the real treat, the portion was solid, and it was incredibly fresh. Pair it with the local Palmetto beer that they serve and you'll walk out a happy customer.
(5)J. M.
Worth the drive for the burgers! They have a wide variety of burgers and awesome hand cut fries. Burgers melt in your mouth. Everything is reasonably priced. Worth the wait and the drive from Charleston. I loved the Quirky decor both inside and out. Check it out and you won't regret it.
(5)Joel C.
Poe's Tavern has good burgers and chicken sandwiches. There are a number of ways to have the burgers prepared although I usually opt for the bacon and cheese. The fish tacos are good as well but I can't rave over them like some folks do. Poe's offers a decent beer selection as well. I like the decor which is obviously focused on Edgar Allen Poe. My only major complaint is that it is always seat yourself. The problem is that when it gets busy rude people will pass by you and take a table ignoring first come first serve. I have seen a number of people leave in disgust (probably to never come back) due to this. PLEASE Poe's have a host/hostess when it gets busy. The parking can be a headache as well especially during the busier times of the year.
(4)Brad W.
Best burger in Charleston! I love going to this place. Its located on Sullivan's Island which is a locals beach. The only complaint I would have is that if you go in with more than 2 people sometimes it takes forever to find seating.
(5)Robert M.
One of the best bars near the beach. Excellent and cheap beer selection. Be sure to try a hamburger. Parking can a pain on the weekends.
(5)Dani C.
We visited Poe's Tavern twice during our visit to Charleston. It was recommended by some locals as amazing, and I have to agree. It's nothing to look at but if you are looking for really yummy, reasonably priced food, then this is the place! It has a variety of burgers from normal selections (for picky people like myself) as well as specialty burgers and chicken sandwiches (for more eclectic eaters like my husband), so everyone should be satisfied. I got the Goldbug (a delicious, fresh ground, perfectly cooked cheese burger) and fries (which I am convinced contain crack bc they are so delicious). My husband got a specialty burger called the Amontillado with avocado and chipotle sour cream which he loved. We back for lunch when we went to the beach bc we liked it so much. He got the Annabelle Lee which is a chicken sandwich with a crab cake on top, which he also said was delicious! Loved it! Will go again when I visit Charleston!
(5)Jan S.
Great local burger joint. Burgers and beer.
(3)Brian N.
This is a great place. I've been to here twice, had two very different things and everything was tasty. The first time I was here I had the burger of the day (avacado, bacon and gouda). The second time I had the tuna fish tacos (the tuna is cooked as you like, rare for me). They also have a really nice selection of draft beers; always earns a few points in my book. Great atmosphere and friendly staff. I'll be visiting again.
(5)Karen S.
Whew - I would rate this a 2 for our overall experience and 4 for the food: Experience: NO PARKING. It was around 1:30pm and there was NO PARKING. I mean in the entire little city, let alone this tiny restaurant's parking lot. We drove around and around - surely people would be finishing up their lunch and move on. Nooooo - I think people park in the little beach town city and just don't ever move their car because they know how bad it will be if they ever move their car. We walked in and there was a table for 4 open. You seat yourself, so we sat ourselves - at a dirty table. NEVER cleaned. Yucky, yucky, yucky. We should have asked our waitress to clean it. Our bad - but she was one of the WORST waitresses we've ever had. Uggggh. She was really cute and knew it and I think she thought we should have been grateful just to be in her presence. Ahhhhh... What an attitude. We sat by a mirror and flies were buzzing all around. I hate flies around while I'm eating. I think there's nothing you can do when you choose to eat outside, but we were inside, and it was yucky. The decoration was interesting with Edgar Allen Poe pictures and quotes - tables were all close together. I guess the bathroom is smaller than an airplane bathroom. That was a funny tale my sister had to tell. Food - really good! Hamburger - really thick and juicy and very good. My daughter and I split the hamburger and it was enough food. Yum. French Fries - really, really good and really greasy. I love it that way. If you like really good greasy fair-type fries, you will really enjoy it. Yum.
(3)Kevin G.
Although I cannot speak to all of the items on the menu if ya want a good burger Poe's will not disapoint. I have seen other reviews for their fish tacos which sound good, but I alway find myself unable to resist getting the burger.
(4)Beth B.
This is a great little spot. We went for lunch and it was seat yourself (bad idea) We had to wait for a pretty long time but once we got our food it was definitely worth it.
(5)Chelsea L.
Solid! Good service, good food. Super casual, good for families, couples, etc. good sized bar, dining outside and inside. I ordered the grilled chicken Cobb salad and my husband had a "starving artist" burger (bunless). He thought the burger was a bit small but it was delicious! Parking right across the street. I'd go back for sure!
(3)Brooke T.
Great palce to go to grab a drink. Best burgers in town and you can get them just about any way imaginable. The place is always packed so expect a line and some noise but overall a great place and lots of fun.
(5)Matthew L.
What a great place. Great burgers as well, hand-cut fries, blue-cheese slaw. List goes on. They go below medium on the temps and have some very unique burger combinations. Don't get the fish tacos, though. Big, but not good. The location is great. My favorite is to sit outside and catch some of the beach air (It's only a 2 blocks off the beach). Sullivan's isn't much of a party beach because of the giant sandbar that keeps the waves down. It's great for a walk, bike ride, or anything else you want to do besides ride waves. The only knock on Poe's is that it is so good that it can get a bit crowded. Try to hit it at off times and you will love it. Great beer selection as well. Not sure about their wines. Great burgers. Because of the atmosphere, it gets the nod over my close #2 - Sesame Burger.
(5)Morgan S.
Last year I would have given Poe's 5 stars but it's gone slightly downhill in the last year. As a bar, it's got it all going on. Great location (two blocks from the beach), great indoor or outdoor seating depending on what you want, and good selection of beer and alcohol. Their burgers are well known and use to be my favorite but they have been less than fantastic the last 3 or 4 times I've had them. The bun isn't great, the burgers aren't seasoned as well as they could be, etc. The hand cut french fries, however, never disappoint. My favorite thing about Poe's is all the Edgar Allen Poe memorabilia. It's a young, fun atmosphere and great for both locals and tourists.
(4)R B.
They follow a simple recipe - good burgers, good fish tacos nice selecion of beers. Great for those of us burnt and thirsty from the beach. Solid 4-star "joint" nothing fancy, just tasty.
(4)Jessica D.
Bartenders were awesome, food was great. Had an awesome time!
(5)Betty R.
Every time I go to Charleston, I have to venture to Poe's - I fell in love with it way back when, when my cousin lived in Chucktown and I would visit more frequently. Was back in town for a wedding a couple of weeks ago, so I took my hubby to Poe's and we sat outside on a lovely afternoon. Burgers are still really solid. Had the Amontillado, which was served with guac, pepper jack, pico, and chipotle sour cream. Cooked perfectly, and the fries and potato salad are both respectable as well. Beer selections are pretty good for a beach bar. Will be back in a couple of weeks for vacay - woo hoo!
(4)Daniel P.
Stopped here for lunch on a Saturday trip to Charleston after hearing great things from friends and reading the reviews on Yelp. My own experience here was not so great and frankly I wasn't impressed. The service was not friendly in the slightest. The wait staff seemed inconvenienced by my very presence, let alone my desire to order a meal. When it finally arrived, the Gold Bug burger I ordered wasn't anything special and I had to wait about 15 minutes for them to refill my drink. I wouldn't bother fighting the crowd to find a seat.
(2)Brett M.
Great place to eat and listen to music. The dining room was a little cramped but not uncomfortable by any means and the food was better than expected. I will definitely be returning and I highly recommend it if you are in the mood for a low key evening.
(4)Josh K.
Nice selection on the menu and decent tap selection. Great location right by the coast.
(4)Burbalicious X.
We loved Poe's. The burgers were great (the meat is so obviously fresh and ground in-house) and the fries and onion straws were tasty too! We also really enjoyed the live entertainment of the Larry David Project :) Fun place to have a burger, a few beers, and chill for a while. We stayed so long we *almost* ordered a plate of the yummy-smelling nachos that the table next to us had...but somehow resisted. Next time!
(5)Megan C.
I went to Poe's for the first time a few months ago when I was vacationing in Charleston. I don't live near the beach so I had to get the fish tacos. I ordered the Mahi-Mahi tacos which were good but lacking a little bit of flavor. My boyfriend ordered the Buffalo Shrimp tacos which were pretty much amazing. The shrimp were coated in buffalo sauce and served with a blue cheese slaw which was great even for those who don't particularly like blue cheese. The decor is inspired by Edgar Allen Poe which was a conversation piece for most of our meal. I would definitely go back to try the burgers!
(4)Bob H.
Great burgers and Onion strings. We were a little "surprised" at first by the older appearance of the restaurant, but once inside we found we enjoyed the atmosphere as much as the food! We were served quickly and professionally. Great experience!
(4)Asul R.
I don't know what all the rave is about? The food was ok, more like a meatloaf sandwich than a burger. My potato salad was quite bland and flavorless too. The wait staff was awesome tho... very fast, friendly, fun and courteous and never had an empty glass of beer and water. I guess people go there for the environment and not really the food, at least that is what me and my partner thought.
(3)suzanne p.
My husband I read all the rave reviews posted on Yelp about Poe's so we had to try it. We went late on a Thursday afternoon so it was not yet crowded. the waitress was friendly and all the staff was attentive. We shared the tavern salad which was good but i did not taste any marinated veggies in it. My husband ordered a burger which was good but his fries were all crumbly and little, like the bottom of the fryer. I had the fish tacos. They had the smallest amount of fish i have ever had in a taco. One little piece of fish in each taco for $9.75. I was not impressed.
(2)Dan M.
Poe's was recommended to us. It's the authentic place a chain would try and replicate. Great food and service. Everyone liked their burgers, but I went with a delicious seafood salad. If your travels take you to Sullivan Island, check it out. Dan
(5)Andrew S.
Absolutely the most delicious burger and most creative burger menu I've ever experienced. The fish tacos are also amazing. I am not ashamed to admit that Poe's is duly noted whenever I consider moving to Charleston.
(5)Andi E.
Once again I'm missing the boat here. We both sent back our food (mine, a bland chicken sandwich and he, a burger) because neither actually tasted like anything. We were one of three tables in the whole place, and it just didn't do it for us. We jumped down to Taco Mamasita for lunch after leaving Poe's. That was great!
(2)Jen C.
Hard to get a seat, but my tuna tacos were awesome.
(4)Adam M.
great food, great atmosphere, nice variety of food. multipurpose, family friendly place. they have a fire place, comfy seating, a bar area with flat screen tvs and then a regular seating area. good beer selection. we ran into steven colbert here once.
(4)C G.
I consider it the best place in the area to go find a laid back, well worn-in atmosphere where you can get mouth watering burgers, great fries and some tasty fish tacos. Great beer selection and mixed drinks, but no frozen drinks. It is a MUST DO in the area.
(5)Laura P.
This is an amazing burger, every time. I have a hard time straying from the Raven (the classic burger) because it is so simple and delicious, and let's face it, I'm really there for the onion straws which are magical. The beer selection here is great as well and just a stone's throw away from the beach, how can you go wrong?
(5)dan d.
Excellent burgers, good beer (Rogue Hazelnut Brown on draft! - you can't find that anywhere else this side of the Ashley). Make the trip to Poe's and you won't be disappointed.
(5)Regina S.
Dear Poe's owners/ managers: Please start serving veggie burgers! Rumor has it that before he wrote "The Goldbug" in 1843, Poe flipped burgers at this tavern that now cleverly sports a gold bug stamped into the concrete at the front door. See rebekah b.'s review for the true story. :) Good for groups? Not so fast. They don't take reservations here. Getting a table can take a while, but it's worth it. Great brunch on the weekends. As a vegetarian, I get a Blue Moon with extra OJ (yep) and the quesadilla with fries.
(4)Andrew H.
Have to agree with some of the other comments. Arguably the best burger in Charleston (Moe's would probably be a close 2nd.) and the fish tacos are also real good. GREAT beer menu. Never have been disappointed in the service or the food. Yes, stay away if crowded. Parking becomes a challenge. The atmosphere is what really makes the place great. Its on Sullivan's Island and I don't think you do much better than that.
(4)jennifer r.
I miss this place so much! I used to come by every Monday night when I lived on Isle of Palms. The fireplace is so cozy in the winter. The bar opening to the street is great year round. The beer selection, appetizers, decor, all of it is fab. Can't wait to come back.
(5)rusty r.
amazing burger with bleu cheese and buffalo shrimp. delicious coast ipa on-tap. awesome porch. across the board... from fine dining restaurants to oyster houses, poe's tavern is one of my favorite places in the charleston area. yummmmm....
(5)Eric S.
Good chicken sandwich. Great fries. Beer could have been colder. Lots of flies.
(4)Juliana S.
(to edgar allan poe and his descendants and annabel lee, and hers, two fools sitting before the fire) some people believe in fate. like a missing glove or a poem written in the palm of your hand, the world is finite, seductive as a mystery, intoxicating as hemlock. but a doom-filled life is of their own making, for demons will creep out of their heads at night and hunt them in the morning; nightmares will stalk them; until finally, one day, that fate rings true. so you blind monkeys, mischief-makers and rabble-rousers, listen up, pay attention, close the curtains for a moment on this waking world, and remember that you're lions. a little humility, and maybe a double vodka if you like, will remind you that you're king of kings.
(2)John O.
Excellent atmosphere and food. Service was great and the burgers were exceptional. Definitely will return.
(5)Meredith M.
I'm not much of a burger person but the husband is so I tried Poe's based on reviews I found here on Yelp. It was great! We went with the in-laws for lunch and fortunately we arrived at 11:30 because by the time we left it was filled up and there was soon to be a line. My husband and the rents had the special, a burger which had fried jalapenos, bleu cheese and buffalo sauce on it. They all said their burger was delicious at least five times. I forget the name of my burger but it had guacamole on it, it was yummy. My only complaint was that the bun got soggy and fell apart, they should put the stuff on top of the burger, not under it. But I'm not afraid of a little mess so no harm done. The restaurant loses a star because of the bathroom. It had the smallest stalls I have ever seen which make it near impossile to squat. Not necessairly something they can change but thought I'd mention it. Just thinking about it makes me want to start a list of best and worst restaurant bathrooms (just kidding)!
(4)Ziggy J.
Great little place. I had a naked burger with the goat cheese on it. It was ok. Burger was a little drier than i prefer and the goat cheese was not as good as the waitress suggested. The fries were great, thin and crispy. Great place for a lunch and a break from the beach.
(4)Jonathan N.
Good food. Good atmosphere. Probably a bit overpriced, but the overall experience probably makes up for it.
(4)Emily A.
After researching locals places around Charleston, I chose this place for me and my sister, niece, and brother in law to eat at. Well I really didn't know what to expect, but it was quite crowded, even on a cold and late lunch time of day... We got there about 2:00, although it was a saturday, 2/27/10. We happened to be lucky enough that someone had just gotten up and left (the sign says seat yourselves), so we grabbed the table just in time as there were more people headed in. The atmosphere was cool, very casual, and seemed really popular, which to me is always a good sign. Well we sat in a booth area, where one side was a bench and the other two had chairs. The bench side which my niece, who is 18 months old, and i sat on, she didn't even need a high chair... the bench seat was pretty high to the table that she could eat her food and not have her face at table level... if we had sat somewhere else, i dont know if they would have offered a high chair/booster seat or what.... a little draw back was they didn't offer crayons or anything for her to play with (but of course mom knows to bring her own)... i would say service was friendly, but not overly catering. I had read about the burgers, and im a hamburger fan, so i chose that. My niece had mac and cheese, bro in law had fish tacos, and sis had shrimp tacos i think? Well this was a really really really yummy burger. I might have said Cheeseburger in paradise in Myrtle Beach was the juiciest burger i have ever had... well this one might have been right up to par with that one. I was very satisfied. The fries were decent... ive had better, ive had worse, but wish i would have known to get cheese on them like someone mentioned below. My brother in law said his tacos were "okay", and my sister really liked her tacos. Baby seemed to like her mac and cheese :) Overall id definitely go back there if i didn't have so many other places i wanted to try... !
(4)Keith S.
Best burgers in town and awesome fish tacos. Poe's is the perfect beach bar. They have a limited menu (burgers or chicken sandwiches and fish tacos with some great appetizers) but what they have is extraordinary. The amontillado burger is incredible and if I'm not ordering that, it's the mahi fish tacos. They've also got a great selection of beers on tap. If you're on Sullivan's Island, be sure to check it out.
(5)Mike L.
Easily the best burger in the world!!! Look at my other reviews and you will see that I am not free with the compliments!!!! Go already! Do try the Tell-Tale Heart!!! If the fried egg scares you, don't knock it till you've tried it!!!
(5)Darrin M.
Great shrimp and blue cheese burger. Fish tacos were really good as well. Outdoor dining and cold beer - all I needed on a warm day.
(4)Publius J.
Great atmosphere (very laid back), always packed, fish tacos (get the mahi tacos), near the beach. The burgers are damned good, too.
(5)Gerry W.
AMAZING BURGERS and FRIES!! Friendly attentive staff, reasonable prices and terrific food! Cool ambiance....what more could you ask except my beer could have been a little bit colder.
(5)Candy M.
Was way to crowded for me and menu seemded limited. But was okay.
(3)rebekah b.
So here's a bit of a history lesson. Edgar Allen Poe who wrote "The Raven" and "The Fall of the House of Usher" enlisted in the army when he was 18 and was sent to Fort Moultrie. Hence the name of Poe's Tavern on Sullivan's Island. I really love this place. The burgers are incredible, and you can order it pretty much any way you want. The curly fries are super delicious, and there's an impressive selection of beer. Poe's is the kind of place where you can walk in with sandy feet from the beach, and it's okay. Super casual. Super fun. Well, at least more fun than being enlisted in the army.
(4)City Of Angels Z.
Taste gives it three stars, but the price gives it two. Walked out spending $25 on two burgers with tip. The burgers were ok, but I have definitely had better. And (seriously) they were the size of White Castle burgers. For East Coatsers, Hamburger Hamlet and Five Guys are both much better. West Coasters - Tommy's and In-N-Out are much better. As for the bar scene, it really came across as everyone trying way too hard.This place gets a lot of hype but the wife and I just didn't see it.
(2)Jimmy D.
Getting a seat can be tough since it's seat yourself but once you have a spot you'll eat the best burgers in town. I get the Gold Bug Plus (with blue cheese) and ranch on the side for my fries each time. I've thought about changing but it's just so good. I also recommend getting a pint of Black Magic during the summer months when Magic Hat is on tap.
(4)Amanda A.
This little island bar was definitely the hopping spot on the island. My fiance and I went here a few times with our guests and really enjoyed the afternoon atmosphere. Neither of us were incredibly impressed with the food (although the rest of the group said the burgers were great on one visit and had a horrible experience with the server on the second). I would check this place out in the evening when all of the bars on this little strip are buzzing - it's lantern-lit outdoor patio looked like a lot of fun whenever we drove by.
(3)Rob H.
There's not much to do in Sullivan's Island unless you're into old forts and dead poets (Fort Moultrie, where Edgar Allan Poe was stationed in the army from 1827-1829, is at the west end of the island), butt ugly lighthouses (seriously, this one takes the cake), or you happen to know someone who owns one of the seaside mansions that sit back a lawn's length from the ocean. So a stop at Poe's for either a burger or a fish taco or a beer (or better yet, all of the above) is pretty much your best bet for a taste of the island's flavor. Poe's serves GREAT grilled burgers, fresh ground on site, and cooked to order (my wife's burger was served a delightfully juicy and pink "medium rare"). And each is named after a famous Poe writing, like the Gold Bug cheeseburger and the Tamerlane chili cheeseburger w/ onions . Plus non-red meat eaters like myself can substitute chicken, as I did on one combination that included roasted blue cheese and buffalo fried shrimp. And their awesome handcut fries are thin and crispy not to be missed. I docked them one point becuase their blue cheese slaw was soggy and lifeless -- the least impressive of all the local slaws I sampled this week. Service was pretty good considering how swamped the place seems to be nearly all the time. Definitely allow yourself a leisurely lunch at this place, as only seems fitting for a day at the beach.
(4)andrew d.
Best lunch spot on IOP, hands down.
(5)Amy J.
Pick a sunny day and sit on the covered outdoor patio! Our waitress was awesome - totally upbeat, positive, and hard working - she made waiting on our table of 10 plus others look like a piece of cake! The place was busy, and you have to fend for your own table, but the food was delicious, beer flowing, and outdoor atmosphere fun. I got the mahi tacos with a pineapple topping by special request... but I also had my eye on a few chicken sandwiches making it hard to decide. What I liked about this place was that for each sandwich you could choose chicken or beef - what a simple, but smart idea!
(5)Melissa G.
Just OK. The selection of drinks wasn't great. Service was SLOW. I got the veggie burger. The patty itself was decent (not great, but decent), but it was a strictly lettuce/onion/tomato/pickle sandwich (no fancy toppings or anything, and skimpy at that) and expensive for what it was. The bread was great though, and the fries heavily salted (whic
(3)Amandalyn L.
Poe's never fails us! Best burgers around always! We love it and take everyone here when we come to town!! Love this place!
