12 Scenic South Carolina Spots Where The Lowcountry Charm Is On The Plate And The Horizon
South Carolina’s Lowcountry offers a magical blend of breathtaking coastal views and mouthwatering Southern cuisine. These restaurants capture the essence of Lowcountry living.
Whether you’re craving fresh-caught seafood or traditional Gullah-inspired dishes, these dining spots deliver unforgettable meals with a side of spectacular scenery.
1. Coast Bar & Grill: Where Ocean Meets Plate
Waves crash just steps from your table at this Hilton Head Island treasure. The seafood arrives so fresh you might spot the fishing boats that delivered your dinner earlier that day.
Their signature peel-and-eat shrimp arrive perfectly seasoned, while the blackened mahi-mahi practically melts in your mouth.
As the sun sets, live music mingles with ocean breezes on the expansive beachfront patio.
2. The Obstinate Daughter: Sullivan’s Island Elegance
Named for the Revolutionary War’s Sullivan’s Island ‘obstinate daughter’ nickname, this gem blends history with culinary innovation. Sunlight streams through oversized windows framing breathtaking marsh views.
I still dream about their crab spaghetti – a silky tangle of handmade pasta embracing sweet local crabmeat.
Their wood-fired pizzas emerge blistered and perfect, often topped with seasonal ingredients harvested that morning from nearby farms.
3. Bowen’s Island Restaurant: Raw Authenticity
Rustic doesn’t begin to describe this beloved Charleston institution. Decades of oyster shells form a mountain outside this weathered wooden building perched above Folly Creek.
Grab a communal table, roll up your sleeves, and prepare for bushels of steaming local oysters dumped unceremoniously before you. The no-frills approach belies the absolute perfection of their seafood.
As pelicans dive nearby, you’ll understand why locals have fiercely guarded this secret for generations.
4. Hot Fish Club: Historic Harbor Dining
Housed in Murrells Inlet’s oldest restaurant building, Hot Fish Club exudes maritime charm. Fishing boats bob gently in view as pelicans patrol the harbor. Their she-crab soup achieves the perfect balance – rich and velvety without overwhelming the delicate crab flavor.
My family has celebrated every major milestone here for three generations, always ordering the crab-stuffed flounder that’s become our tradition.
5. Lady’s Island Dockside: Sunset Seafood Paradise
Perched perfectly for sunset-watching over Factory Creek, this Beaufort favorite delivers unpretentious Lowcountry cooking. The wooden deck extends over the water, creating the sensation of dining aboard a stationary boat.
Their Lowcountry boil arrives piled high with red potatoes, corn, sausage, and shrimp so fresh they were swimming that morning.
The blackened grouper sandwich deserves its legendary status – flaky fish with just enough spice to make your taste buds dance.
6. The Swamp Fox: Downtown Charleston Elegance
Tucked inside the historic Francis Marion Hotel, The Swamp Fox offers a refined take on Lowcountry cuisine. Crisp white tablecloths and attentive service create an atmosphere of understated luxury overlooking Marion Square.
Their shrimp and grits might be the city’s finest – creamy stone-ground grits supporting plump local shrimp in a sauce that balances richness with subtle heat.
Piano music tinkles softly as you savor their legendary she-crab soup, crowned with a perfect splash of sherry.
7. Virginia’s on King: Charleston’s Southern Soul
Family recipes shine at this King Street institution, where generations of Charlestonians have celebrated special occasions. Sunlight streams through tall windows, illuminating the historic dining room with its original heart pine floors.
Their fried chicken achieves the impossible – a crackling golden exterior protecting impossibly juicy meat. Back in 2018, I brought my Northern in-laws here, and they still talk about the okra soup that changed their minds about Southern cooking forever.
8. Magnolias: Lowcountry Pioneer
Since 1990, Magnolias has defined sophisticated Southern cuisine from its East Bay Street perch. The exposed brick walls and white tablecloths create an atmosphere that’s simultaneously elegant and welcoming.
Their Lowcountry bouillabaisse marries traditional French technique with local seafood bounty – shrimp, scallops, and fish swimming in a saffron-kissed broth.
The parmesan-crusted flounder consistently wows first-time visitors who often exclaim, “I never knew fish could taste this good!”
9. Florence’s Lowcountry Kitchen: Gullah Geechee Heritage
Honoring the matriarch who inspired its creation, Florence’s celebrates Gullah Geechee culinary traditions with marsh views as the backdrop. The bright, airy space buzzes with conversation and delicious aromas.
Their crab rice – a deceptively simple dish of perfectly cooked rice studded with sweet blue crab meat – captures generations of Lowcountry wisdom in each bite.
The fried chicken basket arrives with sides passed down through family recipes that predate written cookbooks.
10. SeeWee Restaurant: Roadside Revelation
What began as a country store in 1924 evolved into this beloved Awendaw institution where plastic tablecloths and paper napkins signal the no-frills authenticity ahead. The Francis Marion National Forest creates a verdant backdrop just outside.
Their fried oyster plate arrives with perfectly crisp cornmeal-crusted bivalves that burst with briny goodness. The hush puppies emerge golden and steaming – I’ve watched grown men fight over the last one.
Cash-only policies and quirky hours only add to its undeniable charm.
11. McConkey’s Jungle Shack: Edisto’s Colorful Gem
Vibrant colors and whimsical decor set the stage at this Edisto Island favorite, where every table features unique hand-painted art. Beyond the playful atmosphere lies serious culinary talent evident in every dish.
Their pimento cheeseburger elevates the Southern classic with house-made cheese spread that delivers the perfect kick.
During a summer thunderstorm last year, we sheltered here for hours, happily working through their menu while watching raindrops dance across the marsh beyond their screened porch.
12. Blu Beach Bar & Grill: Folly’s Oceanfront Oasis
Perched above Folly Beach’s golden sands, Blu delivers postcard-perfect Atlantic views alongside inspired Lowcountry fare. The rhythmic crash of waves provides nature’s soundtrack to every meal.
Their crab cakes contain almost nothing but sweet lump crabmeat held together by what seems like wishful thinking. Frozen screwdrivers arrive in frosty glasses – the perfect companion to salt-kissed breezes.
Time your visit for sunset when the sky erupts in colors that seem almost manufactured in their perfection.