12 South Carolina Seafood Markets Where Lunch Is The Real Catch
South Carolina’s coast is a paradise for seafood lovers, and the real treasures aren’t found in white-tablecloth restaurants. They’re tucked inside the markets themselves.
These spots pull in the day’s freshest catch and turn it into lunches so good you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less.
Stretching from Charleston to Myrtle Beach, these 12 markets prove that unforgettable seafood doesn’t need fancy surroundings – it just needs to be fresh and straight to the plate.
1. CudaCo. Seafood House: Modern Flair Meets Fresh Fare
Charleston locals flock to this James Island gem for its ever-changing chalkboard menu featuring the day’s freshest catches. The blackened fish sandwich has developed something of a cult following among regulars.
I still remember my first bite of their ceviche – the perfect balance of citrus and seafood that transported me straight to coastal paradise.
Their poke bowls offer a healthier option without sacrificing flavor, making this spot perfect for both indulgent and mindful eaters.
2. Crosby’s Fish & Shrimp Co.: Dock-to-Dish Delights
Nothing beats the authentic experience of eating seafood mere feet from where the boats dock. Crosby’s weekend kitchen transforms the freshest catches into mouthwatering tacos and hearty platters that keep locals coming back.
The market operates year-round, but Friday through Sunday is when culinary magic happens. Their shrimp tacos feature plump local shrimp that were likely swimming that very morning, dressed simply to let the natural flavors shine.
3. Fish Net Seafood: Old-School Frying Perfection
This Johns Island institution keeps things beautifully simple with a no-frills approach to seafood. Their fryer window serves up crispy golden treasures that locals line up for, especially during lunch rush.
The whiting sandwich remains their signature offering – a perfectly fried fillet on plain white bread with just enough sauce.
The first time I visited, an elderly gentleman behind me said, “Son, you’re about to taste what heaven would serve if they had a cafeteria.” He wasn’t exaggerating.
4. Ravenel Fresh Seafood: Garlic Crab Kingdom
The intoxicating aroma of garlic hits you before you even enter this Ravenel Highway market. Their signature garlic crabs have achieved legendary status among Charleston seafood enthusiasts.
The preparation is deceptively simple – blue crabs smothered in a buttery garlic sauce that manages to enhance rather than overpower the sweet meat.
When conch stew appears on the specials board, order it immediately. The rich, tomato-based broth carries hints of the sea in every spoonful.
5. Carrigg’s Seafood: North Charleston’s Time-Honored Treasure
Family-owned since 1962, Carrigg’s maintains the perfect balance between market and eatery. The lunch counter buzzes with regulars who’ve been coming for decades alongside newcomers discovering the magic.
Their steamed seafood buckets arrive piping hot and perfectly seasoned. I watched a gentleman in his 80s methodically work through a mountain of fried scallops, explaining he’d been ordering the same meal every Friday for 40 years.
Some traditions exist for good reason.
6. Family Seafood Market: Budget-Friendly Bounty
This North Charleston market proves great seafood doesn’t require emptying your wallet. The compact hot line turns out generous portions of perfectly fried fish and shrimp that keep working folks coming back daily.
Their fish and shrimp combo tray could easily feed two, though you might not want to share. The catfish filets deserve special mention – moist on the inside with a crisp, well-seasoned exterior that needs no additional sauce.
7. Welch’s Seafood: Live Crabs and Golden-Fried Goodness
The tanks of live blue crabs immediately catch your eye upon entering this Rivers Avenue market. Beyond the fresh seafood cases, their kitchen produces some of North Charleston’s most satisfying fried fish baskets.
When blue crabs are in season, the steamed versions arrive hot, heavily seasoned, and ready for picking.
My favorite childhood memory involves my grandfather teaching me the proper technique for extracting every morsel of meat while seated at one of Welch’s simple tables.
8. Marvin’s Seafood: Neighborhood Hub of Seafood Comfort
This Dorchester Road market has built a loyal following through consistently generous portions and fair prices. The kitchen in the back turns out no-nonsense seafood plates that prioritize flavor over frills.
Their fish trays come with the traditional sides of red rice and coleslaw, both made in-house daily. The crab cakes deserve special attention – mostly crab with just enough binding to hold them together, pan-fried until golden.
9. Palmetto Seafood Company: Columbia’s Seafood Central
Columbia might be inland, but Palmetto Seafood ensures the capital city doesn’t miss out on coastal flavors. Their extensive menu covers everything from classic fried platters to Low Country shrimp and grits.
The steam shrimp combo provides a lighter alternative to fried options. During oyster season, locals know to arrive early as their freshly shucked trays sell out quickly.
My aunt swears their fish and shrimp tray cured her homesickness after moving from Charleston – high praise indeed.
10. Garners Ferry Seafood & More: Cajun Spice in the Capital City
This Columbia spot brings Louisiana-inspired seafood boils to South Carolina with spectacular results. Their signature garlic-butter sauce with adjustable spice levels transforms simple ingredients into something special.
The full shrimp boil arrives in a bag bursting with corn, potatoes, and sausage alongside plump shrimp. For those preferring traditional Southern seafood, the fried fish plates feature perfectly crisp fillets with just the right amount of seasoning.
11. Mr. Fish Seafood Market & Grill: Myrtle Beach’s Triple Threat
Few places successfully execute the market-and-grill combo, but Mr. Fish makes it look easy. This Myrtle Beach establishment offers the unique ability to buy fish to cook later or enjoy it prepared immediately in multiple styles.
The fish tacos have developed a following among locals who avoid the tourist traps, with blackened mahi-mahi being the standout option.
12. Harrelson’s Seafood Market: Steam-While-You-Wait Specialists
Both the Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island locations of Harrelson’s have perfected the art of steaming seafood to order. Their “Hot & Ready” Lowcountry boil pans have saved countless family gatherings and beach vacations.
The simplicity is the secret – fresh seafood, proper seasoning, and perfect timing. I’ve watched tourists become converts after tasting steamed shrimp that were swimming hours earlier.
The crab legs arrive split for easy access but still require the satisfying work of extracting sweet meat.