Tucked into a small storefront on Garners Ferry Road, there is a seafood counter that Columbia folks keep talking about. The star of the show is a plate of spicy garlic shrimp that people order again and again.
With more than a thousand reviews and a 4.5-star rating, this humble spot has earned a loyal following. Here is what makes it worth the trip, plus a few honest things to know before you go.
A Small Storefront on Garners Ferry Road
Blink while driving down Garners Ferry Road and you might miss it. Seafood and More Garners Ferry sits at 8006 Garners Ferry Rd, Suite C, in Columbia, SC 29209, inside an unassuming storefront that does not shout for attention.
Google describes it as a modest eatery and a low-key counter-serve restaurant. The menu covers baked and fried seafood dishes, along with shrimp and crawfish.
In other words, it is a place built around the food rather than the frills.
Still, the numbers tell a bigger story. The restaurant holds a 4.5-star rating from 1,189 reviews, which is a lot of people taking the time to weigh in on one little counter.
Many of those reviewers mention one dish above all others, and we will get to it soon.
Locals and out-of-towners alike seem to stumble in and then come back. One couple reported picking it off a map without knowing anything about it, then promising to return.
That kind of happy accident happens here more often than you might expect.
The Best Kept Secret Reputation
Some places earn fame through flashy ads. Others earn it one takeout bag at a time, and that second path is how this counter built its name.
One longtime visitor called it the best kept secret in town, praising seafood that arrived fresh, perfectly prepared, and hot at a good price. Another group came through while visiting a friend graduating from basic training, after hearing it was a highly recommended stop.
A party of 12 ordered different dishes, and everyone reportedly loved their meal.
Out-of-town travelers keep showing up in the reviews too. One pair liked dinner so much that they came back for lunch the very next day before leaving Columbia.
Another visitor simply wished they lived closer.
That mix of locals and passersby says a lot. Word of mouth seems to be the main engine here, with people sending friends and family to try the shrimp.
For a no-frills spot, that kind of buzz is hard to beat.
Spicy Garlic Shrimp, the Headliner
Twenty-five mentions. That is how often spicy garlic shrimp pops up in reviews, making it one of the most talked-about items on the whole menu.
Visitors describe the spicy shrimp as packed with flavor. One regular who usually orders fish decided to try the spicy garlic shrimp meal and said it did not disappoint.
A traveler ordered the Spicy Garlic Shrimp dinner one night and then went for a related shrimp dish at lunch the next day, which tells you plenty.
Here is a handy tip from a reviewer. They expected Cajun rice to pair nicely with the shrimp, but found that plain white rice really made the sauce pop.
Sometimes the simple side is the smart move.
One caution worth knowing: a couple of guests felt their higher spice levels came out milder than expected on some visits. If you like real heat, it may help to mention it when ordering.
Either way, this is the plate most people come for, and the reason the counter stays busy.
Garlic Shrimp Pasta for Noodle Lovers
Pasta fans, there is a version of the famous shrimp just for you. The spicy garlic shrimp spaghetti, sometimes called the pasta, gets its own share of praise from diners.
One caller who placed a phone order for lunch said the pasta had just the right amount of spice and flavor. They also liked how generous the shrimp portion was, calling it perfect.
A visiting traveler chose the spaghetti for lunch after enjoying the shrimp dinner the night before.
Not into heat? A reviewer asked for the garlic shrimp spaghetti without the spice and learned that the kitchen does not offer it that way.
Instead, the staff suggested the shrimp Alfredo, and the diner ended up happy with the swap.
That little exchange shows how the counter team steers people toward something they will enjoy. So if spicy is not your style, ask about the Alfredo.
If it is, the spaghetti brings the same bold sauce in a twirlable form.
Crab Legs and Seafood Boils
Crab legs actually edge out the shrimp in mentions, with 26 reviewers bringing them up. Add in 11 mentions of the seafood boil, and you have a second big reason people line up.
One happy diner ordered a two-cluster crab legs and shrimp platter. It came with potatoes, eggs, sausage, and corn, all seasoned and cooked just right, then smothered in a spicy Cajun garlic butter sauce.
Another group ordered a low country boil and said it smelled and tasted amazing.
Not every boil report is perfect. One longtime customer said crab sometimes came out cold and stringy inside the shell, and they also found shrimp added to their two-cluster crab combo when they had not ordered it.
Double-checking your order at pickup is a smart habit here.
For most visitors, though, the boil is a messy, buttery treat worth rolling up your sleeves for. Grab extra napkins and enjoy.
Fried Fish Done Right
Ask a regular about the fish and you might hear a simple answer: always on point. Catfish earns 12 mentions and flounder earns 11, so the fryer stays busy.
One visitor ordered the catfish and shrimp combo and could not finish it. The plate held a mound of fries, hush puppies, shrimp, and two large catfish fillets, all cooked just right rather than overdone.