(5)Robert Z.
Great atmosphere with local beers, and fresh food. The tuna and shrimp tacos were fantastic. I also enjoyed the nachos. The service was friendly in addition to the good food.
(5)Crystal B.
Wonderful atmosphere. Very inviting. Loved the music and the Poe theme. Commendable draft selections for having a limited amount of taps, wouldn't mind a better liquor selection though. I really felt that Edgar would've wanted me to have a nice traditional Manhattan while I was there but without any ryes to choose from I simply had there only single malt scotch to sip on. Wish I would've been in the mood for a burger as they all sounded absolutely fabulous, not that I was disappointed in my shrimp salad sandwich; which was delicious and was exactly the lighter type of lunch I was hoping for.
(4)Melissa A.
Probably the best burger I have ever had! Perfectly cooked and seasoned. The decor was very fun and I greatly enjoyed eating here. A must visit the next time I am in the area. I had the Annabel Lee which was great. The crab cake was fantastic and really complimented the burger.
(5)M G.
Great, beachy, casual open air tavern. We had lunch there on April 4th and the service and food were awesome! The sleeper chicken sandwich was so tasty along with the onion strings and a beer - deelish!
(4)Katie R.
All fellow American Lit nerds & any Following fans check this out: Poe's Tavern, a bar and restaurant inspired by the Edgar himself. Poe was stationed at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island in 1827 and this inspired his story, "The Gold Bug". The tavern is basically a collage of Poe paraphernalia. It's creepily awesome. The sandwich and meal names are all Poe inspired which is pretty cool of you've read his work. I got a Cobb salad which was good, but the flavors of most Cobb salads. I also got the chili which had a great kick. My fiancé got the special of the night which was a blackened mahi sandwich and said it was delicious. I'd definitely come back here. The food is good and the ambiance is even better!
(4)Meghann C.
I always looove going to Poe's. Never had a bad experience. Always good food and always great service. Awesome atmosphere and interesting menu.
(5)Alex C.
The fish taco's are pretty good, but could use bigger cuts of fish. The ingredients are fresh and the sauces are tasty. My girlfriend got the burger and it was very good. The bun was a little big for their stout and plump patties, but tearing away some bun isn't too big of a deal. The fries are fresh and made out of real potatoes (ie: cut and made in-house). It's pretty busy and the wait on the food is longer than you'd think, but not terrible. Given that we came in February, I can't imagine coming here when it's warmer.
(4)Kory W.
Love, love this place. The food was yummy, and it's such an adorable place. It's sort of little, but I was totally happy grabbing a burger there before heading to the beach ( conveniently just a few blocks over! ). Definitely get the chips and queso appetizer!
(5)Jerry C.
First of all, the lawyers next door are making a bundle by asking people to pay to park in their lot. Although you see that lot first when you drive in, you only need to pay to use it if Poe's lot is full! Cool place. The interiors are warm and compelling, enough so that it was tempting to sit inside, even on a hot day. But we resisted the urge and took advantage of the outside seating .As Poe himself once said "The best things in life make you sweaty". We got there just in time, as the place was slammed right after we sat down. We came here under the assumption that these were going to be the best burgers in Charleston. I do hope that is not true! I had the Pit and Pendulum which I found to be a little dry, and slightly overcooked. The fries were great though amd the service, warm and friendly. Surrounded by gorgeous scenery and interesting people it is easy to forgive a little lapse at the grill.
(4)Sean C.
Poe's Tavern is located on Sullivan's Island and is my ideal stopping point when returning from a day at the beach on Isle of Palms or Sullivan;s Island beaches. Coolest atmosphere, best burgers in town. The bathrooms are really small and very tight, but that is the only drawback to Poe's. Really fun servers and bartenders and great burgers. Sit inside or outside, kick back, relax and eat a burger. You cannot go wrong here.
(5)Murray M.
I absolutely love Poe's. I usually get the Gold Bug burger, and there are numerous local beer options. You really can't go wrong with Sullivan's Island and an Edgar Allan Poe theme.
(5)Drew E.
My favorite burger in town! Sullivan's has gotten so overrun with tourists you'll probably have to fight someone for a table (and parking) most times of the year but it's usually worth it in my opinion. The Telltale Heart is my personal favorite!
(5)Sarah P.
The garlic blue cheese is DELICIOUS!!!!! They should bottle that stuff and sell it!!!! The ambiance of the restaurant wasn't as creepy as I was expecting, but still neat. Our waitress was polite and quickly filled our glasses each time they got remotely low. She was not well versed on Edgar Allen Poe, but I'll forgive her. ;)
(5)Andrew P.
Excellent tuna salad. The burgers look fabulous. For $5 park in the house next door as parking on the street can be difficult.
(5)Randall R.
You can not find a much better spot for a burger and beer in the Charleston area. Never been disappointed, my wife and I have come here several times!
(5)Alison C.
A little overhyped. The way you have to stalk people for a table is unnerving and rude. Burgers were not cooked to specification (overdone) and the fish tacos weren't as great as others proclaimed. The loaded nachos were delicious! The service was attentive and speedy, which was surprisingly nice since it was so crowded.
(3)David G.
Burgers?!? Burgers?!? Don't talk to me about Burgers! (Okay, you can talk to me about burgers but only if you have also experienced the glorious-ness that is Poe's Tavern.) Should I wax poetic? Should I be grave, discerning, and dark with my review? Nay, I shall don praise upon the place. Poe's Tavern is themed after Edgar Allen Poe. As a result, all of the burgers are named after a Poe title. Located on the main "strip" (if that's what you want to call it) on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina. The parking lot is always crowded - particularly during high season - and the joint is always rocking busy. (Hint: There's a parking lot just down the road if you cannot get a spot by the restaurant.) I am going to purposefully make the next statement a new paragraph: Poe's Tavern is SEAT YOURSELF. This means that you need to be: on your toes and lose the Southern politeness you either are inclined to have or have learned while in Charleston area. It's a dog eat dog world out there, and you need to man up and seat yourself. Anyone who does not like that needs to eat elsewhere. Full stop. Period. Go cry somewhere else. Additionally, Poe's only has two high chairs. So, for the families out there with a really little one, then you need to stalk those high chairs like you stalked the table at which you are seated. It's a baby eat baby world out there. Man/Woman up for the high chair. Now, the part you came to Yelp about: food. The burgers are incredible. My poetic concoction had a fried egg along with cheese and avocado. I asked for a burger prepared medium. I received a burger prepared medium. It was tender, juicy, the yolk from the egg broke upon first bite adding that extra yolk-y condiment that I so desired. Yellow oozing yolk.. melted cheese... juices dripping from perfectly cooked warm pink burger... nom, nom, nom... (insert Home Simpson drool)... The french fries are hand cut, lightly seasoned and fried oh-so-right. If I did not have control, I would have eaten my entire half pound burger and the likely half pound of fries that I was given. Fortunately, I have self control and only ate all of the burger and 3/4 of the fries... what? I didn't say it was great self-control. Now to the beer: they have a wide selection including local breweries and the pretty young ladies serving the food can certainly recommend a good brew-ski, I honestly do not remember what local brew I had, but it was a nut brown ale and fantastic. In the end, I highly recommend Poe's Tavern.
(4)Jarred A.
Just do yourself a favor and go. This is one of the very few places that I've been to that can put out amazing burgers or food in general when being as busy as they were. Awesome atmosphere, great bartenders and a modest beer selection. Amazing burgers!!
(5)Rebecca O.
Definitely a solid burger. The fries are also very good. The burger portion was big, but my boyfriend had the tacos, and it seemed like a very small portion in comparison (for the same price). As others have said, it was definitely busy. I went in February, so I can't imagine would it would be like during peak seasons.
(4)Mary F.
Great service, sweet helpful waitress, Brittany. Good burgers, quesadilla, great cheese fries! They REALLY aim to please. Fun laid back place. Very casual
(5)Melissa C.
Great burgers, great lil place in general, Such a cool, fun lil joint.
(4)Cory M.
This place embodies everything I have ever heard about Charleston and its southern charm. The food was great (yellowfin tuna tacos - three for ~$17), the beer was flowing (~$5.50 a draft) and the company was friendly. I am in town by myself and the people around me were very personable and chatted me up. I'll definitely be back, and I will tell all my friends that this should be at the top of their list when visiting. Unfortunately, it started to pour at dinner so I didn't get to walk around much.
(5)Christina E.
First time here. Awesome beer selection. Food is amazing! I got the chicken sandwich Hop Frog and my boyfriend got the Amontillado. So good! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone and will be coming back here.
(5)Jessica B.
This was absolutely the best burger i've ever had. So juicy and cooked to perfection i'm salivating just recalling it. Location couldn't be better and the wait staff was very friendly and accommodating even though the place was crazy busy. If ever I find myself back on Sullivan Island eating here will be a no brainer.
(5)Kimber C.
This is kind of a mixed review. I have been twice now. The first time was pretty fantastic. We say outside, the burger was good, the waitress was prompt and friendly. Based on that experience, I would've given the place 5 stars. Then, I went a second time and it was soooo poor, that had the first experience not been great, I would've given Poes Tavern 1 star for ambience. Everyone talks about how great Poes is and how they have the best burgers in Charleston. Well, I'd like to interject here that Colemans Public house has a pretty fantastic burger that beats out Poes any day. So, back to Poes: I figured I had to check this place out. I LOVE a good burger. So, the first visit, as I said met up to the expectations, unless I was simply fooled by all the rave reviews. (this of course is possible too). Visit 2: I went with my best friend. We ordered 2 waters and cokes, and we each had a burger. I had the black cat I believe, medium rare, and my best friend had a plain cheese burger. My water had a floaty in it. I would've requested a new one except I never saw my waitress. We ended up changing tables because the sight of the floaty was making me and my best friend nauseated. Then our burgers came. Our cokes emptied (we were never offered a refill... in fact we didn't see our waitress again until she handed us a check). My burger was pink, but I'm not sure if I could call it medium rare. I mean, it was, but it was sooo dry and like cardboard that I was really confused by it. The meat crumbled it was so dry. This is NOT expected from any burger, especially from a med-rare one. The bread fell apart, unable to handle the chili and pimento cheese inside. Speaking of which, there should've been more chili and cheese to moisten the burger. So, as my sandwich fell apart, I tasted the burger by itself. It was bland. There was NO seasoning on that thing, not even salt. The potato salad and fries were good. My best friend had a similar experience with her burger. Maybe it was a new chef? What made all of this worse is that the place was not busy. There was one other table taken in the bar area, maybe 2 tables in the restaurant area, a few tables outside taken. They didn't seem short staffed. Our waitress was no where to be found. Absolutely horrible. It's a shame because I live close and would've loved to go back. I will not take any other family or friends there in the future.
(2)Kelsy L.
Great food. Had a burger and my mom had Mahi tacos, both were delicious. Fries were great, fry sauce is made with sour cream, unique and very good! Fun environment. Sat outside with my dog on a sunny day! Will defiantly go back:)
(4)Shannon D.
Poe's is very laid back with good food, served very quickly. We were there on July 4th and had no trouble getting served. I had the Mahi tacos which were great and my boyfriend had the Amontillado burger which was fantastic. One of the best things about Poe's is that there's a $5 parking lot next door. You can park, eat and then walk to the beach, which is two blocks away. So easy and fun!
(4)Chris O.
My girlfriend brought me here and I must say that this was one of the best burgers I have ever had. The meat seemed to melt in my mouth and though I NEVER order just a hamburger, I think that this is the only place I could do so and actually be satisfied. That being said, I did not just order a hamburger and instead went for the Amontillado. The toppings on this burger were simply incredible. I would've been happy with all of them piled on top of each other but they went above and beyond. I'm not exactly sure what they did but the jalapeno jack, pico de gallo, guac and sour cream were mixed together to form this delicious, creamy mix. Pair that with a delicious patty and it was truly mouth watering. Moreover, I've read some reviews on here about poor service so perhaps we lucked out, but we had fantastic service. Our server was attentive and refilled our drinks (Arnold Palmer's) before they were empty - she actually brought over separate pitchers of iced tea and lemonade. And then to top it off, she offered us "road drinks" when we asked for the check. I assumed this meant she would bring back plastic cups for us to dump our (mostly) full drinks in. Not the case. She poured fresh servings in plastic to-go cups and even threw a lemon around the straw. All for the $1.95 price of one Arnold Palmer. I was speechless and this couldn't have been better for the 3 hour drive we had ahead of us. Now I just need to go back and try this with beer... Overall: great food, great service, fun atmosphere. 5+ stars
(5)Spencer L.
We heard from several people that Poe's was the best burger in the world so we gave it a shot. The Amontillado burger was good, not the best in the world, but I think it was worth the $11.50 I paid for it. My wife said the same about The Raven. The environment is loud and fun. It's a beach shack vibe, seat yourself, with music like Bob Marley and Red Hot Chili Peppers playing the whole time. The community is quaint with parking along Middle Street. Don't expect to eat here quickly. Have a beer, enjoy your burger and your company and you'll have fun.
(4)Anne M.
Thick and juicy burgers covered with a series of interesting and classic toppings. I had the black cat with Edgar's drunken chili, sautéed onions, bacon, and pimento cheese with a side of cheese fries and bacon blue cheese cole slaw. All were a delicious end to a sunny day on the beach. Casual atmosphere and friendly staff top off a wonderful lunch stop. Lots of kids around as well!
(5)Nicole M.
Poe's!! My gosh, what a great spot. Rode through a downpour to get to Sullivan's Island, spent an hour at the beach, then hit Poe's for lunch before heading back to Charleston. And we got there just in time, there was no line and a couple empty tables. On our way out there must've been 20ppl in line... Loved all the wall art of various pictures and paintings of Poe, and all the relics of his work. I ordered a chicken, cheddar and avocado sandwich, and my sister got the fish tacos. I know burgers are what people normally eat here, but we're not burger folk. I was so happy when we got our sweet tea and it wasn't sickeningly sweet. It was perfectly sweet! A great spot while you're out on the island.
(5)Lauren B.
We decided to eat here after the beach and to celebrate my brother's engagement with a drink. It was "seat yourself", but a busboy found an empty table in the back that seated all 6 of us. We had the pico de gallo and guac for an appetizer, which was really good. I ordered the mahi mahi tacos and they were so delicious! You can order 2 or 3 tacos and I thought 2 was plenty. It doesn't come with any sides, so we ordered a side of fries which were very good. Loved the way the restaurant is decorated with tons of pictures and references to Edgar Allan Poe. Very cool spot!
(4)Jason L.
Decent chicken salad but I'm non-dairy and couldn't bring myself to trust the dressing. The server asked the chef but it looked like a creamy dressing and they didn't have anything else that sounded any less "dangerous". I will give them the benefit of the doubt that they probably created a much better emulsion with their vinaigrette than I'd seen before because it didn't separate the whole time we were there, however I still wasn't going to eat it. A manager even came over to make sure everything was ok with the food. Our server was very attentive and kept my iced tea full. I would go back and order something more adventurous.
(3)Justin B.
This burger would hold up even in Chicago, where I currently live; great quality of meat (had the burger of the day, with jalapenos, gouda cheese and spicy mustard) and a great venue with a very friendly staff. Big ups for letting me sit before my entire group was there, so I was able to hold a table for eight while my group decided to take their sweet time to show up! The fries weren't as tasty as they looked, thanks to a couple of french fry burn victims that made it to my plate. We also tried the mahi-mahi fish tacos, which I thought were average but my wife absolutely loved. Two big tacos are served, so get the two-taco order, it's plenty for a regularly-sized adult. Otherwise, I'd be back if I was going to be in town longer!
(4)Jen L.
I only saw about this place because of a guy in town (Charleston) was wearing their t-shirt. I'm a bit Poe fan, so I had to check it out! We passed several other bars in the Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms, which seemed so "college wasted" (and it wasn't any big holiday other than summer).. and we were happy to skip them. So glad we did! We split nachos and one of their burgers - and wow! So good! Their drink selection is great, too! Great people watching and a great environment. We will definitely return here, in the future! The service was just a great, too! Parking wasn't too difficult, either.. I had spotted a parking lot across the street, that had a sign just for Poe's Tavern parking! (free, and plenty of spots)
(5)Tom G.
It was A-OK - but I thought it would be better. We went for lunch Friday after the 4th of July and it was very crowded. Very crowded. You're supposed to seat yourself, but one of the staff helped us find a table. It was outside in the sun - no umbrella. They had some umbrellas outside but seriously need more. We took the table so we didn't have to wait a long time and scooted close the table next to us to grab some shade. 2 of the 3 of us had some shade. Service was good - it was hot and they were hustling. Burgers were great but came out underdone - probably the kitchen staff was rushing to fill all the orders. We could have/should have sent them back, but at this point really wanted to eat and get the hell out. I'd go back, but not on busy summer days.
(3)Klinton K.
The best atmosphere. We sat outside in the shade with a great ocean breeze. I had the Tell Tale Heart burger. It has a burger topped with applewood bacon and a fried egg. Fantastic. The fries were great, thin and a little crispy. Had a taste of my wife's slaw and it was good also. It had a vinegar taste and is also a topping on the fish tacos. The Guacamole is great, and is on top of the Amontillado Burger, which my wife had. Delicious...
(5)Carla F.
I have loved Poe's for years. Back in the day I could polish off their amatillado burger with French fries and a side of ranch with a blue moon. I was in heaven. Now I've switched to fish tacos and the occasional quesadilla or nachos. The appeal of their food has lessened but the atmosphere hasn't changed. There is nothing quite like it. Regardless of how I feel, when I go to Poe's it is always a very chill atmosphere. Whether its the laid back beach vibe in the summer or cool by the fire vibe in the winter.
(4)Andrew W.
Great burgers! The rest of the food on the menu is pretty good but their burgers are some of my favorite in town. Also one of my favorite sides to get there is their macaroni and cheese...it's straight up kraft mac and cheese which I personally love. The downfall of the place is that it's small and crowded. Getting a prime seat outdoors in the warmer months is next to impossible and getting to the bar on any weekend is also tough. Lots of pretty waitresses and a great location as far as proximity to the beach.
(3)Liz J.
We had the queso and chips, fish tacos and the burger with the buffalo shrimp and blue cheese and onion straws. Everything was great, but I felt the fish tacos were missing something and I have had better ones. The service was excellent and we will come back again.
(4)Gary E.
No "TO GO" orders if the restaurant is full! Looks like we'll pick something up across the street.
(2)Elizabeth F.
I'm always happy with the food and service here- every time I visit my family in Charleston we make sure to stop by. The atmosphere is awesome and the people are friendly. Great indoor and outdoor seating. There is something for everyone.
(5)Andie C.
Great service. Awesome french fries. I had the chicken version of the Amontillado. It has great, fresh flavors. My husband had the Annabel Lee burger, and absolutely loved it. We dined with two other people. Both enjoyed their Sleeper and Tell-Tale Heart burgers. We will be going back.
(5)Kevin G.
Every May in the spring I have a bike run from Surfside to Poes, its a very nice restaurant and very biker friendly. the food and atmosphere is outstanding. it is a must visit while on vacation or just passing through.
(5)Karen O.
We love this place! Its my go to stop for great burgers when I have guests from out of town! I wish it wasn't so crowded but good news travels fast.
(5)April K.
First, the name alone drew us in! My husband and I are fans of Edgar Allan Poe. Throw into the mix excellent hamburgers, who could refuse? As far as ambiance goes, it is a little dark and noisy inside, but probably because the restaurant attracts young people. We ate on the enclosed patio, which was fine. The padded bench seating was a little on the used/stained side, but the wooden chairs were perfectly clean. Nevertheless, the food was delicious, good portion size and great service to boot! I would recommend, and I will come back! My husband and I both had a hamburger. It was cooked perfectly. We ordered fries and they came hot and salty! I'm getting hungry just remembering it.
(5)Kerry O.
Huge, perfectly cooked, tasty burgers. Amazing wait staff, very friendly and attentive. If it weren't so artery clogging, I could eat here every day.
(5)r m.
Really a shame because the food is good but the service we experienced was AWFUL. We waited for a table for about 20 minutes after talking with a server who stated it was ours after the previous guests left. No big deal. Well, then another group of people came in and sat down at the table we had been waiting for. We tried explaining the situation and they refused to leave and let us have our designated table. I asked for assistance from the server that told us we could have the table and instead of helping she told us we should look for another one. After deciding she didn't want to deal with us any longer she told me "Well I'm not your server" and walked away. Even after speaking with the manager we did not receive any assistance. He stated that all he could do is have a talk with the server. Needless to say after waiting about 30 minutes at this point, we cut our losses and went to a restaurant down the street.
(2)Fred B.
Good burger joint, in a rambling old place with nooks everywhere it seemed. Poe's chili was worth the trip, spicy and thick, real body and tasty. Sweet Alice ordered a cheese burger and was not the least displeased, and I had the soft shell crab sandwich since it was May and the suckers were fresh - an excellent choice, as it turned out. The beer list is nice, and the overall experience was good - a little pricey, but it is about the food and the experience, right? Unless you are a local, experiencing this once is probably enough considering all the choices available in this neck of the woods, or rather beach.
(3)John H.
