Backyard Beats and Wood-Fired Eats: Your Summer Soundtrack Starts at Kid Cashew
By Megan Hamner
Take a drive down Coleman Boulevard any afternoon and you'll likely notice the buzzy and inviting facade of Kid Cashew. Tucked into the heart of Mount Pleasant, this breezy outpost of the Charlotte-born restaurant chain is a quiet redefining of what a neighborhood hangout can be. Laid-back, sure, but with a menu that means business.
The concept behind Kid Cashew is “something for everybody.” Translation: a menu where smoked meats, Mediterranean roots, and American comfort food share the spotlight without competing for it. Standout dishes include wood-grilled lamb, creamy mac and cheese, and the signature smoky rotisserie chicken—the centerpiece of a menu built around bold yet comforting flavors. Best of all, everything is crafted with locally sourced ingredients.
Kid Cashew first opened in Charlotte, NC in 2016, and has since grown into a three-location operation with restaurants in Sandy Springs, Georgia, and Mount Pleasant, which opened in 2018. Rather than replicate the same formula, each location has its own rhythm, and Mount Pleasant’s beats with a distinctly coastal vibe.
“We wanted something that felt fresh, local, and fun,” says Managing Partner, Ben Melo. “This spot is relaxed and more alfresco. It’s the kind of place where you grab a drink, listen to music, and stay a while.”
That’s not just lip service. This spring, Kid Cashew rolled out live music in the evenings, giving patrons even more reason to linger on the well-appointed patio. The space is sprawling, with roomy indoor seating and a patio complete with string lights, craft cocktails, and exemplary service. The live music lineup will run through fall and pairs perfectly with a cold beer, lamb gyro, and the salty breeze coming off nearby Sullivan's Island.
While popular with the health-conscious set for its lighter, Mediterranean-style options, Kid Cashew doesn't lean too hard into the health halo. Rather, it walks the line beautifully between clean and decadent. "We’re not afraid of cheese or smoke or flavor,” Melo says.
Exhibit A: The Big Mac Daddy. Melo’s personal favorite, this unapologetic showstopper stacks two 1/4- pound beef patties with shredded lettuce, pickles, KC sauce, and white cheddar on a toasted sesame bun. Decadent yet accessible (gluten and dairy-free versions are available), this is the kind of burger you daydream about during a midday work meeting.
In a town where options run the gamut from high-end seafood to drive-thru fried chicken, Kid Cashew threads the needle. It’s polished without being pretentious. The $10.95 lunch deal might be the best value in town (Melo certainly thinks so), offering a solid midday meal without the sticker shock. And if you've got a crew, the family meal options are a no-brainer: a whole or half rotisserie chicken flanked by generous sides like creamy white beans, Brussels sprouts, and five-cheese mac. Perfect for feeding the family after a long day at the beach.
No matter what you're looking for, one thing is certain: Kid Cashew is built for hanging out. And in a town where time moves a little slower once the sun goes down, that’s exactly what we’re hungry for.