Waterfront dining is Charleston is somewhat of a hot commodity, especially downtown of course, seeing it’s completely surrounded by the sea. With so many winding creeks or just the plain ocean around, there’s some serious real estate for restaurants seeking to please diners with a waterfront view. Seafood lovers – you’re in luck! Here’s a list of some of our top picks for dining on the water around Charleston.
James Island
1870 Bowens Island Road, Charleston, SC 29412
No one does up seafood on James Island quite like Bowen’s Island Restaurant can. Since 2006, they’ve been serving up some of the Lowcountry’s best seafood snacks. The shack sits at the back of a long dirt road, a bit secluded from the “real world” for ultimate privacy. It gives you a real sense of stepping into the Lowcountry and a chance to see just why it’s so beloved. In fact, its’ seclusion deemed it a hidden gem that mostly just locals frequented until word got around just how tasty their eats were.
The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating, but trust me, you’ll want to make sure to snag an outdoor seat. The wraparound porch has many seats facing the water, and gives you a chance at getting an unforgettable view, especially if you choose to dine during sunset. Regardless whether you choose to dine in or outdoors, you’ll be blessed with warm, string lighting and general rustic decor that just adds to the stellar ambiance.
Enough about the (stunning) views, let’s talk about the food! Bowen’s has truly mastered all things seafood, specializing in dishes like Low Country Boil and homey Shrimp and Grits. The menu also features endless ways to mix and match seafood platters, all adorned with fresh oysters, shrimp, or crab cakes (or tenders, if seafood makes you squeam). Don’t skip out on their appetizers, either, as the menu features shrimp cocktails, crab dip, fried green tomatoes, salads prepared with seasonal greens, fruits, and veggies, and my personal favorites, boiled peanuts or pimento cheese. While the entree and platter menu stays relatively calm, the appetizers are where you can really start to spice up your experience.
And of course, their drink menu offers everything, from draft, imported, and domestic beers, liquor, and even mixed drinks. The restaurant actually has three separate units, one of which is lower to the water and dedicated as the best spot in town to enjoy a drink. Even if you aren’t a seafood fan or just looking to share a cold one with friends, you can still enjoy this spot.
Bowen’s Island restaurant is an absolute must visit – for locals, or even better, adventurous tourists willing to explore cuisine that’s a bit off the beaten path.
James Island
2293 Folly Rd Charleston, SC 29412
On your next ride out to Folly Beach, you won’t wanna miss Lolo’s Seafood. Upon stepping inside, you’ll be met with friendly staff, rustic vibes, and most notably, absolutely unmatched views of the water and Lowcountry marshes. It is set up in somewhat of a diner style, giving you a little bit of a sense of having a “blast from the past.” It’s a great casual spot to meet with friends or to grab a quick bite on the way to or from the beach. Sit indoors and get a window seat, or sit outside and get the true immersive experience and best views of the waters.
Entrees are to be expected for a tasty shack so close to the sea – endless seafood options, like shrimp, oysters, scallops, or filets. Burgers and tenders are available for those who just aren’t feeling seafood. Sides may be the most unique part, offering sides like she-crab soup, shrimp and crab dip, and fan favorite buffalo shrimp bites. The joint also knows how to do specials right. They change periodically, but a few of their most beloved specials include street corn, Po boy sandwiches, and a Lowcountry crab boil.
This little eatery may be quaint, but that same charm is what keeps bringing everyone back for more.
Mount Pleasant
2379 Highway 41 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466
Charleston Harbor Fish House is the master of “Southern Fare by Land and Sea.” Patriot’s Point is a popular visiting spot for tourists and locals, and fortunately, this fantastic spot is located right there. If you’re ever in town visiting Patriot’s Point, this place is a must-try. Indoor and outdoor seating is available here, and might just be the spot on this list with the best nighttime view in town. In the dark, the city skyline looks better than ever.
They have menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner – really bringing it home on all-day dining. Breakfast is served via buffet, where you can find all your breakfast favorites along with salmon and brisket hash. Lunch offers lighter, refreshing choices like salads, crispy sandwiches, and Italian options with a seafood flare. Dinner takes things up a notch with highly appraised seafood platters, roasted fish, and crispy groupers. They know how to take a foundation of seafood and mix and match it with other fun cuisine.
Mount Pleasant
130 Mill St. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Saltwater Cowboys is the absolute epitome of evening waterfront dining in Charleston. Come day or night – and you’ll see enthusiastic crowds of all ages. Perfect views of Shem Creek, warm lighting, and good vibes are always present here.
