Debordieu Colony, nestled just south of Pawleys Island, is known for its stately homes, pristine beaches, and natural beauty. But among locals and savvy visitors, it’s also recognized for its quietly impressive food scene. While Debordieu may not have the bustling, tourist-driven restaurant rows of Myrtle Beach, its dining options are marked by exclusivity, impeccable service, and a distinct Lowcountry character. From upscale club dining to craft bakeries and secret seafood shacks, here’s where to eat and what to savor in and around Debordieu Colony.
The Clubhouse: Classic Southern Fine Dining
At the very heart of Debordieu is the Debordieu Clubhouse, situated along Luvan Boulevard. Access is generally reserved for members and their guests, but those who score an invite won’t forget the experience. The Clubhouse restaurant provides an elevated take on Southern cuisine—think shrimp and grits reimagined with local Andouille sausage, she-crab soup with sherry, and perfectly grilled Lowcountry oysters.
- Dress Code: Resort casual to elegant.
- Price Range: $$$
- Must-Try: Crab cakes (packed with blue crab), seasonal catch of the day, banana pudding trifle for dessert.
- Special Touch: Expansive verandas offer panoramic views over salt marshes—sunset here is unbeatable.
For a more casual vibe, the Club’s Blue Heron Grill offers upscale lunchtime fare like blackened mahi tacos, the classic Debordieu burger, and fresh salads bursting with local produce. It’s a prime spot for golfers to recharge after a round, but also a family favorite thanks to its easygoing vibe and poolside location.
Beyond the Gates: Pawleys Island Standouts
Since dining is limited within Debordieu proper, most residents and vacationers happily venture just outside the gates to Pawleys Island’s beloved food hubs, clustered along Highway 17 (Ocean Highway) and near the intersection with South Causeway Road.
Frank’s & Frank’s Outback
On Ocean Highway, Frank’s is the spot for a romantic dinner or a celebratory meal. This historic converted home exudes Southern charm, with a menu that leans French-American but is anchored in local products—filet mignon, pecan-encrusted chicken, and fresh Calabash-style seafood dominate the menu. Outback’s casual patio, strung with lights, is a local favorite for its wood-fired pizzas, creative small plates, and signature cocktails.
- Price Range: $$$
- Must-Try: Yellowfin tuna, roasted duck, flourless chocolate torte.
- Local Secret: The patio is dog-friendly, and the Outback Sidecar cocktail is a must-try.
Perrone’s Restaurant and Bar
Located in the Litchfield Exchange just a short drive north, Perrone’s is a revelation. This unassuming spot is a chef-driven gem blending Mediterranean, Moroccan, and Southern cuisines—think lamb tagine and scallop risotto with local twists.
- Price Range: $$$
- Must-Try: House-cured gravlax, curried duck confit.
- What Makes It Special: Intimate bar with rare wines and expertly crafted cocktails—perfect for discerning diners and adventurous palates.
Casual Cafés and Bakeries
Debordieu and its surrounds aren’t just fine dining—there are plenty of ways to grab a quick, gourmet bite, or treat yourself to fresh-baked delights.
Kudzu Bakery
A Pawleys institution, Kudzu Bakery & Market on Ocean Highway is a foodie’s dream come true, especially for stocking up before a beach day or bringing home a hostess gift.
- Price Range: $-$$
- Must-Try: Cheese biscuits, cinnamon bread, shrimp salad, and coconut cake.
- Local Tradition: Weekend mornings often include a visit for fresh-baked pastries and espresso, especially during the summer farmers market season.
Pawleys Island Bakery
Just north of South Causeway Road, this charming spot exudes small-town warmth. Owner-bakers craft luscious layer cakes, fruit-filled Danishes, and crusty French-style breads daily.
- Price Range: $
- Must-Try: Key lime tart, bacon cheddar scones.
- Pro Tip: Go early—locals scoop up the almond croissants before 10 a.m.!
Food Trucks and Pop-up Culinary Experiences
Food trucks are a rising star around Pawleys and Debordieu, especially during spring and summer events. While not clustered on specific streets, look for trucks like Carolina Seafood Company’s mobile oyster bar or the beloved Waccamaw BBQ Smoker, which often parks near Litchfield or special club events.
- Price Range: $
- What Makes It Noteworthy: Fresh, local shrimp serves as the backbone to many menus, and impromptu Lowcountry boil pop-ups are legendary—watch social media for locations.
- True Local Flavor: Ask about “Creek shrimp” and bring cash—most trucks are cash-only.
Hidden Gems Not to Miss
Sure, the big names wow, but a true local knows to seek out these under-the-radar favorites:
Get Carried Away Southern Takeout
Tucked on Willbrook Boulevard, Get Carried Away specializes in Lowcountry classics ready to grab and go—think pimento cheese, tomato pie, and homemade frozen casseroles for easy family meals by the shore.
- Price Range: $
- Standout: The signature chicken salad is the stuff of Pawleys legend.
- Why Locals Love It: Ideal for impromptu beach picnics or a fuss-free dinner at sunset.
Landolfi’s Italian Bakery & Deli
A few miles north, Landolfi’s combines Italian deli classics with wood-fired pizzas and cannoli you’ll dream about for weeks.
- Price Range: $$
- Don’t Miss: The prosciutto and fig pizza, caprese panini, and a tiramisu that rivals even North End Boston’s best.
- Local Hack: The patio is pet-friendly, and they often sell out of specialty loaves—call ahead for breads to-go.
Old-School Southern Seafood
No discussion is complete without mentioning the roadside seafood shacks. Near South Causeway Road and Highway 17, you’ll find Morse Seafood—a tiny, nondescript counter selling just-caught shrimp, flounder, and blue crabs by the pound. It’s a tradition for many Debordieu families to grab a brown bag of fresh seafood, head back to the neighborhood, and fire up the grill. To really eat like a local, pair your feast with cold beer and a batch of boiled peanuts from the roadside stands.
Savoring Debordieu: Food Traditions and Celebrations
Debordieu dining is as much about atmosphere as ingredients—porch suppers, marshview cocktail hours, and passing homemade cakes to the neighbor next door. While you won’t find massive commercial strips or chains, you will discover a community that treasures quality, creativity, and Southern hospitality at every meal.
Whether you’re dining at the elegant Clubhouse, sharing hushpuppies by the tidal creek, or discovering the next great chicken salad at a local takeout, the Debordieu food scene will make you feel like a welcomed insider, one delicious bite at a time.