Obviously there is a fan base for this restaurant but I had one of my worse dining experiences here. I was asked to leave. I came in and the "host" smiles when I tell him I want to be seated for lunch. It is obviously crowded and I ask him about sitting at the bar where he responded first come first serve. I am the only person waiting at this point and a couple comes in where he seats them within minutes. All the while I am standing 4 feet from him. Another couple comes in and he does the same thing. I ask him to seat me with whatever comes first. After 15 minutes he again seats another couple ahead of me. I patiently wait for a bar seat to open up and one does, but I almost fall over because it is over an air duct which is unacceptable. When I go back to the host to remind him that I will take whatever comes first, he gets irate and tells me to loose my attitude. When I tell him he has seated scores of people ahead of me. He goes on to tell me he doesn't know where I want to sit when I again told him whatever opens up next. He follows me to the door and asks me to leave. I almost laughed out loud. Who should be upset? Antebellum architecture is charming, brandish behavior as a host is not.
(1)michele c.
Went to Poe's twice. The first time just for drinks and we saw what looked like awesome food going past us, so we went back to try it...huge mistake. It looks so much better than it tastes. The chicken used for their chicken sandwich has to be Tyson's freezer grilled breasts and I got the last dump of the French fry basket (you know, the greasy broken pieces), and it was only 12:00 and lunch just started! What self respecting kitchen staff sends that out the door? Wait staff is unenthusiastic. I do agree it's cheeky place with good beer, and a fun place to throw back a few after the beach!
(2)Christi T.
Great food, great atmosphere and great service. First time going today but definitely not the last!!
(5)Brian S.
Fantastic. You have to stop here if you are in the area. And take the advice here and below, get there early. We got there at 11:30 for lunch and by noon, the place was jammed. But, man, is it worth it. I had the Sleeper Burger, my wife had the Annibell Lee (we think that's the name. It's the one with the crab cake) and my son had the Pit and the Pendulum. The taste combinations were out of this world. Who would have thought blue cheese, shrimp and a burger. Service was fantastic. The chili was good too. A little watery for me but the taste was good. All in all a total winner. I will visit anytime I'm close.
(5)Virginia E.
Awesome burgers! My friend had the fish tacos and loved them. Great people watching as well. Get there early to grab a good table!
(4)Greg C.
First time to Poe's. We waited at the bottom of the stairs at what appeared to be a hostess stand. After waiting awhile with no acknowledgement from the staff we walked up to the top of the steps and looked around. I'm sure we looked confused, a number of the staff looked at us but no one offered any assistance. Finally we saw an open table and just seated ourself. A waitress arrived fairly quickly and gave us some menus and took our drink order. Since we've eaten our way through Charlston we weren't quite up for a heavy hamburger so we chose to split some Mahi fish tacos, some blue cheese Cole slaw and hand cut fries. The Cole slaw was incredible and so we're the fries. The fish tacos were cooked ok with a slaw and remoulade sour cream sauce but the fish had no seasoning and was very bland. We had to ask for more sauce and sprinkle got sauce in it to give it any flavor at all. Overall experience was just ok, maybe we should have chosen the hamburgers.
(3)Perry C.
Great bar. Excellent burgers and respectable fish tacos. Good spot to let your hair down.
(5)Susan W.
The food is great but the flies are AWFUL! avoid sitting outside at all costs unless you want to shoo the flies away the whole time. we had to wolf our food down before the flies got to it.
(3)Benjamin G.
Read through the other reviews and you'll see the pattern of "busy as all get-out in the summertime" but during the months with winter climes, you're golden. My wife and I venture to Charleston often, and winter turns the surrounding areas into a goldmine for off-season travel. Sullivan's Island is just wonderful. The beaches, the restaurants, the scenery...all of it. Just a magical place. Poe's is just a hop, skip, and jump from the beach and easy to spot. Tons of outdoor seating, ample indoor seating and bar seating, too. We made it in on an unusually warm day for the wintertime. Started with a few beers and queso - server's recommendation. It was definitely hitting the spot. The chips were of the "out of the bag" fare, but were good. The queso had a nice kick, but I guess the temperature played a lot to the consistency. It solidified really fast and...well, you know how semi-solid queso goes. Not so bueno. Though we weren't blown away, it was definitely a go-to and worked well with my entree. Which takes me to my main course - fish tacos. Just great. There's something to be said about fresh fish tacos when you're this close to the water. I had blackened tuna tacos and they were great. Slaw, citrus, and great grilled flavor. Loved every bit and with a little bit of the queso on each one, which got melted once more, made for a nice touch. Prices are fair considering the touristy spot. Service was very friendly and had the local appeal/knowledge. Can't wait to come back...most likely in the winter once more!
(4)Christopher E.
Had to check this place out just because of the Poe decorating & theme inside. Had a burger w/ fries and one of their draft beers. Food tastes good and the wait for a table was less than 5 minutes even though it looked crowded. It is seat yourself.
(4)Marissa F.
A great place for burgers with a delightful patio. I decided to come here to have lunch on my birthday. I had never been and wasn't sure if this would be a mistake. We decided to give it a try and glad we did! We were looking for a laid back spot with an outdoor area to enjoy the 78 degree weather in the middle of January! As far as sandwiches or burgers go, this was about the best place I could have found. I had the crab cake sandwich, which ordinarily is a crab cake on top of either a beef or chicken patty. I just wanted the crab cake since I don't eat beef or chicken. I was pleasantly surprised when it came out with two little crab cakes stacked inside the bun with remoulade sauce, lettuce and tomato. It was de-lish! Don't miss the house cut French fries either. My hubby had the buffalo shrimp tacos and they were really good, too. The burgers are good size and the prices are moderate. I love Sullivan's and will be back for more food and sunshine on the white picket fenced patio.
(5)Ray M.
I took my son out to lunch here for a late birthday lunch on October 5,2013. He recommend the place so we gave it a try. The parking was tight and the place was packed but the manager had a handle on the situation. We were seated and a very friendly waitress came to take our order. As I said, the place was packed. Everywhere you looked, the waiters and waitresses all had smiles and showed no fear under pressure. When it came our time to order we were allowed to order our cheeseburgers medium rare, something nearly unheard of these days. This was the best cheeseburger I have had in years, moist, fresh, delicious. These are not enough stars available here to award this great restaurant. I highly recommend it and fully intent to eat here in the future!
(5)David P.
Very popular beach community hangout. We stopped by on a cold December day as the rain clouds were rollling in from the ocean. They don't serve any hot drinks, so had to settle for water. Very good burgers, sandwiches and salads, all of them freshly made. Nothing is frozen here. Edgar Allen Poe motifs all over the place since Sullivan's Island claims him as a famous son due to his having spent a year or so here while serving in the Army at Ft. Moultrie down the road. Kinda kitschy but cute.
(4)Tanya R.
Went on 8-30-13 for early dinner. My husband and I loved the burgers, loved the location, decor, menu, and the staff was excellent. We are big Poe fans and this was recommended to us by a tour guide in Charleston as a great burger place. I had the "Pit and the Pendulum" burger. The fries are wonderful too. GREAT food! Will go back every time we are in Charleston! Regret not getting t-shirts, so have to go back for those... There were other couples, like us, large families, young families with little kids, and college age kids. Was a good mix.
(5)Andrea G.
The best thickest burgers I have ever had! Thinly cut natural fries were also very good. And all of this was made possible by one of the best servers I have ever had! Thanks for great service and memories for me and all of my family, Ben!!!!!
(5)Luis R.
The only non-positive comment I have to share about Poe's is that seating is hard to come by due to being a relatively small restaurant. But that speaks more to the high demand of the restaurant. The burger selection is unusual, diverse, and delectable. Uncommon combinations will give your taste buds a new experience! I highly recommend the Sleeper ( blue cheese and fried buffalo shrimp on a burger). Portions will leave you satisfied.
(4)Brandon B.
Finally tied this place after several weeks of my buddy bragging about it. Boy was he right. Started off with chips and queso cheese dip, which had homemade pico. Awesome!! My wife had a burger and I smashed the Mahi tacos w/ cole slaw. Will be heading back soon. Best fish tacos in town!!!!
(5)Ana B.
I was really excited to go to Poe's but I ended up leaving before sitting down. They don't take names when you are waiting for a table so after I had stood around with my family for 20 minutes hoping for a table, a couple stood up to leave. As I made my way to the table, a group of 6 people walked into the restaurant and took the table from in front of me without having to wait one second! I was so mad and when I approached the waitress, she basically told me "tough luck". Only go to Poe's if you have a lot of patience and you are willing to eat at the bar or be treated horribly.
(1)Nicole W.
As others have mentioned, Poe's is a hopping place come summer time. It's probably pretty busy year round, but I've only been during the summer months. Park where you can and walk right up and seat yourself! It's a cozy little restaurant and bar with plenty of Edgar Allen Poe references, photos, etc. You'll see burger names like Tell Tale Heart, The Sleeper, Gold Bug, Black Cat, etc. Creative with just a touch of creeper. Eddie was a fairly strange bird, you know. While my Gold Bug plus burger with pimento cheese was solid and perfectly cooked to my request, it paled in comparison to the yellowfin tuna tacos I've had in the past. The burger, while moist, was lacking in flavor and the pimento was a bit disappointing. I would have done better with spicier, more flavorful toppings. The onion straws, however, were crispy and fan-freaking-tastic. With the tacos, the chipotle cream sauce it delicious and the slices of rare tuna are delightful. Portions in general are generous and incredibly fresh. Oh, and the fries are pretty damn tasty...especially when you cover them with cheese. Share with friends! Overall, Poe's is a solid place on Sullivan's Island with just enough kitsch and delicious food to keep me coming back.
(4)Kyle R.
What can I say about Poe's Tavern that could make you believe how big of a fan I am of this quaint tavern? They have some of the most amazing burgers I have tasted, and what is even better? The inside of the tavern is dedicated to Edgar Allen Poe. Not a fan of sitting indoors here in beautiful South Carolina? That's okay they have outdoor seating and once you're all done enjoying the great food and drink, you can walk right down the road to the beach and just watch the ocean for a few and enjoy your day!
(5)Kevin H.
This is a second review for me for this restaurant. Regrettably, I have to write a negative review for Poes.... I will start out by saying that I used to think it is still one of the best burgers in Charleston. The food is still good and one of the better beer selections in the area. The unfortunate part is the incredibly rude staff. The past few times I have gone in, the bar staff (more notably the actual bar tenders) have been rude, arrogant and unprofessional. This most recent time, there was a female bartender that had such a horrible attitude. She obviously thought that she could say anything to anyone without circumstance. She was visibly miserable with her job and complained about every time someone ordered anything but a beer, wine or a straight shot. I will try other burger places before I go back to Poes based on her. There are several new places coming in to Mount Pleasant so, based on the poor customer service, I hope I will return.
(2)Ashley B.
I do so love a good burger, and when I made plans for a return vacation trip to the Charleston area, I knew from previous experience that I wanted to eat at Poe's Tavern because these burgers are among the best I've ever had. Poe's is a rather casual place on the main strip (such as it is) on Sullivan's Island. The parking lot is always crowded and they always seem busy but I've never had trouble finding a table here, and I've always gotten good service despite the sit yourself arrangements. The waitstaff seems to keep good tabs on whose coming and going and is normally with you very shortly after you arrive. There are other things on the menu besides burgers of course but you are doing yourself a disservice if you don't get one. Knowing just how large their half pound burgers are from previous trips, I'd advised my girlfriend that we should split one and get an appetizer to help round out the meal. So with that decided we chose to get chips and queso and a Pit & Pendulum burger (that's bacon and cheese for the non initiates here, all the burgers are named after Poe's stories). I doubt it was more then five minutes before our food arrived. The waitress even brought an extra plate without asking. The burger was ordered medium and it was a nice healthy warm pink on the inside with a good searing from the grill on the outside. It was tender, juicy and flavorful, and honestly that just can't describe how good this burger tastes. There's only one other thing that can make me go weak in the knees like food this good and I can't print that in a family setting. The fries are also excellent. They are hand cut just the perfect size from fresh potatoes and fried up to a beautiful golden brown. They make a wonderful compliment to the burger. The chips and queso were fine without being amazing. They were a nice compliment to the meal but not something I would make the trip for again. Charleston is a town known for it's good food and Poe's has earned a worthy place in it's pantheon of outstanding restaurants. It takes a lot to pull me a way from seafood when I vacation here, but a burger this good has little trouble doing so. I look forward to eating here again on my next visit, I'm sure I won't be disappointed.
(5)Carrie Neal W.
I love Poe's. And not just 'cause I'm an English major. It's just a cool spot! Good burgers, which is what I usually get. Chill vibe and good for singles, groups, or even families. The staff are always friendly and if it's the right time of year (I've been there in every season), the patio is great, and you can bring your dog. One of my favorite places on Sullivan's Island.
(4)Sandi S.
Food was excellent. Overall service was good, but that wasn't the case with our initial waitress. She asked our party of 10 to squeeze into one table so that the large wait of other patrons would be reduced. When we questioned if we would all fit, she threw the menus at the table and said that if we "did mind then whatever". We requested a different server and were treated very well, even given a discount on our meal which wasn't expected. We gave our new waitress a hefty tip and thanked her graciously. I don't think we will return in the future.
(3)Stephanie H.
This place was always fun to go to when I lived in Charleston. It's right on the beach, cool scene, and the burgers are a total novelty. The only bad thing is that the burgers were often quite large and usually amounted to one of those sloppy meals where the avocado and mayo juice tend to drip all down your arms as you're trying to eat. But it was a good burger. Not the best I've ever had, but pretty damn good. I also really like the quesadillas.
(4)Brian L.
Great food for a beach town bar! Lots of great craft beers on tap and the food (ie burgers) are stand out. Great service and a nice patio to sit outside or good view from the inside bar. Best feature is a lack of d'bags seen at other establishments in Isle of Palms.
(4)Lenny G.
Great place with a pretty big menu. The burgers and fish tackles were great. They have a decent kids menu also. As others have mentioned, it's a very laid back place with a beach type atmosphere. There are outdoor spaces. The bar opens both outdoors and inside. All the Edgar Allen Poe items makes just the place a bit creepy.
(5)Bill D.
This was our first stop in Charleston. We couldn't have been happier. A few tips: Parking is an event. There is a tiny lot in back but good luck. Street parking near the restaurant is non-existent. Try up the road on middle street the other side of station 22 1/2. There are two lines, the one outside for outdoor seating or go up the stairs for indoor seating. We got luck and found a spot at the bar. The beer menu has several top quality choices - go for one of the local breweries (Westbrook is my favorite). We had the burgers and they didn't disappoint., huge and tasty.
(4)Tiffany G.
Stopped in for lunch before heading to the beach. The guac and queso appetizer was good. Our table had a couple of burgers that were good and the fish tacos. Those were just ok. We sat on the patio and enjoyed it.
(3)Caitlin M.
Fed up with city heat, we escaped Charleston for a few hours on the beach followed by mahi-mahi tacos at Poe's and some Allagash white ale. Topped off a great afternoon. The tacos were better than I expected--tender fish with perfect sauce. The guacamole was good, too--the pico de gallo mix that came with it had a definite kick to it. It seems like it gets crowded here, but we came earlier on and easily found a table outside and found service attentive. I would come back if in the area again.
(4)Katrina S.
Poe's Tavern is at the top of my list when deciding which bar to go to when visiting Charleston. I am a beer-lover (lover does not equal connoisseur, just to be clear) and I was giddy with all the fresh names displayed in front of me to pick from. I tried 3 different kinds, only ended up liking one of them, but variety makes me happy. The bar staff wasn't what you would call chipper, but I liked their style... they made sure our glasses were always full and they were helpful when I was trying to pick out a new brew. The setup of the bar is great, too. The front of the place is a porch with seating outdoors for the smokers, but the bar is where the wall should be so you can order drinks no matter if you are outside or in. The open-air aspect will be great in the summertime, so I will definitely return to check it out again. So, this visit to Poe's Tavern occurred on the last day of my 3 week hiatus on the East Coast before returning to LA. I was in heaven since some angel of a bartender was djing with his ipod for the night with a smattering of songs that I love which I had not heard since leaving home. I was so surprised to hear a bit of West Coast flavor and that sealed the deal with me and Poe's Tavern. Disclaimer: This is a "winter review." The "summer review" will follow in due time.
(5)Elaine M.
Love Poe's -- The swordfish salad, mahi tacos, and starving artist with goat cheese and fries are my favorites. I always ask for the tomato vinaigrette dressing on the side to dip my fries in. Trying to go during the spring/summer/fall and want to sit outside? Prepare to wait. This place is that good.
(5)Michael R.
One of the best burgers in South Carolina. I heard they had the best burger in SC, so I had to try it. Definitely was one of the best I have ever had. Had the Annabell Lee with a crab cake on top of a really good burger. If you're looking for a nice bar with really great burgers, go for it. My wife had a really good chicken sandwich as well.
(4)Annalise F.
Poe's in awesome! I know I know, calling them awesome but only a 3 star review? If I lived in Charleston, this would be a place I'd want to frequent. An open air bar with outdoor seating. A fun but laid-back vibe. A place where sharing a meal or a drink feels friendly and inviting. While visiting my bestest friend in Charleston, he mentioned he'd never been to Poe's and that we should discover it together. We both ordered the fish tacos. Let me tell you- I could have eaten that fish again, and again, and again. (If only I remembered the kind I had!) I didn't care for the cabbage- as something or other really made it acidic and took away from the rest of the awesomeness. Not that I'll be back any time soon- but those of you local? CHECK IT OUT!
(3)Good For The Palate R.
Poe's has always been one of my favorite places for lunch. I like to avoid it for dinner because I tend to need at least 4hours to digest after eating it. Their portions are tremendous and their fries are great. I love the casual setting. You pull in to the lot on Sullivan's Island if you're luck enough to find a spot. I suggest coming very early. If you're not that lucky then park on the street, no big deal. And grab a seat. Everything is first come first serve so have eagle eyes. If you are alone, or a couple you can probably share a table with someone else if you ask nicely. Service is usually surprisingly fast and friendly. They have pretty good beer offerings, perfect compliments to the rich food. I didn't give 4 stars because I've had a few recent not great experiences. Sadly, the last time I ordered the tuna tacos they just didn't seem as good as I remember. I think the seasoning blend wasn't as fresh and neither were the tortillas. I love to order the Burger because it comes medium rare and juicy like I order, however my last burger had a sub-par dry texture and wasn't cooked like I usually enjoy it. Plus the fries were kind of limp instead of being crunchy. The shrimp po'boy sounded great but it had a huge bun and 4 fairly small shrimp. I was expecting more from one of my favorite places. Dear Poes, please adress the complaints on this site. I miss fulfilling all of my cravings in your restaurant.
(4)Linda P.
As a recent resident of the Charleston area my husband and I have been looking for places to eat out that don't leave me pocket book crying at the end of the meal, and Poe's has fit the bill. The burgers were fantastic, one of our top three burger experiences. We moved here from Austin, TX and the burger culture there is insanely awesome so I thought finding a place here would be impossible. The waitstaff were friendly, the bartender was also awesome at her job, and the manager was very helpful and friendly as well. The beer selection was also top notch. My husband ordered the burger with the crab cake, I ordered taco's, 2 mahimahi and one buffalo shrimp, and the kids shared a cheese burger. The burgers were cooked just right, the mahi mahi tacos were super yummy, and although I didn't care for the buffalo shrimp taco my hubby loved it. Oh, and lest I forget the mmmmmmmmmmm fries! The biggest downside to this place is the seating. I don't like the whole find your own seat in a busy restaurant. I mean when you go to a place like this, you can see who came in and kind of where you are in "line" The people that came in before us found their seat so in essence it was our turn. I see a group finishing up and we go wait near the table, clearly to sit there. However as soon as the group started to stand, another group swooped in and stole the table. Jerks wouldn't make any sort of eye contact because they knew what they did. It's just rude and discourteous.
(5)Sarah E.
Great food, great atmosphere and great service. First time going today but definitely not the last!! FYI tables are first come first serve...
(5)Robin T.
Outstanding service and a great burger...
(5)Reed W.
Over Rated A disappointment, given the expectations from other reviews. Maybe due to a generation gap, since most of the customers appeared to be college age and were partying. My wife and I each ordered a burger, which was not very tasty, and the buns appeared to be ordinary store bought. We expected something more than we usually make on our grill at home......
(2)Shannon A.
As advertised, burgers and fish tacos...awesome! Plenty local brews mixed with the regular selection. Great laid back spot.
(5)Kaity J.
This place is pretty legit. Service was a tad slow, but in all honesty it was completely worth it. One of the best burgers I've ever had. I had the one called "Black Cat". Boyfriend had "Hop Frog". We both liked mine the best, if that helps you with the difficult decision-making process. Really great atmosphere, too. Crowded, but that's usually a good sign. I wouldn't recommend it for large parties. Could be stressful trying to find seating. Honestly, the burgers are so good it would probably be worth splitting up and sitting at separate tables. Do yourselves a favor. Go to Poe's. Cheeseburger.
(4)Stephanie L.
