Beaufort, South Carolina is well known for it’s fascinating history, picturesque streets, and thriving downtown. If you’re only in town for a short time, it’s hard to decide how to prioritize what to see and do. To maximize your time in our town and enjoy the scenery along the way, why not try a progressive dinner and have a little of everything? Read on, and we will “walk” you through some of our favorite stops from appetizer to night cap.
Cocktail Hour
We begin our progressive dinner at the Cuthbert House Inn. Guests at our inn are treated to a nightly cocktail hour on the porch. Each guest is offered a beverage and appetizer as they enjoy the sunset views over the river. The innkeepers Connie and Ed will also give you some great advice about where to stop along your walk.
Appetizers
From the Cuthbert House Inn, you will walk along the river and east down Bay street to Saltus River Grill. Launched by the Plums owner, Lantz Price, Saltus is a cutting-edge urban seafood grill offering exceptional fare, breathtaking water front views, incomparable service and a sophisticated bar that has shaken and stirred not only Beaufortonians on both sides of the Broad River, but also visitors worldwide.
We recommend: Saltus is known for its delicious seafood, and we love their Char-Grilled Local Oysters with garlic and parmesan. Sushi-lovers will enjoy their Spicy Watermelon Roll and Spicy Lobster Roll.
Click here to read the complete menu
Where to Find Saltus: 802 Bay St.
Entrees
Downtown Beaufort has plenty of incredible options for dinner, but our pick for your entree stop is Breakwater Restaurant and Bar. Follow Bay Street east until you see Carteret Street, then take a left. One block down the road you will find Breakwater. Self-described as “Younger, lighter, & fresher than the traditional ‘Southern Style’ cuisine with culinary influence from all around the world, Chef Lang and Chef Shaw create their version of ‘New Southern Cuisine’ which contains elements of the past and present. The bar at Breakwater offers a lively venue for locals and visitors alike. The fun, friendly atmosphere combined with warm Southern hospitality is a Breakwater signature.”
We recommend: Pasta lovers MUST try the Cacio e Pepe, a cheese and pepper pasta in a baked bowl of parmesan and arugula. We also love the Shrimp and Scallops plate, which is new to the menu and the current chef favorite! Check out the menu here for all of the delicious options.
Where to Find Breakwater: 203 Carteret Street
For reservations call 843-379-0052
Dessert
For dessert, we recommend that you head back to Bay Street and turn onto Scott St for a stop at YoYos. Located in a cute free-standing white building, they are perfect for ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes, or sundaes. Pick up something easy to walk with so you can walk down to the famous Waterfront Park to enjoy your sweets while sitting on the swings and watching the moon over the water.
We recommend:Try the Espresso Chip milkshake or their Classic Root beer float for something to take with you to the swings. Click here for the full menu.
Where to Find YoYos: 101 Scott Street
Nightcap
If you aren’t quite ready to turn in just yet, we highly recommend one last stop. The Old Bull Tavern is Beaufort’s resident speakeasy and the atmosphere cannot be beat. Easy to miss as you are walking down West Street, but such a joy to find, Old Bull is described as a friendly neighborhood Gastropub featuring an ever-changing market based menu of European and American comfort foods, innovative cocktails, and select craft beers and wines in bottle and on tap.
We recommend: The summer special cocktail is called the Dempsey Dweller, an absolute delight with strawbery-infused rum, campari, fresh squeezed lime juice and simple syrup. Other favorites include the Cathead Cooler and the New Fashioned. Old Bull Tavern is also very accommodating for those abstaining from alcohol and the bartenders will excellently whip up some booze-free but delightful.
Menu (Note: The Old Bull Tavern menu changes nightly. Linked here is a sample)
Where to Find Old Bull Tavern: 205 West St (Note: Blink and you will miss it! Old Bull does not have a big sign out front! They have a letterboard in the window stating “This is our sign.”
Book a Getaway
If you’re looking for a Lowcountry getaway or staycation, come enjoy Beaufort from the Cuthbert House Inn. Centrally located in downtown, visitors and locals alike enjoy a stay at this historical Bed and Breakfast.
Ready to retreat to South Carolina’s Lowcountry? Book a stay at Cuthbert House Inn, a historic antebellum mansion in beautiful Beaufort, SC.
