5 Lobster Platters To Try In South Carolina, Including An Ocean-Themed Restaurant

South Carolina’s coastal charm extends beyond its stunning beaches to the delectable seafood treasures found in its restaurants.

As a lobster aficionado who’s spent countless summers sampling the best crustacean creations across the Palmetto State, I’ve discovered some truly unforgettable lobster platters.

From Hilton Head Island to Kiawah Island, these five establishments serve up lobster dishes that showcase the very best of South Carolina’s seafood scene.

1. Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks: Waterfront Lobster Extravaganza

Last summer, I stumbled upon what might be the Holy Grail of lobster dining while visiting Hilton Head Island. Hudson’s Seafood House sits right on the water, where fishing boats deliver their catch directly to the kitchen – talk about fresh! The restaurant’s signature Lowcountry Lobster Platter combines a perfectly steamed 1.5-pound Maine lobster with local shrimp and crab for a seafood trifecta that had me dreaming about it for weeks afterward. What makes this dish extraordinary isn’t just the impeccably prepared lobster, but how they infuse it with subtle Gullah-Geechee flavors that honor the region’s rich culinary heritage.

My server, a lifelong local named Margie, recommended pairing the platter with their house-made corn fritters and a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Pure genius! The restaurant’s weathered wooden dock seating area provides front-row views of dolphins playing in the harbor while you crack into your lobster. Hudson’s doesn’t rely on fancy presentations or trendy techniques. Instead, they focus on letting supremely fresh seafood shine through simple preparation methods perfected over their 50+ years in business.

The restaurant actually began as a processing facility for local oysters back in 1912, and that deep connection to the water permeates everything they do. Pro tip: Come early (around 5 PM) to snag a coveted outdoor table and watch the sunset transform the harbor into a canvas of pinks and oranges while you enjoy your meal. Their lobster sells out regularly, especially during peak tourist season, so reservations are absolutely essential.

2. The Crab Shack: Folly Beach’s Lobster Roll Revolution

Who knew a tiny shack with mismatched chairs and license plates decorating the walls would serve one of the most mouthwatering lobster creations I’ve ever tasted? The Crab Shack at Folly Beach doesn’t look fancy from the outside, but their Jumbo Lobster Roll has changed my definition of seafood perfection. Chunks of sweet lobster meat – and I mean CHUNKS, not those tiny shreds some places try to pass off – overflow from a buttery, toasted split-top roll.

The magic happens when they lightly dress the lobster with just enough Duke’s mayonnaise (a Southern staple) to bind it together without drowning the delicate flavor. A sprinkle of their secret seasoning blend adds the perfect finish. I accidentally discovered this gem while seeking shelter from a sudden summer downpour. The rain proved to be a blessing in disguise! Owner Jimmy Hale sources his lobster from a cousin who runs boats in New England, ensuring quality that rivals anything you’d find in Maine. What makes this roll special is the unexpected Southern twist – they add tiny bits of pickled okra that provide little bursts of brightness against the rich lobster meat.

Paired with their hand-cut potato chips and a cold local beer, it’s the kind of meal that makes you want to cancel all your afternoon plans and order a second round. The restaurant’s laid-back vibe perfectly captures Folly Beach’s casual charm. No white tablecloths or stuffy service here – just plastic baskets, paper towels, and some of the friendliest staff you’ll ever meet. Visit on Thursdays when they offer a special that includes their lobster roll with a side and drink for a surprisingly reasonable price.

3. The Wreck Of The Richard & Charlene: Rustic Lobster Feast With History

Stepping into The Wreck feels like entering a secret club that only seafood insiders know about. Located in an unassuming building that survived Hurricane Hugo, this Mount Pleasant institution isn’t easy to find – and that’s part of its charm! My first visit required following hand-written directions from a local, as GPS led me to a completely wrong location. The Fisherman’s Lobster Platter here tells a story of maritime tradition. Named after the shrimp boat that once occupied this very spot, the restaurant serves a whole split lobster grilled over an open flame and brushed with a mixture of butter, garlic, and Old Bay that’s been in the owner’s family for generations. The slight char on the shell adds a smoky dimension you simply won’t find in steamed preparations elsewhere.

