12 Best Restaurants on the Water in Charleston, SC – Immerse in the Seafood Delights

Charleston, SC, often referred to as the crown jewel of the South Carolina coastline, brims with a unique charm and a rich tapestry of history, enchanting beaches, and historic landmarks.

Notably, Charleston also boasts an impressive culinary scene with its waterfront restaurants, making it an unrivaled destination for food enthusiasts. These waterfront dining spots not only present fresh seafood and local Lowcountry cuisine, but they also offer picturesque views of the harbor, the ocean, and creeks.

Let’s embark on a culinary tour that will introduce you to the 12 best restaurants on the water in Charleston, SC that you simply must experience.

An Iconic Dining Experience at Fleet Landing

Fleet Landing, nestled on Concord Street adjacent to the Charleston Maritime Center and the Waterfront Park, is an integral part of Charleston’s vibrant dining scene. The restaurant, housed in a converted naval building since 2002, offers a perfect blend of a casual ambiance with stunning water views.

Fleet Landing is the ideal place to savor classic Southern dishes that carry a distinct seafood flair. Their menu boasts of delicacies like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, and crab cakes.

The restaurant’s specials such as Wednesday’s lobster night and Sunday’s prime rib night are also crowd-pleasers. Fleet Landing’s promise of a great meal extends to their Saturday and Sunday brunches, where visitors can enjoy both the food and the captivating views. The lively weekend music further enhances the dining experience.

Fleet Landing serves as a prime example of the fantastic waterfront restaurants Charleston, SC has to offer.

Address: 186 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401

Phone: (843) 722-8100

Family-Friendly Fun at Charleston Crab House

For those in search of the best seafood in Charleston, SC, the Charleston Crab House serves as the ultimate culinary destination. With two convenient locations, one on James Island overlooking Wappoo Creek and the other on Market Street in downtown Charleston, this eatery promises a fun-filled and family-friendly environment.

As its name suggests, the Charleston Crab House is a paradise for crab lovers. From various crab legs, crab cakes, and crab dips to crab soups, the menu caters to every crab craving.

Beyond crabs, diners can also enjoy an array of other seafood options like oysters, shrimp, scallops, fish, and lobster. The restaurant’s rooftop bar at the downtown location provides a lovely spot to enjoy a drink while soaking in the vibrant cityscape.

This is one of the Charleston, SC restaurants on the water that caters to both your palate and your love for great views.

Addresses:

• 145 Wappoo Creek Dr, Charleston, SC 29412 (James Island)
• 41 S Market St, Charleston, SC 29401 (Downtown)

Phones:

• (843) 795-1963 (James Island)
• (843) 853-2900 (Downtown)

Relaxing Ambiance at Red’s Ice House

For a relaxed and dog-friendly dining spot, Red’s Ice House, located on Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, fits the bill perfectly. With ample outdoor seating and docking space for boats, it stands as a favored hangout spot for both locals and visitors alike.

The menu at Red’s Ice House includes an array of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, tacos, and seafood platters. The grouper sandwich, trash can nachos, shrimp po’boy, and fried seafood basket consistently rank among the favorites. The restaurant also offers daily live music and holds a trivia night every Tuesday, creating a lively atmosphere.

This laid-back venue truly embodies the spirit of Charleston restaurants on the water, making it a must-visit.

Address: 98 Church St, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

Phone: (843) 388-0003

Discover a Blend of Rustic Charm and Modern Elegance at Tavern & Table

Overlooking Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant is Tavern & Table, a restaurant that harmoniously blends rustic charm with modern elegance. This upscale restaurant boasts a large bar area and a cozy fireplace indoors while offering panoramic creek and marsh views from its outdoor deck.

Tavern & Table’s menu showcases local and seasonal ingredients in dishes that blend Southern comfort food with global flavors. Highlights include the bison burger, fried chicken sandwich, shrimp toast, and wood-fired pizzas. Paired with their extensive wine list, craft cocktails, and local beers on tap, the dining experience here is second to none.

This restaurant is one of the Charleston waterfront restaurants that brings together great food, drinks, and nature.

Address: 100 Church St., Mt Pleasant SC 29464

Phone: (843) 352-9510

Dine at the Only Beachfront Restaurant in Charleston, BLU Restaurant & Bar

Located on the first floor of the Tides Hotel on Folly Beach, BLU Restaurant & Bar is a unique dining spot. As the only beachfront restaurant in Charleston, BLU offers an exceptional experience with a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean from every seat.

