Islander 71 Fish House and Raw Bar — Restaurant in Isle of Palms

TLDR: Lovely Dinner in a Marina setting on the inlet. Great food and drinks with our family. Rocky start to service but quick improvement.

A few things to note: although there were a plethora of runners and servers standing around, we were seated in a section where the waiter was busy and could have used an assist once sat in his section.

We did have to wait at least 10 minutes before being greeted by our waiter and being served water which felt like an eternity and a little awkward as we waited.

To be fair, his section had a large party wrapping up but with the amount of people that were standing by the wall chatting and looking around, I would have expected someone to come by or at least serve water while we were waiting. If I could make a recommendation for improvement would be to utilize the large amount of runners or other waiters to acknowledge and greet guests and at least give them water.

Although it was a questionable beginning, (especially since there were 7-10 runners and waiters congregating together and an almost empty dining room since it was 5:15 for our reservation) things improved dramatically once we finally had a waiter greet us and take a drink order.

Jackson was an excellent waiter and quickly got some appetizers and drinks started around 5:27 and by 5:40 we had the first taste of some very delicious food. The drinks came out at 5:35 which was quick. It would be great if a carafe of water was left on the table or again if you utilized the staff you had to top off water.

We ordered the hush puppies, Tuna Poké, and she crab soup to start. The tuna was fresh and well seasoned. The hush puppies were delicious but one improvement or recommendation would be to allow the honey butter that is served with them to soften. It was hard as a rock and difficult to spread as crumbles.

The she crab soup was the star of the show and had a complex flavor! Definitely the table favorite and I would return just for another bowl.

For mains we had the fried seafood combo which consisted of flounder and 16-20 size fried shrimp. It was accompanied with fries, coleslaw, and bright sauces (cocktail and tartar sauce). The tartar sauce has a heavy dill flavor (which I loved) and the cocktail sauce had just the right amount of kick from the horseradish.

The pasta dish was recommended by our waiter as a crowd favorite and he was right! The pasta was delicious and the plate was scraped clean.

We also asked for the crab dip when I saw another table enjoying it. We loved the hot crab dip and crackers that accompanied it.

For dessert, we shared the banana pudding and toffee chocolate cake. The pudding was light and sweet (made in house) and can serve 2 or 1 individual. The cake was rich and I loved the texture and how it melted in your mouth.

Overall, food was excellent. Vibe was great. Jackson was attentive...

My recent visit to Islander 71, a delightful seafood restaurant, left me with a deep appreciation for their culinary prowess and dedication to creating a memorable dining experience. Situated in a prime location with stunning coastal views, the restaurant perfectly captures the essence of a seaside getaway.

As I stepped into Islander 71, I was immediately greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The tastefully decorated interior, adorned with nautical accents and soft lighting, set the stage for a truly immersive dining experience. The restaurant's attention to detail in creating an ambiance that reflects its coastal theme is commendable.

Now, let's talk about the food. Islander 71 takes pride in their diverse selection of seafood dishes, each carefully crafted to showcase the natural flavors of the ocean. I started my meal with a bowl of rich and creamy seafood chowder. The combination of tender seafood, flavorful broth, and aromatic herbs created a symphony of flavors that delighted my taste buds.

For the main course, I opted for the grilled shrimp skewers. The shrimp were succulent, perfectly cooked, and had a delightful charred flavor. They were accompanied by a vibrant medley of grilled vegetables, which added a nice balance to the dish. The portion size was generous, ensuring that I left the restaurant feeling completely satisfied.

One thing that impressed me about Islander 71 was their commitment to sourcing ingredients locally and sustainably. They work closely with trusted suppliers to ensure the freshest seafood reaches their kitchen, while also supporting local fishermen and promoting responsible fishing practices. This dedication to sustainability resonated with me and made the dining experience all the more enjoyable.

The service at Islander 71 was exceptional, with attentive and friendly staff who were eager to make my visit memorable. They provided insightful recommendations and were well-versed in the menu, making the decision-making process effortless. The staff's genuine enthusiasm and hospitality added a personal touch to the dining experience.

In summary, Islander 71 is a seafood lover's paradise. From the inviting ambiance to the exceptional flavors and commitment to sustainability, every aspect of my dining experience was top-notch. If you're seeking a coastal retreat for your taste buds, I highly recommend Islander 71. Prepare to be transported to a culinary haven where seafood takes...

If I could have left zero Stars, I definitely would. We ate here yesterday, August 2nd. We called and made a reservation for lunch as Google reviews has suggested. We got there and where the there were only two other tables with people sitting there. The menu is very minimal, they have more drinks than they do. Food options. Which fine. Whatever as long as the food is delicious. I ordered a half a dozen of oysters on the half shell, a grilled shrimp Po Boy with fries and a cup of she crab soup. Our tables appetizers, including my soup and oysters came out almost immediately. She said the sandwich is that we ordered would be out momentarily. We waited 45 minutes on two sandwiches, a BLT and the shrimp Po Boy. We were offered. Offered no apology and there still were only three other tables including ours. Our waitress seldom visited our table unless we waved her over to ask for refills on water. When they brought our checks, I paid cash. $56.61 I gave three twenties. When she brought the tickets back, she had mixed up our tickets and had charged my friend's credit card my bill. Who knows what happened to the cash. We had to wait another 15 to 20 minutes for it to be corrected. A manager had to be called. We were told it was corrected and she signed a new ticket for her card. We are now home, almost 7 hours away and her credit card has not been corrected and was still charged the $56.61. We have tried to call and the phone does not connect you to a person. Definitely will never be back and will not refer this restaurant to any of our visiting...