So glad we tried this place out after reading reviews on yelp! We stopped in on a Sunday night and there was still a nice crowd that seemed to be mostly locals. This is a really great old house that has been transformed into a restaurant that gives it a really nice atmosphere. I had the pimento cheese and bacon burger, I would recommend getting the chili on the side. The chili was better on their delicious fried than on the burger in my opinion. The burger was cooked perfect with nice seasonings. My husband tried the burger with guacamole and pico de gallo and was really pleased also. Highly recommend if you're in the Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, or Mt. Pleasant areas.
(5)Mike G.
Food is great. My only complaint is that seating is "seat yourself" which is easier said than done! There were people out to the street jockying for a table while some parties of 2 were taking up large tables for 6 and no one seemed to be in a hurry to let anyone else sit down. They could really benefit from a hostess and seating guests like other busy restaurants. Recommend you try it but get there early if you don't want to spend an hour or more trying to snag up a table!
(4)Bea K.
Poe's came highly recommended but we were sadly disappointed. My dining partner had a burger that was dry and nothing special. While I found my chicken amontillado sandwich delicious and the salad plentiful, I fell ill before I even left the restaurant. As it was getting busy we were also rushed out by other customers who were encouraged to choose their own seats even with the rush. That could have been handled better. Our first waitress did not introduce herself until we asked and when we switched tables the new server neglected to tell us her name either. The other problem with the service was being served pints of beer without being asked what size we would like. So we had to pay twice as much as expected for our drinks on top of being rushed and not feeling well. A lot of room for improvement here.
(2)Lindsay W.
As a visitor to the Charleston area, I was hoping to have some good food on the way to the beach and this place looked like a good stop. Being from Cincinnati, I know that the locals aren't fans of us but I wore my Cincinnati Reds hat anyways... We sat at the bar thinking it would be faster and finally when someone came up to us he threw down the menus and cup holders and walked away. Obviously I left without even eating... Smelled good, wish the service was better.
(1)Julie N.
Spent a good 11 days in South Carolina last month. After our amazing day at the beach, and upon several recommendations, we made our way to Poe's Tavern. Found parking down the street- easy walk over. Crowded, yet, apparently we beat the real crowd! Seat yourself...so we did, got all comfy then someone came over and, not very nicely, told us to move because 'this area is for a reserved party of 16"- like we were supposed to KNOW that. It just looked like an empty seating area. Oh, lord. We then got seated in the corner, shoved onto benches, cramped and put off (sligt exaggeration ;p). They waitress tried to make up for the 1st lady's haughty attitude , though, and offered great service. Food was great, and large portions. Like the ambiance of seeing EAP's pictures and other tributes hung around. Love that they had mugs to take as souvenirs, after paying $12 for them, of course. And of course, we got them. ;) Overall, pretty good, neat place to visit, but it felt like they were rushing us out to make way for the 'real' crowd. Oh well, it was a great day and fun experience. I'll probably never make it back to SC so I'm happy I got to experience this! :)
(4)Christian R.
I've been to Poe's 7-8 times now. Food and beer menu is average. I give 4 stars due to the great lively atmosphere. Place gets packed so get there early. Great, fun bar that looks out over deck and street. Very casual place..worth going. Service is usually good.
(4)Elijah R.
Head on down when the weather's nice, fight the crowds for a patio table or stool at the bar. Mouth watering burgers paired with fresh cut fries & huge array of craft brews on tap to wash it all down.
(5)Scarlett J.
You can't go to Charleston without trekking out to this place for a burger. I mean, it's just not possible. BEST BURGERS EVER--cooked to order with delicious hand-cut fries. These burgers will make you want to jump on the table and sing, they are fantastic!!! VERY CROWDED, and no reservations. Goes along with the quirky decor--the walls are covered with Edgar Allen Poe pictures and portraits, and the bathrooms use his short stories and poems as wall paper. Ecclectic and amazing--worth the wait for a table!!
(5)Melissa C.
Poe's is a unique treasure. They have a great offering of burgers/chicken sandwiches. The beef is ground in house and cooked to order. They make their own guacamole and the burgers are 1/2 pound in size. Besides indoor seating they have heated porch seating and outdoor area. It is a must visit when in the Charleston area.
(5)R J.
My wife and I used to go here often, but its been a while (gas prices, inflation, weather, broken GPS, ignorance and any other lame-ass unacceptable excuse I could conjure up). Really big, beefy burgers cooked to your liking. Fish tacos were fresh and satisfying without sinking your gut. This was one of the first places to serve fish tacos (a west coast thing) in the Charleston area. Now you see all these other places serving fish tacos. Just like other west coast foods that have made their way to the southeast...pho soup, bbq brisket, sriracha sauce, dim sum (barely here), etc... But we do have shrimp and grits mastered!
(5)Melissa C.
Upon a recent visit to Fort Mill, SC to visit & spend time with family, we came here one night to eat. We were in Charleston to celebrate my cousin graduating from CoC. What a great little place to eat! The decor around this little place is so unique and not to mention, a little creepy! It is very 'Poe' inspired, and it fits the ambiance perfectly. I ordered the Tell-Tale heart, while my husband got the mahimahi fish tacos. The burgers are the perfect little size, and very delicious. The egg in my burger was the perfect topping. My husband thoroughly enjoyed his tacos, very close to the best he's ever had.
(4)Sophie C.
I'm not quite a tourist, not quiet a local. I have the best (or worst) of both worlds, given I've just moved to Charleston from Southern Cal, so I'm looking at places with both sets of eyes. Poe's seems like a wonderful place for both types! Wow, the food here is amazing for hamburgers, nachos, fish tacos and even salads. The building is so cute--apparently EAP lived here for a couple of months, but they've flown away with the idea making it not cheesy, but a charming little tourist/local hangout. MY bf got one of the hamburgers (they all looked amazing, I don't remember the name of his but I suspect any would have been awesome) and I had the gigantic nachos, which came with chili. If you come with another person or a date, have one order hamburger and the other order nachos and share! Along with a nice, cold, strong beer, it was a wonderful way to spend a hot spring afternoon!
(4)Laura F.
Such a fun little dive! We were looking for a happy-hour spot, and found one of the most quirky ones I've seen! It was decorated from top-to bottom with portraits of Edgar Allen Poe. Enjoyable happy hour!
(3)Clay M.
1st Visit, and it was incredible. That is a lot coming from me. I have been in the food biz for decades. The burger was perfect, the staff amazing and the atmosphere was what you look for in a casual restaurant. Beer was cold. I know how hard it is to keep quality in food and staff after you have been in business for years. (Someone knows what they are doing. Can't think of a way it would be better!
(5)Deb B.
Poe's has a great atmosphere when you're visiting the beach. It's really a burger joint, so don't expect too fancy of food. They have a great beer selection. The burgers are huge and there are several specialty burgers to choose from. It's a very popular spot to hit when you're out towards Sullivan's Island.
(3)Julie R.
What a great lunch spot! At 11:30am it was booming. We sat at the inside/outside bar. The bartender was so chill. He offered to make my husband something that he drinks, and he claimed gives no hangover. I believe a vodka, soda, and splenda. I tried it it was pretty good. The fish tacos were kick-ass! We got a plate of 3 mahi tacos for $12. They were wrapped in flour tortillas with moist fish, cabbage and sauce. Huge and super tasty. Overall, a really cool spot with something for everyone and its steps from the beach. Highly recommend.
(4)Andrea M.
Nothing to rave about, but if you want a pretty good burger while staying at the beach, this is a good bet. We enjoyed our fries more than the burgers, but that's just us. Service was good.
(3)Paul B.
Food is usually really good, but last few times I've gone especially on Sunday, my burger overcooked two temps too high, coleslaw very bland and dry. I knew the waitress was at the end of her shift due to her relentless rolling of eyes and eventually switching us to another server whose service was much better.
(3)Mary Elizabeth J.
Seating can be tight since this place gets packed. Try a local brew and the fish tacos, and enjoy all the fresh local flavor out on the porch looking out to the beach. The vibe here is chill and friendly, perfect for a sandy little spot at the beach.
(4)Jason S.
One of the top 3 hamburgers (anabel lee) I've ever had the pleasure of eating. The atmosphere is eclectic and the staff is friendly. My only complaint is the first come first serve seating. It made finding a table unnecessarily difficult. I prefer being seated in order of arrival. Great overall experience
(4)Daniel P.
The food is completely hit and miss and in summer it's ridiculously packed with tourists. Last night was the last time we'll go to Poes, my burger was just downright mediocre, it is not hard to make a good burger and there are a ton of good places to get a burger in town. If you want a better burger and more choice and consistency just cross the street to the BBQ.
(2)Susie G.
Although with the business that Poe's seems to maintain they probably could care less, but they have just lost a customer for life. We stopped there for lunch today. 'Hadn't been there in quite some time and craved a great chicken sandwich, and my husband wanted a burger. He ordered the burger of the day and although ordered medium rare it was medium well. Not one to complain he began to eat his lunch. My sandwich was cold and I sent it back. It appears that they are precooking burgers and chicken breasts for lunch... My husband finished his lunch and I was still waiting. The gentleman that was waiting on us then brought out my sandwich. Can you believe it!!! After all the time I waited it was the same "dead"chicken breast with a new piece of cheese on it. They had put it back on the grill that was beyond a need of a cleaning. It was beyond gross and after one bite I called it a day. What a terrible practice. Never again.
(1)Elizabeth C.
Wow! Seat yourself!???? Poe's is looking for brawls to erupt! First impression: vultures circling tables waiting for one to open! Please Poe's follow normal restaurant protocol and seat your GUESTS! This place is too popular for seating yourself... I'm not exaggerating, it's already tight in there as it is, and there were people standing by tables waiting for people to leave. It was ridiculous. Besides this the ambiance was nice..rustic tavern. The service wasn't that great... Waitress pretty much ignored us.
(1)Shannon T.
Excellent and unique burgers and fries, lighthearted but attentive service. What's not to love? I had The Sleeper, and will be dreaming about the roast garlic blue cheese for weeks.
(5)Shy A.
Love this place! I'm a huge fan of Edgar Allen Poe and fell in LOVE with this little place! Some things we had: tortilla chips with chili con queso, citrus marinated mahi-mahi with a killer chipotle sour cream, edgar's drunken chilli. All their amazing burgers are named after poe's work. I would highly recommend the tell-tale heart which has a fried egg, applewood bacon and cheese. Heart attack on a plate but worth every artery clogging bite. The walls are lined with eclectic poe memoribilia. There was a live band which helped to create a laid back very cool vibe. Food is tasty. Service was great. Very attentive. Best chili con queso we EVER had. Chilli was flavorful, spicy but not overwhelming, nice balance of meat and beans. Fish tacos were extremely fresh, nicely flavored but I would've looked for more oooomph in them. We got mahi mahi the first night and had the tuna our 2nd night there. The mango salsa was excellent, providing a great crunch and was sweet and spicy, a nice contrast to the mild fresh flavor of the tuna. Poes punch or el dorado was good but my recommendation for a drink is the Evening Star-it was fruity and fun! Amazing concept, a must see if you're a EAP fan. All around, great food, excellent service and very cool, hip beach vibe.
(4)Candice R.
We tried this place a couple of times and it was so crowded that you could not even get in the door so we really thought it was going to be something special. Once we finally dined here we couldn't figure out what all the hype was about. We had the nacho app which was nothing special, then burgers and fish sandwich for lunch. It wasn't bad but it was just ok.
(3)Daniel A.
We just relocated to Mount Pleasant this place was recommended, being winter easy to get into and wow the burger and fish chowda were great. I was driving so did not get to sample the beer :0( but I will be living in MtP so will be back! Our server was very attentive and really nice.
(5)Todd O.
Went down for a couple of days and had to try Poe's. Wasn't a fan of the wait for someone to get and run for the seat but the wait ended up not being to bad. The food was great. We had burgers and fish taco's - 3 different kinds. We all swapped taco's and it was hard to choose what one we like best. All were fresh and delicious. The beer selection was great too. Would certainly go back.
(4)Eric M.
In responding to a comment about Taco Boy that I had made on his wall in Facebook, a friend of mine reminded me this evening that it's been a few weeks since I've been to Poe's Tavern. I was in the mood for a great burger, so I loaded the family up into the Jetta and headed over to Sullivan's Island. If you were curious as to whether Poe's Tavern had any relationship to Edgar Allan Poe, rest assured that it does. After a brief stint at Thomas Jefferson's University of Virginia, Edgar Allan Poe enlisted in the United States Army under the pseudonym of "Edgar Allan Perry" and was stationed at Fort Moultrie at the western end of Sullivan's Island, South Carolina. Poe's service at Fort Moultrie lasted for thirteen months beginning November 18, 1827. His time on Sullivan's Island inspired "The Gold-Bug," a story about a mystical beetle that led to buried treasure. Poe's Tavern is located right in the heart of Sullivan's Island, directly across the street from Firey Ron's Home Team BBQ. It was founded "...to preserve the spirit of Edgar Allan Poe, a man who at once celebrated and bemoaned life, and always enjoyed a good drink (or several)." Parking spaces this evening were unusually plentiful on Sullivan's Island, in spite of the amazing weather and brilliant sunset. I suppose the off season has arrived. It was also a Tuesday night, so we had an unusually quiet experience at Poe's and had our choice of practically any table inside or outside of the place. Quickly scanning over their menu, I decided on the Amontillado Burger (a half-pound of certified Angus Chuck beef, ground in-house and cooked to order, topped with Guacamole, Jalapeno Jack, Pico de Gallo & Chipotle Sour Cream). It was, as always, delicious! Although I had my choice of sides (hand cut french fries, potato salad or marinated bacon blue cheese slaw, or a tavern salad), I went with the fries. What burger would be complete without a side of fries, right? Poe's Tavern is, quite honestly, one of my absolute favorite places to eat in the Charleston area. I found it no surprise that it and Taco Boy are owned and operated by the same group, Revolutionary Eating Ventures. Both places are worth your time, if you're in the Charleston area and looking for criminally good food.
(4)Jenine F.
We drove over from Charleston just before the rain started, got a parking spot and nabbed a booth. The place was bustling, with paintings and cartoons of Edgar Alan Poe everywhere and it has a cozy comfortable feel. I ordered a Poe Punch (dark Rum with various fruit juices) with a Mahi Mahi and Yellowfil Tuna Fish Taco and Mister ordered their Annabelle Lee Burger (with a crabcake atop) and fries- we were both pleased! I've never had Fish Tacos before and these set the bar. Mister loved his burger and the fries were thin with the skin on, so crispy. The bathrooms were clean and small, with the walls papered over using pages from Poe stories- very cool. We drove past the incredible houses on the beach during the rainstorm and dreamed of living here-GO!
(4)Kisha M.
Finding a seat during peak hours can be a daunting task, but it is worth the effort. Burgers are yummy, fries are perfect (I had mine with cheese and bacon), and even the side salad was good. I noticed diners around me were really enjoying their food and if I ever visited again I would be sure to get the fish tacos.
(4)Cheri W.
After reading the great reviews, I decided that Poe's was THE place to have my birthday lunch. Unfortunately, it was a huge let down. It had all the makings of a great place. The hubby and I were so hungry for a great burger since we'd just done a marathon the day before. We picked a table outside, under a palm tree (it's seat yourself) and ordered our burgers. I chose the Hop Frog. My burger, was cooked well (medium) but I couldn't taste anything; meat, cheese, or the BBQ sauce. A little salt and pepper would have done wonders. I don't usually order pop (soda) at restaurants because I'm frugal, but because it was my birthday, I ordered one. When it came time where I needed a re-fill, I saw something I'd never seen before, the server re-filled my already watered-down Coke with Coke from a watered-down pitcher of flat Coke that had been sitting out in the hot sun. "Um excuse me, but how does that make any sense?" *sigh* I could have handled the tourists, even the bird pooing on me, but $30 for two tasteless burgers and watered-down Coke was unacceptable. For those reasons, not only will I not be returning to Poe's, but I can't recommend that you do, either.
(1)H S.
Absolutely unreal food. I literally left saying "top 5 meals of my life." I had the mahi-mahi fish tacos, just absolutely perfect. Most of my table had various burgers and they all claimed deliciousness. Might be tough to find a spot especially since it's a seat-yourself/no host situation, but it's SO worth the hassle if it's a busy time of day. My biggest regret is not buying a shirt before going home to new England.
(5)Crystal D.
Wonderful burgers and great atmosphere. I highly recommend this place. Parking is a bit of a mess but well worth the trouble
(5)B.J. K.
Doesn't get any better in the Low Country! EXCELLENT environment and great selection of food and spirits
(5)Anne J.
A trip to Poe's is a must on a visit to Charleston. Sullivan's Island is such a cool beach town. So laid back, I love it! The tuna taco's at Poe's are the best. The tuna is fresh, seasoned and seared perfectly, I just wish there was more tuna in each taco. Some day I will venture out from the fish tacos and try something different, but the fish tacos are so good! Other members of my party had burgers, and they looked delicious. Be sure to get a table outside, if the weather is nice, so you can get the best Poe's experience.
(4)Stan S.
Not a good experience ? Buns were completely stale on Sunday at 3pm , like falling apart on the plate stale ? Chicken was like rubber , way overcooked . Children Mac and Cheese was out of a Box ....no I'm not kidding ? It's a college age bar hangout only . You deserve better for your time and money ...go elsewhere ?
(1)Joel M.
Great bar food. Chili cheese fries rocked!
(4)Paddy C.
Eek! Methinks not is right! I got the black cat hoping that its combination of chili and cheeseburger would be a delectable concoction of burger goodness. However, I was sadly mistaken, the chili was very runny and had no flavor, their was something that appeared to be melted cheese on top of the chili which as you might expect was also too sloppy and not good at all. The one O.K thing about this restaurant is the fries, that is all, the service was shorty and food was definitely sub par. Overall I gave this restaurant a 2 because of the fries, I will not be going there again.
(2)Jerrod D.
Amazing beer selection! The burger I had was just awesome and cooked rare which is hard to get sometimes depending on the restaurant. Fries were great, waitress was awesome and the rest of the staff were extremely friendly. We were lucky enough to get a parking spot in the lot they have for customers. It wasn't really noisy so the atmosphere was perfect. I'm 28 and prefer quieter places to eat or drink so it was definitely a stress relief to not be by tons of tourists. I cannot wait to go back to Poes to try another style burger and different selection of beer!! It was around $25 for my wife and I together which for us is very good price-wise. You shouldn't have to get a 2nd thought about Poes :)
(5)Paul W.
Well, I have expressed my opinions on the errors of Poe's ways before, and we still go back although we now split our time with Home Team. This place has one thing going for it and that is location. I think Home Team will be getting more of our business. The one menu item which has been fairly consistent is the tuna taco. Burgers can be good or awful here depending upon how busy the kitchen is. Usually, if your food comes out quick, it likely has been precooked and will not be done to your liking (read this as dried out). My tuna taco this time was a cole slaw taco, the tuna was non existent. $13 for three strips of tuna with a wholesale cost somewhere hovering around 50 cents. This is Revolutionary dining after all. But that is just one of the reasons for this review. Beer list on wall (Isn't REV supposed to have a beer guy??) lists brewery names, not the actual beer. Ok, ask the server and she directs me to the menu (which lists beers they had a few years ago). I ask about the beers not on the list like Holy City, and she offers that she thinks it is a brownish ale. Thanks alot. Is it too much to ask an establishment to properly train their staff. Here is an idea, right them down!!!! and carry it with you, it's not like they have alot of different beers running through their warm taps. The Revolutionary thing about these owners is you can serve bad food, warm beer, and have non existent service, and still be crowded. Hopefully the tourists will keep blindly coming in here.
(1)Thomas N.
Burgers were fulfilling and quite tasty. Edgar's Nachos had a nice variety of flavor and were not too hot or boring. The atmosphere is what makes the dining experience. The tavern keeps its appeal with a blend of authentic feeling seating along with more modern decorations and paintings. Great experience.
(4)Ticha B.
Great $8.00 burgers here. Had the Tell-Tale's Heart burger (with the fried egg) with the bleu cheese bacon cole slaw. Pretty awesome, but I had to use a knife and fork cuz the meat was so homemade and it was sooo messy but good! Shared the chili cheese fries too. Good atmosphere, nice service and a great dinner all-around! Recommend!!!!
(4)Dee F.
Lots of buzz for this place. When I first came out, people told me you "Gotta go to Poes!". It's hard to park on Sullivan Island's little strip. The service is quick and tons of people are packed. Lots of great people watching. Unfortunately, the dining experience for the food was average to me. The typical bar menu didn't dance in my mouth like it should. The Poe Burger, especially with Pimento was good, but the build up people kept telling about, felt like i was going to eat one of those Las Vegas Caviar Burgers. To me felt like an overly salted and peppered thick piece of ground beef. Fresh, but no real WOW factor. But, if you are trying to get out of Charleston and find a place out of town, worth the trip out for sure!
(3)Cathy B.
