The Most Delicious Shrimp & Grits in Charleston, SC
Not many southern coastal dishes hit the spot quite like a steaming plate of shrimp and grits. We have rounded up the very best spots to order this classic seafood dish in Charleston SC so you can snag a plate (or two) the next time you are in one of the South’s loveliest port cities. Check out our list of restaurants to find a delicious serving of shrimp and grits when you’re in Charleston, SC.
Poogan’s Porch
72 Queen St Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 577-2337
This Lowcountry restaurant’s double-decker porches are exceedingly welcoming and give visitors here a good idea of the proper shrimp and grits served up here at Poogan’s. Dining in this meticulously restored Victorian home adds to the southern charm that oozes from every corner of this venerable restaurant. And the classic Andouille sausage Shrimp and Grits here is to die for and it can be ordered up for lunch or dinner along with a cool Key Lime Pie slice loaded with fresh whipped cream.
Magnolia’s
185 E Bay St Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 577-7771
This charming spot offers up multiple different ways to enjoy the favorite Lowcountry dish of shrimp and grits. Their lunch Spicy Shrimp & Sausage is a classic take while the entrée version, Shellfish over Grits adds scallops, lobster butter sauce and fried spinach to the dish. Diners return here for the spectacular food served in Charleston’s original Customs House as well as the true upscale Southern feel at Magnolia’s.
Shrimp & Grits Cafe
2070 Sam Rittenberg Blvd Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 737-5196
This surprising foodie spot is located in the Citadel Mall and is headed up by celebrity chef Carlos Brown. Offering Lowcountry White Cheddar Shrimp & Grits as well as the BBQ Grilled Shrimp & Jalapeño Cheddar Grits, the Café is an inexpensive spot to taste delicious food on the go.
The Darling
513 King St Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 641-0821
This upscale oyster bar is the go-to spot for fresh seafood lovers. So it’s no surprise that The Darling’s shrimp and grits are spectacular as well. Traditional Shrimp and Grits with a fried egg and Pimento and Sourdough Soppers Baked Oysters make a perfect Lowcountry combo for brunch, lunch or dinner here. The Darling is known for its standout service and delicious seafood, so plan on making a reservation to snag a great table without a wait.
Fleet Landing
186 Concord St Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 722-8100
Located right on the water just off City Market, Fleet Landing provides guests with a one-of-a-kind experience with seating overlooking where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet. Along with fantastic food and drinks, Fleet is the perfect spot to taste some of the best shrimp and grits in Charleston. Their house version comes with the traditional Tasso gravy atop creamy grits. Guests here also love Fleet’s Carolina Lump Crab Cakes and now visitors here can snag some to take home with Fleet’s new food truck located at Container Bar.
Slightly North of Broad
192 E Bay St Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 723-3424
Affectionally nicknamed “SNOB,” this Lowcountry bistro is a favorite stop for locals and visitors alike. The cozy, eclectic interior is fun during the day and turns romantic at night with twinkling chandeliers and candlelit tables. Diners here rave about their traditional Shrimp and Grits that are made with Marsh Hen yellow grits instead of the creamy white grits commonly used. Other favorites at SNOB are the Steamed Clams and whatever special of the day is whipped up with the freshest local ingredients.
PearlZ
153 E Bay St Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 577-5755
This charming Oyster bar is known for its super-fresh seafood, and their oversized daily “specialz” board is overflowing with the day’s latest catch. And the daily spin on Pearlz’s Shrimp and Grits is no different because new twists on this classic favorite are a sure thing here based on what’s freshest. Snag a table or sit at the bar and enjoy everything this super popular seafood spot in Charleston has to offer.
Millers All Day
120 King St Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 501-7342
This beloved breakfast spot serves up the favored flavors all day instead of just in the morning or at brunch. For those who love breakfast for any meal, classic dishes are found at Millers All Day. But Millers is also a perfect place to taste the classic Lowcountry dish Shrimp & Grits, made here with Jimmy Red corn grits which gives the grits a warm, toasted look and taste. Paired with a homemade biscuit and a Lavender Butterfly Iced Tea, a meal at Millers is hard to beat.
Nigel’s Good Food
3760 Ashley Phosphate Rd North Charleston, SC 29418
(843) 552-0079
This casual spot is a local gem for all kinds of soul food including standout shrimp and grits. At Nigel’s, this dish is Grandma Fred’s Shrimp and Grits and is best enjoyed with a Peach Kool-Aid or Thelma’s Lemon Sweet Tea to round out the authentic soul food experience.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink around Charleston, check out our city page.
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