I Hit South Carolina’s Backroads To Try 14 Hidden Seafood Shacks, 6 Truly Outstanding
Traveling South Carolina’s backroads led me to seafood shacks that feel like well-kept secrets.
From quiet coastal corners to tucked-away inland spots, each shack serves seafood fresh from the waters, bursting with flavor.
The aroma of frying fish and sizzling shrimp fills the air, drawing in locals who know where to find the best bites.
A few of these hidden gems stood out, offering dishes so memorable they turn any detour into a culinary adventure.
1. A&A Seafood Shack – Santee, South Carolina
Most people associate Santee with freshwater fishing, but this spot at 505 Bass Drive proves they know their way around all types of seafood.
The shack sits inland, away from the coast, yet manages to serve shrimp and fish that rival anything you’d find beachside.
The secret involves daily deliveries and a kitchen that treats every order like it matters.
Catfish remains a menu star, fried to golden perfection with a cornmeal crust that crunches satisfyingly.
But the shrimp and grits deserve attention too, with creamy grits that support plump, well-seasoned shrimp.
The combination of coastal seafood and Lowcountry cooking techniques creates something special that reflects South Carolina’s diverse culinary traditions.
Expect a wait during lunch hours when locals pack the small dining room. The staff works efficiently to turn tables without rushing anyone through their meal.
2. Bowens Island Restaurant – Charleston, South Carolina ★
Oyster roasts here feel like stepping into a salty time capsule where nothing has changed since 1946. Located at 1870 Bowens Island Road in Charleston, this place doesn’t bother with fancy menus or Instagram-worthy plating. Instead, you get steamed oysters by the bucket, cracked crab claws, and shrimp so fresh they practically jumped from the creek to your plate.
The building itself looks like it survived a few hurricanes and decided to stick around out of pure stubbornness. Picnic tables wobble on uneven floors, and the walls are covered in decades of graffiti and business cards. But when you crack open that first oyster and taste the briny sweetness, you’ll understand why locals guard this spot like a state secret.
Cash only, so hit the ATM before you arrive.
3. Flowers Seafood Company – Edisto Island, South Carolina
Commercial fishing boats unload their catch right next to the restaurant at 1914 Highway 174 on Edisto Island, which explains why everything tastes impossibly fresh.
Flowers operates as both a seafood market and restaurant, so you can buy raw seafood to cook at your rental or let them handle the cooking.
Either way, you’re getting the same quality that gets shipped to high-end restaurants across the state.
The fried shrimp basket showcases what proper frying technique looks like when combined with shrimp caught that morning.
Crab cakes hold together without being bready, and the fish of the day actually changes based on what the boats brought in.
Simple sides like red rice and collard greens round out the plates.
Market hours differ from restaurant hours, so call ahead if you’re planning to buy seafood to go.
Locals shop here for special occasions, which tells you everything about quality.
4. The Sea Shack – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina ★
Bright blue walls and reggae music greet you at 6 Executive Park Road in Hilton Head, where the vibe is more Caribbean vacation than Lowcountry tradition.
This shack proves that not all hidden gems need to look ancient to serve incredible seafood.
Their fish tacos are legendary among locals who sneak away from the resort crowds to grab lunch here every week.
Order the shrimp po’boy if you want to understand what perfectly seasoned and fried seafood tastes like.
The remoulade sauce has just enough kick to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming the delicate shrimp.
Portions are generous enough to share, though you probably won’t want to. Outdoor seating fills up fast during peak season, so plan accordingly.
The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for families with sandy kids straight from the beach
5. The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene – Mount Pleasant, South Carolina ★
Perched on Shem Creek at 106 Haddrell Street in Mount Pleasant, this restaurant literally sits where a shrimp boat met its final resting place.
Walking across the creaky dock to reach the entrance feels like an adventure, especially when shrimp boats glide past during dinner service.
The setting alone makes this spot worth finding, but the food keeps people coming back for decades.
Fresh catch specials change daily based on what boats bring in that morning.
Fried flounder arrives golden and flaky, while the she-crab soup is rich without being heavy.
Sunset views from the outdoor deck turn a regular meal into something memorable, especially when dolphins surface nearby.
Locals recommend arriving before six to snag waterfront seating. The staff knows regulars by name and treats newcomers like old friends.
6. Fishcamp on 11th Street – Port Royal, South Carolina
Marsh views stretch for miles from the deck at 1699 11th Street in Port Royal, where Fishcamp serves up coastal cooking with a side of serious scenery.
The building itself embraces the weathered look that comes from decades of salt air and coastal storms.
Inside, the atmosphere stays relaxed and friendly, with staff who genuinely seem happy you chose their restaurant.
Blackened mahi tacos come topped with a mango salsa that adds sweetness without being cloying.
The grouper basket is always a solid choice, with thick fillets that stay moist under a crispy coating.
Sunset timing turns dinner into a show, with the sky putting on color displays that rival any fireworks.
Reservations aren’t accepted, so be prepared to wait during peak dining hours. The bar area offers a good selection of local beers while you wait for your table.
7. The Shrimp Shack – St. Helena Island, South Carolina ★
Finding this tiny spot at 1925 Sea Island Parkway on St. Helena Island requires paying attention, or you’ll blow right past it.
The building looks more like someone’s backyard shed than a restaurant, which is exactly why the seafood tastes so authentic.
Everything gets cooked to order in a kitchen barely bigger than a closet, and the wait is always worth it.
Gullah influences show up in every dish, from the okra gumbo to the perfectly seasoned boiled shrimp.
The family running the place has been serving this community for generations, and their recipes haven’t changed because they don’t need to.
Order the shrimp burger if you want something different from the usual fried platters.