We look forward to hitting up Poe's every time we head down to Charleston. Located on the main strip of Sullivan's Island, this bar is always hopping. It's a great place to grab a few beers (coldest in Charleston I was told by my compadres), or to hit up a full meal with a group of friends. It's seat yourself, so if you arrive at peak eatin' times, expect to wait and actively stalk tables in order to grab a spot. Known for the burgers and fish tacos, Poe's also has a few healthy salads and some great appetizers. I always go for the mahi mahi tacos, and have also tried the buffalo shrimp tacos, which were good but had a bit too much kick for my sensitive palate. On our last visit we started with the cheese fries and house ranch dressing. Quite delicious if you're craving something greasy and delectable. In keeping with the theme, the meals all have creepy names like Tell Tale Heart and The Sleeper, and the shirts are so creeptastic that I couldn't bring myself to buy one even though Poe's is a regular "haunt" for us when we're in town. Be sure to check it out next time you're in the area. Leave some extra time for parking as the lot is very small and the place is generally packed.
(4)Tzeitel H.
Usually like this place but not a good experience today. Our outdoor table was pooped on twice by birds. Totally understand that they can't control the birds but perhaps more umbrellas. Also, our server was assigned a large section so service was slow. Hopefully this was just an off day because we usually enjoy Poe's.
(1)Jessica R.
I have eaten here plenty of times. Every time it is YUMMY. My table shared the nachos and I also had the burger of the day which was applewood bacon, avocodo slices, cheese(forgot which kind) and a fried egg. It was messy but good. Like most said in the reviews very crowded but worth the wait.
(5)Sylvan F.
Very busy but worth the wait. The fish tacos(tuna) were the best I have ever had. We also had the burger with a fried egg on top and it was very fresh and flavorful. Also the fries and blue cheese cole slaw were outstanding. Service was unfortunately not very good but we will definetley return.
(4)Glenn V.
The drive to Sullivan's Island is always a exciting drive. The road is narrow, the bridge is old and makes a lot of noise (Ben Sawyer bridge) the pluff mud, sawgrass, wildlife and water are just feet away from your vehicle, with no bumper wall/ accident prevention device to keep you from a potential plunge. Sullivan s Island is a cool, expensive, yet seedy beach town, Yes, I have seen Bill Murray there and in other bars in the area and if its good enough for Bill, its good enough for me. There are other places to eat, but I am always drawn to Poe's as they have the best burger in Charleston and the waitresses are cute as can be and, get this, really good servers as well! (Not always mutually exclusive) This place has some serious soul, its a older rickety house, where you can dine on the patio or inside. Burgers have been named after the great Edgar Allen Poe's poems, as he apparently was quite inspired with the island and wrote many of his masterpieces there. Each weigh in at a hefty 1/2lb of the finest Angus beef. Tell Tale Heart is my favorite burger, the onion rings are more like onion fries, thinly cut and spiral in shape, they are delicious. Amontillado Burger is incredible and I would be remiss to leave out the Gold Bug Plus! Chicken sandwiches and fish tacos are really really good, Drunken Edgar Chili is a winner, but to me, when at Poe's, hit that burger list, hard! Beers are plentiful and for a 2500sq foot eatery (approx) the bar is large enough to easily grab a seat if your not in the eating mood. and I usually bury my face in a few Coast beers (local in CHS). Its a great place for every and anybody to enjoy, so if your in Charleston-aside from Red Drum, this is my other strong recommendation.
(5)Taylor A.
We sat outside to eat dinner on a pleasant November evening and enjoyed ourselves. The waitress was prompt and attentive the whole time. Nice crowd on a Saturday night that made the night more enjoyable. Car bombs for everyone! I'd give it 4 stars IF their food was better. I had the shrimp salad sandwich that was 2 star worthy. Yes there was shrimp on there but it had zero flavor. Just mayo and that's it. I should have gotten a taco or something. After dinner we went inside for some Edgar Allen Poe overload and our server at our bar table was good the whole time. Not super friendly but she got her job done. They had a decent beer selection as well, and not too overpriced. If you're over on Sully check this place out, and then walk to Dunleavy's for free popcorn!
(3)Craig F.
I think people are giving it up a little too easily for this place. Went there again last week and had a burger...a good burger, but by no means a STELLAR burger....service again, was good, not great....I think people are so intoxicated by the location that they are lulled into thinking that they are eating some of the best food they have ever tasted...
(3)ArTal K.
Great atmosphere, small menu- but who needs anything else, when you have fish tacos!!
(4)Jo Ann G.
Great burgers or chicken sandwiches with lots of variations. Slow service but it is a place to take in the surroundings. A must if you are a short story fan of Poe.
(3)Bill H.
Poe's is awesome. I've been here twice in the past two years, and was able to sneak in seats at the bar both times. The restaurant gets fairly crowded; on my last trip someone offered me and my partner $10 for our seats. 'Fraid not, dude. The burgers are great -- lots of toppings and big patties. My last burger had a full egg on top, which apparently is a Southern thing. I don't get it, really. It doesn't add to the flavor of the whole burger so much as it tastes... like a burger... with an egg on top. Otherwise, though, you're in for a treat. The wait staff is helpful and quick, and the tap selection is fairly large. Can't beat this place for a casual meal on Sullivan's Island.
(5)Lisa K.
Poe's is amazing. I was recently in the Charleston area for a wedding, and several people highly recommended Poe's - even the locals on the plane on the flight in raved about Poe's. The burger and blue cheese slaw was incredible. Also, the Poe sauce for the french fries was really tasty. I will definitely eat here again if I ever come back to Charleston.
(5)Emily K.
Holy shit their burgers are amazing. I'm still thinking about them. Incredibly fresh tasting and filling. A few friends got the tuna fish tacos and those were ridiculously awesome. Tried to eat here a couple of times on our trip but it was incredibly crowded. Finally had to go balls to the wall our last night and prey/hover uncomfortably close to people who looked like they were leaving. Which leads me to the worst business decision ever: get a hostess. Don't let people seat themselves. It's chaos. Your wait staff hates it when people clog up their path trying to stake out a table for 15 minutes. I hated doing this. The Poe theme is cool and the bathrooms are wallpapered with pages from Poe books. Will definitely make my cousin take me here again the next time I visit.
(4)Jason R.
Not much to add here other than the burgers were great, the sides were for real, and their beer selection was solid. My starving artist burger was tasty and made to perfection (medium rare), my buddy had the 'Tell Tale Heart,' a burger topped with applewood smoked bacon, cheddar and a fried egg. He was skeptical at first, but to quote him as yolk was running down his chin, "Wow, this works!" Worth the trip, good decor in the bar, seemed to have a good mix of locals and tourists the night we were there.
(4)Nolan H.
I love Poe's!!! This place has an amazing patio that overlooks the heart of Sullivan's Island. It is a vibrant and welcome environment full of fun locals and delicious food. The service was top notch. The burgers were inventive, flavorful and packed with toppings! I got the special with smoked jalapenos, home made salsa, jack cheese and a medium rare thick patty! The blue cheese and bacon slaw that accompanied my burger was soooooooo good! I really enjoyed the beer selection which included DogFish's Amazing 90 minute IPA. Very good experience. Definitely my first stop every time I'm in Charleston!!!
(5)Derek H.
I'm a spoiled DC-ite and not quite as in love with this place as everyone else. It is a cool spot, able to see the ocean and everything, but the raving about the burgers is a little overblown. Are they good? Yes. Are they the best burger I've ever eaten? No. But this place survives on a mixture of location/ambiance and quality food that isn't expensive. Nothing wrong with that. But it's not the best burger in the world (even if it was the first one I've had with a fried egg on it). Check out Ray's Hell Burger in DC for that. But it is a cool spot to go if you're down in Chucktown near the water. You can sit outside, inhale a burger, and drink a few beers. I can think of worst ways to pass the time.
(4)Justin A.
I just recently moved to Charleston with my girlfriend who has lived here for years. She was eager to introduce me to all the best restaurants and cuisine of the local area. Being a huge fan of Edgar Allen Poe this was the first place she decided to take me. She had told me many times the fish tacos were easily the best item on the menu, so I went with the marinated mahi mahi tacos. They were absolutely amazing! All of the ingredients were crisp, fresh, and bursting with flavor. The mahi mahi was prepared perfect. It was a bit busy around lunch time and we had to wait for a table, but it was well worth it. I will definitely be returning to Poe's as often as I can.
(5)Damon T.
Super cool place. Good food, fun staff. Be sure to try the other restaurants and bars all within a 45 second walk.
(4)Crispin V.
After hearing my girlfriend and a family friend both recommend we go to Poe's while in Charleston, I made the plunge with my family. While my father was concerned that the menu "Looks quite limited" (they really only have a couple of apps and then lots of cheeseburgers and fish tacos), it would seem that specialization is a good thing in their case. The menu is, in fact, limited, so if you don't like cheese burgers or fish tacos (or beer), this place might not be for you. However, I was with a crew of carnivores who loved it. Great nachos to start, a wide variety of burgers that were cooked just how we all liked them, and my mom enjoyed the buffalo shrimp taco. If you are in the area looking for a laid back place with atmosphere, good beers, and good eats, definitely stop by Poe's.
(5)Diane R.
Melt-in-your-mouth rare burgers, what could be better? We were also impressed with the mahi tacos, the blue cheese slaw, and the seared tuna salad. Everyone in our party was happy. 'nuf said.
(5)Allison O.
I don't eat a lot of red meat. I just don't. And I make very few exceptions. One of them is for Poe's. Their burgers are...delish. I love the creative toppings, and I love the option of having a chicken burger instead (though you'd seriously be missing out). I almost always have a Pit and Pendulum, nothing special but always hits the spot. Add the awesome fries, some rockin cold microbrews, and you've got yourself the perfect burger place. I have never ever had bad food here, and I love their beer specials. If you're not into crowds, definitely avoid Poe's on the weekends and late at night. It's not a big place, and can get really packed. If you're patient, something always opens up in a reasonable amount of time, plus there are a few community tables to sit at. To be honest, the wait is worth it, because the food simply is that good. I love the restaurant itself. It's cozy and a little dark, sort of like EAPoe himself. I love all the Poe paraphernalia, especially his works plastered on the walls in the bathroom. It's very casual, and you will most likely run into someone you know. I love the porch and outdoor areas as well, where you can people watch and enjoy the Sullivan's buzz. A staple in our lives, Poe's is definitely one of our favorites.
(4)Phyllis R.
Best burger I've ever had. Poe's grinds their beef fresh daily. We sat outside and enjoyed the island life. Service was good and our waitress was friendly. Everyone was ordering burgers. I normally eat rare to med rare but when I saw the burgers other dinners had ordered I decided to go med. It was perfect. It appears they cook a little on the rarer side. Something to keep in mind. I couldn't have been more pleased.
(5)Bob H.
Crowded, loud and stellar burgers! I'll be back!
(4)Art K.
One of the best burgers I'v ever eaten!
(4)Dano M.
Food is OK....if you like Burgers.... Poe's is way overrated.....I am local, and can't handle the crap.. The ownership thinks they are on the cutting edge of restaurant diversity...They will be on the cutting edge of broke in a few years..... Don't eat on Sullivan's...Nothing is good....
(1)Pres P.
Best Place Around! Great atmosphere, great food at a great price, and great service right next to the beach. It does not get any better than this. This is my favorite place to eat in Charleston.
(5)Mike B.
Yep, I've gotta go with the other reviewers. The burgers are pretty darn good and the location close to the beach is pretty darn good. I would say at times parking can be an issue. If you trying to get your 'Fat On' during the beach season...you are gonna be waiting. Always worth the trip!
(4)Nene K.
For what it is, Poe's Tavern hits the spot. I found it by doing a quick search of local eats around Sullivan's Island during my trip to Charleston. A pub dedicated to Edgar Allen Poe couldn't be all that bad! My friends and I sat outside and enjoyed basking in the sun. That is, until a bird pooped on my friend's back and on the seat next to me :( Nonetheless, our server was friendly and very helpful in answering all of our questions. The beer selection was pretty good. I had the chili and one of my friends had the chowder and we both agreed that our dishes were so-so, not the best but certainly not the worst. Verdict: Poe's is reliable -- great service and food that you would expect from a pub.
(3)Samantha M.
Great atmosphere. Always bring out-of-town guests here for the fish tacos. Never have had anything else because the fish tacos rock! My guests seem to like the burgers....
(4)Mark L.
Poe's Tavern is a good summer retreat with excellent burgers and a unique Edgar Allen Poe theme. There is plenty of outdoor seating as well as indoor. It is a notch above a traditional bar and grill but the food is quality and always crowded.
(4)RB H.
Definitely a staple on Sullivans Island. This place has Wonderful Fish Tacos. The Mahi Mahi was my favorite. Service was very friendly and I really liked the laid back feel of the place. Great lunch or afternoon place for food after a day at the beach!
(4)Paul G.
Poe's is by far the best place on Sullivan's and it may be one of my favorites in Charleston! Love the front porch and the relaxing tables out front. The best place to grab a beer or cocktail and watch the action of "downtown" Sullivan's. the burgers are some of the best around. The selection of different burgers is even better. Had the burger with buffalo fried shrimp on the last visit and it was awesome. All of the fish tacos are amazing too. Cooked perfectly and great portions.
(5)Rachel M.
Just moved to the area and first time at Poe's Atmosphere: 4; great little old house, a bit crowded, live and happening, seat yourself, Poe's profiles and writings every where, we sat at the porch bar and had the best of both worlds (outside seating, tv and people watching) Staff: 4; friendly and attentive; worked as a team Drinks: 4; no local brews on tap, yet in bottles (a plus); standard cocktails Food: 4; The Sleeper Burger was delicious; topper's blue cheese and buffalo shimp were fab; The Spicy Yellowtuna Tacos were quite tasty Overall: 4; will definitely be one of our "go to" places Other: may want to skip peak hours in the summer as we could see how there would be a wait
(4)Samantha J.
Eat here every time I visit Charleston,SC! Totally worth the trip over the bridge to Sullivans Island! I have only had the burgers and they are very yummy. The blue cheese cole slaw really isn't anything to write home about, but the fries and onion strings and potato salad are really good. I like the selection of beer that they have on tap, plus its walking distance to the beach. Definitely worth a stop if you want a good beer and burger.
(4)Freddie C.
I like reviewing places that serve a menu made primarily of red meat, since I don't eat red meat. This means my review is based on something outside of the restaurant's norm, the off the beaten path menu items I'm forced to sample. Their chicken sandwiches are good, but usually more dry and difficult to eat on a bun, so I have sampled quite a few options from the rest of their menu. (Having lived down the street from here for 3 years, I think I've had everything on their menu.) Their salads are good, but nothing to write home about. However, the bottom section of their menu (IT'S CHARLESTON, SEAFOOD PEOPLE! SEAFOOD!) is the bee's knees. All of it. Try all of it. Start from the top, work your way down. I hate that Poe's is the burger joint, and that my boyfriend only ever eats the Tell Tale Heart. The tacos rock so hard. Eat them. Why 5 stars when I don't like most of their menu? Service. Ambiance. Booze. You always feel at home here, and there are spaces for you to be secluded, or a social butterfly at the bar. Also, they treat your dogs just as nicely as they treat you :)
(5)Jonelle S.
Awesome burgers, the best on the island! Be sure to get the cheese on your fries!
(4)Michelle H.
Poe's Tavern has the BEST burgers. We spent the day on Sullivan's Island beach, and this place was exactly what we were looking for food-wise. After a hot afternoon, cold beer and a fabulous burger is what we needed. Service was excellent, and the outdoor porch provides great people-watching.
(5)Hambri Enta M.
Whilst visiting this fab island I had great pleasure in imbibing and eating here. Tell you the food is awesome double yeah! Try the starving artist burger. Also try everything else. The mantenders are great looking. Staff is great. Half in/out patio bar is perfect. You should eat here! Don't not do it! I did all 4.5 days I was there!
(5)Jasmine F.
This was a great restaurant!! I loved the food! All of the burgers looked good. I got the Tell Tale Heart and it was delicious. The meat wasn't too dry and the toppings were fantastic. Also the fries were delicious. The restaurant was clean and the service was friendly and it was well decorated. They even had readings of his books in the bathroom. They place was very busy, but we got seated right away. They had outdoor seating, but we chose to sit inside. This restaurant really made a good impression on my vacation. The food came right out and with all of the choices they have there is something for anybody.
(5)Ryan K.
Nothing Special, Same as their Florida Location I recently on a random trip to Charleston asked several people what is a good restaurant to check out and ALOT of them told me to check out Poe's. After arriving I couldn't figure out what the place was so familiar and then I remembered they also have a second location in Jacksonville Beach, FL. After grabbing a seat at the bar and looking at the Chalkboard beer menu I found that it only had the Brewery names and not the actual beer names. Requiring me to have to consistently interrupt the bartender with the name of EVERY beer they had as it wasn't properly depicted on the chalkboards correctly i.e. Terrapin, Bells, New Belgium etc... Now I know for a fact there is more than one of each of these different beers. Why not have it like for example: "Bell's Two-Hearted 7.0%" on the boards, then I don't have to ask the bartender what EVERY single beer is and waste time that could be done making drinks and putting orders in? Then there is the burgers here which also isn't anything more than you could get at a Five Guys Burger or Red Robin. But were decently good. **Overall, The whole beer and chalkboard issue did it for me on on this visit. Perhaps the manger or someone else more knowledgeable in beer could fix this problem. Cheers!
(2)Deirdre L.
Good place in the area! The fish tacos were huge, but according to my date, were not fresh. I loved my burger of the day, which was cooked to perfection with beer cheese, bacon bits and BBQ sauce. I loved the bleu cheese bacon cole slaw.
(4)Harold W.
Great place to chill on a Sunday Funday. It was a little confusing thinking that you should wait for someone to sit you at a table but as people (ie employees) walk by and see people standing they just say, "Seat yourself and we'll be right with you." We sat outside since it was such a beautiful day. I thought we'd be forgotten. They were pretty quick to get out to us. 20 beers on tap so there's plenty to choose from. We got a burger and fries with nachos. There's no surprise that everything we had was delicious. The Amontillado burger was perfectluy cooked. The combo of flavors of guacamole, jalapeno jack cheese, pico de gallo & chipotle sour cream was insane. There's no secret that I'm not a fan of Guac but I'm seriously rethinking this. The nachos tastes like the burger but with no guac and with drunken chilli on top. This thing was very salty once we got to the bottom of the plate.
(4)Chris T.
By far the best non-seafood meal we had on our vacation to IOP/SI. Love this little place. Our apps were great (although, it is a total lame move to give hardly any chips with the chip/dip app and then put on the menu you are charging $2 for every request of extra chips). BUT, our burgers were phenomenal. Very juicy, great grind on the meat, and the fries hit it out of the park too. We'll make this a regular stop for a great craft brew and burger when we're in town!
(5)Rebecca C.
Had dinner tonight (on a Friday night in the summer), the restaurant was packed but we were able to score a sweet table near the bar. Our server was attentive and had helpful beer suggestions. He definitely knew the beer list and he tried all of the local beers! Had the chips with chili con queso, it was ok, but the queso was a little too runny. The shining star of the meal is the burgers that they are know for. We both had the tell-tale heart ($11) and it was amazing. I was craving a burger and this hit the spot. You can't beat a fried egg and bacon on top of a burger! Despite the rainy weather outside and the fact that the restaurant was slammed, the service and the food shone through.
(5)Erin K.
Love this place! Great burgers, close to the beach and a super fun/chill atmosphere. If you are out near Sullivan's, Poe's is a must do :))
(5)Curtis S.
Eating my way through Charleston - Part 1 Anytime I go on vacation there's usually some lengthy research into what restaurants I want to try while in town and deciding which restaurants make the cut isn't easy. For my recent trip to Charleston, SC I had only 42 hours to cram in as many restaurants as possible while still setting aside time for a trip to the South Carolina Aquarium and plenty of R&R on the sand. My list started out with 30+ restaurants that we're compiled by checking for James Beard Foundation Award Winners, Urbanspoon Top Rated, Local Favorites, Magazines, etc. After double checking location, price, menu's, and reviews, I was able to narrow down the list to a dozen restaurants. This was our little man's first trip to the beach and after packing plenty of water diapers, baby food, and toys, we hit the road and got to Charleston at 6pm on a Monday night. After a quick unloading of our ride it was off to our first stop... Poe's Tavern :) Poe's Tavern is named after the famous author and poet "Edgar Allen Poe", Poe's Tavern has standard pub/bar food with a menu full of Burgers, Salads, Tacos, Fries, Soups, Nachos, and Quesadillas. Every burger takes its name from a Poe work of art and I decided to get the Tell-Tale Heart Burger and the Hand-Cut Fries covered in Cheese & Bacon. This was an exceptionally delicious burger and way more impressive than I was expecting. The burgers are ground in house and the extra attention to the meat translates to your tastebuds very well. Then top it off with an over-easy fried egg, applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and fried-onion strings sandwiched between a freshly baked bun with a side of bacon-blue cheese cole slaw... its burger heaven on a plate.
(4)Krystle B.
Burgers were on point. Fries were to die for. Got the drunken chili as an appetizer and they serves it with a piece of toast with melted pimento cheese, which was a fabulous twist. I had no complaints for the restaurant itself. We had a family sitting next to us with their children running around everywhere and getting in the servers way while the parents sat looking in the opposite direction- that drives me bananas. Aside from the rude family- food it on point and highly recommend, out server was great too!!!
(4)Taylor L.
