Rita's Seaside Grille — Restaurant in Folly Beach

I never go to Folly Beach, but took my visiting sister from CT to the ocean and this was easiest. We wanted a snack, so we popped into Rita's. I had never been but I knew a former coworker works there and had heard good things. There was a 10 minute wait for a table but none for the bar and I just wanted a drink so we chose immediate bar seating. It's a cool place, and you can see them working hard behind the scenes. Everyone was energetic and having fun working together, which I love to see.

I wanted the Ginger Hammer but the day was young so asked about the seasonal sour and the bartender was pleased to share the tale on the can. He was a cutie, and the mom and daughter duo adjacent to us at the bar were all about him. Mom was trying to play matchmaker and I think she slipped him her daughter's number, hopefully with a generous tip LOL The atmosphere here is so open and friendly, a real small-town regulars type place but everyone who walks in is welcome to be a regular. If you think you're fancy, they'll treat you fancy, but it's much more fun to relax and laugh and take the ride. You're at the BEACH. It doesn't get any better than this.

We didn't want a heavy meal but were pretty hungry, and the dips trio was the answer we needed. All 3 good. Nothing crazy or fancy, just nice fresh guacamole, competent salsa, and rich creamy queso. The super-fresh crisp snappy chips were the perfect conveyance for these dips to get into our mouths. I need to return to see the love and craftsmanship they put into their entrees, because this app was perfectly executed and generous.

Thanks for making us feel right at home, quenching our thirst, and filling our bellies before we faced the tide. I'll be back,...

⚠️They Don't Serve All People ⚠️ As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for family-friendly breakfast spots, so I was excited to try Rita’s with my husband and two kids. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and we were seated quickly on the patio—perfect for a sunny morning. This is when things took a turn.

We took our time looking over the menu and were ready to order. But as the minutes ticked by, no one came to greet us. No “Hi,” no water—just silence. We waited patiently, assuming someone would acknowledge us soon. But after several minutes, it became clear that we were being overlooked.

Then, about 15 minutes later, another party—two white men—was seated right next to us. Within two minutes, a friendly waitress greeted them, brought them water, and took their order. The difference in treatment was impossible to ignore. We were the only Black family in the restaurant at the time, and despite multiple staff members—including a male worker, a waitress with glasses, and another with a visible hand issue—glancing in our direction, no one came over. They weren’t too busy to serve; they just chose not to. It sent a clear message: You don’t belong here.

Frustrated, we finally spoke up to the hostess about the situation. A simple greeting or acknowledgment would’ve gone a long way, but by then, the damage was done.

This could have been a great experience—the food may be good, and the setting is nice—but service matters. If you’re looking for a place that truly values all customers, I’d suggest taking your...

3/21/2018 UM . . . I totally just found my ultimate hangout spot on Folly! So don't everybody and their people show up here at once lol. Because really, we all know that during tourist season all of the places on Folly sure aren't hurting for business!

Anyway, I modeled for a runway show that was hosted on Runnymeade Plantation, and after the show was over I decided to stay and lounge for a few days after on Folly to regroup and relax (and record an EDM song too, actually - since I felt so inclined!). After I checked into my hotel down the road, I meandered down the street and found this gem. I was instantly greeted by two darlings named Claire and Olten, who made my visit so very lovely and memorable (give those babies a raise!) - I can't reiterate enough how the vibe here was exactly what I was seeking in the moment. Everyone was so friendly. Since it was right after a runway show, I treated myself to the most delicious cocktails (shown on menu) made with fresh juices. The Pina Colada may have been the best PC I have had yet, in all honestly. I ordered the flounder - food was amazing. I took it there and got some cheese fries too - which were coated in queso and topped with cheddar. Bomb.

And how cute is the photo of the little frenchie puppy!?

And one more thing, synchronicity struck right as I was leaving Rita's because the fashion designer that I modeled in the show for, showed up with the crew. Check him out, he is a pretty big deal, name is Jeff Garner & he is def paving a new road for...