One of the author's favorite bars in the United States, Low Life, sets an example for others to follow with its excellent drink menu and the perfect blend of bar food; this is the place to be. It boasts an unapologetically laid-back atmosphere that feels like a uniquely local beach bar yet is welcoming to those new in town.
What first caught my eye when I went here was the drink menu. When a bar incorporates a light, cheap beer into a mixed drink, you know you are in the right place. The Loaded Ham is what I am talking about here – a 12 oz Ham beer, which for those unfamiliar, is basically a Bud Lite or Coors Lite but a more locally oriented equivalent. The can is garnished with lime juice, hot sauce, and a lime on the can opener. What is created is a wonderful blend reminiscent of a Michelada. It’s the tanginess of the lime and the saltiness of the hot sauce, coupled with the low alcohol per volume beer, that keeps you coming back for more.
One of the best aspects of this place is the culture of the staff and those patrons who subsequently follow them. They are always friendly and helpful. How do you describe friendly? At the most basic level, for me, it’s humans that are generally interested in other humans. I have had talks with them ranging from the normal dumb tourist questions to family issues, to everything in between. I guess what I am trying to say is it's a relationship with a bartender that is lost at most restaurants these days. I can't express enough how awesome this can be; whenever we go back, it feels like an old hangout.
The food is the pinnacle of what a Southern bar menu should be. Standouts usually include waffle fries, which are crisp and slightly crunchy with just the right amount of salt. Fried chicken anything here is perfect; it’s fried perfectly with an addictive crust. The crab cake sandwich, stated to be actually “real” like Maryland, is very true to the statement; it's large in size, and its flavors rival that of my favorite Maryland Crabcake haunts. The cheeseburger is also a great go-to; it for sure has fresh high-quality beef with an assortment of fresh veggies on it as requested. It has all the criteria you would want in a burger.
Another thing I love about this place is its setup like a beach bar. It is open-air, and as many already know, South Carolina at night on the ocean is wonderful to just sit outside in. The bar wraps around the edge of the front of the building, with many high chairs to sit at the bar. If you have a larger group or don’t want the social experience, they have plenty of tables in the center of the restaurant, which usually seem to be open. This is a perfect spot for an evening drink or late dinner, beating the heck out of sitting inside.
Expect to make this the place you end up every night on the island just for a casual beer/cocktail. For some reason, it’s not ultra-busy like a lot of the other restaurants on the island. Get here while you can because when it is 'discovered,' expect long lines and a change of atmosphere.