We’ve got some good news and bad news for you this morning, Charleston. The bad news: over the past week, it appears that 450 Pizza Joint on Sullivan’s Island (2213 Middle St.) unexpectedly closed. The good news: We already know what’s moving in next – and we’re pretty stoked about it.
The Longboard, an island-inspired restaurant and bar, will open at the beachside spot in 2020. Spearheaded by Charleston natives Clint Gaskins and Tyler Beckstead, the Longboard actually started on the island of St. John in the Virgin Islands back in 2015. Now, the owners are bringing it all back home to the Lowcountry.
Characterized as an “island-inspired getaway,” the restaurant will serve up both lunch + dinner menus incorporating fresh seafood (like ceviche, poke bowls, sushi wraps, as well as what’s described as “obscure seafood”), hand-crafted cocktails, shareable bar snacks, and small plates – all with a coastal flair that focuses on utilizing fresh, local ingredients.
Here’s what we’re most excited about: The drink menu. It will feature kombucha, house-made sodas, drinks made with freshly squeezed juices, frozen drinks, wine, + craft beer.
And here’s what y’all are saying:
“Their food and atmosphere are amazing in St. John, excited to have them in the Lowcountry!” – @danidub_step
“A little piece of St. John coming to Charleston 🙌 ❤️” – @a_bakerslife
“I’m salivating” – @lcs_studio
In the coming months, the existing space will be getting quite the facelift. By the time it opens as the Longboard, it will look less like a pizza joint + more like a Caribbean oasis. Look out for its opening in spring 2020 – and in the meantime, be sure to follow along with its progress over on Instagram.