I love Poes. End of story. Review over. I'm out. I wish I could say just that and everyone would run to Poe's as soon as they read this review but we all need a little more dets and juicy gossip to convince us so here we go... It's a typical humid summer day. The streets are loaded with tourists as well as locals on your way to the beach. You plop up your chair on Sullivan's Island, slather on some sunscreen and a few hours roll by and it's time for lunch. You have to make a decision: eat that soggy sandwich at the bottom of the cooler or go have a delicious just-what you-have-been-craving meal at Poes? To Poes it is!!! Fast forward through the story, Poes is amazing. You see a line out the door and think drats we are never getting a table but booyah their service is excellent and you are soon slurping on your beverage of choice. I haven't gone wrong with the menu yet but I will say get the fries. I don't care if a salad is healthier make sure someone at the table orders fries. They are in my top 3 favorite fries. Poes is fast and everybody loves fast. The atmosphere adds some Poe flair and you can learn a little about him while you are eating in "his tavern." The prices are reasonable, food is excellent. You can't go wrong! I only wish I lived closer to Poes.
(5)Cat L.
Had lunch here on my way out of Charleston this weekend. My crew & I had been craving a burger all weekend & were sadly disappointed by husk's burger so we decided to try one more spot before heading back north. This place is located a few minutes outside of Charleston & in a residential neighborhood. It's tucked between homes and a few store fronts which has some real southern charm. Inside you definitely feel like you're in a beach house on the coast. The wood interior & furniture gives the place a cool feeling. The wait wasn't bad especially given the crowd both with inside and outdoor seating. The burgers all sound great & I ventured to try the black cat burger with chili & pimento cheese. Another friend tried it with jalapeños. My husband had the barbecue shrimp tacos and we also had an order of Edgar's Nachos-topped with guac, chili, jalapeños & multicolored chips. I enjoyed the meal with the side of potato salad over the fries and the onion fries too.
(4)Gloria K.
Driving up, we saw this place was packed with evening guests on the same hunt we were - a delicious burger! There was a long line at the front of the restaurant, which we later learned was only for outside seating. We waited approximately ten minutes for a table and then were promptly seated. Our wait staff was friendly and informative. He recommended the guacamole, which we got and it was smooth and flavorful. The chips on the other hand were so salty! We also ordered the summer loving beer- too hoppy for my taste but I drank it. The waiter warned us about the wait time for the burger but we persisted on. We ordered the tell-tale heart and the daily special of BBQ sauce, pimento cheese, jalepenos, and some other ingredients I can't quite remember. When the burgers came out they were amazing. The flavors in the meat were great and the toppings really put it over the top. However, something in that burger was so salty! I couldn't pin point it, but it seemed to be an overarching theme for the meal. A great meal and nice night for outdoor dining. I would go back but maybe request them to go a little easier on the salt.
(4)Katherine S.
This place is fun, especially with all the Edgar Allen Poe artwork and inspiration throughout the entire place. The vibe is definitely beachy- laid back, living the beach life. Can't miss it coming onto the main strip of the island. I got the Tell Tale Heart burger (hold the bun), side salad and fries. Only reason I didn't give them 4 stars was because I asked for no cheese...and sadly I opened the to-go box and there was cheese! Otherwise this place is good to stop for beach/bar-ish food! Worth trying if you're in the area...enjoy!
(3)Sandra N.
Perfect family place, morning or might. Love it every time I visit. Hate having to leave Sullivan's and everything it has to offer.
(5)Katie S.
My girlfriends and I stopped in here on our last night in the Isle of Palms on the recommendation of the owners of the house we stayed in and were pretty happy with this decision. I noticed the door boasts they have one of the 50 best french fries in the US and I would agree, they were the star of the show for me. We arrived slightly before the dinner rush, but waited a while to find a table to accommodate the 5 of us. During our time spent here, I found the staff to be extremely kind and very sufficient--this is not their first rodeo handling a crowd and it is very quickly apparent that they all know what they are doing. I ordered an Annabel Lee and a glass of pinot noir (which sadly was delivered to me in a glass with lipstick on the rim at first) and was overall pretty happy with my meal. The burger does not mess around: it's a monster! I'm a fan of a thinner/less crumbly patty (and am aware that I am probably in the minority here) so I ended up taking the crabcake off to eat it-as the whole thing was falling apart in my hand the second I picked it up. Everything was very flavorful, and I really liked the guac and queso we started with. I also really liked the overall decor, I love Poe, so I have a deep appreciation for the painstakingly collected memorabilia. I would gladly return here, but would probably just get drinks and try the tacos while skipping the burger.
(3)Natalie M.
Loved this bar! We went around 6ish on a Saturday and the place was pretty packed, but we found a couple seats at the bar and a very nice waiter greeted us right away. Neither of us knew what kind of beer we wanted, but we knew we wanted something on tap. The bartender let us try a couple different beers and we finally decided on a dark Palmetto. The bar is very cool; it feels like a beach bar, with reggae music playing in the background, and then there's a fireplace that creates a feeling of warmth and coziness. Of course, there's also an Edgar Allan Poe theme, which is awesome! I think this is one of the coolest bars I've been to.
(5)Jennifer R.
I want to say that I like this place because a good friend recommended it. Buuuttt... the service was really bad and the food was only adequate. That said, I only ordered a salad. But my kids' ordered grilled cheese and a cheese burger. Both were okay, but kind of flavorless. The fries were good - yes, I stole some from my kids LOL :) It was busy, but I'm sorry, a restaurant in a touristy area should be used to that. There is no reason for a salad, a bowl of chili (my friend's order), a kids mac n cheese, a kids grilled cheese, and a kids cheese burger to take 40 minutes to arrive. Also, when we asked about when our food was going to arrive (after waiting 25 minutes with 3 kids) the waitress was downright surly. I was born and raised in San Diego, and only left to live in Santa Barbara, so I'm used to eating in tourist towns. Poe's needs to get its act together in the service department. There is really no excuse for food taking that long to arrive, even if it is busy.
(2)Michael K.
Poe's has been slinging killer burgers on Sullivan's Island since I can remember and they almost always packed. They have a fantastic bar and out-door area, but first and foremost you should come here for the food. Pair that with a bustling vibe, excessive Edgar Allen Poe memorabilia, and the fun that is Sullivan's Island you know you have a winner.
(4)Sharon N.
WOW!!! OMG!!! We had an incredible time at POE'S. It started out by ERIC telling us he would care for us in a minute as he was seating other people. I thought we would have quite a wait, but Eric got us a great table and wanted to know if we were comfortable at that table. Where do you go to get that kind of service???? Then we had a incredible waitress, PAIGE ---- she was awesome and attended to all of our needs. So, when you go, ask for ERiC and PAIGE for an incredible experience!!! The hamburgers were the best we have ever had. Thank you and please put a POE's in Murrells Inlet, SC on the Marsh ---- how cool would that be???? Thanks again!!!
(5)Frank G.
Sunday lunch, well, ok but... I ordered the Raven hamburger, with fried onions. Got the order and the onions would fill up 1/2 of a shot glass.., no kidding. I asked the waitress, and she started to say that is what you get, but changed and said, I will get you an order. Seems like that is what they give with this order and this waitress was sorry that she corrected the problem right away. She said that she gets this reaction often. Not her fault. I thanked her, left a 22 percent tip. Mgt must either give a healthy portion or nothing at all. However, the food was good, nice waitress, and a good,time. Go there, but ask questions when ordering. Frank G
(3)Tyson B.
K2 rocks. Remind her about your lemon for your water. Good looks good can't wait to eat it.
(5)Trip F.
This is a very well run place. It's a bit rugged and dark inside very Hemingway esque. The burgers, tuna steaks, salads are great and the help, despite being over run by tourists, handled the crowd like pros. Hats off. And Sullivan's Island is a charming place. Try the burger with a fried egg tomato and bacon. Wow. Cholesterol city! Not for the bean sprout crowd.
(5)Jerica D.
This tavern is very unique by having an Edgar Allen Poe theme! We visited this restaurant on a Friday afternoon and it was very crowded, so crowded we had to park on the street due to the private lot being packed. Upon entering the waiters and waitresses informed us we could sit anywhere, so we choose a booth with chairs on the opposite end. Trying to get to the restroom was a little hassle. The tavern has way to many seats in my opinion for its amount of space. The tables were very close together which made it very hard to maneuver . When I went to use the restroom, the wall paper was pictures with depictions from multiple Edgar Allan stories. The restaurant also had a recording playing of a man reading excerpts from the Edgar Allan Poe stories-- I thought this was really cool as well. The bathroom was very small as well and could use a little better cleaning. While I was in the restroom, the hubby placed an order for the chips and queso appetizer, which was very good. We had a little queso left over after digging in, but my husband informed me the restaurant charged additional for more chips (which I thought was weird), so the remainder of our queso went uneaten. The menus are paper menus with no lamination--not sure why not when people can easily mess them up--so the menu I received was very dirty with a lot of stains. My husband ended up ordering the Pit and Pendulem burger and I ordered the chicken quesadilla. My husband's burger was really good-it was a huge size juicy burger with applewood bacon and chedder cheese. My quesadilla was also very good and I really enjoyed it. I also ordered some local beer (can't remember the name because it was not located on the menu--the waitress had it written down on her personal note pad). Even though I can't remember the name I remember the excellent taste of the light beer-- the waitress recommended it in place of yuengling. Overall, the food was very good and the theme of the restaurant was very unique.
(4)Tyler L.
Great little casual dining spot that a group of ten descended on without a reservation. They were accommodating and we sat in the bar area of the restaurant. I loved the menu because of its simplicity and interchangeable burgers and chicken sandwiches. I could go back to Poe's over and over. The weaving in of the Edgar Allan Poe isn't over the top, but certainly not sure where they got the inspiration from. Anyways solid spot if you are looking for a laid-back dinner.
(4)Brittany A.
Good burger and fries! Nothing overly special about them though. They should add New Mexico green chili as an option. Service was fantastic and super quick
(4)Diana S.
Super hip place with good food and atmosphere. Love all the industrial fixtures and Poe memorabilia. The burgers are well worth the wait. Reason for a 4 star over the 5 is the long wait and loud loud atmosphere. I love it but my oldie parents wouldn't.
(4)Ashley H.
Great vibe, love the atmosphere and feel of the place. Perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer on Sullivan's. Music is chill and so are the bartenders. The food is delicious also! You really can't go wrong here.
(5)Eric W.
Went here for my birthday dinner on a Friday night. We arrived in town after a short drive from Columbia, SC and immediately went to Poe's about seven o'clock. I had heard that this was a great spot to visit while in Charleston and I was lucky enough to be staying close by. We drove and thought parking would be a nightmare (since all of the nightlife is on one block on Sullivan's Island), but we got lucky and pulled into a great spot. There was a large crowd waiting outside (to be expected) and we were willing to wait. But we were seated immediately at an available two-top table. We started out with chips and queso (which comes topped with fresh pico) and it was absolutely delicious. I mean, it's cheese, so you can't really go wrong. I ordered the Amontillado which is topped with fresh guacamole, jalapeno jack cheese, pico de gallo, and chipotle sour cream. DELICIOUS! One of the best burger flavors I've ever had. The burger patty itself seemed a little small for the bun, but the flavors were all there. I thought the service was fantastic. We had 2 or 3 people who were constantly making sure everything was okay. Also, great local beers on tap! Can't wait to get back to Poe's the next time I'm in town!
(5)Nick L.
The buffalo shrimp tacos were delicious . The shrimp was just spicy enough and they were topped with fresh pico de gallo as well as a bacon infused cole slaw. The tacos don't come with a side, but if you are a big guy you'll still be satisfied if you get the 3 taco option. I had a bite of my mom and sister's burgers and they were some of the best cooked burgers I have tasted in a really long time. My only issue was the long line to get a table. They don't take names or your phone number so you have to wait in line. I would recommend getting outdoor heat lamps in order to utilized that patio space that was completely empty when I arrived! Still 100% worth the 5 star rating.
(5)Allie W.
Best burgers around. Recommended by a local, though I am from out of town. They have a wide selection of burgers as well as other dishes. All of the burgers have fantastic names taken from Poe's writings, making it very fun. I got the gold big plus with the goat cheese, superb! My friend got the Tell-tale heart, a very good rendition of the fried egg/bacon burger. They also offer a wide selection of local beers and have rotating interesting beers on tap. We sat outside on s beautiful spring day, it was perfect!
(5)Jay W.
Wow was Poe's busy when my wife and I stopped in during our honeymoon week in the Charleston area. We ate outside to enjoy the fresh air and all the ravens picking up fries from under kids in high chairs. How I wish we had gone inside instead--not that outside was bad, but inside has such a atmosphere! This is Poe's--and you won't forget it. It's creepy and whimsical and fun all at the same time. The staff is super--just super at everything. The food (it's mostly a burger spot to be sure) is fresh and well-prepared and there is plenty of it for the money. I was not disappointed in the least and you won't be either.
(4)Alyssa H.
***TOURIST TRAP*** To set the stage, my husband and I visited Poe's Tavern on a Saturday afternoon in June shortly after a thunderstorm had finished scaring away all beach goers; thus, they were extremely busy. When we arrived, the manager informed us of seat availability outdoors but that if the rain returned we would not have the option to move indoors meaning we would have to grab to go boxes, pay our bill, and leave. Luckily, we were able to find a seat at one of the bars. Our waitress came to bring menus and picked up the bill from the previous guests leaving the empty beer bottles on the bar counter for the remainder of our time at Poe's Tavern. My husband and I ordered drinks and she returned with my beverage to inform him that his selection was out (which happens on weekends). When everything is in stock, it seems as though Poe's Tavern has an excellent selection of local beers which explains why they were so busy! Once the drinks were situated, my Tavern side salad arrived but we had not yet received utensils. I asked the waitress and she said she would bring them shortly. Next, a waiter brought my husband his beer and I asked him for utensils. After 20 minutes of waiting to eat my salad, I went and visited the front of the building and collected my own utensils as the salads arrived dressed and no one enjoys a soggy salad. The side salad comes with a nice light dressing, lettuce, and an assortment of fresh peppers for a $2.00 addition to your order. My husband ordered the Tell Tale Heart burger and I selected the Annabel Lee burger. The burgers arrived cooked to our request (Medium Rare) and warm. They were good but, sadly (as members of the Top 101 burgers in the U.S. according to Daily Meal), we expected something slightly more mouth watering. Overall, the customer service receives ZERO stars, the ambiance receives 5 stars (Literature is one of my loves and the building is decorated from head to toe in Poe), the beer selection receives 4 stars, and the food receives 4 stars. I would come again but would probably wait to be seated at a table rather than the bar area in hopes the service would be more efficient. Excellent concept but needs organization and structure to improve the overall experience.
(3)Paul H.
Was visiting on vacation. Poes was a favourite burger place, so we tried it. The food was excellent. The beer was cold and the service was great. The kids loved their food, and they can both be kind of picky. Can't remember the exact name of the burger... Hopper? Delicious. The Cole slaw with bacon and blue cheese was unique and delicious.
(5)Liss M.
Very impressed ! Took my husband here for Father's Day lunch and was extremely busy . We got seat fairly quickly! Everything we ordered was great. Burgers cooked perfect and we got them fairly quickly considering how busy it was. Waitress was friendly and not over the top. We love it .We will definitely be back for the fish tacos.
(5)Woody C.
Love hurts. I must confess, it was I who devoured the Tell Tale Heart. If you know Edgar Allen Poe, you'll get that. I can't explain it. Every time I come here, I get a parking space and there's no wait, get the place is always crowded. Kelsey took great care of us.
(5)Scott P.
My family and I visited here while on vacation at the Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms. It's a great choice for a casual dinner. The place was bustling but the service was friendly and the food was well worth the short trip over to Sullivan Island. They serve one of the better hamburgers you're ever going to find. Simply delicious! While we were there a loud, annoying party of about 50 thought they had the run of the joint and were constantly up and walking around and generally making a nuisance of themselves. Props to the manager on duty for politely asking them not to do that and disturb the other customers. Even bigger props when the same manager refused to back down to the angry, shaved-head, middle-aged, d-bag drama queen who took offense to that simple request. This guy actually threatened the manager with physical assault if he ever saw him "on the street". Very classy. If you see a slew of bad reviews from around this time it's no doubt people from that party trying to bomb the place with bad reviews. Don't believe them. Poe's is great and we plan to go back there when we're in Charleston again.
(5)Sylvia G.
Excellent food and service. We came here on Memorial Day at noon. The place was very busy but we were able to sit on the patio almost immediately. We started with the queso dip. It was delicious and it was topped with pico de gallo. I got a chicken sandwich serves on a buttery bun with cheese, pickles, guac, tomatoes and some kind of sauce. It was huge and very satisfying. My hubby got a burger topped with a crab cake and ramaulaude sauce . He said it was delicious and juicy. Our waitress checked on us a few times and kindly kept filling our drinks. If you're at Sullivan's island, come check this place out. It also has a neat historical factor- it was the home of Edgar Allen Poe and the building itself is really beautiful.
(5)Deb W.
FINALLY!!! I've been searching all over Charleston and VERY few, maybe one, places will actually cook my burger med-rare - but Poe's did and they did it very well. We loved the atmosphere. The shrimp/chirizo quesadilla was fantastic. We were bummed we had to share it. The seafood chowder was great with a very nice spicy kick to it. It was much more tomatoey then I would have expected and not much fish, but it was still very tasty. We ordered 4 burgers - burger of the day (chili and fritos'), the tell tale burger (fried egg, bacon and cheese), sleeper (shrimp & blue cheese) and a bbq burger. Everyone loved their burgers and they were all cooked perfectly. Their french fries are also great. I tried the bacon, blue cheese slaw - also very tasty. The only thing surprising was how small the tables are and how tight the restaurant is, but that added to it's charm. Poe's is definitely going high on my list of favorites!
(4)Mary D.
Cool beachy bar restaurant with dark touches that pay homage to E.A. Poe along with some killer food. Party of 6 for early dinner. Crowded and parking was tough, but scored a table right away. And food made it worth it. We ordered the fries with bacon, cheese, and green onions and they were awesome. Ordered The Sleeper burger on the recommendation of our server and it was fantastic... Spicy buffalo shrimp paired with creamy, sharp blue cheese on a 1/2 pound burger. Delish!
(5)Scotty C.
I've been loving on Poe's since moving to the area 6 years ago. Sitting outside in the nice weather with the smell of ocean in the air is unbeatable. The burgers are fantastic and to be honest is the only thing I ever order. There's an entire list of different flavor combinations and you can order your selection "burger style" or "chicken style". I hate when a burger gets to crazy with toppings and falls apart so I usually stick to the more simple varieties. Last time I had the Gold Bug Plus (plus means fancier cheese options) and went with the Roasted Garlic Blue Cheese spread. Absolutely phenomenal! They have a few side options but I usually stick with fries. I don't event like cole slaw but they're bacon blue cheese slaw is pretty amazing... a must if you love slaw, and well... those other ingredients. The service has always been good. Sometimes slow when it's super busy which is understandable and the last time it was actually excellent. Our server was mainly operating in the outside area and he kept an eye out for us on grabbing a table. He even brought us a couple IPA's while we waited outside. One of the large picnic tables opened up and we offered to share it with a family who was waiting to sit after us. He was that perfect sweetspot of a server where they're attentive enough without being overbearing. I don't even think I've ever sat inside because it's always worth a little extra wait to sit on the patio. Which brings me to the one aspect of dining at Poe's that I can't stand (although I deal with it) is the first-come-first-serve policy on seating. Instead of having someone taking down names and seating tables, everyone just stands and waits like vultures trying to get a table outside. It's complete anarchy, There's this awkward tension amongst yourself and anyone who arrives after you where you watch them like a hawk thinking "if they try to take my table I will straight up murder them". Then after all of the eying every person who stands up waiting to pounce on their table, you finally get one. Then you feel the reverse pressure of everyone watching you at your table just waiting for you to finish and leave. It makes you feel rushed and obligated to give up your table asap. All in all, it's not a huge deal but just seems completely unnecessary. Even a ticket counter with announcements like at the deli would make more sense than this free for all. Once you get that table, it's usually pretty blissful and is well worth the wait. If you get bored, you could always go to the bathroom and do some light reading. Literally, it's plastered with the writings of Edgar Allen himself. You'll likely loose your spot in line for a table though.
(4)C G B.
Gnats?? Flys??? Wait for a table wasn't long, for our lunch to come was a little longer, but what made it seem like forever, was the approx 6 gnats and 3 flies bothering the living crap out of us. We moved ourselves 2 booths over, which no one seemed to like. STILL had a fly. When I told the staff about them, all they said was "oh", just "oh". My burger was ok, what ruined it was my egg, which was supposed to be over-medium but was fried well-done on one side and the other was raw runny egg white n yolk that never saw the grill. Disgusting!! Will not be back.
(1)Krista F.
I really enjoyed this place. I am here on vacation with friends and even though the restaurant was packed, they did a good job of finding us seats and getting us sat ASAP. Very good citrus marinated fish tacos that I absolutely loved, my friends got the special (market fish) and they crushed it as well.
(4)Eric S.
