Fish and chips might be a British classic, but South Carolina has quietly turned it into a road trip reason. From historic Charleston blocks to Upstate pubs and breezy Grand Strand decks, cooks across the state are frying up golden fillets that pull people off the highway.
Some spots use flounder, some use cod or grouper, and a few change the fish with the daily catch. Here are 12 restaurants where the drive is part of the plan and the plate is the payoff.
1. Hyman’s Seafood, Charleston, SC
Five generations of one family have kept this downtown Charleston landmark humming, and that kind of staying power says plenty. Hyman’s Seafood sits at 215 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, spread across most of a city block in buildings dating back to the 1890s.
The Charleston Fish and Chips is the order that earns it a spot here. Plates arrive in generous portions, and the kitchen also turns out hush puppies, shrimp, and loaded potato chips that have their own fan club.
A deli sits alongside the seafood side, so the menu stretches well past the fryer. Brisket and stuffed cabbage share space with the shellfish.
Plan ahead, because Hyman’s does not take reservations and there is usually a wait. The mood stays jovial, the service moves fast, and families, groups, and solo diners all fit in easily.
Doors open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM, with most plates landing in the $20 to $30 range. Parking options include lots, garages, and street spots nearby, which is handy in a busy historic district.
2. Ellis Creek Fish Camp, Charleston, SC
Some fish camps are all about the view, and this one delivers a deck worth lingering on. Ellis Creek Fish Camp at 1243 Harbor View Rd offers indoor tables plus a terrace that looks out over open countryside.
Fish and chips sits right on the menu, and the cod version is a strong pick. The chips are made in house, which gives the plate an extra edge.
The kitchen keeps busy with more than one headliner. Blackened grouper sandwiches, whole fried flounder, calamari, and combo platters all compete for attention.
Dogs are welcome both inside and out, so the whole crew can come along. Kids get their own menu, and reservations are accepted.
Weekend afternoons and evenings pull the biggest crowds. Weekday mornings stay much calmer, and the kitchen runs daily from 11 AM to 9 PM.
3. The Ottaray Raw Bar & Taphouse, Greenville, SC
Nobody expects a nautical hideaway on Laurens Road, which is part of the fun. The Ottaray Raw Bar and Taphouse at 1418 Laurens Rd in Greenville leans into seafood with a creative streak.
Its fish and chips ranks among the best in Greenville. Two large fresh fillets come out light and crispy, and the tartar sauce holds its own.
Oysters, lobster rolls, mussels, and a full seafood tower round out the menu. Charleston she crab soup brings a little Lowcountry flavor to the Upstate.
The space feels cozy and a bit upscale without getting stiff. A private dining room is available for groups.
Dinner reservations are recommended, especially Friday and Saturday evenings. The restaurant is closed Mondays and opens 11 AM Tuesday through Sunday, with plenty of free parking on site.
4. Bimini’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Cafe, Greenville, SC
Beach decor in the foothills? Bimini’s makes it work at 100 Villa Rd in Greenville, where heaping seafood portions meet a laid back vibe.
The fish and chips comes with hush puppies that nearly steal the show. Guests can swap the fries for cheesy grits, and the Famous Fish Basket is another fried favorite.
Value is a big draw here. Most meals run $10 to $20 per person, and Oyster Tuesday is a local tradition.
Live music, sports on the screens, and a full bar keep the energy up. Dogs are allowed inside and outside.
Seating is snug and parking can get tight during rush hours, so arriving early helps. The cafe opens daily at 11:30 AM and serves until 9 PM.
5. Big Fish, Myrtle Beach, SC
Right in the middle of Broadway at the Beach, this raw bar knows how to keep vacation mode switched on. Big Fish sits at 1321 Celebrity Cir in Myrtle Beach.
The fish and chips uses a beer batter that wins plenty of fans. Lobster rolls, crab legs, and burgers also make regular appearances on crowded tables.
Outdoor dining puts the busy Broadway scene right in view. Live music plays throughout the week, and big games draw watch parties.
Walk-ins are welcome and reservations are available. Hours run 11 AM to 10 PM most days, stretching to 11 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Plenty of parking surrounds the complex. Many vacationers end up back here more than once before heading home.
6. Bubba’s Fish Camp & Smokehouse, Myrtle Beach, SC
Barbecue and fried fish under one roof sounds like a family argument settled peacefully. Bubba’s Fish Camp and Smokehouse at 1565 21st Ave N in Myrtle Beach serves both with gusto.
