Eating out on the water is one of the best ways to spend an evening in Charleston. We've compiled a list of 21 waterfront restaurants in Charleston, SC that are great options any time of year.
While Charleston has miles of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean and many more on its rivers and creeks, it has relatively few waterfront restaurants. This is due to the fact that much of the area’s coastline has long been protected against large-scale commercial development. Most of Charleston’s coastline is either preserved or devoted to residential use, or else occupied by marinas, shipyards, and other waterfront businesses.
But, while there aren’t a lot of waterfront restaurants in Charleston, SC, there are some—including a few on the ocean. Shem Creek is well known as Charleston’s go-to spot for waterfront dining, but there are options from Isle of Palms all the way down to Bohicket Marina on Seabrook Island, and even slightly farther down the coast at Edisto Beach. Some of Charleston's restaurants on the water will have wait times on busy nights; but, at many of them, you can just walk in and sit down whenever you get hungry.
Our List of Waterfront Restaurants in Charleston, SC
So, where can you go for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner on the water in the Holy City? Here are 21 riverfront, creekfront, and oceanfront restaurants in Charleston:
Daniel Island
Downtown Charleston
Folly Island
Isle of Palms
James Island
Mount Pleasant
- Red’s Ice House
- Saltwater Cowboys
- Shem Creek Crab House
- Tavern & Table
- Vickery’s Bar & Grill
- Water’s Edge
- Wreck of the Richard & Charlene
North Charleston
Seabrook Island
West Ashley
1. BLU Beach Bar & Grill
BLU Beach Bar & Grill is located on the ground floor of the Tides Hotel at Folly Beach. It is one of the very few oceanfront restaurants in Charleston, and it has a large patio with seating just off of the sand as well as a dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows. BLU Beach Bar & Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is open to the public in addition to hotel guests.
- Fare: Traditional breakfast options like pancakes and omelets; salads, burgers, steak, and seafood for lunch and dinner with American and Mexican-inspired flavors
- Menu Items to Try: Fried Avocado, Baja Shrimp Tacos, Beef Short Rib
- Address: 1 Center Street, Folly Beach
- Vegetarian or Vegan-Friendly: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner options are available.
2. Bowens Island Restaurant
Bowens Island Restaurant is a hidden gem located on the King Flats Creek between James Island and Folly Island. It accurately describes itself as being “famous for its locally harvested oysters, fried shrimp, hushpuppies, Frogmore stew, cold beer, and its undisturbed view of the river, marshes, islands, and wildlife.” Bowens Island Restaurant is a great option for waterfront dining in Charleston that is slightly off the beaten bath.
- Fare: Seafood, Frogmore stew, and traditional sides like hush puppies and corn on the cob
- Menu Items to Try: Shrimp & Fried Oysters, Frogmore Stew
- Address: 1870 Bowens Island Road, Charleston
- Vegetarian or Vegan-Friendly:
3. California Dreaming
California Dreaming is located in West Ashley next to the James Island Connector. It offers patio seating on the water as well as huge windows that offer views of the Ashley River and downtown Charleston. California Dreaming is open for lunch and dinner; and, while it is one of the largest waterfront restaurants in Charleston, SC, wait times can get long, so reservations are recommended.
- Fare: A variety of land and sea options, a handful with some Lowcountry inspiration.
- Menu Items to Try: Croissants Topped with Honey Butter, Lowcountry Boil, French Dip, and Cheesecake
- Address: 1 Ashley Point Drive, Charleston
- Vegetarian or Vegan-Friendly: Appetizers, salads, sides, and desserts.
4. Charleston Crab House
Charleston Crab House on James Island and offers a variety of seafood options, including their World Famous! Steampots and a variety of Crab House Specialties. It is located on the Wappoo Creek just across the bridge from West Ashley. Here's some more info about this Charleston restaurant on the water:
- Fare: Primarily seafood, including appetizers, steamed and fried fish and crabs, sandwiches, burgers, and more
- Menu Items to Try: Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Shrimp, The Crab House Crab Pot, and Blackened Redfish Sandwich
- Address: 145 Wappoo Creek Drive, Charleston
- Vegetarian or Vegan-Friendly: No
5. Coda Del Pesce
Coda Del Pesce is another of the few oceanfront restaurants in Charleston. Located on Isle of Palms just about a block from the pier, this “contemporary Italian-influenced restaurant” offers a limited menu of fresh and ocean-inspired specialties. It has an impressive wine list as well, and it has both oceanfront outdoor seating and indoor seating with ocean views.
