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The Refuge, Isle of Palms, SC

The Refuge

4.6
4.6
629 Reviews
$30 and under
American
1517 Palm Blvd, Suite A, Isle of Palms, SC 29451

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 8 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Great for brunch
  • Charming
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Charleston sits The Refuge in Isle of Palms. This family owned and operated venue is sure to please all.
Here at The Refuge, we take pride in pleasing the palates of locals and tourists alike. Our experienced staff stands behind the recipes on our menu, and use only the freshest ingredients to ensure an unforgettable dining experience. The coastal location of The Refuge is complimented by our modern and sophisticated design, which brings an upscale aesthetic to dining in Isle of Palms.
The Refuge offers an array of menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner to fit the schedule of any island dweller. Brunch enthusiasts can take refuge in our Weekend Tide menu, overflowing with delicious creations like baked avocado and egg, or stacks of buttermilk pancakes. With a coffee bar for coffee lovers and a restaurant for foodies,


Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Contemporary American
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 8:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Jason Daly
  • Catering
    The Refuge has catering services available for any type of event, from birthday parties to weddings. Our staff is prepared to help plan your customized catering menu so that you can relish in the savory tastes of our dishes. The Refuge can accommodate parties of all sizes, whether you're looking for pastries and baked goods, or a full-service meal.<br>Our brunch, lunch and dinner menus are available for you to pick items for your catered event. Choose your favorites to create a personalized taste experience for your guests to enjoy.
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Neighborhood
    Isle of Palms
  • Cross street
    Palm Boulevard and the IOP connector
  • Parking details
    In the Harris Teeter Shopping Center
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • STEAKHOUSE NIGHT AT THE REFUGE EVERY TUESDAY

    Multiple dates available
    Choose a Rib-eye or New York Strip, among others, to indulge on alongside our array of sauces and sides. All available cuts of meat are blackened or grilled.

What 629 people are saying

The Refuge reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Charleston

    Great for brunch

  • Charleston

    Neighborhood gem

  • Charleston

    American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Refuge impresses with its "amazing food and service," offering ample portions at fair prices. The atmosphere is lively with "great decor." While some experiences mention delays, standout servers like Travis and Danica ensure a memorable visit. Brunch options are a highlight, and many appreciate the "diverse and ambitious menu."

629 Reviews
  1. anne

    Charleston5 reviews

    2.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    First and foremost the food was amazing!!!! However, the service was some of the worst I’ve experienced in YEARS! Right when we walked in a server came up to the hostess and was scolding her in front of us saying the next 2 tables are mine make sure you give them to me. She was really rude and aggressive with the hostess. Turns out that this was going to be our server (Sue). Once seated sue seemed to be more interested in hanging out at the bar than assisting our table or any of her other tables. She asked if we wanted any drinks which we ordered then she comes back and asks if we want any apps when we say yes and order her response was oh well I’m not going to put those in yet because you haven’t gotten the drinks… then why ask? She then brings drinks and now we are allowed to order apps but only apps. Then apps arrive and now she says oh you don’t have plates…. Clearly… so we are now sitting with hot food with no way to eat them. Then she never comes to check on us and we haven’t ordered our next course. Meanwhile the hostess she yelled at is busting her butt bussing tables and refilling waters on her tables while she is just hanging out at the bar. Finally we are able to place our order and we ask for some more crostini for our dip which she says I’ll just bring crackers it quicker… thanks but not what we asked for. Meanwhile she hasn’t checked on her other tables until they are also almost done. No prebussing is occurring. Entrees are delivered to us but none of the appetizer plates or share plates have been removed, you were not busy and Sue is again hanging out socializing with the bartender and others laughing and joking. She did not check on us to ensure we were enjoying our food. Ask for the check she goes and talks at the bar for 5 minutes before bringing us the bill hasn’t realized half our table has already left the table. Hostess finally comes to help. Turns out sue is the manager. I can’t tell how or why she could be a manager.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Jami

    Los Angeles2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best Tuna Tartare on island Trigger Fish dish and crab cakes were so delicious Cocktails were just right

    Is this helpful?

  3. Jonathan VIP

    Pittsburgh9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great meal. Service was solid and attnetive. Crab dip appetizer, fish and steak entrees were all very good. Fairly priced. Would definitely visit again.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Andrew

    Memphis/West TN2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was amazing and ample portions for the price. Our biggest complaint was that we waited 45 minutes for our food after the time we ordered. The restaurant was not overly crowded or busy and no explanation was provided for the delay. Our server did not check in or provide refills for our tea and soda unless we initiated contact with her. We would go there again but would insist on a different server.

    Is this helpful?

  5. jim VIP

    Charleston89 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 18, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Really enjoyed our visit to Refuge, it had been on the list for a year. Good food, busy, good service, we would definitely go back.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Kayla

    Los Angeles2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely experience with amazing food and service. Perfect night.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Paul

    Charleston2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Amazing staff offering great service and always awesome food.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Ashlie

    Washington DC2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We enjoyed our corner table and had wonderful service. Food was very good! Great decor and lively atmosphere. It was a little loud but we didn’t mind!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Jessica VIP

    Charleston3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    So nice to know The Refuge serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. They have a nice selection of both traditional breakfast items, plus some great sandwich options. We'll be back!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Jo Carol VIP

    Jacksonville36 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 12, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Nice breakfast sandwich and crab cakes Benedict. Fried potatoes would have been better with onions included. Restaurant has nice atmosphere.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Refuge offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (843) 242-8934.

The Refuge is rated 4.6 stars by 629 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. South Carolina
  4. Charleston
  5. Isle of Palms

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 8 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for The Refuge

1517 Palm Blvd, Suite A, Isle of Palms, SC 29451

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Palm Boulevard and the IOP connector
  • Neighborhood
    Isle of Palms
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 8:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Contemporary American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    In the Harris Teeter Shopping Center
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Jason Daly
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Phone number
  • Catering
    The Refuge has catering services available for any type of event, from birthday parties to weddings. Our staff is prepared to help plan your customized catering menu so that you can relish in the savory tastes of our dishes. The Refuge can accommodate parties of all sizes, whether you're looking for pastries and baked goods, or a full-service meal.<br>Our brunch, lunch and dinner menus are available for you to pick items for your catered event. Choose your favorites to create a personalized taste experience for your guests to enjoy.
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