A well-regarded spot on Shem Creek is Water’s Edge (1407 Shrimp Boat Lane, 843/884-4074, daily 11 a.m.–11 p.m., $20–30), which consistently takes home a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its great selection of vintages. Native Charlestonian Jimmy Purcell concentrates on fresh seafood with a slightly more upscale flair than many Shem Creek places.

Right down the road from Water’s Edge is another popular spot, especially for a younger crowd: Vickery’s Shem Creek Bar and Grill (1313 Shrimp Boat Lane, 843/884-4440, daily 11:30 a.m.–1 a.m., $11–16). With a similar menu to its partner location on the peninsula, this Vickery’s has the pleasant added bonus of a beautiful view overlooking the Creek. You’ll get more of the Vickery’s Cuban flair here, with a great black bean soup and an awesome Cuban sandwich.

If you find yourself thirsty and hungry in Mount Pleasant after dark, you might want to stop in the Reddrum Gastropub (803 Coleman Blvd., 843/849-0313, www.reddrumpub.com, Mon. and Tues. 5:30–9 p.m., Wed.–Sat. 5:30–10 p.m.), so named because here the food is just as important as the drink. While you’re likely to need reservations for the dining room, where you can enjoy Lowcountry/Tex-Mex fusion-style cuisine with a typically Mount Pleasant–like emphasis on seafood, the bar scene is very hopping and fun, with live music every Wednesday and Thursday night.