Even though Salt Island Fish & Beer has been open only a little more than a year, it has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. What’s not to love? An extensive and eclectic craft beer menu, good wine choices, and a menu of fresh, creative small plates, entrees, and seasonal fare using local ingredients that requires many visits to fully appreciate. When owners Eric & Emily bought this place last year, they remodeled using existing materials from historic properties, creating a warm and inviting space, complete with outdoor seating. Curious about the newcomer, I had lunch there shortly after they opened, and realized as I finished my last bite of a tasty version of the classic Banh Mi sandwich that there was not a scrap of waste on the table….not even a paper napkin.
Seamlessly, it seems, this dynamic couple has managed to reduce the waste the restaurant produces to near zero. Manager Emily takes home glass bottles for reuse instead of throwing them in the trash; Chef Eric takes and donates aluminum cans; leftover catch of the day is made into the amazing smoked fish dip that I can’t seem to get enough of…the list of small actions to reduce waste goes on and on. You simply won’t find any single-use, throw-away plastics in this place, including styrofoam. Even the take-out cutlery is made from bamboo.
Since coming to Tybee, Eric & Emily have embraced our community, donating catering services for good causes, partnering with non-profits, joining the Post Theater Board, offering buckets & grabbers for patrons to clean the beach across the street.
Great food and drink, a cool place to hang, a low-waste meal, a full-on hug of our Tybee community – these folks are the real deal. So next time you’re looking for someplace new to try, or are returning, slide into Salt Island Fish & Beer and enjoy yourself. And be sure to say thanks to Eric & Emily for getting it just right!
About the Author @fightdirtytybee
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Hi…I’m Tim on Tybee. I run the local beach cleaning group, Tybee Clean Beach, work on Fight Dirty Tybee’s anti-litter efforts and sit on the Boards of the Tybee Main Street Development Authority and the Savannah Chatham Sustainability Coalition (folks that produce Savannah’s Earth Day Festival). This blog is all about showcasing the many efforts that make Tybee Island a more sustainable place for people and marine life.