Seating is limited to a few picnic tables under a tin roof. Cash only, and they close when they run out of seafood for the day.
8. SeeWee Restaurant – Awendaw, South Carolina ★
Highway 17 North brings you to 4804 North Highway 17 in Awendaw, where SeeWee Restaurant has been feeding hungry travelers since way back when.
The name comes from the SeeWee tribe that once called this area home, and the restaurant honors that history by serving straightforward coastal cooking without any pretense.
Fried shrimp platters arrive piled high with hushpuppies and coleslaw that actually tastes homemade.
What sets this place apart is consistency. You can visit in January or July and get the same quality every single time.
The catfish is always crispy outside and tender inside, and the crab cakes contain more crab than filler, which is rarer than you’d think.
Portions are massive, so consider sharing unless you’re really hungry. The sweet tea is strong enough to wake you up for the rest of your drive.
9. A.W. Shuck’s Seafood Shack – Charleston, South Carolina
Right in the heart of Charleston, A.W. Shuck’s manages to maintain a casual shack vibe despite being surrounded by the city’s tourist district.
The raw bar stays busy from lunch through late night, with shuckers working at impressive speeds to keep up with oyster orders.
Half-shell oysters come from local waters and change with the seasons, giving regulars a reason to try something new each visit.
Steamed mussels arrive swimming in a garlic butter broth that demands bread for soaking.
The clam chowder is creamy without being heavy, and the fried oyster basket proves that sometimes simple preparation lets quality ingredients shine.
Despite the downtown location, prices stay reasonable compared to fancier nearby restaurants.
The bar area gets loud and crowded on weekends. Arrive during off-hours if you prefer a quieter meal with easier parking nearby. You will find this spot at 208 King Street.
10. Whaley’s – Edisto Beach, South Carolina ★
Tucked away at 2801 Myrtle Street on Edisto Beach, Whaley’s operates on island time, which means relaxing and forgetting whatever stressed you out before arrival.
This family-owned spot doesn’t try to compete with fancy Charleston restaurants, and that’s exactly why it succeeds.
The menu focuses on doing a few things exceptionally well rather than offering everything under the sun.
Their steamed shrimp comes seasoned with a spice blend that locals try to replicate at home without success.
Grouper sandwiches feature thick, fresh fillets that hang over the bun edges.
The atmosphere stays casual enough that sandy feet and beach hair fit right in with the crowd.
Limited hours mean checking before you drive out there.
The staff remembers repeat visitors and their usual orders, creating a neighborhood feel even for tourists passing through.
11. The Crab Shack – Folly Beach, South Carolina
Folly Beach’s laid-back surf culture shows up in full force at 26 Center Street, where The Crab Shack embraces the island’s quirky personality.
Surfboards hang from the ceiling, and the dress code is basically whatever you wore to the beach that morning.
The menu leans heavily into crabs, obviously, with steamed clusters that require serious napkin supplies and zero shame about messy eating.
Low country boils come loaded with sausage, corn, and potatoes alongside perfectly cooked shrimp.
The seasoning hits that sweet spot between flavorful and actually edible without needing a gallon of water nearby.
Outdoor seating lets you people-watch while cracking shells, and the constant ocean breeze keeps things comfortable even on hot days.
Parking can be tricky during summer weekends. Get there early or be prepared to walk a few blocks from wherever you find a spot.
12. Old Daufuskie Crab Company – Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
Getting to Daufuskie Island requires a ferry ride, which immediately separates this spot from casual diners.
Located at 256 Cooper River Landing Road, Old Daufuskie Crab Company rewards the effort with some of the most authentic island cooking you’ll find anywhere.
The isolation means ingredients come from local waters or not at all, and the kitchen takes advantage of that connection.
Deviled crab sits at the top of must-try items, with a recipe that supposedly dates back generations.
The crab is sweet and plentiful, mixed with just enough seasoning to enhance without masking natural flavors.
Fried oysters come with a cornmeal coating that stays crispy, and the conch fritters introduce many visitors to a seafood they’ve never tried before.
Plan your visit around ferry schedules or you’ll be stuck on the island longer than expected.
The remote location means limited hours and occasional closures.
13. Inlet Crab House & Raw Bar – Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Murrells Inlet earned its reputation as the seafood capital of South Carolina, and this spot at 3572 Highway 17 Business helps prove why.
The raw bar stays stocked with oysters, clams, and shrimp that get shucked and peeled to order.
Watching the shuckers work while you wait for your food provides free entertainment, and their speed and skill are genuinely impressive.
Crab legs come by the pound, steamed and ready for cracking with butter on the side.
The she-crab soup is rich and properly seasoned, warming you up on cooler evenings.
Fried seafood platters offer variety if you can’t decide on just one thing, though portions are large enough that leftovers are practically guaranteed.
The location along the Marshwalk means you can stroll before or after dinner.
Live music from nearby venues drifts over on weekends, adding to the festive atmosphere.
14. Bubba’s Fish Shack – Surfside Beach, South Carolina
Walking into 16 S Ocean Blvd in Surfside Beach feels like entering a beach party that never ends.
Bubba’s embraces the fun, casual vibe that makes beach vacations memorable, with surf decor and staff who joke around while taking orders.
The menu doesn’t take itself too seriously either, with playful names for dishes that still deliver on flavor and quality.Fish tacos come packed with generous portions of flaky white fish and topped with a cabbage slaw that adds crunch.
The coconut shrimp arrives with a pineapple dipping sauce that balances sweet and tangy perfectly.
Even the kids’ menu offers real seafood options instead of just chicken fingers, which adventurous young eaters appreciate.
The location near the beach means sandy floors are expected and accepted. Outdoor seating fills up quickly when weather cooperates, so grab a spot when you can