Poe's Tavern on Sullivan's Island has been running since 2003, and it leans all the way into its namesake - the whole room is decorated for Edgar Allan Poe, the menu has Poe-themed burgers, and the vibe is exactly the opposite of the poet's: loud, sunny, and packed, with a patio that fills up fast on a good day. It's a relaxed watering hole in the truest sense, a few blocks from the beach, and the crowd is a mix of island regulars and visitors who've heard about the burgers and came to see what the fuss was about. The music is casual, the beers include three local microbrews alongside the usual suspects, and the price is reasonable.
The food is the thing that keeps it from being just a gimmick. The burgers - beef, chicken, or veggie - are what Charleston Magazine calls serious contenders for the best in town, the mahi-mahi tacos are the one to order if you want something with a little more in it, and Edgar's Nachos come loaded with jalapeños and all the fixings. It's a fun, casual spot where you can relax after a day in the sun, and the Poe theme is more of a party than a statement. It's the kind of place you go back to because the burger was good, not because the raven was funny.