Neighborhood Establishment Celebrates One Year of “Eat, Drink, and Celebration”

By Liza Martin

Launched in summer 2020, it was a daring time for Local to open its doors. But the successful establishment serves up brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks—all grounded in Southern hospitality, friendly staff, and an intense focus on feeding and making memories for the community.

Local lives up to its motto: eat, drink, celebrate; and co-owner and chef Keith Estabrook delivers.

Estabrook draws from his grandmother’s down-home cuisine and his personal experiences cooking along the East coast. His menu includes Southern fare peppered with “neuvo” influences, which plays mostly to vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes, although meat is always popular, co-owner and general manager John Dabrowski said. Dabrowski points out that anything on the menu pairs well with 1 of their 19 local tap beers or signature cocktails. 

Local’s belief is that, “It’s more than where you live. It’s how we make you feel,” said Dabrowski.

The unpretentious yet slightly chic feature of Local’s ground-floor dining area, known as “Eat and Drink,” is a family-friendly eatery featuring popular dishes such as its hot chicken sandwich with the chicken brined in pickle juice; and the Brewer’s Bowl, a slurry of vegetables and sauces made your way (add a protein, such as chicken, if you wish). Many sandwiches served here are on gluten-free potato buns, delivered fresh daily from local baker Benjamin’s Bakery.

The restaurant, located at 10880 Ocean Highway, Unit 21 has been an ideal addition to the historic Hammock Shoppes Village, which hosts a large playground, access to 23 stores, wine tastings, and frequent and diverse live music. Local prides itself in its support of local musicians and their live music several days a week. 

Whether you prefer a sophisticated and upscale event, or an understated and cozy evening, Local also hosts private events ideal for bridal and rehearsal showers, weddings, and corporate events in the second-floor room known aptly as “Celebrate”.

Dabrowski envisions more success in the future, but is mostly hungry to just see what’s next.

“I’m afraid prices (in restaurants) will never be the same. They’re high now, and I don’t see that trend reversing any time,” he lamented. “But I’m just looking to (our restaurant) getting bigger and better. If we could get some more staff, we’d be doing even better than we are now.”

Pawleys Island is something special, and we’re happy to be a part of the community here,” Dabrowski said. “We’re excited to see our growth and how we can change the community to make it even better.”

Address: 10880 Ocean Hwy., Unit 21, Pawley Island, SC 2959

Website: www.Pawsleylocal.com

Phone: 843-314-0474