But it’s more than just the aesthetics that keeps Saltwater so popular. Their story began in the 1980’s with the Boals family. Ronnie Boals originally had his own seafood eatery. This spot would eventually set the tone for what Shem Creek would later become. His family would go on to carry on the seafood restaurant family tradition, and Saltwater Cowboys was built upon these same values. So, next time you’re enjoying a night out on Shem Creek, you can thank the Boals family for that!
This joint blends seafood (of course) with a little tex-mex flare. Starters include Mexican street corn, crab dips, and their famous trash can nachos (the best!). You’ll also find a variety of unique, zesty salads, Southern shrimp and grits, poke bowls, barbecue, burgers, and tacos. As you look through the menu, you’ll quickly realize that this place is a go-to for friends of all dietary preferences, since they really have so much. It’s the easiest way to please everyone in a beautiful place where you can also have some fun.
Aside from the delicious food, Saltwater Cowboys knows how to bring a crowd together. Their online calendar shows their frequent, and out-of-the-ordinary events that really makes them stand out in the crowd. Plan your visit during an event for a truly unforgettable experience.
West Ashley
1 Ashley Point Dr, Charleston, SC 29407
Alright, a lot of us have probably been to a California Dreaming location somewhere or another, but Charleston offers this spot on the next level. Charleston boasts one of the companies few waterfront locations, and guests can’t get enough. It sits a bit isolated from the commotion downtown, and gives diners a glimpse of the city skyline and the river.
You’ll get a bit of oysters, crab dip, and seafood pastas, but you’ll also get those Nashville hot wings, chicken breasts, and pork chops that you probably already associate the joint with. The difference? You get breathtaking views during your visit. You can even access this location by boat!
They recommend making reservations, especially on weekends and evenings.
Downtown
186 Concord St. Charleston, SC 29401
Fleet Landing is unmistakably known specifically for waterfront dining downtown, and we think it’s for good reason. If you’re looking for waterfront dining, this might actually be the closest you can get to dining on the water without getting wet! A large portion of the restaurant actually sits on a “dock,” and was designed special to look and feel like you’re aboard a ship while inside. Design choices with a self proclaimed “maritime chic interior” absolutely reads, along with a little Southern diner feel.
They’ve got a whopping amount of menus – lunch, dinner, raw bar, dessert, bar, and gluten free and vegan menus as well. Among these menus, you’ll find seafood towers, crab bruschetta, crispy flounder, shrimp and grits, crab cakes, a “fresh catch,” creme brǔlěe, key lime pies, gumbo – the list goes on. It truly is a seafood lovers’ wonderland.
One thing to keep in mind if you’re feeling some Fleet Landing is their reservation system. The joint strongly recommends reserving your party ahead of time, especially if you plan to dine on a weekend or any evening. Since it is a boat seating may be somewhat limited. They actually recommend making your reservations several weeks in advance. So, if you’re reading this on the couch on a Friday night trying to decide where to go dine tonight, this might be a spot you choose for a weekend in the near future. Use the link on their webpage to reserve your party.
Downtown
9 Lockwood Dr, Charleston, SC 29401
Marina Variety Store Restaurant knows how to serve up seafood the old-school way. This spot is extremely charming an offers a great views of the marina on the western side of the peninsula. It’s small, but adorable, and set up like an old school diner.
As far as the food goes, feel welcome to dine for either breakfast, lunch, or dinner. For breakfast, think classic Southern but with a marine twist. Benedicts, omelets, shrimp and grits, and of course, seafood platters. If you’re looking for a true classic, try their Georgia hash browns, biscuits and gravy or country fried steak. For lunch and dinner, enjoy one of their unique sandwiches, salads, including the famous “Boathouse Spinach,” seafood platters, or even tenders and burgers for the seafood-weary. The snacks may be the best part – crispy alligator tail, fried green tomatoes, and coconut shrimp, along with a plethora of classic country sides.
MVSR is a true local experience. Many restaurants downtown, especially those that are on the water, really try to sell you on the promise of an upscale experience. But Marina Variety Store Restaurant sells you on what they know best – the basics.
Sea and Savor
One thing that each of these things have in common (other than the seafood) is one of the most beautiful sites in the southeast – the waters of the Lowcountry. Interior design and decorations have endless possibilities to switch it up, but views never change. So no matter where you decide to wine or dine, we’re confident that you”ll make unforgettable memories.
