The South Carolina Seafood Bucket List That Will Make You Drool
There’s no shortage of seafood in South Carolina. Nor is there a shortage of outstanding seafood dishes. Basically any restaurant that serves seafood plates up the standards like fried shrimp and some type of baked, broiled or fried filet of fish.
Here are some not-so-mainstream seafood dishes that’ll make you lick your lips – and the restaurants where you can find the plates that’ll make you drool. And big surprise here: they’re not ALL on the coast. Read on and eat up!
1. Lobster Roll - Joe Loves Lobster Rolls, Ridgeland
The South's official authentic New England Lobster Roll is found in Ridgeland. No lie. And you won't find any "pretend" lobster meat, only the real stuff in these rolls! Bonus: they also have amazing Philly Cheesesteaks! Located at 2915 Okatie Hwy, Ridgeland, SC 29936.
2. Scallops - Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar, Charleston
This East Bay Street eatery dishes up views of one of historic Charleston's busiest people-watching streets that are almost as good as the seafood! From seared scallops to the full selection of seafood at Amen Street you'll love your seafood chow-down at this Holy City restaurant. Located at 205 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401.
Fresh seafood in North Myrtle Beach can be found at this neighborhood favorite. Hoskins has been serving NMB from this same location since 1948. After just one plate of their crispy bone-in fried flounder tail you'll see why folks keep coming back again and again. Located at 405 Main St, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.
4. Crawfish - Atlantic Seafood, Columbia (Broad River)
Most seafood places serve the standards (fried shrimp, flounder, crab cakes) but at Atlantic Seafood you should order the Crawfish Boil. It's unique, delicious and a tasty treat you can't find just anywhere. Located at 1927 Broad River Rd, Columbia, SC 29210.
The Palmetto Oyster House in Sumter is known for their juicy burgers and tasty seafood, like this Oyster Po'Boy. Be sure to order a fried Mac 'n Cheese wedge too - they're out of this world! Located at 415 W Wesmark Blvd, Sumter, SC 29150.
6. Seafood Platter with a huge variety - Harbor Inn Seafood, Greenville
Greenville's family-friendly Harbor Inn Seafood doles out a huge variety of fresh seafood by the pile on this Seafood Platter. Don't worry, if you just can't put this much away all by yourself you can order other seafood meals too! Located at 321 Haywood Rd, Greenville, SC 29607.
7. Lowcountry Boil, a.k.a. Frogmore Stew - The Bait Shack at JC's Seafood, Aiken
JC's mantra is "nothin' fancy, just good seafood." And it's fresh from the coast! JC's opened the bait shack a little over a year ago offering on-premise dining where you're likely to get your Lowcountry Boil for two in a huge plastic takeout bag and then be directed to the covered patio out back to chow down. Yum. Nothin' fancy - just good food. Located at 3189 Whiskey Rd, Aiken, SC 29803.
8. Seafood Platter piled high - Blue Ocean, Clinton
The Fried Seafood Platter at Blue Ocean is piled high! There are other locations in the Upcountry and they're all perfect to get your seafood fix. This one is conveniently located right off Interstate 26 at 12763 SC-56, Clinton, SC 29325.
Hymans Seafood has been around for so long they've become a Lowcountry institution. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu at Hymans, but you can go VERY RIGHT if you order this Crab Cake Po'Boy! Yum. Located at 215 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401.
10. Fried Soft Shell Crab - Flowers Seafood, Edisto Island
For great to-go fresh seafood on Edisto, Flowers is a local favorite! The giant soft shelled crabs are amazing! You can also bring a (huge) cooler and purchase fresh raw seafood here too. Some outdoor seating is available, but none inside. Located at 1914 SC-174, Edisto Island, SC 29438.
No matter where you go in South Carolina you’re never far from a restaurant that serves seafood. These drool-enducing seafood dishes in the Palmetto State are perfect to scratch your seafood itch. Have you tried any of them? We’d love to know in our comments!
Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