- Fare: Italian-inspired seafood and pasta dishes
- Menu Items to Try: Cauliflower Sformatino, Tagliolini Nero, and Piccata of Cherry Point Swordfish
- Address: 1130 Ocean Boulevard, Isle of Palms
- Vegetarian or Vegan-Friendly: No
6. Ellis Creek Fish Camp
Ellis Creek Fish Camp is another waterfront restaurant in Charleston that, as its name suggests, focuses primarily on seafood. But, this James Island restaurant offers a variety of other options as well, including options that are specifically for vegetarians. Located on the eastern side of the island, Ellis Creek Fish Camp offers marsh views along its eponymous creek, and it offers a buffet option for group dining as well.
- Fare: An eclectic mix of seafood, sandwiches and burgers, and vegetarian gluten-free options
- Menu Items to Try: Hushpuppies, Fish or Vegetable Tacos, Shrimp & Grits, and the Tomato & Okra side
- Address: 1243 Harbor View Road, Charleston
- Vegetarian or Vegan-Friendly: Vegetarian
7. Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar
Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar is one of only a couple of waterfront restaurants in downtown Charleston, SC. Located at the end of Charleston City market just north of Waterfront Park, it is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. It serves lunch and dinner seven days a week and brunch on Sundays from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, and offers vegetarian and gluten-free lunch and dinner menus in addition to its standard menu with a variety of meat and seafood options.
- Fare: Mostly American-style brunch, lunch, and dinner, with menu items ranging from mussels and crab cakes to pasta dinners and fresh-caught fish; vegetarian and gluten-free options as well
- Menu Items to Try: Lump Crab Bruschetta, Baby Spinach Salad, Pan-Seared Blackened Triggerfish, and Key Lime Pie
- Address: 186 Concord Street, Charleston
- Vegetarian or Vegan-Friendly: Vegetarian
8. LoLo
If you’ve been to Folly Beach, you’ve passed LoLo on your way. This small, unassuming waterfront restaurant is located on the side of Folly Road on Oak Island Creek between James Island and Folly Island. It is just past another local waterfront favorite, Crosby’s Fish & Shrimp Co. LoLo is short for Locklear’s Lowcountry Grill; and, while it offers some grilled options, its primary attraction is all of the fried seafood you could possibly eat in one sitting. LoLo offers a variety of local beers by the can as well. Both of these are great local options if you're looking for Charleston restaurants on the water.
- Fare: Seafood
- Menu Items to Try: Basket of Fried Okra, Po Boy, Mahi Tacos, and Whole Flounder
- Address: 2299 Folly Road, Charleston
- Vegetarian or Vegan-Friendly: No
9. Marina Variety Store Restaurant
Marina Variety Store Restaurant is the only other restaurant in downtown Charleston on this list. Located at the Safe Harbor Charleston City, this waterfront restaurant offers views of the Ashley River with James Island on the other side. While you have to pay to park, you can get your parking validated with your meal purchase. Marina Variety Store Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with the types of menu items you’d expect from a well-established local waterfront favorite.
- Fare: Traditional breakfast fare, seafood, burgers, and sandwiches
- Menu Items to Try: Sweet Challah Bread French Toast, Southern Chicken & Waffle, Classic Club, and Bear Island Shrimp & Grits
- Address: 9 Lockwood Drive, Charleston
- Vegetarian or Vegan-Friendly: Breakfast and limited lunch and dinner options
10. MOMO
MOMO is located at North Charleston’s Riverfront Park and has views of the Cooper River. After lunch or dinner (or brunch on Sundays), you can stroll the park’s waterfront boardwalk and snap a photo on the pier. MOMO offers a variety of unique meat and seafood options along with some Lowcountry-inspired menu items and a long list of wines, cocktails and beers.
- Fare: Mostly meat and seafood dishes with an upscale flair; brunch with a raw bar on Sunday
- Menu Items to Try: Pimento & Pickles, Ceviche, Oyster Sliders, and Crème Brulé
- Address: 1049 Everglades Avenue, North Charleston
- Vegetarian or Vegan-Friendly: No
11. Pier 101 Restaurant & Bar
Pier 101 Restaurant & Bar is located on the Folly Beach Pier. As such, it offers one of the few oceanfront dining options in Charleston. It has a casual atmosphere, with diner-style chairs inside and patio tables on the pier. Pier 101 Restaurant & Bar serves lunch and dinner every day but Tuesday, and offers unique desserts including a chocolate chip Belgian waffle with ice cream and raspberry donut cheesecake (currently--its dessert menu changes frequently).
