You’d Never Guess South Carolina’s Best Shrimp And Grits Come From This Roadside Café

Tucked along Highway 17 in the quiet town of Awendaw, See Wee Restaurant serves a shrimp and grits dish that surprises just about everyone who tries it.

The café’s rustic charm and old-fashioned hospitality set the stage, but it’s the perfectly seasoned shrimp and creamy, buttery grits that steal the show.

Simple, soulful, and undeniably Southern, this humble roadside stop proves that unforgettable food often comes from the most unassuming places.

Born in a 1920s General Store

See Wee Restaurant calls a genuine 1920s general store building home, and you can still feel that old-timey charm the moment you walk through the door.

Wood floors creak under your feet, vintage signs hang on the walls, and the whole place hums with history.

Opened in 1993, the owners kept that country store vibe alive instead of gutting it for something modern and boring. Honestly, eating shrimp and grits surrounded by nearly a century of stories just hits different.

Highway 17 Roadside Legend

Perched right on U.S. Highway 17 at 4804 N Hwy 17, See Wee is the kind of place you might zoom past if you’re not paying attention.

But locals know exactly where to find it, and road trippers who stop once become regulars. Awendaw isn’t exactly a bustling metropolis, which makes this gem even more special.

The location screams classic American roadside diner, minus the greasy spoons and stale coffee you’d expect from most highway stops.

Shrimp and Grits Royalty

Sure, the menu has other options, but ordering anything besides the shrimp and grits here feels like visiting Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower. This dish is the house favorite for a reason.

Plump, perfectly seasoned shrimp nestle into creamy grits that somehow manage to be both rich and light.

Every bite tastes like someone’s grandmother spent hours perfecting the recipe, then decided to share it with the world. You’ll understand why people drive an hour just for a plateful.

Open Almost Every Single Day

Planning a road trip? See Wee has your back year-round, closing only on three days: Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. That’s commitment right there.

Most small restaurants struggle to stay open consistently, but this place keeps the doors unlocked and the grits warm practically every day of the year.

Whether you’re craving comfort food in January or a summer feast in August, they’re ready to feed you. Just maybe don’t show up on major holidays expecting a miracle.

Live Music on the Patio

Good food gets even better when there’s a soundtrack, and See Wee knows it. Select dates feature live music on the patio, turning dinner into an experience you’ll actually remember.

Picture yourself with a fork full of shrimp and grits while a local musician strums away under the South Carolina sky.

It’s the kind of moment that makes you forget about your phone and just soak in the vibe. Check their schedule before you visit if you want the full dinner-and-a-show treatment.

Media Darling and Critic Favorite

When Discover South Carolina’s Dining by the Dozen and Roadfood both give you props, you know you’re doing something seriously right.

See Wee has earned praise from food critics and travel writers who’ve tasted everything the state has to offer.

These aren’t just random blog mentions either. Roadfood is legendary for sniffing out authentic regional cooking, and Discover South Carolina champions the best of Lowcountry dining.

Getting their stamp of approval means See Wee stands among the state’s culinary elite.

Locally Sourced and Community Proud

See Wee doesn’t just talk about supporting local farmers and fishermen. They actually do it, sourcing ingredients from the surrounding community whenever possible.

Fresh shrimp from nearby waters, produce from area farms, and a commitment to keeping dollars in Awendaw make every meal taste better.

You’re not just eating delicious food; you’re supporting a whole network of hardworking people who take pride in what they grow and catch.

That’s the kind of restaurant worth celebrating, and worth coming back to again and again.