Bluffton Breeze - Bluffton South Carolina

lue Coyote’s a relatively new place in town and it’s serving up traditional Southwestern fare and a variety of “All-America” cuisine for your tasting pleasure. Acclaimed Chef Brad Blake, owner of Blake’s, next door, is the proud owner of this new place. Our personal thanks to Victor, who works under Brad, and to hostess April, and our server Kim, who made our lunch such a great experience. Blue Coyote is open for lunch and dinner with complete menu offerings all day. In addition, there is a daily Happy Hour, from 4 to 8p.m. and take-out is available.

In the last few years, the popularity of Southwestern cuisine has grown in its influence far beyond its regional origins. If you haven’t tried it yet, you should visit this family-friendly restaurant. The menu is extensive with offerings under the captions of: Ranchhands (appetizers), Tumblewoods (salads), Chowtime (sandwiches/wraps), Chuckwagon (entrees) and Riding Off To The Sunset (desserts). Children may order off their own Little Howlers menu that is a fun booklet provided to them with pictures to color and games. Additionally, all the Little Howlers receive a free soft drink, fries and a scoop of Blue’s favorite ice cream. How good a deal is that?

Now that the little ones are taken care of, let’s talk about those of us with grown up appetites. Included under each of the amusing captions are fun titles with explanations for their various offerings. For instance, Mo Hotta Mo Betta are wings served with celery and Blue’s bleu dressing and within this offering you can get them ‘naked’ or in varying degrees of heat up to Howling habanero.

For my lunch selection, I chose the Buckhorn, which is one of their delicious salads. It consists of grilled sliced seasoned beef tossed with garden greens, avocado, tomatoes, onion and a sweet chipotle dressing ($9). The portion is substantial and provides a nice blend of flavors and textures.

Donna chose one of their most requested lunch selections, a Santa Fe Wrap, which you can find under Chowtime offerings. It is a grilled southwest chicken breast topped with pepper jack cheese ($7). With it you get a choice of toppings and all sandwiches are served with your choice of fries made fresh every day, chips, slaw or fruit.

One of their most requested dinner selections is Texas Ranger Eddy, a Southwest twist on a classic osso bucco: roasted pork shank seasoned and then flash fried ($15). All entrees are served with beans and rice and seasoned vegetables. In addition, the menu includes steak and seafood and on Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. you can order the Outlaw and the Three Desperados, which includes one of the entrée items offered as specials for the day and your choice of three of their side dishes ($7).

And before “Riding Off Into The Sunset,” you must try Rocky Mountain Bon Bon, a homebaked brownie layered with vanilla ice cream and topped with hot fudge ($5), or a delicious and light Chiricahua Cheesecake ($5).
There are numerous booths, tables, a chef’s counter for dining overlooking the cooking area, a full bar with several TVs and an atmosphere that is definitely Southwest with warm colors and an occasional saddle. Additionally, there’s a room set aside for private parties with advance reservation.

Brad Blake and his staff welcome the opportunity to provide fresh ingredients that are combined with the spices, chilies and cheeses native to the Southwestern region of New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona.

Be one of those who discover the tastes of the Southwest and bring an appetite.