Sullivan’s Island is a charming barrier island in Charleston County, South Carolina. It is situated at the entrance to Charleston Harbor. My son mentioned that when we are in Charleston, we should stop at Poe’s Tavern, located on the island. Leaving our Charleston hotel, a quick Google Maps search told us to take the Sullivan’s Island exit on the Interstate. It wasn’t exactly hard to find.

The island is known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and small-town atmosphere, however, those sights would have to wait. It was time for lunch. Though Poe’s Tavern is just a short distance from the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse, Fort Moultrie, and the picturesque coastline, we were planning to be at our son’s place in North Carolina, a five-hour drive, by the end of the day. We would make another time for exploring Sullivan’s island.

The tavern pays homage to Poe’s literary legacy and the island’s historical significance as the two were intertwined from November 1827 to December 1828. Poe enlisted in the army earlier in 1827 under the name of Edgar Perry and he was stationed at Fort Moultrie. Poe’s military experience and his brief stay here on Sullivan’s Island inspired some of his earliest and most popular literary works. The author’s namesake restaurant has a unique and inviting atmosphere, featuring a blend of rustic and contemporary design elements. The walls are adorned with Poe-themed artwork and quotations, creating a literary ambiance for guests.

Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” not only added to the growing collection of mystery literature but also birthed a new literary genre. While mysteries were not entirely unfamiliar, Poe introduced a character who skillfully solved mysteries through careful analysis of the case’s facts. Following in Poe’s footsteps, Arthur Conan Doyle would later create Sherlock Holmes, and Agatha Christie would introduce Hercule Poirot, both iconic figures within the genre that Poe helped develop.

While Edgar Allan Poe did not originate the Horror fiction genre, his writing style in works like “The Pit and the Pendulum” had a profound influence on contemporary writers in the genre. Additionally, Poe is recognized as a pioneer of Science Fiction with two notable short stories. The first, “The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall,” published in 1835, depicts a journey to the moon. The second story, a fabricated account of a transatlantic crossing via a steerable balloon, could be deemed as a form of “Fake News” by today’s standards. According to Poe’s biographers, he derived great pleasure from deceiving the public, as showcased in this intriguing article that delves into his fondness for crafting satirical works capable of fooling readers.

I chose the title for this post with the intention of highlighting that it is not a conventional food quality review. The menu choices have predictable names. For example, they offer a variety of burger options, including classics like the “Tell-Tale Heart” burger, which features applewood smoked bacon and cheddar cheese, and the “Pit and the Pendulum” burger, topped with guacamole and pico de Gallo. These imaginative names add a touch of intrigue to the menu choices.

The menu features a short but interesting biography. Though Poe’s Tavern offers a range of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and other pub-style fare, we opted for their specially-named burgers. I chose the Bunless Beef Rue Morgue, and Lynn chose the Beef Gold Bug.

Poe enthusiasts can savor both literary inspiration and pub-style fare at Poe’s Tavern. While researching the tavern, I discovered that the tavern extends its reach beyond Sullivan’s Island, boasting additional locations in Atlantic Beach, FL; Wrightsville Beach, NC; and Savannah, GA. For those specifically interested in the Sullivan’s Island establishment, it is conveniently situated at 2210 Middle Street.

John Steiner