13 Iconic South Carolina Seafood Dishes That Rival The Beach Views

South Carolina’s coastline serves up more than just stunning sunsets and sandy shores. The state’s seafood scene bursts with flavors that make every meal memorable, from classic shrimp dishes to crab creations that’ll have you coming back for seconds.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these iconic seafood dishes showcase why South Carolina is a true paradise for anyone who loves fresh catches and bold coastal flavors.

1. Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks

Picture this: a heaping platter piled high with pink shrimp, golden corn, spicy sausage, and tender potatoes, all steamed together in a fragrant mix of Old Bay seasoning. Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks has perfected this one-pot wonder that brings friends and family together around the table.

The casual vibe and waterfront location make it even better. Every bite delivers that perfect balance of spice and seafood sweetness.

The best part? You eat with your hands, cracking shells and soaking up all those incredible flavors. It’s messy, it’s fun, and it’s absolutely delicious—the ultimate South Carolina seafood experience that captures coastal living at its finest.

2. Hyman’s Seafood

Creamy, rich, and packed with sweet crab meat, she-crab soup is Charleston’s claim to fame. Hyman’s Seafood has been serving this velvety masterpiece for decades, and one spoonful explains why locals keep returning.

The secret ingredient? Orange crab roe that adds color and an extra layer of flavor you won’t forget. A splash of sherry on top brings warmth and depth to every bite.

The soup’s silky texture comes from a careful blend of cream, butter, and fresh crab that melts on your tongue. It’s comfort food elevated to an art form, proving that sometimes the classics really are the best choice for satisfying your seafood cravings.

3. Charleston Crab House

Nothing says South Carolina summer like a mountain of steamed blue crabs dumped right onto your table. Charleston Crab House knows how to do it right, coating each crab in just enough Old Bay to make your taste buds dance.

Grab a mallet, crack those shells, and dig into the sweet, tender meat hiding inside. The experience is half the fun—wrestling with claws, picking out every morsel, and chatting with your dining companions between bites.

Your fingers will get messy, and you’ll probably need extra napkins, but that’s all part of the charm. Fresh, flavorful, and totally worth the effort, these crabs are South Carolina seafood at its most authentic.

4. Tasty Crab House

Tasty Crab House is a casual seafood spot known for its customizable seafood boils rather than one specific dish. Popular options include snow crab legs, shrimp, and crawfish tossed in garlic butter or Cajun seasoning.

Each leg cracks open to reveal pristine white meat that’s naturally sweet and incredibly tender. The garlic butter adds richness without overpowering the delicate crab flavor. Descriptions of signature dishes may vary slightly by location, so be sure to check the Myrtle Beach menu before visiting.

It’s indulgent, it’s satisfying, and it’s exactly what seafood dreams are made of when you’re craving something special on the South Carolina coast.

5. Lobster House Seafood Restaurant

Sometimes you just need to treat yourself, and the lobster tail dinner at Lobster House Seafood Restaurant delivers that special occasion feeling. The tail arrives perfectly grilled, with meat so tender it practically melts off the fork.

A generous side of drawn butter completes the picture, though the lobster’s natural sweetness shines through beautifully on its own. Paired with classic sides like baked potato and fresh vegetables, this dish transforms dinner into an event worth celebrating.

Lobster House is currently open near Myrtle Beach and features fresh lobster and seafood specials that rotate seasonally. Whether you’re commemorating something special or simply treating yourself because you deserve it, this iconic dish never disappoints hungry seafood lovers.

6. Burwell’s Stone Fire Grill

Burwell’s is an upscale steak and seafood restaurant in downtown Charleston. While not primarily a seafood house, the menu occasionally features local catches such as blackened mahi-mahi or seared scallops. The outside gets a beautiful dark crust loaded with Cajun spices, while the inside stays moist and flaky.

Each forkful delivers a smoky kick that seafood fans absolutely crave. The fish arrives sizzling hot, surrounded by colorful grilled vegetables that complement the bold flavors perfectly. Since menu items change seasonally, check ahead to see which seafood dishes are available.

It’s proof that sometimes the simplest preparations create the most memorable meals, especially when you start with incredibly fresh South Carolina catches straight from local waters.

7. Hook & Barrel

Raw oysters are an acquired taste, but once you’re hooked, nothing else quite compares. Hook & Barrel serves them ice-cold and impossibly fresh, sourced from local and regional waters, including South Carolina and the Gulf Coast.