Eating at The Wreck means embracing its quirks – paper plates, plastic utensils, and a cash-only policy that feels refreshingly old-school. The restaurant’s wooden tables sit on a screened porch overlooking Shem Creek, where working shrimp boats still dock each afternoon. What makes their lobster special isn’t fancy culinary techniques but rather the reverence with which they treat seafood. The lobster comes with classic sides – red rice, slow-cooked greens, and hush puppies that achieve the perfect balance between crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

These accompaniments might seem simple, but they provide the perfect Southern backdrop for the star of the show. Fair warning: The Wreck doesn’t take reservations, and lines can form before they even open at 5 PM. My advice? Arrive early, bring cash, and prepare for a lobster experience that feels like a delicious step back in time. The sunset view over the creek is worth any wait.

4. Bowens Island Restaurant: Marsh-Side Lobster Magic

Confession time: I once drove three hours just to eat at Bowens Island Restaurant after a friend raved about their Lowcountry Lobster Boil. Spoiler alert – it was absolutely worth the journey! This Charleston institution sits on its own private island surrounded by marshland, creating an atmosphere that feels worlds away from the nearby city bustle. The restaurant’s weathered exterior might make first-timers question their decision, but locals know that behind those graffiti-covered walls lies seafood nirvana.

Their Lowcountry Lobster Boil arrives in a metal bucket brimming with whole lobster, local blue crabs, shrimp, corn, potatoes, and andouille sausage – all gloriously seasoned and steamed together until the flavors meld into something greater than their parts. Owner Robert Barber, whose family has operated Bowens since 1946, explained to me how they cook everything in seawater collected daily from the surrounding marsh. This traditional technique imparts a natural salinity that commercial salt could never replicate. The lobster meat emerges impossibly tender and infused with hints of the accompanying ingredients. Eating here is a delightfully messy affair.

Newspaper covers the tables, mallets are provided for cracking shells, and conversations pause only for the occasional satisfied sigh. The restaurant’s massive windows showcase stunning sunset views over the marshland, where oyster pickers can sometimes be spotted harvesting from the restaurant’s private beds. Bowens earned a James Beard America’s Classic Award, but you’d never know it from their humble approach. They don’t accept reservations and often have lines stretching out the door. My insider tip: visit on weekdays around 4:30 PM to beat the rush, and order their housemade bread pudding for dessert – the perfect sweet ending to a savory seafood adventure.

5. The Ocean Room At The Sanctuary: Elegant Lobster Indulgence

Sometimes a special occasion calls for extraordinary dining, and my anniversary dinner at The Ocean Room was exactly that – a lobster experience that felt like a culinary journey. Nestled within The Sanctuary Hotel on Kiawah Island, this restaurant elevates seafood to an art form while maintaining a distinctly South Carolinian identity. Their Surf & Turf Spectacular features a butter-poached lobster tail alongside a 45-day dry-aged filet mignon that literally melts in your mouth. Chef Kyle Bowling sources his lobsters from a small Maine cooperative that practices sustainable harvesting methods, ensuring each tail is impeccably fresh and ethically sourced.

The lobster receives a gentle poach in clarified butter infused with vanilla and sea salt – an unexpected combination that somehow enhances the natural sweetness of the meat. The restaurant’s atmosphere matches the sophistication of the food. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame Atlantic Ocean views, while the interior’s nautical-themed elegance includes hand-carved wooden wave patterns and stunning blue glass installations that evoke underwater scenes. Even the butter served with fresh-baked bread arrives shaped like seashells! Unlike many upscale establishments, The Ocean Room avoids pretension. Our server, Brandon, displayed encyclopedic knowledge about every dish but delivered information with warm Southern hospitality rather than stuffy formality.

When I couldn’t decide between wine pairings, he brought small tastings of both options – a thoughtful touch that exemplified their approach to service. Yes, this is undoubtedly the splurge option on my list, but sometimes we deserve culinary indulgence. Reservations are essential, often weeks in advance for weekend dinners. Request a window table during your reservation for the full experience, and consider arriving early to enjoy a craft cocktail in The Sanctuary’s lobby bar before your meal.