Great Burgers and great location. I only give it 5 stars because the Burger is just that good. The employees are hit or miss. It is always real crowded, so be prepared to wait with little help to get a table from the Luke warm staff.
(5)Jake R.
The buffalo shrimp salad was amazing. Great portion, great taste, decent price. The building itself has great character and great 'beachy' feel from being next to Shem Creek. There's free parking but limited spots available. Our waitress wasn't the best but it was extremely busy
(5)Preston S.
Love Poe's it's become a staple of visiting the Charleston area. Amazing burgers cooked to perfection. Good beer selection with a mix of local breweries. The hand cut fries and the bacon bleu coleslaw are great sides. Great atmosphere, but always busy, so prepare to wait. Great/friendly staff make it easy.
(5)Allison W.
This is a great burger spot in Charleston. We stopped in on a Saturday afternoon with a party of four and were seated quickly. I love the Edgar Allen Poe theme of this restaurant. It even carries over to their restrooms! Super cute decor & friendly staff. Three out of the four of us ordered burgers. My husband had a burger with chili, pimento cheese, & bacon. Huge portions & he enjoyed it. I questioned it because their chili has beans in it, but it turned out to be delicious. I ordered a plain cheeseburger with pimento cheese. Their pimento cheese is absolutely delicious! I loved every bite! Their fries were also crispy & bountiful. No way one person could eat it all.
(4)Michele C.
Ate here a couple weeks ago with my girl friends and the smothered fries (bacon, cheese and green onions) these were some seriously devious fries! We had the burger with guaca and salsa which was cooked perfectly to order and delicious! Went back a couple days ago and all 5 burgers were way over cooked. Ordered medium and extra well done. I can say they were still juicy but if your specialty is burgers they need to be right on every time. We said something to the waiter and he made it sound like we would be in the back of the line again in the ordering process and we just didn't have another 45 min to wait for our meals again so we just ate it. I will for sure go back because I know what it can be but the last group I was with was less than impressed and likely won't go back :(.
(4)Jess B.
I just called to place a to go order and the bro on the other end goes, "Um we don't have time for that right now." Okay, sir? This isn't Dorsia. And maybe work on your phone etiquette.
(1)Zachary C.
Great food, beer and atmosphere. If you're looking for a fun and easy place to grab a drink either on vacation or as a local this is a great place to come.
(4)Ellie S.
I wanted so bad to love this place- I did my research and was so excited to eat here, but it was so disappointing. We arrived with kids, and I honestly got the impression that kids are not welcome here. I called in the afternoon to check if there was a kids menu(since there isn't one posted online)- was told yes. When we arrived and asked for kids menu, our waitress rattled off a list and walked away. Ohhhhhkay. I paid 6.50 for Kraft Mac and cheese. The actual burgers were delicious, but the service was terrible. We felt rushed and like an inconvenience to the server. It was just a poor experience which is unfortunate. I would not return and would not recommend anyone else go.
(2)Josh B.
Great burgers and you can't beat the location!
(4)Amanda D.
The wait is a little long but that is b/c it's so good!! The burger and fries are amazing. Also, someone in our group had the fish tacos and they said they were amazing. Definitely will be going back when we visit again!
(5)Jacob C.
We've been wanting to try this place for a while and actually stopped in the other day. It was very busy, it usually is....but the burgers and fries were vey good. They use very good ingredients and the quality is definitely there. I ordered a 2 Hearts Ale and it went perfect with everything. They are kid friendly too. We're always out on Sullivan's Island and we'll definitely be back. There is very limited parking, we had to park about 5 or 6 blocks away! It was worth it though.
(4)Wes B.
One of our must go places whenever we are in Charleston. We'll make the drive out to Sullivan's Island even when we are staying downtown just to get our burger fix. Do yourself a favor and deviate from the standard fare. Order the Tuna salad - sashimi grade tuna over a bed of greens with a citrus dressing. To die for. If you are a first timer, be prepared for a wait on weekends or on sunny summer days when the lights calls okay hooky. Cozy real wood fires on chilly winter days. This place is all about great good and warm hospitality. The rich Edgar Allen Poe history only adds to an already wonderful ambiance.
(5)Fae W.
Really really delicious burgers! Worth the drive to Sullivans Island! Great restaurant server was very knowledgeable in regards to the menu. Staff was friendly and welcoming. Family friendly environment but very loud.
(4)Chris N.
This is the best place ever!!!! 5 stars... I couldn't find anything wrong with this place. Decoration is Awesome, cool theme, food Is amazing. Best fries in the world, possibly the best burger I ever had. This is one of my favorite places in the world. They have great music playing and the service is incredible. Our order was served in about 15 minutes or less... incredible. Had a great waiter, very nice so good at his job. I recommend everyone visiting Charleston to visit Poe's.
(5)William M.
More like 4.5. Love the Edgar Allan Poe theme throughout. Burger was delicious. The only con was that the service was a tad slow but the waitress was friendly. Really cool place
(4)Alli O.
This restaurant is in an awesome location just two blocks away from the beach. My husband had a burger and I tried their chili nachos. Both were delicious... And I stole a few of my husband's fries and they were amazing! Check it out! You will love it!
(4)Ryan K.
"All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream." -Edgar Allen Poe. I have no idea what this means... but I like it. Sounds like he was talking about the very distant future existence of Poe's Tavern (not only was he a great author but he was clearly a time traveler as well). It is dream worthy. This place really has everything you could want in a restaurant. It has a great lively atmosphere, it's right off the beach, serves AMAZING burgers (top 3 in Charleston good), literary references everywhere, a talking bird that spits out Edgar Allen Poe quotes all day, and a carrier raven who delivers your food. Okay, okay... those last 2 are not true but they exist in my dream world. Along with teleportation and Back to the Future Hover Boards. I know i'm not the only one anxiously awaiting these things! Poe's Tavern is a must visit for all vacationers of Charleston. It is rarely slow and parking can be tough, but I recommend you give it a shot so you can be lucky enough dream about it later.
(4)Charles A.
This place has a wonderful atmosphere full of energy. The food and service are excellent. My wife is a hamburger food critic. She graded the Poe Burger to be the best in South Carolina. Poe's also offers an wide variety of both draft and bottled beers. Vincent Price reads poetry while you are using the restroom facilities. What more can you ask for in a restaurant?
(5)Andrew K.
A must stop if you are in the area. The food choices were plentiful and the burgers were the best we had all week. The vibe is a funky little beach bar with a good selection of local SC beers on tap. It's well worth the wait. Go inside, grab a beer while you wait the 30 minutes for a table. I went the second week in July and the wait wasn't bad. It's mostly staffed by college kids who are home for the summer.
(5)Sari L.
We love Poe's! No visit to Sullivan's Island is complete without stopping by Poe's. Most of the time, you should be prepared for a wait because they are usually packed! Had the seasonal blue crab sandwich, which was awesome! Also had bites of other sandwiches from around the table, all of them fantastic. I usually order the telltale heart and did have a bite or two of my daughter's burger. Yum! Today... No wait, fast service, great food! Love!
(5)ashley g.
After receiving countless recommendations to go to Poe's, we finally decided to check it out. We went early on a weekday, so there was tons of outdoor seating. Waitress was great, I don't remember her name, but extremely helpful and personable. As for the meal, it didn't thrill me the way everyone had described. Yes, the burgers are good quality; yes, the fries are tasty; but it was nothing above and beyond in my opinion. Nothing to fault the restaurant on, but I think my expectations were much higher because of how many people had raved about it, so I was slightly disappointed, but overall a good experience. and great for people watching if you can snag a table outside!
(4)Tim A.
Food was bland Service was not friendly Expensive for such a bad experience First and last trip to Poes Overrated
(1)Fiona D.
Good food, beer selection is OK but cocktails are better. Sit on the porch if you can and watch the people bar hop between all the bars on Sullivans. Bring bug spray as they can be a killer!
(4)Melissa M.
Waiter was friendly and informative. Burger was very good. I got The Black Cat burger and my friends got the crab cake sandwich and fish tacos. Only complaint would be the liquor drinks were weak. I had 2 of their specialty vodka and grapefruit and didn't even feel like I had even had one. Even though I was starting out on an empty stomach. I would still go back though. Good atmosphere
(5)David N.
Great food and service from Maitre' D to bar to wait staff. Packed, so we had to wait for a table for 7. Black Cat burgers with and without egg all around. Fries and onion strings were great. Definitely on my favorites list!
(5)Geoffrey W.
Poor costumer service at an average burger joint that's trying to sell itself as unique from the 4 other beach side restaurants that surround it. We had to find our own silver ware after waiting for 30 min for it. The beer selection isn't bad, they have a lot of locals, but nothing 5 stars worthy. The food was decent/aceptable. The ambiance is kinda cool but can feel touristy.
(2)Vy D.
I have been to Poe's a few times now and am a fan! Might be about time to expand into West Ashley!! All of the burgers I've ordered have been delicious and the service has always been great too. Highly recommend.
(5)Nicole O.
The food was really good! I got a salad and it was huge. We were sat immediately on a Sunday afternoon, the waitress was so, so nice and brought water for my dog. They were super attentive and the food came out quick! Surprising for a gorgeous Sunday!
(4)Ilsa M.
Awesome place! A friend recommended Poe's to us and we're glad we went. One of the best burgers we've ever had. Our waitress was so nice and took excellent care of us. We got to sit outside and had plenty of shade from the hot sun under the umbrellas. I got the Raven and my husband got the Amontadillo - both very happy customers and will go back if we're ever on Sullivan's Island again!
(5)Tanner R.
Man, this place is so cool! I'm something of a literature guy, so this place was right up my alley. The food was great, the service excellent, and the atmosphere was downright outstanding. We chose a table outside, I ordered a plain cheeseburger, and my girlfriend a chicken sandwich with cheddar and bacon. Both were sublime. The burger was seasoned very well and was cooked perfectly. The chicken was a little dry but the seasoning made up for that. Also, the fries were AMAZING! You must have this any time you're on Sullivan's Island.
(5)Sean R.
This place is "straight money". This place is awesome! Great people, atmosphere, foods is literally off the chain. Got a bacon, egg, and cheese burger with guacamole and fried onions; BOOM! Definitely going to come back...
(5)Alicia Z.
I LOVE POE'S! It is SO fantastic. The ambience is super fun. The theme is all things... you guessed it... Edgar Allen Poe, since he was stationed at Fort Moultrie down the street and wrote Goldbug while here. When the weather is nice you MUST sit outside. They have a ton of burger options, my personal fave is the Sleeper, which is topped with buffalo shrimp and garlic bleu cheese. When I am trying to eat healthier, I get the Mahi Fish Tacos, which are also amazing. I really don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu... A couple of things they could work on... during tourist season it is CRAZY busy here, we actually tend to avoid it if possible. They have a sit anywhere policy, so they do not take names for a wait list, or take reservations. This is tricky if you have been waiting and suddenly someone else sees a table open before you do and takes it, frustrating if you have been waiting longer... We have come once during the busy season and our maui didn't taste as fresh as it usually does... Not sure if that was just an off night or what, but I have been back several times since, so it didn't scare me too much. This place is a MUST!!
(4)Megan F.
Must visit when staying at IOP or surrounding area. Good good, laid back and casual atmosphere.
(4)Robert S.
Always a place to go for a burger when in Charleston. Try the Tell-Tale Heart; an over easy egg dripping down a perfectly cooked Angus patty is in what gastronomical memories are made! Sit at the bar if available and watch Mike rock and roll, with glib repartee and skillful drink mixology. Wherever you sit, Poe's is worth the drive.
(5)Jessica B.
This was our first time visiting Poe's over on Sullivan's Island. We had spent most of the day at the beach and around 4, started to get hungry. We decided that would be a good time to head over for dinner. Since Poe's is a first come, first serve table seating establishment, we were thinking we would have to wait awhile. We immediately found a table outside on the deck. We had a larger party (7 people) so we were very thankful to have found it so quickly. I ordered the tell tale heart burger with fries as my side. (You can order your sandwich burger style or chicken style) It was cooked a perfect medium and was one of the best burgers I've had down at the beach. The waitress was very polite and super helpful in answering all of our questions. Our food did not take long to come out and everything was cooked perfectly. The fries were delicious! The check, for two burgers and a soda was fairly priced for being right on the main drag of restaurants at the beach. I will definitely recommend this place to people visiting the area!
(4)Tiffani P.
It was amazing! I don't eat beef so I got chicken instead, the Tell Tale Heart did not disappoint! I was so stuffed. The only thing I didn't care for was the egg was a little to runny, but I forgot to ask the server for my egg fried hard, so that's my fault. The atmosphere was really cool and it was less than a 10 minute wait on a Sunday afternoon. Our server was funny and attentive but not overbearing, and the pictures were great to.
(5)Tim R.
I had the fish tacos with yellow fin tuna and subbed the salsa with pico. Delicious!!! Queso was good but honestly a bit boring.
(5)Ariel T.
You can't go wrong with Sullivan's Island and Poe's is a huge reason why. A fun beach bar with a day and night environment welcome to all. The food is great if we are talking about burgers. I cannot get anything else (although I have had the fish tacos and they are very tasty). The burgers are just that great! I love me a medium rare patty and Poe's never fails to bring me the perfect temp. Poe's is definitely a recommendation I give when asked for a place to eat for tourists and locals that haven't had the pleasure.
(5)Brendan S.
I went all in on 5 stars for this reason... When it comes to "beach bars" that are incredibly memorable with a fantastic feel, great vibe, cold beer and the best french fries in charleston, why be a jerk with only 4 stars? 2 bits of advice: 1. Arrive early or plan on waiting; even still, plan to wait as seating is first come first swooped. 2. Stick to burgers (real meat) and Fish tacos Everything else is good, but all the burgers and the fish tacos are LEGEND-wait for it- Dary. Do NOT miss a chance to eat here- I live in Charleston and don't like it to be longer than 5 or 6 weeks without heading here for a burger and fries.
(5)David N.
Hanging out after work having a couple Margs and enjoying some nachos. Great place to see locals and the burgers are as good as everyone says.
(5)Patrick D.
One of the worst experiences I have had in Charleston. From the moment My family and I walked through the door, we did not feel welcome. It took 15 minutes to see a server, all of our burgers were over-cooked and halfway through my burger, with it in my hand about to take a bite, the bus boy/ food runner comes up and says "can I get everything out of your way?" I was appalled. This place came highly recommended and I really wish I had a better experience because a lot of people seem to really enjoy it, so who knows, maybe I will muster up the courage to venture back. The only reason I am giving it two stars is because our server, once we saw her, was very polite, attentive and genuine. Too bad she didn't tell us her name
(2)phoebe c.
Here in the fall and it was still rather busy, can't imagine the summer traffic. Grilled chicken salad with pimento toast rather good! Dan enjoyed his chicken sandwich. Fresh. We'd be back if we make it back to Sullivan Island.
(4)Tony K.
Great atmosphere! We really loved the fast pace open tavern, lots of fans, the service was attentive and fast with great selections of sandwiches. The buffalo shrimp tacos was very tasty and hot. I didn't like the shrimp sandwich, it didn't have much flavor and the shrimp was minced. If they chopped or left the shrimp whole it would have more flavor. The burgers can be substituted with chicken. It's a great local hang out to eat and hit the beach 2 blocks away. Edgar Allen Poe art everywhere, don't miss visiting when you visit Sullivan's Island.
(4)Regina S.
I'll immediately preface this review by saying that Poe's is a great casual place with super cool art work and just a great vibe. Having a recording of actor Vincent Price reading the author's short stories while in the restrooms added to the whole Poe atmosphere. The hiccup that caused the two star rating was a first for me and my fellow diners. In all our combined years of eating out, not one of us came close to experiencing the baffling incident that took place during our lunch here. It was a glorious Sunday afternoon, the first nice day in awhile. Poe's was jammin and it was first come first served and no staff was there to guide your way so you had to pounce on any opportunity to snag a table. Luckily, our friend wasted no time, her eyes darted quickly and she sensed some movement and her instinct was on target. Next thing we knew we had a table. Score! We came for Poe's famous burgers, so we put our order in and enjoyed some darn good Bloody Mary's. Service was decent, and we had a multitude of folks attending to our needs so one never quite knew who was the "lead" attendant so to speak. Our burgers arrived and looked perfect surrounded by what was obviously home made fries. I grabbed one to try and oh no, the spud was barely luke warm, and others concurred. When a young man came by, I told him the fries weren't hot. His response was "Really? Can I have one please?" I guess I was so perplexed by his request that I didn't automatically respond. As I went to pick up my plate for him to choose a french fry, my friend plucked one from his plate and handed it to him. He proceeded to squish poor Mr. fry between his fingers while at the same time telling us that "these potatoes, unlike McDonald's, are never frozen." He mumbled something else that we couldn't decipher and then he deemed that our fries were of a satisfactory temperature. BUT, he added that IF we would like to take this up with our server, we could. He then threw the mashed french fry into a small bush next to our table and left. There were so many WTF's? traveling through our heads that at first no one said anything...but seconds later we all belted out some serious belly laughs. First, who would be so presumptuous as to request already served food from a patron and then fondle it? Second, why on earth would you even attempt to be argumentative with a customer about something so black and white? The fries were NOT hot and fresh, so what's with the condescending and incoherent narrative? Finally, why in the world, when you have netting set up outside to protect patrons from diving birds looking for scraps would you casually throw food into the landscaping? Yep, I am all about bringing up complaints while they are happening but in this instance, I chose not to. The controlled chaos of this place did not foreshadow a speedy conclusion. As it was, during our fry inspection, other things were getting cold and we didn't want to wait for another round of food. Someone really needs to teach this guy some basic manners.
(2)Rich D.
This may be one of the best restaurants on the island. We sat outdoors and enjoyed beautiful weather, cold beer and great food. Our waitress was attentive and friendly. The only problem is the restrooms were very dirty!!
(4)Justin M.
Let me start off by saying that this is the first negative review that I have ever written for Yelp. Usually I give everywhere the benefit of the doubt, and I really tried with Poe's, but it didn't help. Let me also share that it was Labor Day weekend when we were there, so I understand that things are busier. We arrived to find out that all outdoor seating is first come, first served. There are so many reasons that this is a bad idea, and we suffered from most of them. Here are a few: 1. You have to sit and stare at people, asking them with your eyes "Are you done yet?" When you do get a seat, the next wave of people are returning the favor. I think that seat yourself for the whole outside of a restaurant is just plain lazy. It also leads to problem #2. 2. Getting a waitress to notice you are there. Since we sat ourselves, it took us a good 10-15 minutes for a waitress to literally say "Oh, you are new, I will be right with you." Right with you = 10 minutes unfortunately. I felt bad for the waitress because she had our whole section to herself, way too much for one person to do. So we were finally able to put in our orders, and in the process another bad habit was on display. The waitress "remembers" what you order. This can, and did, cause multiple issues: 1. She had to come back and verify what we ordered. 2. When the food finally (we will discuss in a minute) came out, it was of course wrong. After ordering (it is 3pm on a Sunday BTW, but the place is PACKED because of the free parking I think) it took a good 30-35 minutes to get our orders. This is not a huge deal except for the fact that people after us had scoped out tables, sat, ordered, and received their food. Their specialty appears to be burgers, which none of us ordered, but none the less received the first time the food came. Obviously the fish tacos, shrimp salad, and chicken sandwich were a challenge for the kitchen. The Food: Shrimp salad - Chopped shrimp (maybe, but tough to tell based on look and taste) and mayo on a bun, and still in the shape of the ice-cream scoop that was used to put it there. Chicken Sandwich - It came out as a burger (don't they watch Chik Fila commercials?) and then when the error was reported, went back to the kitchen and came back to the table as a chicken sandwich, obviously with the topping moved from one sandwich to the other. Fish tacos - The most BLAND fish taco I have ever had. Very fishy tasting Mahi Mahi (I think) with literally shredded cabbage. No seasoning, no flavor, and a side of warm sour cream with some spices in it (which I, being lactose intolerant, can't eat). Listen, this place is a gold mine. It will be packed for many years to come despite what I review. I really hope their burgers are what is supporting their success (along with the free parking) because the other food was not worth the time or the price. Sorry for the awful review, but I am just sharing our experience.
(2)Hanna H.
If you ever find yourself in Charleston, take the trip down to Sullivan's Island on a Saturday night. The place is bumping. After waiting almond 45 minutes, I had my expectations set very very high. And, to my surprise, they were meet. My recommendation: the fish tacos. There's a variety of three to choose from and quite frankly all of them are good. Also, an added bonus - in the bathrooms, the walls are layered with poems from Poe as well as a lady on the intercom voicing his poetry out loud. A little creepy, but hey it really sets the mood of the place.
(5)Paul C.
This and probably any review of Poe's Tavern has to start with a statement about their burgers. No lie...it was probably one of the best burgers you are ever going to eat. My wife and I spent the Labor Day weekend at IOP and actually ate here twice just to test whether the first visit was a fluke - it wasn't. The second visit tlived up to the expectation created by the first. After describing the burger it is probably fair to say that the dining experience isn't going to "wow" you, but it is what you can expect from a pub environment. The atmosphere is very busy with patrons and wait staff hurrying in and around every table. There are interesting items scattered about related to Edgar Alan Poe's time on Sullivan's Island to catch your eye. One word of caution, be ready for a little craziness if you come during the busy season. They don't take reservations and seating (as well as parking) seems to ruled by the concept of "first come first serve". Notwithstanding the craziness, this place was a great find.