Each oyster slides down smooth, tasting like the ocean itself with a hint of sweetness and a clean, briny finish. A squeeze of lemon and a dab of sauce enhance the experience, though purists might skip the extras altogether.

The texture is silky, the flavor is pure, and the experience feels luxurious even though it’s wonderfully simple. Hook & Barrel focuses on sustainable seafood and coastal dining rather than live entertainment, so the experience centers on the food.

8. Bowens Island Restaurant

Golden, crispy, and absolutely addictive, the fried shrimp platter at Bowens Island Restaurant is legendary for good reason. Each shrimp gets a light coating that crunches perfectly when you bite down, revealing sweet, juicy shrimp inside.

The restaurant’s no-frills atmosphere lets the food do all the talking, and boy, does it speak volumes. Served with classic sides like creamy coleslaw and golden hushpuppies, this platter satisfies every craving for traditional Southern seafood.

The shrimp are never greasy, just perfectly fried to achieve that ideal texture everyone dreams about. It’s the kind of meal that reminds you why simple, well-executed dishes often beat fancy preparations every single time you visit the coast.

9. Lee’s Inlet Kitchen

Lee’s Inlet Kitchen combines the best of land and sea with their incredible seafood pasta. Plump shrimp, tender scallops, and fresh mussels mingle with perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy garlic sauce that coats every strand.

It’s comfort food with a coastal twist that makes you want to savor every single bite slowly. The dish arrives steaming hot, with the aroma of garlic and butter filling the air before you even pick up your fork. Each type of seafood brings its own texture and flavor to the party, creating a symphony of tastes in your mouth.

It’s hearty enough to fill you up completely while still feeling special and indulgent—exactly what you want from a memorable South Carolina seafood dinner.

10. Inlet Crab House & Raw Bar

Inlet Crab House & Raw Bar has mastered the art of the perfect crab cake, and it shows in every golden-brown bite. These aren’t those sad, filler-heavy imposters you sometimes encounter—they’re packed with jumbo lump crab meat held together with just enough binder to keep them intact.

Pan-fried to crispy perfection, they deliver maximum crab flavor in every mouthful. The restaurant is still open and well-known for crab cakes, seafood platters, and a raw bar experience, although recipes may vary from season to season.

The outside crunches satisfyingly while the inside stays moist and tender, creating that ideal contrast of textures. Whether you order them as an appetizer or make them your main course, these crab cakes represent South Carolina seafood excellence at its finest.

11. The Crab Shack

Calabash-style frying originated just across the state line, but South Carolina has embraced this light, crispy technique wholeheartedly. The Crab Shack in Folly Beach serves fresh fried seafood platters and steamed shrimp, showcasing local Lowcountry style.

The seafood inside stays tender and juicy, never overcooked or rubbery like some fried versions can be. This style of preparation lets the natural seafood flavors shine through the coating rather than hiding them.

Served with tangy tartar sauce and lemon wedges, it’s the perfect casual meal for when you want maximum flavor without any fuss. The generous portions mean you’ll definitely leave satisfied and probably planning your next visit already.

12. Whaley’s Famous Restaurant & Bar

Swordfish steaks get the star treatment at Whaley’s Famous Restaurant & Bar, where they’re grilled to perfection over open flames. The result is a meaty, satisfying fish with beautiful grill marks and a slightly smoky flavor that seafood enthusiasts adore.

A pat of herb butter melting on top adds richness and brings all the flavors together beautifully. Whaley’s remains a beloved local spot for shrimp, oysters, and daily fish specials—swordfish and similar grilled plates appear seasonally.

The natural oils keep it moist while the outside develops that coveted char. It’s a sophisticated choice that feels special without being pretentious, perfect for when you want something different from the usual coastal seafood offerings around South Carolina.

13. The Independent

No South Carolina seafood list would be complete without shrimp and grits, and The Independent serves a version that’ll make you understand why this dish has become iconic. Plump local shrimp swim in a savory sauce loaded with bacon, onions, and just a hint of spice.

The grits underneath are creamy, buttery, and made from stone-ground corn that adds authentic Southern character. This isn’t just breakfast food—it’s a legitimate any-time meal that satisfies on every level. The combination of textures and flavors creates something greater than the sum of its parts.

Rich, comforting, and quintessentially South Carolinian, this dish represents the state’s culinary heritage while tasting absolutely delicious in the present moment.