The flounder fish and chips is a standout, and a flounder basket appears on the menu too. Catfish baskets come with slaw and seasoned thick fries.
Smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket fries, and wings fill out the smokehouse side. Sides like corn pudding and yellow rice add Southern comfort.
Fishing decor covers the walls, giving the room a fun camp feel. A private dining room and outdoor seating are available.
Friday and Saturday evenings get busy, so reservations help. The kitchen runs daily from 11 AM to 10 PM with free parking on hand.
7. Mrs Fish Seafood Grill, Myrtle Beach, SC
Paper plates, plastic forks, and zero fuss. Mrs Fish Seafood Grill at 919 Broadway St in Myrtle Beach proves the plate matters more than the tableware.
Fish and chips comes in several varieties, including haddock, grouper, and salmon pairings with shrimp. Fresh cut fries rank among the best on the beach.
Families return here generation after generation. Prices mostly stay in the $10 to $20 range, which is rare near the coast.
Crab cakes, tuna steak, lightly fried oysters, and popcorn shrimp also fill the menu. Grilled and blackened options suit lighter appetites.
Hours are limited, so timing matters. The grill opens Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM and stays closed Sunday and Monday.
8. The Cock N’ Bull Pub, Columbia, SC
Soccer on the screens and bangers and mash on the menu set the tone fast. The Cock N’ Bull Pub at 326 S Edisto Ave in Columbia channels a homey British pub.
Fish and chips leads the menu highlights, which fits the theme perfectly. Reubens, shrimp burgers, and chicken finger baskets round out the comfort lineup.
Nights stay busy with trivia, karaoke, and bar games. It is a solid stop for groups looking to settle in.
Dogs are allowed, and outdoor seating adds more room. Reservations are not accepted, so just show up.
Weekday hours start at 2:30 PM, while Saturday and Sunday open at 11 AM. Most meals cost $10 to $20, and parking is usually easy.
9. The Sandbar, Hilton Head Island, SC
Southern comfort meets Caribbean flair on Pope Avenue. The Sandbar at 101 Pope Ave on Hilton Head Island keeps things spacious and lively.
Fish and chips comes in a large portion, easy to split between two. Homemade tartar sauce and good fries seal the deal, and shrimp and chips is another option.
Grouper sandwiches, loaded hush puppies, Lowcountry tacos, and hurricane shrimp keep the menu interesting. A full vegan menu is available too.
Orders come out quickly even when things get busy. Live music and a patio add to the island mood.
Dogs are welcome inside and out. The kitchen serves daily from 11:30 AM to 10 PM.
10. Island House, Hilton Head Island, SC
Formerly known as Slapfish, this island spot got a new name but kept its easygoing charm. Island House sits at 1024 William Hilton Pkwy on Hilton Head Island.
Fish and chips here can feature the fresh catch of the day, and grouper sometimes takes the spot. Plates come out quickly and hot.
Lobster rolls and Philly cheesesteaks are popular, and protein bowls offer a lighter path. Full vegan and vegetarian menus widen the options.
No reservations are needed, and trivia nights add a playful twist. Kids, groups, and dogs all fit in comfortably.
Hours vary, so checking ahead helps. The restaurant is closed Wednesday and serves only lunch on Tuesday, with prices mostly between $10 and $20.
11. Delaney’s Irish Pub, Spartanburg, SC
Downtown Spartanburg has a longtime favorite with an Irish accent. Delaney’s Irish Pub at 117 W Main St has been a local hangout for years.
The Irish Pub Fish and Chips comes out crispy and flaky in big servings. Steak fries join the fish, and shepherd’s pie runs a close second.
Corned beef and cabbage, bangers and mash, and Irish nachos keep the theme going. Live events add extra reasons to visit.
Plenty of seating makes it easy for groups. Budget friendly prices usually land between $10 and $20.
Doors open daily from 11 AM until 11:30 PM. Thursday and Saturday evenings bring the biggest crowds.
12. The Quay Seafood Grille, Murrells Inlet, SC
Saving the view for last feels right. The Quay Seafood Grille at 1508 S Waccamaw Dr in Murrells Inlet overlooks the marsh and inlet.
Flounder fish and chips comes out crisp yet delicate. Diners can pick potato or sweet potato fries.
She crab soup, seared tuna nachos, and scallop Alfredo broaden the menu. Key lime pie makes a sweet finish.
A rooftop bar offers sunset views over the water. Knowledgeable staff help guide first timers.
The grille is closed Mondays and open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 10 PM. Reservations are accepted, a smart move for weekend evenings.
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