South Carolina’s coastline is packed with incredible seafood restaurants that locals swear by and visitors never forget. From tucked-away dockside shacks to beloved family institutions, the flavors here tell the story of the Lowcountry in every bite.
Whether you’re road-tripping down the coast or planning a weekend escape, these seven spots serve up the kind of fresh, soulful seafood that makes the drive completely worth it.
Wreck of the Richard & Charlene – Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Named after a shrimp boat that once ran aground nearby, Wreck of the Richard & Charlene carries a story in its very name. Perched right on Shem Creek, this Mount Pleasant gem offers sweeping water views alongside some seriously fresh local seafood.
The shrimp dishes here are a standout, sourced straight from the boats that drift past the windows. Order the shrimp and grits and you’ll understand why people keep coming back season after season.
Bowens Island Restaurant – Charleston, South Carolina
Few places carry as much history and character as Bowens Island Restaurant. Sitting on a tiny marsh island just outside Charleston, this no-frills spot has been serving steamed oysters since 1946, and the walls are covered in decades of visitor signatures.
Locals call it a rite of passage, and honestly, they’re right. Grab a picnic table, crack open a pile of roasted oysters, and soak in the kind of atmosphere that no fancy restaurant could ever replicate.
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks has been a Hilton Head landmark since 1967, and it earned that status the old-fashioned way: with consistently outstanding seafood and a waterfront setting that never gets old.
What makes Hudson’s extra special is that it sits on a working shrimp dock, so the seafood arriving on your plate is about as fresh as it gets. The deviled crab is legendary, and the sunset views from the deck are an added bonus that feels almost unfair.
Lee’s Inlet Kitchen – Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Open since 1948, Lee’s Inlet Kitchen is the kind of place that grandparents bring their grandkids to, and those grandkids grow up to do the same. Located in the self-proclaimed Seafood Capital of South Carolina, Murrells Inlet, this family-owned restaurant has mastered the classics.
The she-crab soup alone is worth the trip. Everything on the menu feels honest and unpretentious, made with care and served with a side of genuine Southern hospitality that you just cannot fake.
The Crab Shack – Folly Beach, South Carolina
Folly Beach has a quirky, free-spirited vibe, and The Crab Shack fits right in. This casual, colorful spot is exactly what you’d want after a long afternoon on the beach: cold drinks, heaping plates of crab, and zero dress code required.
The blue crab is the obvious star here, served steamed and seasoned just right. It’s a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves kind of meal that’s perfect for families, friend groups, or anyone who wants to eat well without fussing over a menu.
Nance’s Restaurant – Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Nance’s Restaurant has quietly been one of Murrells Inlet’s best-kept secrets for years, and regulars prefer it that way. Sitting right along the MarshWalk, this spot delivers fresh, unfussy seafood with views of the inlet that make every meal feel like a mini vacation.
The fried flounder is a crowd favorite, and the portions are generous enough to leave you satisfied. There’s an easygoing warmth to this place that turns first-time visitors into lifelong fans almost immediately.
Hyman’s Seafood – Charleston, South Carolina
If you walk down King Street in Charleston and spot a line out the door, chances are it leads to Hyman’s Seafood. This beloved institution has been feeding hungry visitors and locals since 1890, making it one of the oldest seafood restaurants in the entire state.
The menu is enormous, covering everything from she-crab soup to whole fried flounder. Whether you’re a first-timer or a repeat customer, Hyman’s delivers bold, satisfying Lowcountry flavors that remind you exactly why Charleston’s food scene is legendary.
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