If there's one thing the Lowcountry does better than just about anywhere else, it’s seafood. From dockside shrimp boats unloading the day’s catch to oysters plucked straight from local creeks, the region's coastal bounty is more than a cuisine—it's a way of life.
Whether you live in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, or are just visiting, this guide will take you through some of the Lowcountry’s most iconic seafood experiences. Get ready to dig into fresh flavors, time-honored traditions, and salty-air atmospheres you won’t find anywhere else.
Fresh Off the Boat: Where Local Seafood Begins
The Lowcountry's seafood scene starts at the source—local shrimp boats and fisheries that supply the region’s restaurants and markets.
Shem Creek – Mount Pleasant
Shem Creek isn’t just beautiful—it’s one of the best spots to watch shrimp trawlers bring in their catch. You can walk along the boardwalk, enjoy dolphin sightings, and even buy fresh shrimp and fish right off the boat when the timing’s right.
Local Tip: Head to Mount Pleasant Seafood, a family-owned market since 1945, for locally caught shrimp, snapper, and more.
Raw Bar Heaven: Oysters Done Right
Lowcountry oysters are legendary—especially during months with an "R" in them. From casual oyster roasts to upscale raw bars, you’re never far from a dozen on the half shell.
The Darling Oyster Bar – Charleston
Located on King Street, this Instagram-worthy spot serves up some of the best raw oysters in town. Pair with a classic cocktail and watch the shucking happen in real time.
Bowens Island Restaurant – James Island
A no-frills local legend. If you want to experience oysters like a Charleston native, this is the place—served steamed by the shovelful, with picnic tables and marsh views.
Can’t-Miss Dishes & Where to Find Them
The Lowcountry’s seafood isn’t just fresh—it’s deeply rooted in culture. Here are some must-try dishes and where to find the best versions:
- Shrimp and Grits:Try it at Poogan’s Porch or Page’s Okra Grill in Mount Pleasant for a creamy, soulful version of this classic.
- Lowcountry Boil (a.k.a. Frogmore Stew):A hearty mix of shrimp, corn, sausage, and potatoes. Best enjoyed at a backyard cookout—but Fleet Landing in Charleston offers a solid restaurant version.
- Fried Flounder Sandwich:Head to 167 Raw or The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene for a crunchy, buttery local favorite.
- Crab Cakes:Get them golden and packed with fresh crab at Hank’s Seafood Restaurant in Charleston or The Obstinate Daughter on Sullivan’s Island.
Buy Local, Cook Local
Want to try your hand at cooking Lowcountry seafood at home? You can pick up fresh catch at:
- Charleston Seafood Company – Delivers fresh, flash-frozen seafood across the U.S.
- Sea Island Farmers Market (Johns Island) – Occasional vendors sell local shrimp and shellfish.
- Wando Shrimp Company (Mount Pleasant) – Get shrimp right from the source.
Seasonal Seafood Experiences
The Lowcountry also celebrates seafood with seasonal events worth planning for:
- Lowcountry Oyster Festival (January – Boone Hall Plantation)
The world’s largest oyster festival—bring gloves and hot sauce! - Blessing of the Fleet (April – Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park)
A heartfelt tribute to the shrimping industry, with food vendors, live music, and more. - Shrimp Season (May–October)
Buy direct from the docks in Shem Creek or McClellanville.
In the Lowcountry, seafood isn’t just on the menu—it’s in the culture. Whether you’re cracking oysters on a dock, savoring she-crab soup in a candlelit restaurant, or grilling local shrimp in your own backyard, the flavors of the coast are all around you.
So grab a napkin, a local beer, and a sense of adventure—there’s always something fresh waiting just beyond the tide.
