Grab-n-Go

Portable provisions that will float your boat

By Daria Smith

Since the beginning of time, Charleston has been a port city, a boater’s paradise. For many of us, life in Charleston revolves around boating and extended beach days soaking up Lowcountry rays. Working up an appetite is part of the adventure for every seafarer or beachgoer. Prepare for a long day on the water by stopping by one of these convenient stops throughout the Lowcountry that offer highly-portable pool provisions, boat and beach bites. Pack your cooler with grab-and-go refreshments: sandwiches, wine, beer, charcuterie and more.

Bert's Market

202 E Ashley Ave., Folly Beach

Open 24/7, Bert’s is the only grocery store on Folly Beach. Established a quarter century ago, they adhere to a strict “No shirt, No shoes, No problem” policy. You never know what you’ll find at Bert’s, from a delectable cake slice to replacement guitar strings. Bert has prepared meals from its kitchen called The Wooden Spoon that’s a full-service deli with subs, wraps, croissants, paninis, breakfast bagels and burritos before 11 a.m. There’s grab-and-go aluminum foil-wrapped chicken sandwiches (regular and spicy), chips, crackers, dips and more. Browse 200 selections on the wine wall and an extensive beer selection. Everyone is welcome, including furry friends who receive a dog treat.

The Co-Op

Locations at Freshfields on Kiawah Island, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms & Downtown Charleston

The Co-Op has transformed from a mom-and-pop frosé (frozen rosé) cafe to an eccentric brand with 10 locations nationally. The first location on Sullivan’s Island was solely a grab-and-go market for islanders. Today, diners can grab breakfast, coffee, sandwiches, salads, smoothies, beer, wine, and frosé — pick from over 50 rotating flavors. The pink drinks are a hit with bachelorettes running amuck the Lowcountry. They also sell non-alcoholic frosé, sunscreen, Co-Op merch and local goods that are beach and boat-ready.

Get Carried Away 

644 Coleman Blvd., Mt Pleasant

Off Coleman Boulevard near Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, Get Carried Away is a one-stop shop for easy entertaining. It’s a Southern takeout mainstay for locals and vacationers looking for prepared foods that can be enjoyed on the beach, on the river, on the dock, or take-and-bake right at home. Browse a selection of wines, craft beers and a unique curation of goods. Born out of a passion for bringing people together over good food, Get Carried Away's frozen prepared meals are family recipes made from scratch daily. Signatures include casseroles, dips, spreads, sweet and savory pies and seafood. The Perch is their upscale bar and café for dining in with an all-day menu of lunch and supper time favorites.

Tínto Café and Provisions

45 John St., Charleston

Nestled in the heart of downtown Charleston, newly-opened Tínto Café and Provisions is a family-owned café. Founded by Carolina and Kevin Jewett, Tínto is rooted in family and tradition and inspired by Carolina's South American-French heritage. At Tínto, guests can grab some small-batch locally roasted coffee, fine wines, local beer, fresh bread baked daily, DIY charcuterie boards, and choose from several baguette sandwiches.

The Market at Paradiso 

4399 McCarthy St., North Charleston

In North Charleston, Paradiso is a private social and pool club near Park Circle complete with a gym and restaurant offering pool-side service. The Market at Paradiso meets a multitude of needs. A kitchen offering takeout is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Or, opt for quick grab-and-go selections. The Market partners with Baguette Magic to stock a full-service coffee counter and breakfast pastries. Convenient take-and-bake and grab-and-go meals, local provisions, wine and beer grace the market and it’s under 15 minutes away from the popular W. O. Thomas, Jr. Boat Landing.

Bodega

414 W Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant

Located right off the bustling Coleman Boulevard, Bodega in Mount Pleasant offers 

sandwiches, coffee, benedicts and brunch. Originating as a breakfast 

pop-up out of the Uptown Social kitchen in 2020, the restaurant has 

grown to now offer breakfast staples while keeping their mainstay 

beloved Manhattan-style sandwiches on the menu that locals and visitors 

know and love. The best part of this grab-and-go option is a convenient drive through Friday-Saturday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sewee Outpost

4853 N Hwy 17, Awendaw

Away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Charleston, head towards Mount Pleasant and travel 19 miles north on Highway 17. Once you’ve shed all the traffic lights and strip malls, you’re in Awendaw—population 1,406. It’s home to the Francis Marion National Forest and the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, two of the most untamed wild places in South Carolina. And the Sewee Outpost; the start to many favorite outdoor adventures. This unassuming pitstop is one-of-a-kind. It’s the Lowcountry rendition of Buc-ee's. Get gas, crab traps, heirloom cast-iron cookware, buttery-soft fishing apparel, handcrafted porch swings, live bait, a collar for your bird dog and just about anything you can think of. For your cooler, stock up on homemade southern specialties and local goodies. You’d be hard-pressed to leave without a bag of cheese biscuits, a jar of homemade preserves, a country ham biscuit or shrimp salad sandwich. If you stop in on a Wednesday morning before a boat adventure, it’s worth returning around 6 p.m. for Barn Jam next door at the conjoining backwoods concert venue, Awendaw Green.