Local Restauranteur Steve Carroll Dives In with Water Dog Grill

His partying days are over and now it’s time for the real fun! Steve Carroll, former owner of some of Charleston’s most popular bars and musical venues -- including the Radio Room, The Warehouse, Band Wagon and Red’s Ice House at Bohicket Marina -- is diving into a new chapter in his food and beverage career with the opening of his first family friendly restaurant, Water Dog Grill, at 1035 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard in Mount Pleasant. This spacious sports bar and grill boasts a large outdoor space, more than 20 HD televisions, 24 beers on tap, two stages and a full menu. 

Carroll, now a husband and father of two, is a Mount Pleasant native who has grown up in the Charleston food and beverage industry. From his first days as a bartender at the Windjammer to his well-known ownership of the hottest venues in town to his decade long transformation of Red’s Icehouse which ended in April 2013, he has truly molded the music and bar scene of the Lowcountry. While working at Red’s, he also became president of the Charleston Restaurant Association Board and has just been reelected for another term.

“I’ve been really lucky to work and own some of the best bars and venues in town. I knew I always wanted to own a restaurant where my family could all be together and the timing was perfect. With Water Dog Grill, I am able to bring all the best pieces together including good food, sports, good music in a family friendly environment.” he says. 

The name, Water Dog Grill, was created by Carroll after a late night on the water fishing. “So many of us that live in the Lowcountry are water dogs. Whether it’s fishing, boating, on the river or at the beach, the water is in our veins. It’s not just a name, it’s a mentality.” says Carroll, who is also on the board of Hospitality Heroes and the College of Charleston Hospitality and Tourism Advisory Board. 

From night owl bar owner to morning dad who drops the kids off at school, Carroll’s new transition to family friendly restaurant owner is a smooth one and he invites the public to Water Dog Grill to see it for themselves.  

A grand opening is planned for Thursday, October 10 at 4:30 p.m. Mount Pleasant Mayor Billy Swails and Town Councilwoman Linda Page will be in attendance for the ribbon cutting. The public is invited to attend. 

What: Water Dog Grill Grand Opening

Where: Water Dog Grill, 1035 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard 

When: Thursday, October 10, 4:30 p.m. 

Water Dog Grill is open Monday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until. To find out more, visit Water Dog Grill on Facebook or on Twitter.