Another beloved Bluffton institution (and believe me, Blufftonians love their institutions) is Pepper’s Porch (1255 May River Rd., 843/757-2295, Tues.–Sun. 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m., $12–20). Housed in an old barn for drying a local herb called deer tongue, this is the kind of distinctly Southern place where they bring out a basket of little corn muffins instead of bread. Entrées include a great stuffed grouper and delicious, fresh-fried shrimp. Don’t miss the fried strawberry dessert, which tastes a million times better than it sounds. Weekends see live music and karaoke in the aptly named Back Bar, a favorite local hangout.

Prime rib is the house specialty at Myrtle’s Bar & Grill (32 Bruin Rd., 843/757-6300, lunch Tues.–Fri. 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., dinner Tues.–Sat. 5–9:30 p.m., brunch Sun. 10 a.m.–2 p.m.), generally served on Tuesday nights. They also do a mean flounder. Housed in the old post office, Myrtle’s is a favorite local hangout and has recently begun hosting an interactive murder-mystery dinner theatre show.