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With Charleston being surrounded by water, it’s no surprise that seafood here is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. With tons of options for seafood restaurants, it may be hard to narrow down just where to go, so here are some of our favorite spots around town.
Starting off this list is not a restaurant, but Charleston’s premier fish market. Located on Folly Rd., Crosby’s has a long-standing reputation of being one of the finest suppliers of seafood in the Lowcountry. They feature an ever-changing, yet always high-quality, massive selection of fresh seafood from the Charleston area local fishermen for you to take home and enjoy with the family. While you’re there, be sure to order any number of fresh-cooked seafood selections they have on their menu – from soft shell crab sandwiches to fried flounder.
Coast is located in the alley off of John St and is widely regarded as one of the best seafood spots in Charleston. Listed by Explore Charleston as one of the 24 best spots to get oysters in the Holy City, Coast also brings its own style and flair to seafood with a wood-burning grill which gives their fresh catch of the day a different and amazing flavor.
Fleet Landing
Located literally on a dock extending into the water in Charleston’s historic district, Fleet Landing has been a local favorite for a number of years. With daily fresh catches, fried seafood platters, and plenty of good ol’ fried Southern food to go around, Fleet Landing is family-friendly and well known as a great place to go where there’s something on the menu for everyone.
One of Charleston’s newest and most popular restaurants, 167 Raw offers up a unique seafood experience. Located on East Bay St., their menu features a selection of oysters, samplers, fish tacos, and plenty more. However, 167 Raw is particularly lauded for its famous Lobster Roll, which many consider to be one of the best in Charleston.
Found on Upper King and one of the newest restaurants on this list is The Darling Oyster Bar. As the name suggests, their raw bar is their main feature and they usually have several different types of oysters from a variety of locations every night. Check them out for happy hour for dollar oysters and $2 Miller High Life ponies. In addition, they also have several hot entrees including a fresh market catch.
Right in the middle of downtown Charleston, just a short walk from the Market on Hayne St. is Hank’s Seafood, which has been considered the standard for seafood in Charleston for years. With an expansive menu featuring tons of different options, you can’t go wrong at Hank’s. Their grilled swordfish with fried okra is a particular favorite amongst long-time fans. Hank’s has certainly earned its high reputation and is one of the best places to stop in The Holy City.
On Upper King sits The Ordinary, a beautiful restaurant with a bar that is always packed with people. The Ordinary is anything but and features an extensive raw bar, both hot and cold appetizers and entrees, a fantastic lineup of daily specials and their signature shellfish tower. The Ordinary has been critically acclaimed as one of the best overall restaurants Charleston has to offer.