Isle of Palms Magazine Winter-Spring 2017-18

32 www.IsleOfPalmsMagazine.com | www.ILoveIOP.com | www.IOPmag.com Just One Visit and You’ll Be Hooked The Dinghy [ Going Out ] S ince opening its doors in July of 2014, The Dinghy on Isle of Palms has attracted a consistent stream of regulars who just can’t get enough of the alluring haunt. With all the laid-back charm of an island roadside cantina, this establishment has become an integral part of the coastal community. If you’re after a night of stellar entertainment, tasty bar food and brews on tap, direct your compass to this lovable dive. “My business partner, Malcolm Burgis, and I wanted to open an old school beach bar with a Key West vibe,” said co-owner Bret Jones, who just a handful of years ago sketched out plans to transform the once vacant building on J.C. Long Boulevard into a den of good eats and good times. A counterpart to the adjacent and ever-popular Windjammer, The Dinghy has held its own in terms of entertaining patrons. It isn’t uncommon for folks to pay a visit to both venues in one night to soak up a whole lot of local flavor. “We are both music lovers first and bar owners second,” said Jones. “We offer live music seven days a week in the summer and Wednesday through Sunday in the off- season. We love being able to offer our friends a place to play their music at a volume you can still talk over.” Jones and Burgis have provided a platform for up-and- coming talent to share their craft. Everyone from country- folk duo Sunflowers and Sin to honky-tonkers Black Water Shine has hit their deck for some serious strumming. “It has been great to have a place that the locals call their own,” said Jones. “It is cool to meet new people who move to the area and find us. We hear a lot of ‘This is our new place.’” The establishment’s internet jukebox adds to the air of spontaneity. Whether you are jonsing to hear some old school Creedence Clearwater Revival or want to get your dance on with a track from Rihanna, this eatery has got you covered. In addition to treating your ears to a varied array of tunes, the menu is sure to keep you satisfied with plenty of options. Alligator bites, conch fritters, mac ‘n’ cheese bites, mozzarella sticks and coconut shrimp are By Kalene McCort among the tasty appetizer options. Snack on hummus and veggies or fish tacos topped with mango salsa. “Our 13 flavors of wings is a big hit, especially on Dinghy Winghy Wednesdays,” said Jones. The Dinghy has become so much more than a place to stop at for a basket of fries and an ice-cold beer. Jones remains committed to hosting events every chance he gets to further foster community engagement. The humble beach bar serves as a beacon of fun – a place where you can come with sandy feet and casual attire. Recently, The Dinghy hosted a local appreciation party. Attendees were treated to free barbecue and music from The Distinguished Gentlemen. Guests even had the chance to stretch their creative muscles by decorating golf carts – the preferred method of transportation on IOP. “The oyster roasts are our favorite night of the week,” said Jones. “They will begin early November.” Let the balmy breezes guide you to this one-of-a- kind spot, filled with maritime appeal and plenty of pirate bravado. Just one visit to The Dinghy and you’ll be hooked. The Dinghy is located at 8 J.C. Long Blvd. To learn more, visit www.dinghyiop.com or call 843-242-8310. Bret Jones, left, with Malcolm Burgis, owners of The Dinghy in IOP. Photo courtesy of Bret Jones.