Former Johns Island Burger Eatery Now Focusing On Affordable Family Friendly Fare Including Seafood, Wings, Burgers, & More

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer / Restaurant Review

When most people think about the word cabana, they often imagine a beachside island bungalow where you saunter up barefoot, straddle a stool, and order fish tacos with a freshly made margarita served in a carved out pineapple with a cute umbrella. Thank you Jimmy Buffett for the memories. 

Despite being 20 minutes from the nearest beach (Kiawah), and 25 minutes from Folly, Cabana & Co., the family friendly eatery at 1801 Crowne Commons Way (and Maybank Hwy) on Johns Island serves up a coastal inspired bill of fare, including incredible seafood, killer wings, and everyday elevated classics. Technically they are on an island.

And that same beachy vibe transcends into Cabana & Co.'s menu, where they carry no less than six seafood choices, including a sumptuous Atlantic Platter teeming with fried grouper & oysters, jumbo shrimp, hushpuppies, cole slaw, and house made seasoned fries. At $35 this is a mega-platter that easily (I mean easily) satisfies a ravenous appetite, or fills two light eaters. Flying solo, maybe order the Seafood Basket that comes complete with mahi for just $18. 

Prefer your seafood as a handheld, their namesake Po'Boy comes brimming with shrimp and fried oysters on a fresh amoroso roll, under a bed of lettuce & tomato with a healthy slather of house made tartar sauce. Yum yum!

Want to experience a taste of the islands, try their Grilled Salmon Wrap, tender salmon in a luscious medley of pineapple-mango salsa dill, mixed greens, with a swirl of tangy cream sauce, all folded in a floured tortilla. Truly tropical. A total of four seafood handhelds including a Blue Crab Cake and or Grouper Sandwich, both served on fluffier brioche buns.

Add three more seafood choice from Cabana & Co.'s appetizer and salad menus. You can kickstart your shellfish culinary journey with Coconut Shrimp in a tropical pineapple sauce or savor its spicy Shrimp Cocktail cousin presented with a pineapple-mango salsa cilantro. Great way to wake up the taste-buds, and both are gluten free options. The third seafood selection is their straight up ample Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad. Layered with 4oz of salmon, this salad eats like a main meal. 

Along with the aforementioned seafood items, four oversized salads, and seven signature starters that include a delicious House-made Mozzarella & Marinara, Cabana & Co. serve up some of the best chicken wings in all of Charleston. We're not talking 'where's the poultry' wings, rather we're talking succulent hearty wings with lots of meat on the bone.

Seven varieties of wings overall (three dry rub & four tossed), including a couple hot versions that are sure to tease the taste-buds. Whether it's a garlic ranch, cajun, or hot honey, all seven dip nicely in either the creamy blue cheese or ranch dressings. Take my word for it. The chicken wings definitely fall under the 'eat & repeat' category, and all go well with a cold beer or your preferred cocktail.

People who live and work on Johns Island, or travel home to Kiawah or Seabrook via Maybank Hwy might recognize 1801 Crowne Commons Way in the upscale Live Oak Square that backs up to Maybank. For several years the location carried a familiar title, known to locals as Cabana Burgers.

However, when Allen Hodge took over proprietorship of the location last year, he envisioned a more family friendly eatery, offering a somewhat more diverse menu. A former biotech executive, owning such a neighborhood gathering place that offers up exceptional food and drink had been a goal of Hodge since his college days. Mission accomplished!

Perhaps the smartest decision Hodge made from day one is bringing veteran Pad McKeage on to oversee the menu. More than a chef, McKeage is a creative food director, putting his personal touch on every menu item that comes out of the kitchen. Flair is certainly something Hodge and McKeage embrace at Cabana & Co., adding they proudly serve up their food because it's 'made with love'.

Burger lovers, don't fret because Cabana & Co. still carry a decent array on the menu including a Turkey Burger adorned with feta and avocado. However, real beef lovers have a half dozen to choose from, including two following the current burger trend. 

Their namesake Cabana Burger is a classic smash-burger with a southern twist. Two quarter pound (1/2 lb.total) patties covered with fried green tomato, pimento cheese, and crispy bacon. Lowcountry sports fans would no doubt rate it 'totally awesome baby!' Maybe you're feeling a bit worldly when you come in, then I suggest their French Onion Patty Melt. Another smash burger created with panache, oozing with Swiss cheese and sauteed onions on sourdough bread. Ooh la la!

And for those who come in with an insatiable appetite, still craving a burger I recommend the Big Wagyuna. You guessed right. It's a double patty 12oz burger created from American all wagyu beef (known for its robust flavor), topped with your choice of cheese and veggies on a brioche roll. Two words come to mind 'sumptuous and robust'.

Have children in tow. Your little ones can pick from five options from the Cabana Kids menu. All their favorites have made the list. What youngster doesn't crave chicken tenders, sliders, and grilled cheese. All come served with apple sauce or fries and a beverage for $10 or less.

Rounding out the menu are some desirable desserts. Maybe your party can share a Triple Chocolate Brownie à la Mode or a New York Style Cheesecake draped in cherries jubilee. I would be remiss if I didn't mention they have freakin' awesome thick oversized milkshakes that come in five assorted flavors, with the salted caramel pretzel and chocolate dream among the preferred favorites. A drinkable treat by itself or with a burger.

Good news, you don't have to bring your gold or platinum card because aside from the Atlantic Platter and the Big Wagyuna almost the entire menu is priced under $20. Sides that include three version of fries (sweet potato, parmesan truffle, & garlic parm ranch) average around $6.

While not extensive, Cabana & Co.'s adult beverage menu borders between everyday and upscale. Fruit of the vine lovers can bask in their eclectic yet affordable selections of white, red, and sparkling wines. Among the list include a San Pietro Pinot Grigio, Mirabello Prosecco, and a Averaean Pinot Noir. All sold by the glass or the bottle.

Several familiar draft beers including regional and local favorites. Choices include IPAs Pernicious from Wicked Weed and Tide Chaser care of Low Tide Brewing just up the street on Johns Island. Furthermore the Kona Big Wave golden ale seems to be an ideal complement to Cabana & Co.'s coastal atmosphere. 

No less than a dozen signature cocktails, shots, and hard seltzers complete the potent potable list. Maybe sip on their refreshing Southside concoction complete with Hendricks gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and mint, or throw back green tea, lemon drop, kamikaze, or tequila slammer shots, all while noshing on Fried Green Tomatoes served in blend of pimento cheese, pepper bacon, and ripe cherry tomatoes.

Like your food and drink with a little entertainment. Cabana & Co. serve up King Trivia, a live pub quiz every Wednesday beginning at 6:30pm. Listen to live music every Thursday night, and on the occasional weekend. When weather permits it's family friendly on Saturdays with a jump castle and opportunity to play Nintendo Switch. And with eight big screens TVs (four over the bar & four on the patio) fans can keep up on their favorite sports action. 

Let's take a quick recap. Good food and drink surrounded by a warm and welcoming island vibe. A concise yet wide ranging wallet friendly menu, that includes several gluten-free and vegetarian options. You can order online for pickup. Yelp reviews have all been favorable. Just 20 minutes from downtown Charleston and West Ashley, and 15 minutes from neighboring James Island.

Find Cabana & Co. at 1801 Crowne Commons Way on Johns Island where the restaurant backs up to Maybank Hwy. Need a hospitable place to have a special event (party, baby shower, company social) then let Cabana & Co. do all the work for you. They promise to make it unforgettable. Start your coastal experience at https://cabanaandcompany.com/