BLU’s menu features sustainable seafood and local contemporary cuisine with vibrant flavors. Whether it’s the baja fish tacos, crab cake benedict, shrimp and grits, or grilled salmon, each dish is an adventure of its own. For drinks, the full bar offers signature cocktails, wine, and beer. For a more intimate dining experience, guests can rent a private cabana.

When it comes to restaurants in Charleston, SC on the water, BLU Restaurant & Bar stands in a league of its own.

Address: 1 Center St, Folly Beach, SC 29439

Phone: (843) 588-6658

Unravel Italian Delights at Coda del Pesce

Coda del Pesce is an Italian-inspired seafood restaurant perched on the shores of the Isle of Palms. With views of the Atlantic that are as breathtaking as the cuisine, every seat in the house offers a spectacular ocean vista. Their menu showcases the freshest local seafood from Charleston’s very own waters, all prepared with an Italian touch. You can indulge in dishes such as Linguine Alle Vongole (clams linguine) or Pesce alla Livornese (seafood in tomato sauce). A must-visit destination for seafood lovers, Coda del Pesce provides a unique waterfront dining experience with an Italian twist.

Website: https://www.codadelpesce.com/

Address: 1130 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms SC 29451

Phone: (843) 242-8570

Saltwater Cowboys: Embrace Rustic Charm and Variety

Nestled on a marshy island on Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, the rustic and cozy Saltwater Cowboys offers breathtaking views of the creek and wildlife. Here, they serve a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes, from local seafood to savory barbecue. Whether it’s their famous trash can nachos, smoked wings, fried oysters, pulled pork, brisket, ribs, or more, this is a place that promises to satisfy your palate. Enjoy a relaxing time at their dockside bar or soak up the sun on their rooftop deck.

Visit their website for more information.

Address: 130 Mill St., Mt Pleasant SC 29464

Phone: (843) 856-0700

Charleston Harbor Fish House: Sophisticated Dining with a View

Located at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina in Mount Pleasant, Charleston Harbor Fish House is one of the top waterfront restaurants in Charleston, SC. This sophisticated yet relaxed restaurant offers stunning views of the Charleston skyline, the Ravenel Bridge, and the USS Yorktown. Indulge in fresh local seafood, steaks, salads, sandwiches, and burgers, or sip on a variety of drinks from their full bar, including craft cocktails, wine, and beer.

Visit their website for more information.

Address: 32 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

Phone: (843) 284-7070

Bowen’s Island Restaurant: An Icon of Charleston Seafood

Bowen’s Island Restaurant, a legendary seafood joint, has been serving locals and visitors since 1946. Located on a small island off Folly Road, surrounded by marshes and oyster beds, it’s an iconic Charleston SC restaurant on water. The rustic and casual vibe, with wooden walls covered with graffiti and memorabilia, gives this place a unique charm. Enjoy simple but delicious offerings like fried or steamed seafood platters, oysters by the bucket, hush puppies, coleslaw, and a cold beer while savoring the spectacular sunset views from the outdoor deck or the rooftop bar.

Check out their website for more information.

Address: 1870 Bowens Island Rd, Charleston, SC 29412

Phone: (843) 795-2757

Water’s Edge: Elegance on Shem Creek

As its name suggests, Water’s Edge sits on Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, offering refined and elegant waterfront dining. This Charleston waterfront restaurant specializes in contemporary American cuisine with a focus on seafood. You’ll find exquisite dishes like crab cakes, lobster bisque, shrimp and scallops, and tuna tartare on their menu. They also serve steaks, pasta, salads, and desserts, while their full bar boasts an extensive wine list, cocktails, and beer.

Explore their website for more details.

Address: 1407 Shrimp Boat Ln., Mt Pleasant SC 29464

Phone: (843) 884-4074

Vickery’s Bar & Grill: Casual Dining with a Buzz

Over at Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, Vickery’s Bar & Grill promises a casual and lively dining experience. This restaurant, featuring a spacious indoor dining area with a fireplace and a bar, as well as a large outdoor deck with a dock and a gazebo, offers a variety of dishes that will appeal to any palate. Savor salads, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, tacos, pasta, and seafood, or enjoy daily specials such as half-price burgers on Mondays and all-you-can-eat crab legs on Thursdays.

Visit their website for more details.

Address: 1313 Shrimp Boat Ln., Mt Pleasant SC 29464

Phone: (843) 884-4440

The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene: A Hidden Gem on Shem Creek

Named after a shrimp boat that sank during Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and now displayed on the property, The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene is a hidden gem among the restaurants in Charleston, SC on the water. This rustic and cozy spot serves simple but delicious offerings like fried or broiled seafood platters, hush puppies, coleslaw, and french fries, which you can enjoy with the beautiful views of the creek and the marsh from the outdoor patio.