(5)Steve M.
Poe's Tavern is my happy place. You've spent the day at the beach, your throat is parched, and Poe's is there to cool you down. It's the end of a long week at work, you want to kick back and relax, and Poe's is there to make you forget the day job. The cold Winter days have descended on the Lowcountry, the tourists are no where to be seen, and Poe's has the fireplace going next to the bar. A table outside in the evening is a good idea or maybe up on the old front porch. Good people watching location, if that's your thing. The inside tables have their own charm. And if you're out late in the middle of a humid summer night, position yourself near the middle of the bar where a cool breeze comes up from the floor vent. We haven't even talked about the food yet. Got time on your hands? Get some tortilla chips with the queso dip. Order a quesadilla with shrimp and chorizo. A meal in itself. Buffalo Shrimp Salad is damn good. The Buffalo Shrimp Tacos takes it to a whole new level. Poe's has probably the best burger in Charleston. The Annabel Lee comes with a mini crab cake and the Tell Tale Heart has the often copied fried egg on top. Can't go wrong with any of the burgers on the menu or a special on the board. The fries are hand cut everyday and they soak them to keep them from drying out. The addition of Fish and Chips is as good as anything you'll find in a UK chip shop. Poe's Tavern is my happy place. We don't get out to Sullivan's Island as much these days, but the excitement starts to spike when crossing the Ben Sawyer Bridge. Everyone in the car knows we are going to Poe's. Reviewer's Note: Raising a young family in Charleston after years of living and traveling abroad. Restaurant reviews are based on at least two visits.
(5)George D.
If you can find a place to park, I highly recommend the place. We sat outside on ground level and it was just a great atmosphere. We also walked around inside and it seems roomy and not too noisy. We had burgers and they were delish!
(5)Melissa D.
You just can't visit Charleston and not go to Poe's! It's just an awesome little place that serves up great atmosphere and food. I love how down-to-earth it is!
(5)John M.
My Bride and I decided to spend our 30th Wedding Anniversary at the beach and spent Saturday evening having dinner after arriving on Isle of Palm, S.C., at Poe's Tavern. Their specialy is most definitely burgers, although you have the option to go chicken if you prefer. My Bride ordered the bacon, cheese and and guacamole combination, while I had the Sleeper burger. She was happy with her choice, and mine reflected that someone in the kitchen has an inventive palate. The Sleeper is a tasty full sized burger, cooked to order (Medium Rare in my case)(they grind their beef in-house), topped with roasted garlic blue cheese and several Buffalo Shrimp. Party in my mouth describes it. I also ordered the bacon infused blue cheese cole slaw (can you tell I'm a blue cheese fan?) as a side item instead of the fries. Another great choice, for my taste buds, at least. The only reason I didn't go with 5 stars is the interior needs a good cleaning and sprucing up. The theme is cool, however, and where they found all of the images of Edgar Allan Poe to use in decorating the place is beyond me. If you're spending time on the island or in the vicinity and are in the mood for a really good burger, go to Poe's. Just my 2 cents.
(4)Oki L.
Lunch on 4/24/2015. This day turned out to be the 12 anniversary of Sullivans Island's hopping bar with a great burger. Being an anniversary - free beer for everyone ..... Didn't happen! But with a couple cold beers, a few orders for their Black Burger and shrimp tacos we still left happy campers and Ron did a good job taking care of us. The place is consistent with good food except today where burgers that were medium came out rare, very rare - but were still dog gone good!
(4)Alyse H.
loved this place...I travel a lot..and always looking for local hangouts...not touristy..to get the vibe of the area...great food and super bartenders...I don't really drink much...just try recommendations from bartenders to see their talent..these were spot on...food was fresh..service was good despite being busy.....the only drawback is what is common in the area...not much parking, I would uber over :) next time.
(5)Rene S.
I have always liked the fish tacos and have had specials before which had prevented me from trying and burgers. Tried "The Sleeper" which was an awesome burger. Buffalo fried shrimp and blue cheese on top, how awesome (if you like blue cheese like me). Will DEFINITELY go back to have same again. OK, besides food I have to say that they need to change/expand bathrooms. Too small, and I would not want to be there on a beer drinking night, needing the bathroom. Overall great place and great food!
(4)Eloise V.
The food is good but very heavy. I only crave it once a month since the menu is pretty much strictly burger except for the fish tacos. The service is always good though!
(3)Brian K.
Sitting outside near the beach with a perfectly made margarita on the rocks in hand under the blue umbrellas with a little fan blowing on me...I could stay here for a couple hours easy. Great people watching. The burger was what I ordered and it was fantastic! Good selection of draught beer.
(4)Jen S.
This has been my favorite restaurant (literally) for 5+ years. Disclaimer - I only get the burgers, but I've been told the fish and shrimp tacos are also great. The burgers are phenomenal - I get mine with the sweet pepper goat cheese (sooo good). The beer selection changes with the season, but there's always something great to choose from. You can't beat the laid back, easygoing atmosphere and location - a few blocks from the beach. One thing to note - tables are first come first served because there's no hostess, so prepare to keep your eyes peeled for a table to open up if there's a wait.
(5)David L.
Good burgers, solid fish tacos but this place has great servers. Great personalities and super friendly. Enjoyed sitting outside with a nice cold beer. Top notch atmosphere.
(5)Cynthia L.
This might be the best burger I've ever had - we biked here from downtown Charleston (tough ride, but highly recommended!) so we really dug into their fantastic burger. I had the Amontadillo and I haven't forgotten it- was wonderful!
(5)Megan P.
It was busy!!! There was a line out the door and down the steps at noon. We have eaten at the Jax beach location several times, and had to eat here on our trip to Charleston. I opted for a burger with the goat cheese which was a fantastic change from my usual tale tell heart burger. The table next to us had a chicken salad that I wish I could have tasted. Their service is always good. The only issue is finding a place to park. In a beach town you are better off to bike or walk if possible.
(5)Jefferson S.
Poe's gets plenty of love from everyone else, so I'll spare everyone a lengthy review. Great burgers, some better than others. The crab cake burger is sublime and heavy duty. Lots of beers on tap to wash down the grub. Always packed, for good reason. 4.5 stars
(4)Elissa N.
If you can get a seat at Poe's it is worth it, a must stop. The service is exceptional, the burgers are handmade and come in a variety of different choices. Everything about Poe's is perfect after a long, hot day at the beach (which is right across the street) and this lively pub has a wonderful selection of beers without being overwhelming. The fries are crisp, hot, delicious and just the right amount of salt. It is always packed, so plan ahead and sit outside and watch the locals and tourists go by.
(4)Michael H.
Get the tuna or buffalo shrimp tacos. If I'm with a smaller party, I always sit outside. A Sullivan's Island staple, there's no better place to post up on a porch, sip a beer, and take in the scenery.
(5)Sonja B.
This place gets better every time I go. The Bleu Cheese burger was outstanding. Kiddo loved her burger, too. Things to remember: Get there early if you can -- parking is a PAIN. Also, the place stays busy, so getting there early also helps get you a table that you like! :) Their beer list is quite good, too.
(5)Scott H.
Poe's Tavern is the first restaurant from the REV group - which also includes Monza and Closed for Business Downtown - that we tried on our Charleston vacation. It's a bit of a tourist trap, located in a "beach town" type of environment, and attracting Edgar Allen Poe fans (like my wife) by their name and the area's association with Poe. (He was stationed there during his military service) But unlike many touristy barstops, this place has pretty darn good food. We stopped in on Sunday mid-afternoon and was surprised to see how packed they were. Luckily, we were able to get one of the few spots open. Service was fast and pleasant, but a tad rushed. The restaurant isn't huge, so the seating is a tad tight but not uncomfortable, although the same cannot be said about the tiny bathroom. We started with an appetizer of chips and queso. It was fine - nothing outstanding, just basic chips and queso. They have an outstanding burger selection with unique toppings, all with Poe-themed names of course! My wife opted for the Annabel Lee, which is topped with a "Charleston" crab cake and remoulade. Both the burger and the crab cake were ample, and very tasty. I was not feeling a burger so I went for their Yellowfin tuna tacos. The tuna was fresh, seared nicely, and had a tasty house-made relish. Good stuff. They have a decent beer selection here too, although I wish they had a beer menu. The servers were pretty good at informing me what was on tap, but I prefer to have something in-hand to browse. But in general, they feature a selection from each of the four major Charleston breweries (Holy City, Westbrook, Coast, and Palmetto) and seasonals from breweries like Bell's, Anderson Valley, (I had the Winter Solstice), Lagunitas, and the standards like Blue Moon, Fat Tire, and Guinness. Overall I preferred the other REV restaurants a tad more, but Poe's does hold their own. If you get sucked into the tourist trap, fear not ... you'll get excellent food and beverage here. (And probably a t-shirt to take home like we did)
(4)Kelli A.
Incredible food. Incredible service. First time in Charleston area and many reviews pointed to Poe's on Sullivan Island. It did not disappoint. Burgers were great. Cooked to perfection and heaped with toppings. Wait staff was knowledgeable about beer offerings as well as the Charleston area. Highly recommended.
(4)Shane M.
We stopped in to Poe's in the late afternoon after several hours on the beach. Amazingly found a parking spot right out front and sit outside on a brisk but sunny and beautiful day. Servers were fast to help and the beers came out fast. We ordered nachos for a snack. They good (especially after the beach) but not great. As said, this is was just an after the beach stop but it had a cool vibe, friendly staff, good and cold beers on tap. Fun place for respite and refreshment!
(4)Bettie B.
Always delicious! Amontillado chicken sandwich with blue cheese and bacon coleslaw was excellent.....fresh and seasoned perfectly. The Gold bug 2 with sweet goat cheese was wonderful! Not only was the food amazing but the beachy atmosphere of the place gave way to the feeling of summer. I would highly recommend Poes if you are ever on Sullivan's Island.
(5)Meghan C.
Thump. Thump thump. I stepped out of my car and what the hell was that?! Thump. We walk inside and are shocked to see it packed to the gills at 11:30 a.m. - we thought we'd be the first ones there. Thumpthump. We grab a seat outside and it was breezy day, but with the warm sun, just lovely. Thump. Our server was very nice and personable - the type of person you feel like you've known for a while. Thumpthumpthump. This is clearly a burger/sandwich place, and I hope you know by now, my initial unit of measurement for how good a restaurant is, is their burger. I order a regular ol' cheddar burger and wait. Thump. Thump. THUMPTHUMPTHUMPTHUMP. The burger! It arrives! Oh gracious skies and glorious friends, the burger arrives! The thumping had been my tummy, anxious to try this burger! And it was good. Perfectly medium rare, not greasy, huge mountain of fries. It was good, but my mind wasn't blown as I expected it to be. A solid place for a good burger and fun, laid back atmosphere.
(4)June G.
Gross. Raw hamburger, sent it back. It came back raw again. The fish tacos were runny and tasteless. We tried the place twice. The service was great, but the food was disappointing.
(1)Molly N.
Go here! Eat drink and be happy! Great beer and burgers. Terrific fries. Loved the coleslaw too
(4)Rick W.
First visit. Burger was huge and terrific, fries soggy. Strangest thing, tab was $13.86, got $6 back from a $20. Left a $4 tip but on the way out asked the waitress what happened to the 14 cents. She said they "rounded up". A first for me...must get used to Southern Customs, I guess. Yes, I will definitely go back.
(4)Johnny C.
Last night I had quite possibly the worst dining experience I've ever had at any restaurant in my life. I decided to splurge and eat out on a beautiful Sunday evening for dinner. Away from the Peninsula we go (first mistake: never EVER leave the hotspot of Charleston dining). After the ride out to Sullivan's, we luckily find a spot nearly in front of Poe's on the street. Win! I will tell you that even though it was only March 15th, I fully expected it to be crowded thanks to the 76 degree day as well as the possibility of a Spring Break crowd. We arrive on the deck to a line for indoor seating. Again, no big deal, there's first come first serve bench seating outside. We grab a dirty recently vacated table and have a seat. From here, the night just gets worse and worse. We sat at approximately 6:15 that fateful Sunday evening. Again, it was a packed house but this place is "famous" and should be able to handle huge crowds as I'm guessing that's what they have 9 months out of the year. First interaction with our server, he informs us that the kitchen is pretty backed up and that if we're hungry, we better order an appetizer. Sounds like a line to boost sales but, unfortunately, we are quite hungry and take the bait with Chips, Pico, and Guac. He then proceeds to give us the pitch of "The Best Burger in the Southeast and 4th Best Burger in the Country." We immediately order our burgers (2 burgers, 3 people at the table) to get in the supposedly epic line. By the way, we asked what was going on with the kitchen and all our server could tell us was about how his weekend was awesome until he came into work today. The kitchen had been like this for some time and he had no idea what was going on. Loss of respect and professionalism on that one. Our app is dropped fairly quickly and was surprisingly good for a non-Mexican cuisine restaurant. Worth $6 for the meager portions? Probably not. But, it was quick sustenance. I would guess it was about 6:45-6:50 when we polished the app off. Ordering happened around 6:25 for future reference in our story. As table after table became more and more disgruntled around us and expressed that, we sat silently. A water refill here or there but absolutely no direct communication or further explanation for our server. We essentially had to ease drop to know anything of what was going on. No estimate on our order at this point. 3 tables around us with 2,3, and 4 people respectively. At approximately 7:45, long after the sun had set, our burgers and fries arrived. As a follow-up, we had ordered a Gold Bug Plus with Sweet Goat Cheese and a Tell-Tale Heart both medium well temperature. Given the lack of light outside, everything looked ok on the surface. We cut the Tell-Tale in half for splitting and I immediately noticed that it was tougher to cut than it should be and that our fried egg's yoke was completely cooked (over well) with burnt edges on the egg white. I overlooked the egg and moved to the entire burger. The first bite was the beginning of the end. The lower side of the patty, a.k.a. the one that contact the taste buds first, was so overdone it actually had a crunchy grease char. The entire patty was completely dry and quite frankly inedible. Then the quandary began: everyone in our party was completely starved at this point and knew that complaining would only create an even longer delay. Thus, we tried to "power through" the burger. It only got worse. I cannot emphasize that Waffle House can make a better burger than these two. Even the Gold Bug with creamy Goat Cheese couldn't moisten the burger up enough to make it palatable. I will say this, the highlight were the hand cut fries. They were tasty and without them I would have left even more hungry than I did. I quit on my half of the burger halfway through. This is epic for me because I never waste/leave food anywhere. The other member of our party (Gold Bug) toughed out half of the burger and left it for the trash. Our server came through and we begged for the check to just get out of there. During the final dry bites and into the check phase, we overheard the two top near us giving the same description of disappointment, disgust, and overall lack of pleasure with the experience. The server, then the manager, then again the server (same as us) tried to calm their disdain as they came due to the hype also. While I do not know what their resolution was for their complaint, the point is that they were asked and hospitably listened to in their concerns. We got the check and finally when bussing the table the server asked how the meal went. We initially didn't want to be redundant and pile it on but I could hold no longer as I was so disappointed, angry, frustrated, and worst of all, still hungry! I showed him the briquette-esque remnant of "burger" as well as the edge of the egg white. I informed him that we were very disappointed in our first visit and that we would not be back.
(1)Jessie S.
Really enjoyed our dinner at Poes on a Friday night. Food was great, staff was very attentive. I would definitely go back if I was in the area again.
(4)Lynanne W.
Stopped in for a beverage after a long day of house hunting . Atmosphere is terrific... Laid back and relaxing. Sat at outside bar and ordered beers and chips and pico. Very cool place
(5)Carissa L.
I go here almost every time I'm at sullivans , their burgers are unique and never a disappointment . I can't remember what I've had every time but it's always been delicious . Can't wait to go back!!
(5)Philip A.
I really like this place on Sullivan island. Good bar food, good local beer. Open air in summer with a large front patio and front porch. A definite must visit in summer
(4)Bryan C.
Best gouda cheese burger ever!
(5)Luke M.
Great beer selection, great service (food arrived within 5 minutes), one of the best burgers I've ever eaten (the sleeper). Moreover, the decor is great and the area is quite nice.
(5)Elga O.
Poe's Tavern is the type of place that I would LOVE to love, and that comes super close to being awesome, but just missed the mark by making just enough mistakes to leave me grumpy. I'm a big Edgar Allen Poe fan, so I LOVED the Poe theme everywhere. Even the wallpaper in the bathroom (beautifully illustrated pages from Poe's books) was awesome. Sitting on the deck looking out over the passing beack folks was awesome. The general laid-back beach vibe was awesome. The food was tasty, which is awesome. But here's the stuff that was NOT awesome: - The ladies' room is way too small. This is a busy bar, and when you only have 2 tiny stalls and a sink/waiting area the size of a matchbox, it results in the bathroom line spilling out the door. There are tables just outside the door. With people consuming food. Who are now stuck eating their food just a couple feet awat from occupied toilets, with a lovely view of squished uncomfortable women washing pee off their hands. Lovely. - Our waitress ignored the crap out of me. She was super happy to take my boyfriend's drink orders, but then, in the part where you're supposed to at least GLANCE at the other patrons, she'd just turn on her heels and waltz off. The next time she wandered over my boyfriend had to actually instruct her to wait on me, cuz she got that "I'm about to skip out of here" look in her eye again. After that she was better, though, so I dunno, maybe for the first hour or so of our visit she just assumed I was a cyborg that doesn't need to hydrate or anything. Her loss, I guess, since she would have had a much bigger bar tab off of us if she hadn't waited until the end of our visit to bring me drinks. - I had a buffalo shrimp burger, which was superyummy. BUT, it was also poorly constructed. There was no way to eat this thing without having all the giant shrimps falling out all over your plate. So you never actually manage to get a bit of burger AND shrimp in your shrimpburger. - It was also just hella crowded, so I was pretty squished up in my bar seat and getting claustrophobic until the people next to us left. But it was a busy weekend, so meh, that's to be expected. One more note- this place is great for 1 or 2 people, but I wouldn't want to try to brave the first-come-first-serve seating with a bigger group. It looked pretty cutthroat down there.
(4)Bruce K.
Well worth the drive down from Mount Pleasant, Poe's sits on Middle Street with a nice patio that looks out onto the street that makes it perfect for people watching and enjoying the weather. There are also plenty of tables inside for the cooler time of year. I sat at the bar and when the bartender asked me what I wanted, I just ordered the "special" burger. It arrived moments later - a perfect medium rare topped with bacon and roasted jalapenos and ranch dressing. I wouldn't have selected that myself, but I'm glad that they put this match together. Especially delicious. Service was excellent and I was very well taken care of. Parking can be a bit of a challenge but I found an office building across the street that had a "Poe's Parking" sign.
(5)Mo M.
I visited Poe's because my MSN homepage said it had the best burger in South Carolina. Well they didn't disappoint at all! The burgers taste like they came fresh off a grill and mine had a delicious crab cake on top. Also the Poe decorative environment isn't bad either!
(4)Reta H.
We eat at this restaurant almost monthly, mostly for lunch. We are able to sit outside and enjoy the beach weather. The casual picnic table style dining is great for the beach. The fish tacos are my favorite although I think they are better at lunch than dinner. My husband likes the burgers. The chili is very spicy as is the fish chowder, although both are good. The service is good and the prices are reasonable for a beach establishment.
(5)N S.
After four days of seafood and a lousy round of golf, we needed meat, specifically a burger for a late lunch. The burgers here are stellar. They are thick and perfectly cooked. Tasted like ground round, which is so much better than something with less fat. Fries were great also. Our waitress was cute as a button and seemed like she was twelve but still very professional We all had burgers so I have no idea what the rest of the menu is like but judging from the crowd, it must be good. And had a super smokey stout from nearby Palmetto brewery.
(4)Donna T.
Horrible .the only thing I liked was decor .the food was awful.on my next visit I will run away from here.we were told this was a great place .I really don't understand
(1)Anja S.
Lots of atmosphere, average food. You want this place to be awesome but unfortunately its hype is hard to live up to. Very crowded and loud, but that's just part of the experience. The burgers just weren't as special as other reviews made me hope.
(4)Robyn R.
We sent the day over on the island and we knew we will want dinner before we headed back. I looked up on Yelp and found Poe's. We were not disapproved. It is a cute little beach hang out. I loved all the Edgar Allen Poe stuff on the walls. We both had different hamburger but they were great. Very fresh. We shared the blue cheese cole slaw and the potato salad. I would recommend both. The wait staff was very nice. If you are looking for a fun place check out Poe's.
(5)Ariana U.
Great food!! Very loud in there though.. Could have been just because it's a holiday weekend, not too sure. But the waiter was very nice & the food was really good. Good location too. FYI, ladies bathroom is way small! I could barely turn around in there lol.
(4)Jared W.
Poe's Tavern is always a must-stop when in Charleston for me. The fish tacos were awesome the one time I tried them, and I've had a few different burgers and chicken sandwiches that have all been outstanding as well. The service is friendly, the atmosphere is casual, and the location next to the beach is just awesome.
(5)