The Dog and Duck

In a lifestyles blog that focuses on day to day life in "Vacation Land" and the benefits of being blessed to call a place like Charleston home it almost seems redundant to write about great places to eat and drink. The Lowcountry is an absolute Mecca for fine dining, both sophisticated and casual. Consequently, the dilemna when choosing a spot for dinner is never one of having too few choices, instead it is a matter of narrowing ones choices. We have just marked our fourth anniversary as residents of the Lowcountry and we have only begun to scratch the surface of experiencing the joints of Charleston. With time and practice though, the savy diner develops a list of "go-to" options that are tried and true, thus I have, and the Dog and Duck is certainly near the top of that list.

For me, the D & D fits the bill for casual and fun dining, good service, great food, awesome t-shirts and a comfortable atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a casual spot to kick back after a day on the beach or maybe a spot to re-charge after a long day of work, the Dog and Duck is a solid option. I'm not sure what attracts me most to the D & D, maybe it's the laid back locals-only kind of feel or the fact that not only is your pooch welcome there, he even gets his own water bowl delivered to your table by the waitress.

The menu at the Dog and Duck is unique and offers a variety of food choices. Some of my personal favorites are the yardbird wings, double dunked of course. I especially like the house garlic variety, they are dunked in batter, seasoned and deep fried, then dunked, seasoned and fried a second time resulting in an incredible tasty chicken wing. Often I will combine the wings with an order of German JoJo Potatoes, a cross between a potatoe skin and a twice baked potatoe tossed with green onions, bacon and smothered with melted cheese.

If salads are more your style, your mouth will be watering over the bacon double cheeseburger salad, it's healthier than it sounds and even includes toasted sesame seeds and a dill pickle spear on the side. As good as the wings and salads are, this joint is famous for their creative sandwiches and burgers. My vote for the most original is cast for the Hillbilly Cheeseburger, get this, a thick slab of fried bologna on sourdough bread, dressed up like a cheeseburger, my idea of a real cheeseburger in paradise. Of course, one of my favorite sandwiches is The Golf Club (don't forget who is writing this blog anyway).

One other reason to love the Dog and Duck, as if outdoor seating and being accompanied by man's best friend isn't enough, is the make your own bloody mary bar on Sundays. I have found it is a great way to kick off a Steelers football Sunday, and if you don't like your drink, you have nobody to blame but yourself.

Great weather, great fun and great places to eat like The Dog and Duck, part of why we LOVE life here From The Land of Palm Trees. No matter where you are today, or what you are eating, have a great day. And the next time you are in The Lowcountry, check out one of the Dog and Duck locations, you can thank me later.