Another diner praised the perfect cook and seasoning on their fish.
Other options show up too. Guests mention snapper, fried oysters that were not overcooked, and tilapia served grilled or breaded.
One traveler tried it both ways over two meals and suggested the tartar sauce.
Results can vary, as one diner reported undercooked tilapia on a later visit. Most reviews, however, lean strongly positive about the crispy, well-seasoned fish.
Hush Puppies, Fries and Old Bay Corn
Sides can make or break a seafood plate. At this counter, hush puppies alone collect 16 mentions, so they clearly matter to people.
The fries get love as well. One reviewer said they had a good golden crisp and even came back to life when reheated in the air fryer the next day.
That is a solid win for anyone planning on leftovers.
Corn on the cob is another favorite. A diner said it was worth the small upcharge, while another enjoyed the Old Bay flavoring on top.
Coleslaw is available too, though one guest felt theirs was not fresh.
There was also a complaint about reheated hush puppies on one visit. Overall, though, the sides round out a big, filling plate.
Lemonade Worth Talking About
Get the lemonade. Thank me later.
That was the full advice from one happy customer, and plenty of others seem to agree.
Peach lemonade earns several mentions in reviews. One visitor mixed strawberry and peach lemonade together and called it refreshing and delicious.
A large group praised both the freshly squeezed lemonade and the homemade sweet tea.
Sweet tea fans are covered too. One diner washed down boiled shrimp with what they called a perfectly prepared glass.
Fair warning on price, though. One reviewer noted the lemonade costs $5.99 and thought that was steep.
Whether it is worth it depends on your taste, but many guests clearly think so, and it pairs nicely with all that spicy garlic sauce.
Warm Service at the Counter
Picture walking in and being greeted like an old friend. Several visitors describe exactly that kind of welcome.
One regular said the staff makes great recommendations, checks that orders are correct, and hands over condiments without being asked. Another called the team patient and friendly.
A diner with several food allergies said the woman at the counter spoke with the cook, and the kitchen prepared a special meal to meet every need.
Not every visit lands the same way. One guest felt ignored at first and rushed while ordering, and suggested the staff work on hospitality.
Even critical reviews, though, often say the front staff is nice and courteous.
On balance, kindness seems to be part of the recipe here. Many guests mention service right alongside the food.
Cozy Room, Mostly Takeout Crowd
Forget white tablecloths. The dining room is small, with just a few tables, and most customers grab their food to go.
Reviewers describe the space as clean and well kept. One regular called it small and quaint yet homey and welcoming.
Another enjoyed the whimsical decor, while a different guest admitted it was sparse but said they came to eat seafood, not admire the walls.
A nice touch: one visitor noticed the restaurant lets a local entrepreneur sell handmade jewelry inside. That small detail adds community charm.
If you prefer elbow room, keep in mind one diner felt the tables sat too close together. Takeout may suit bigger groups better, though a party of 12 did manage to enjoy a meal here.
Who Will Love It Here
Seafood lovers on a budget, this one is for you. The counter shines for anyone who cares more about flavor than fancy surroundings.
Families and groups can stretch their money here. One reviewer said fish, the spicy garlic shrimp, two drinks, tax, and tip came to about $45, and it fed three people.
Another praised the wide variety and good prices.
Busy workers will appreciate the speed. A guest described the place as fast paced, with quick, easy service, and call-in orders are common.
Travelers passing through Columbia also seem to enjoy it.
If you want a quiet, sit-down date night, this may not be the best fit. For a hearty, saucy meal to take home, it is hard to top.
Hours, Prices and Getting There
Plan ahead, because the doors are not open every day. Seafood and More Garners Ferry is closed on Sunday and Monday.
From Tuesday through Thursday, hours run 11 AM to 8 PM. Friday stretches a bit later, from 11 AM to 9 PM, and Saturday goes from 11 AM to 8 PM.
Most meals fall in the $10 to $20 range per person. Call-in orders are popular, and you can reach the restaurant at +1 803-814-2899.
The website, garnersferryseafood.com, is another handy resource.
The address is 8006 Garners Ferry Rd, Suite C, Columbia, SC 29209. Since crab orders have caused mix-ups for some customers, checking your bag before leaving is a good idea.
Final Thoughts on a Saucy Local Favorite
So, is the hype real? Judging by more than a thousand reviews and a 4.5-star average, most people walk away full and happy.
The spicy garlic shrimp earns its fame, and the crab legs, catfish, and lemonade keep fans returning. Friendly staff and fair prices help too.
A few guests have reported uneven experiences, from order mistakes to milder spice, so it pays to speak up and check your food.
Still, this little counter on Garners Ferry Road has something many fancy places lack: a crowd of loyal regulars. If you are in Columbia and craving seafood with a kick, grab a plate of that shrimp over white rice.
You might find yourself coming back next week, just like plenty of others have.
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