Totally Craveworthy Cajun & Creole Restaurants in Charleston, SC
You can have pizza and burgers anytime, but in a seafood town like Charleston, you gotta try out their Cajun food scene. Although of course, known more for Lowcountry, Southern, and Gullah style cuisine, if it’s a ragin’ cajun New Orleans seafood boil you are craving, Charleston has the spot for you. We’ve rounded up 8 of our favorite Cajun restaurants in Charleston that you’re gonna want to check out.
LoLA
4830 O’Hear Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 990-9416
LoLA is all about Cajun food in a hip atmosphere. You’ll find that the venue has garage door windows, a patio, as well as a full bar. There are a few reasons it’s always packed: the food is amazing, and the bar specials are reasonably priced. The menu features both bayou classics and Cajun pub fare, both of which we have become obsessed with. Our recommendation is to get the classic jambalaya and wash it down with one of the local brews on tap. And if you don’t want to wait for a table, it’s best to make a reservation.
The Seafood Pot
5629 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 737-5173
The Seafood Pot has been growing in popularity, and we found that it was absolutely endearing. Found in Gas Lite Square, the restaurant focuses on Cajun food, and the owners are heavily involved in the operations. The low country boils are incredibly priced, and we love checking out the daily special. Gumbo, hushpuppies, and more are found across the menu, and we’ve yet to discover all of the flavors they have to offer. The interior is casual with limited seating, but don’t let that stop you. There’s always takeout if you can’t find a table.
Hannibal’s Kitchen
16 Blake St, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 722-2256
Hannibal’s is a family-owned restaurant that offers some incredible items on its menu. Known for its soul food, there’s also a bit of Cajun flare throughout the dishes. We recommend the crab rice as well as the shark steak. It’s casual, so you’ll place your order at the counter and grab a spot to enjoy the food. We recommend going outside to their covered patio where you can enjoy the Charleston weather. They are closed on Sundays, so be sure to plan accordingly.
King Claw
1734 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 868-6288
When you’re craving a seafood boil, King Claw is the place to go. They offer customized boils and fried baskets to ensure you eat well. The spacious dining room features a nautical theme and plenty of TVs that play the latest sports games. Beyond the menu of signature boils, you’ll want to check out their frozen specialty drinks. This place gets crowded, so it’s in your best interest to make a reservation.
Crab Du Jour
2150 Northwoods Blvd Unit F32, North Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 553-3760
Crab Du Jour is a Cajun seafood restaurant and bar that is inside Northwoods Mall. Open for lunch and dinner, the place has an outstanding menu. Make your own combo featuring things like crawfish and clams. Then, be sure to check out the Cajun fries as a side. When you’re feeling particularly hungry, a boil is sure to take care of your cravings. They also have a great drink menu with beer, wine, and signature cocktails. Be sure to visit during happy hour Monday through Friday for some exceptional deals.
The Mason Jar by Fatboys
2487 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 203-3290
The Mason Jar is a seafood restaurant that specializes in southern cuisine. You’ll find a variety of items on the menu, and many have a Creole twist on them, including the crab cakes. The venue is conveniently found in Garden Road Plaza. It’s an unpretentious place where you can take a seat and get treated like family. The shrimp po boy is an amazing lunch, and you can enjoy fried okra with remoulade as a side.
Gillie’s Seafood
805 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 297-8615
Gillie’s is a place where you can enjoy food that tastes like it’s straight out of the bayou of Louisiana. Gator and spicy jambalaya are some of the most popular items on their menu. Seafood baskets are also always a great option. There’s a charming dining room, though the outdoor patio is really where you want to spend your time. It’s a kid-friendly place so bring the whole fam and enjoy a nice meal.
Rai Shaun Fyall’s Soul Seafood 5
4106 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 303-7558
Located in A1 Grocery, Rai Shaun Fyall’s restaurant never disappoints. We stumbled on this amazing find in North Charleston and only wish that we had found it sooner. It’s a casual place with a simple menu that offers southern favorites. The Cajun options are found throughout, including the shrimp and grits as well as the pork chop sandwich. You can eat inside, though there’s only a small dining area. Your best bet is to get it for takeout so that you can enjoy the food wherever you want.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Charleston page, here!
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