- Fare: Mostly beach-inspired dishes, including fried seafood plates, sandwiches, and salads
- Menu Items to Try: Shrimp Corn Dogs, She Crab Soup, Street Corn, and Raspberry Donut Cheesecake
- Address: 101 East Arctic Avenue, Folly Beach
- Vegetarian or Vegan-Friendly: Vegetarian salad and sides
12. Red’s Ice House
Red’s Ice House is another of Charleston's restaurants on the water located on Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant. Situated on the eastern side of the creek, it claims to be, “the perfect spot for taking in Lowcountry wildlife and scenic Charleston sunsets.” In addition to its standard menu, Red’s Ice House also offers a Sunday football menu during the NFL season.
- Fare: Seafood dishes, burgers and sandwiches, dips, chowders, and more
- Menu Items to Try: Seafood Queso, Smoked Wings, Lobster Mac and Cheese, and Fish & Chips
- Address: 98 Church Street, Mount Pleasant
- Vegetarian or Vegan-Friendly: No
13. Saltwater Cowboys
Saltwater Cowboys is located just across the parking lot from Red’s Ice House on Shem Creek. It offers similar waterfront views and a menu centered around seafood and barbecue. Saltwater Cowboys has both indoor and outdoor seating, and its dining room has large windows where you can watch boats come and go with the marshes of Shem Creek Park in the background
- Fare: A seafood and barbecue-centric menu with various Lowcountry-inspired options
- Menu Items to Try: Fried Pickles, Creek Bowl, House Smoked BBQ, and Tomato Cucumber Salad
- Address: 130 Mill Street, Mount Pleasant
- Vegetarian or Vegan-Friendly: Limited vegetarian options for appetizers, salads, and sides
14. Salty Dog Café
Salty Dog Café is located at Bohicket Marina on Seabrook Island. While this is slightly out of the way for most Charleston residents (and visitors), it is well worth the drive for both the food and the view. After having lunch or dinner at the main restaurant, you can walk down to Salty Dog Ice Cream & Marina Treats for dessert. This take-out location also offers breakfast starting at 8:00 am, and you can sit at one of the many tables overlooking the creek while you eat.
- Fare: Traditional breakfast favorites, seafood options, burgers and sandwiches, ice cream
- Menu Items to Try: Rings of Fire, Pimento Cheese Dip, Seafood Pot Pie, and The Cast Net
- Address: 1882 Andell Bluff Boulevard, Johns Island
- Vegetarian or Vegan-Friendly: Build-your-own black bean burger, salads, appetizers, and sides
15. Shem Creek Crab House
Shem Creek Crab House is the sister restaurant to Charleston Crab House on James Island. It is located on the inland side of Coleman Boulevard, next to the Shem Creek Marina. Along with its indoor dining room, Shem Creek Crab House also has casual outdoor seating on a deck overlooking the creek. Shem Creek Crab House is a popular option among locals and visitors looking for a casual seafood waterfront restaurant in Charleston.
- Fare: Primarily seafood, including appetizers, steamed and fried fish and crabs, sandwiches, burgers, and more
- Menu Items to Try: Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Shrimp, The Crab House Crab Pot, and Blackened Redfish Sandwich
- Address: 508 Mill Street, Mount Pleasant
- Vegetarian or Vegan-Friendly: No
16. Tavern & Table
Tavern & Table offers upscale dining on Shem Creek. Located between Red’s Ice House and Saltwater Cowboys, it offers one of the most sought-after waterfront dining experiences in Charleston, and the atmosphere of its cozy, rustic-chic dining room is only surpassed by the atmosphere on the restaurant’s patio as the sun goes down in the distance. Dining at Tavern & Table is truly a special experience—just be sure to make a reservation in advance, and be prepared to spend some time looking for a parking spot (or pay to valet) on busy nights.
- Fare: Southern-inspired salads, flatbreads and main dishes along with cocktails, craft beers and a good selection of wines
- Menu Items to Try: Brussels Sprouts, Fig & Prosciutto Flatbread, Bison Burger, and Steak Frites
- Address: 100 Church Street, Mount Pleasant
- Vegetarian or Vegan-Friendly: Vegetarian
17. The Boathouse at Breach Inlet
The Boathouse at Breach Inlet is another option for residents and visitors who are looking for an upscale waterfront restaurant in Charleston. Located on Isle of Palms just across the bridge from Sullivan’s Island, The Boathouse at Breach Inlet offers daily specials, a raw bar and fish board, and a special limited menu for its rooftop bar. Situated on the inland side of Isle of Palms, The Boathouse at Breach Inlet offers views of the creeks adjoining the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW).