Their website has more information.

Address: 106 Haddrell St., Mt Pleasant SC 29464

Phone: (843) 884-0052

Marina Variety Store Restaurant: A Family Tradition

Located at the Charleston City Marina in downtown Charleston, the Marina Variety Store Restaurant is a family-owned and operated business serving locals and visitors since 1963. Known for its Southern-style breakfast and a seafood-focused lunch and dinner, it’s a popular spot among the restaurants in Charleston, SC on the water. Savor dishes like green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, crab cakes, fried flounder, and oyster stew while enjoying scenic views of the Ashley River and the marina.

Check out their website for more details.

Address: 17 Lockwood Dr., Charleston SC 29401

Phone: (843) 723-6325

RB’s Seafood Restaurant: Seafood Galore on Shem Creek

RB’s Seafood Restaurant, located on Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, is a Charleston SC restaurant on water that has been serving fresh and local seafood since 1979. The cozy and inviting atmosphere, along with a menu offering dishes like oysters, clams, mussels, crab legs, shrimp, scallops, fish, and lobster, makes it a favorite spot for seafood lovers.

For more information, visit their website.

Address: 97 Church St., Mt Pleasant SC 29464

Phone: (843) 881-0466

The Boathouse at Breach Inlet

The Boathouse at Breach Inlet is a waterfront restaurant that’s located on Isle of Palms, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired in 1861. It carries a sense of history along with an elegant ambiance, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu is broad, featuring fresh local seafood, as well as steaks, chicken, pork, and lamb. Salads, soups, appetizers, and desserts are also available. Patrons can enjoy a full bar with cocktails, wine, and beer. The Boathouse at Breach Inlet opens for dinner daily.

Website: https://boathouserestaurants.com/

Address: 101 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms SC 29451

Phone: (843) 886-8000

Conclusion

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, seeking a lavish spread or a casual feast, the waterfront dining scene in Charleston, SC has a diverse range of options to suit your preferences. From the rustic, island ambiance of Saltwater Cowboys, the legendary Bowen’s Island Restaurant serving seafood since 1946, to the historic elegance of The Boathouse at Breach Inlet and the Italian-inspired seafood at Coda del Pesce, there’s truly something for everyone.

But the dining experience in South Carolina isn’t limited to Charleston. Explore the wider culinary delights of the state by discovering the variety of restaurants in Myrtle Beach, the hidden gems of Bluffton, and the diverse dining options of Greenville.

In case you are looking for more waterfront dining options, the restaurants in Southport, NC, also offer a fantastic experience. South Carolina is known for its scenic islands. Learn more about the Barrier Islands and other Islands of South Carolina to plan your next excursion.

Ultimately, Charleston’s waterfront restaurants not only offer the best seafood but also a visual and gastronomic experience that truly reflects the spirit of South Carolina.

The combination of locally-sourced fresh seafood, distinctive regional flavors, breathtaking waterfront views, and the warm, welcoming Southern hospitality make dining at these restaurants on the water in Charleston, SC an unforgettable experience. So, grab a seat, enjoy the view, and let the rich, varied flavors of Charleston’s waterfront dining sweep you off your feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some popular waterfront restaurants in Charleston, SC?

There are numerous popular waterfront restaurants in Charleston, SC. Some of these include Saltwater Cowboys, Charleston Harbor Fish House, Bowen’s Island Restaurant, Water’s Edge, Vickery’s Bar & Grill, The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene, Marina Variety Store Restaurant, RB’s Seafood Restaurant, The Boathouse at Breach Inlet, and Coda del Pesce.

2. Which Charleston, SC restaurants offer the best seafood?

Charleston, SC is renowned for its seafood, and many waterfront restaurants specialize in seafood dishes. Some of these include Bowen’s Island Restaurant, RB’s Seafood Restaurant, The Boathouse at Breach Inlet, and Coda del Pesce.

3. Do these restaurants offer other dishes apart from seafood?

Yes, while these restaurants are known for their seafood, they also offer a variety of other dishes. This can range from steaks, chicken, and pork at The Boathouse at Breach Inlet, to the Southern-style breakfast at Marina Variety Store Restaurant, and the Italian-influenced menu at Coda del Pesce.

4. Do these waterfront restaurants offer both indoor and outdoor seating?

Yes, most of these waterfront restaurants in Charleston, SC offer both indoor and outdoor seating options. Restaurants like Saltwater Cowboys, Charleston Harbor Fish House, Water’s Edge, and The Boathouse at Breach Inlet offer beautiful outdoor seating options with stunning waterfront views.

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