It’s a bold move to open a restaurant at the end of the year after the mobs of tourists disappear along with the balmy beach forecasts. But Ship’s Pub in Pawleys Island, which opened in November in the former locale of Sam’s Corner, should have the staying power for, if anything, its incredible food.
 

The food at Ship’s Pub isn’t the only draw that will leave the eatery anchored along Ocean Highway for many tides to come. Service is cheery and accommodating and the surroundings echo that, with nautical blue wood-paneled walls, blue booths and beach-themed wall hangings that fit right into the Pawleys shabby chic décor. Ship’s is immersed in that classic diner layout, complete with an open kitchen fronted by a counter and stools and a dining room that boasts a lineup of booths along the front windows. Pub may be in the moniker, but the entire family will feel welcome.
 

Ship’s menu navigates beyond classic diner and into starters like the Caprese, a plate of fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze. A handful of salad offerings are highlighted by the Buffalo Chicken Salad topped with crispy chicken and blue cheese crumbles, and the Surf and Turf Salad that tosses in proteins like bacon, sirloin tips and grilled shrimp.
 

A must-order is a bowl of Ship’s Creamy Lobster Bisque. Follow that with any of the colossal sandwiches, burgers or pub plates. A few recommendations are the Grey Man Burger (cleverly named after the legendary Pawleys ghost) layered with bacon and pimento cheese; the Crab Cake BLT with bacon, avocado and spicy remoulade sauce; and the Ship’s Roast Beef Melt, a marvel of roast beef, melted Swiss, crunchy coleslaw, sautéed onions and horseradish on a toasted baguette. Try one or a few for yourself, wash it down with one of the beers on tap and enjoy smooth sailing with Ship’s Pub.