Sittin' On the Dock of the Stono

Few things signify Charleston more than sitting on a balcony sippin’ and watchin’ the waters swirl and the boats sail by while herons and egrets forage in the marsh grasses surrounding you. Add some clever dialogue and briny oysters and suddenly you’re starring in your very own Prince of Tides. Such delights await at The Stono Café at St. Johns Yacht Harbor located on Headquarters Island just off the bridge onto Johns Island.

The Stono Café opened just last week in this brand new spot and with the food every bit as scrumptious as the 360° water view we expect great things. At the helm, two renowned Charlestonian foodies Barry Waldrop and his cousin Mimi Duffy, formerly of the beloved Mimi’s Café on J.I.

The Café is light-filled and airy with a dozen or so tables, a bar, and crisp black and whites by local photog Dubose Blakeney. But we’re here for the food and the view, which take center stage. Waldrop is a classically trained French chef serving up simple, unfussed food full of flavor.

The shrimp salad served on croissant (or if you’re foolish enough – white or wheat) is “to die for” packed with whole, plump shrimp and served with homemade potato salad, homemade chips and blanched asparagus. Your mouth is likely to turn around and slap you for not trying this sooner.

Another highlight is the smoked salmon sandwich on a toasted garlic/onion bagel with clarified butter. As Barry says, “I’m all about the butter.” For dessert, his mother, Miss Yvonne’s coconut cake rivals Peninsula’s and Mimi’s key lime pie will give you the lip smacks. Prices sit nicely at $6-$12.

Where Stono Café really shines is the outdoor deck and Aquabar. With tables overlooking the river, the marshland, the bridge and the adjacent pool, this locale will likely be Happy Hour Heaven and Sunday Brunch perfection. Bottomless mimosas? Bottoms up.

Sundays while in season, “Oyster Man” Mike serves up his famous oysters. And since Stono Café is at the St. Johns Yacht Harbor, your boat friends and bow bunnies can arrive by sea and pull right up to the dock. The pool, alas, is private.

Brides and event planners, fuhgeddaboudit. Get happy and meet the new venue du jour.

Time to get Stonoed.

StJohnsYachtHarbor.com
843.762.6660
Tues – Friday: 11:30am-2:00pm, 4-8pm
Sat – Sun: 11am-8pm

Story by: Claire Gibbons
Photos by: Andrew Stephen Cebulka