- Fare: Upscale plates and dishes, including a variety of chef’s specialties
- Menu Items to Try: Sweet Corn Hushpuppies, Fried Okra, Pan Roasted Scallops, and Boathouse Crab Cakes
- Address: 101 Palm Boulevard, Isle of Palms
- Vegetarian or Vegan-Friendly: No
18. The Kingstide
Located on Daniel Island along the banks of the Wando River, The Kingstide has a casual-but-upscale dining room as well as two floors of outdoor seating. Like many of the other waterfront restaurants in Charleston, SC, its menu focuses heavily on land and sea options, with various hints of Southern and Lowcountry flare. The Kingstide’s Sweet menu is worth the drive alone for those who don’t live on Daniel Island. After lunch or dinner, you can take a walk on the Daniel Island Trail and pier, or your kids can burn off some energy while you digest at the neighboring Children’s Park Daniel Island.
- Fare: Southern and Lowcountry-inspired meat and seafood options, vegetarian-friendly dishes, and decadent desserts
- Menu Items to Try: Seasoned Fries, Lowcountry Chowder, Trout Reuben, Apple Dumpling, and Carrot Cake
- Address: 32 River Landing Drive, Daniel Island
- Vegetarian or Vegan-Friendly: Yes
19. Vickery’s Bar & Grill
Vickery’s Bar & Grill is another local favorite on Shem Creek. This Charleston restaurant on the water is located on the creek’s western side, providing easy access to the Shem Creek Boardwalk and Public Day Dock after lunch or dinner. Its menu is heavily seafood focused, though there are meat and chicken options as well, along with a few options for vegetarians.
- Fare: Primarily seafood, along with burgers, sandwiches, and a selection of other entrées
- Menu Items to Try: Oyster Bisque, Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls, Southern Burger, and Jerk Tuna Sandwich
- Address: 1313 Shrimp Boat Lane, Mount Pleasant
- Vegetarian or Vegan-Friendly: Vegetarian
20. Water’s Edge
Water’s Edge is located next door to Vickery’s Bar & Grill. Its main menu is almost entirely seafood; and, although the restaurant offers a selection of appetizers and other alternatives, the seafood options definitely steal the show. Water’s Edge is another waterfront restaurant in Charleston that serves brunch on Sundays.
- Fare: Primarily seafood, along with appetizers, salads, and a brunch menu with good variety
- Menu Items to Try: Fresh Avocado Hummus, Baked Crab and Spinach Dip, Grilled BBQ Salmon, and Stuffed French Toast
- Address: 1407 Shrimp Boat Lane, Mount Pleasant
- Vegetarian or Vegan-Friendly: Vegetarian options for appetizers, salads, and sides
21. Wreck of the Richard & Charlene
Located at the tip of Shem Creek, Wreck of the Richard and Charlene offers some of the best water views in Charleston—at least as far as restaurants go. While this waterfront restaurant in Charleston has long been a favorite among locals in the know, it has recently grown in popularity due to being one of the filming locations for the Netflix series Outer Banks. Unassuming from the road, Wreck of the Richard and Charlene offers a seafood menu and desserts that are not to be skipped.
- Fare: Seafood
- Menu Items to Try: Shrimp and Oysters, Fried Jalapeño Grits, Banana Pudding, and Key Lime Bread Pudding
- Address: 106 Haddrell Street, Mount Pleasant
- Vegetarian or Vegan-Friendly: No
Special Shoutout to Edisto Beach’s Waterfront Restaurants
That’s our list of 21 waterfront restaurants in Charleston, SC (including a handful of vegetarian-friendly restaurants). But, before we close, we wanted to give a special shoutout to the waterfront restaurants at Edisto Beach. While relatively few locals make the drive, a day trip to Edisto Island is well worth it, and there are a few waterfront restaurants you can check out while you are there. These include:
- Briny Swine (3731 Docksite Road, Edisto Beach)
- Dockside Restaurant & Bar (3730 Docksite Road, Edisto Beach)
- Pressley’s at the Marina (3702 Docksite Road, Edisto Beach)
Whether you visit one (or several) of the waterfront restaurants in Charleston, SC or you head down to Edisto Island, there are a couple of tips you'll want to keep in mind. Most importantly, don't forget to check the weather before you go. Storms pop up from time to time, especially in the summer, and you may want to plan your dinner time so that it doesn't coincide with a potential downpour. Additionally, if it's going to cool off in the evening, you may want to bring a jacket or sweater so you'll still be comfortable sitting outside.
Also keep in mind that you may want to make a reservation. Many of Charleston's waterfront restaurants are very popular, especially on weekend evenings. If you don't have a reservation, you could easily end up waiting an hour or more, and you might not be able to get seated.
Map of Waterfront Restaurants in Charleston, SC
Looking for a waterfront restaurant in Charleston, SC but not sure where to go? You can use this map that we created to choose one based on location:
We hope you’ve found this list (and map) of waterfront restaurants in Charleston, SC useful; and, if so, we encourage you to share it with your friends and family. If you visit one of these Charleston restaurants on the water, take a photo of the view and let us know on Instagram @life_charleston.
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