Need to get Susan to let me update my list officially by adding an "EDIT option", but until then please take note:
Adding today a fantastic "NEW FIND" restaurant. Just opened in September of last year, called
Fishcamp on Broad Creek.
Had a group of ten which had an amazing dinner last night. It was formerly a local "club" for African-Americans years ago, but closed and went unoccupied for a long time. The new owners bought the property on Broad Creek (same side of water as Old Oyster Factory but "down the bank" closer to the bridge where the toll booth/Palmetto Pass Service Center on Cross Island Pkwy is located). Access from the island's southern end is via Marshland Rd exit ramp which winds around and goes by the toll booth service building, then a right turn onto Simmons Rd. It's right on the water, with an extraordinary view. Can't wait for Spring or Summertime to enjoy the inside/outside experience.
https://goo.gl/maps/wsg47G8oDU62
They gutted the building and poured a LOT of money into the new one.....beautiful "modern rustic" construction and decor, cool fixtures, great outside bar with big TVs, speakers, overhead heaters, a canvas/plastic "surround covering" to enclose for off-season. Inside dining area is not large but has about 9 booths and 6-8 tables. Outside dining available on deck, also with heaters. Drinks at large outside bar were excellent (and they spared no expense on the bar area), menu is quite large, varied, and well-thought out, and most of all, food was absolutely delicious. I had Parmesan Crusted Grouper, wife had fried shrimp (they were perfectly done), others had different items, and everybody said his/her meal was great. I loved everything but I'd return just for the crab cake starter and the Jalapeno hush puppies!
On first hearing the name "Fishcamp", it didn't exactly elicit a vision of grandeur, but it definitely exceeded my expectations. On arrival it became obvious that my preconceived notions were unfounded. It was beautiful but in a rustic & casual way. Not down-home country-looking as I expected, but "upscale rustic", if that does it justice. The service was exceptional as well, and as I watched other tables, I saw nothing but "great service". In addition, the manager spoke to every table and inquired about the meals.
An amazing "tell" about their commitment was that, for our group of ten, all of the drinks, starters, and entree orders were correct and delivered appropriately, and more noticeably, all the entree plates were delivered at the same time by several helpers, and all were delivered hot. Our table's orders took a few extra minutes to arrive, say 10 minutes, but it was not unreasonable or overly noticed given how busy it was. No complaint on that. I have to admit that at the risk of being impulsive, Fishcamp is therefore immediately one of my favorite restaurants, and will be added to the top of our family's "short list". The bartenders outside were great, the servers inside were great, the menus were great, the food was great, and the ambience was great. I love low-to-medium soft lighting, and that's what they have. And prices were reasonable for what we got---no complaints there--- all pretty much in the same range for the island. There might even be a dozen places that are more expensive. This will be advertised as a "seafood restaurant", but it is surely a notch above the typical touristy seafood spot.
Aside from us, just about every diner there was a local, so that might already speak to the type of destination it is. Although they do have a nice kid's menu, I don't think I could rightly say for 100% that it's going to be a great kid-friendly spot in the typical "beach destination" sense, but maybe that's just me---- and it's mainly because of the adult menu and atmosphere. I could be wrong but time will tell. But imho, it is definitely NOT an Old Oyster Factory, a Crazy Crab, or a Skull Creek, but instead a smaller more intimate spot. The vibe was fun and definitely energetic, perfect for a date, a gathering of friends, a special occasion, or just a great evening out for a nice seafood dinner.
Enjoy. You heard it HERE first.
http://www.fishcamphhi.com/
I'm going to hold out hope that they find a way to reopen eventually, though. I assume that the building they were in sustained significant damage from the hurricane?
