dessert

The Sweet Life: Our Favorite Desserts Around Pawleys Island

By Cassidy Moore ˙ October 16, 2019

The Pawleys Island area is full of great dining options. From Murrells Inlet to Georgetown, inspired Lowcountry menus feature local seafood and produce expertly prepared by some of the best chefs in the South. Dining out is an event to be savored and enjoyed. But while you’re getting your fill of savory crab cakes, gourmet burgers, risottos, or so many versions of  shrimp & grits, don’t forget to save some room for something a little (or a lot) sweet. 

Whether dessert is on the menu after a full meal or a stand-alone snack while you’re out and about, plenty of great options are available in the area. Here are some of our top spots for a sweet treat:

BisQit

What’s a better end to a breezy beach day than a boozy milkshake? Tucked in the heart of the Hammock Shops in Pawleys Island, BisQit offers over a dozen specialty shakes with unique flavor combinations and a touch of liquor for those who want to imbibe in a real treat. Shakes include the Moon Pie, made with vanilla ice cream and the Southern staple MoonPie and spiked with Stoli Vanil in you’re so inclined; Sweet Swine made with vanilla ice cream, bacon, maple syrup, pink of sea salt, and an optional splash of Four Roses Bourbon; and Funky Monkey, made with vanilla ice cream, banana, chocolate chips, strawberry jelly, and (optionally) Chambord. More traditional shakes like Cookies & Cream, Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry are all available with or without the booze.

BisQit shakes are best enjoyed alongside one of the amazing gourmet burgers on the menu but are also a solid choice if you’re just looking for a unique sweet treat.

Frank’s

Frank's in Pawleys Island

If you’re looking for a full multi-course dining experience that you will love to share with family and friends, Frank’s is your go-to spot for everything from appetizers to dessert. Both Frank’s and its more casual outdoor counterpart Frank’s Outback offer a pleasing menu, but since this is all about the dessert, let’s talk about the house-made 14-layer caramel cake. Served with a warm caramel drizzle and ice cream, the delectable dessert is worth saving room for. And it’s definitely big enough to share.

If the caramel cake isn’t your speed, the other Frank’s desserts still deserve a second look at the end of your meal.  Check out Penny’s Key Lime Pie with Oreo Cookie Crust, the homemade Creme Brûlée, or the Pawleys Tollhouse Cookie Pie served warm with ice cream. You will not walk away disappointed.

Pawleys Island Bakery

When your sweet tooth is nagging, look no farther than Pawleys Island Bakery. An area staple for nearly a decade, Pawleys Island Bakery offers a wide variety of treats, including cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and pastries. Fan favorites include pastries, donuts, and grinning cookie monster cookies for the kids. Owner Max Goree is beloved by loyal visitors and goes the extra mile to keep them happy.

Pawleys Island Bakery offers a variety of breakfast fare, sandwiches and wraps if you’re in need of more than just a sugar fix. They also offer wedding cakes and catering services.

Kudzu Bakery

Red Velvet Cake from Kudzu BakeryWhat started as a small bakery on Front Street in Georgetown is now a multi-location market serving up plenty of specialty items alongside freshly baked treats. Kudzu Bakery’s Litchfield location is a great spot to pop in for a sweet treat while you’re out and about in the Pawleys Island area. Be sure to bring home some goodies, such as a gorgeous and delicious Red Velvet Cake that is sure to make sugar fans swoon. Cookies, pies, and more are available along with fresh-baked breads, canned sauces and preserves, wines, and cheese spreads.

River Room

For more than 30 years, Georgetown’s River Room has been serving up “Serious Seafood” on the waterfront. Open for Lunch and Dinner, River Room is a perfect spot to land after a day on the boat or a stroll on the Harborwalk. And dessert is the perfect way to end your meal. River Room’s desserts are all made in-house and include Strawberry Ice Cream Pie, Peanut Butter Pie, and Sautéed Pound Cake with Caramel Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream. The New Orleans Bread Pudding with Bourbon Cream sauce comes highly recommended.