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We asked our readers to vote for their favorite spots for fresh catch and local shrimp in the Palmetto State—here are their picks.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in South Carolina, find the nearest seafood dive and tuck into a platter of fried shrimp—preferably one served with an ice-cold beer and an unobstructed view of the water. While you can take to Google or a guidebook to determine where to go for steamed oysters or shrimp and grits in the Lowcountry, we decided to consult the folks who care about good Southern seafood as much as we do: our readers. Here are the 10 best seafood spots in South Carolina, as voted by Southern Living readers.

Lee's Inlet Kitchen

When you’ve been around for more than 75 years, you’re bound to be doing something right. At this beloved institution in the fishing village of Murrells Inlet, try not to load up on the hot hush puppies they bring to the table on arrival—though it's awfully tempting. There's still so much more to savor, like the hand-peeled, cold-boiled shrimp pulled from the waters of nearby McClellanville or the thin and crispy onion rings—Lee’s is as famous for those as it is for the seafood.

Order: The Shrimp Salad ($28.95), made with boiled fantail shrimp and Duke's mayo, is another house specialty.

4460 US-17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576; leesinletkitchen.com

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Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks

It doesn’t get much fresher than this Hilton Head Island mainstay, where 90% of the seafood served comes directly from the surrounding waters. Because of its enviable position on the edge of Port Royal Sound, guests can watch a local fishing fleet (one of only two on the island) unload the day’s loot, which could include anything from white shrimp to soft-shell crab.

Order: From September through April, opt for the steamed local cluster oysters in the shell ($12 for a half bucket); the restaurant farms and harvests them.

1 Hudson Road, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29926; hudsonsonthedocks.com

Bowens Island Restaurant

Should you find yourself in the Holy City, make the worthwhile dirt-road detour to this family-owned restaurant that’s been a rambling fixture along Folly Creek since 1946. With its graffitied walls and worn-in wood floors, it doesn’t beg for attention, and it doesn’t need to. Deemed an American Classic by the James Beard Foundation in 2006, the Lowcountry seafood joint shovels fresh-steamed oysters onto trays September through the first half of May and dishes fried shrimp and hush puppies year-round. It’s all delicious—and it's made even more so if you snag a seat on the waterside deck.

Order: The shrimp (served boiled or fried) and fried fish platter is served with the seafood-dive-side-dish trifecta: french fries, hush puppies, and coleslaw.

1870 Bowens Island Road, Charleston, SC 29412; bowensisland.com

The Crab Shack

Situated on the main drag of the freewheeling beach town just 12 miles from buttoned-up Charleston, The Crab Shack is as family-friendly and flip-flop casual as its surrounds. Start with the the she-crab soup, but save room: The value seafood baskets—which you can order with flounder, shrimp, or scallops (or a combination of all three)—are generously portioned. Catch them at another location in Charleston as well.

Order: The marquee offering, The Charleston Steamed Seafood Bucket, includes two snow crab clusters, large domestic shrimp, and steamed oysters (market price).

26 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC 29439 and 8486 Dorchester Rd, Charleston, SC 29420; crabshacks.com

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Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop

Housed in a reimagined garage on Upper King Street, the Brooks Reitz-helmed restaurant turned 10 in 2024, but it’s been a neighborhood favorite from the start, thanks to a menu of mouthwatering fried chicken, expectedly fresh oysters, and surprisingly craveable salads. Add to the clever mix soft-serve ice cream and buckets of Miller High Life ponies, and you’ve found yourself one of the best meals in this restaurant-proud town.

Order: Even the bivalve-averse crowd may develop a taste for oysters after sampling Leon's char-grilled take, which swim in a melty swirl of lemon and butter and are topped with a generous sprinkle of parmesan. The "old-school" scalloped potatoes are also not to be missed.

698 King St, Charleston, SC 29403; leonsoystershop.com

The Sea Shack

Don’t let inevitable line out the door during summertime scare you off. This treasured counter-service spot with just 40 seats is an area favorite thanks to its wide array of offerings, from conch fritters to flounder sandwiches. It’s all made to order and to your liking—fried, grilled, or blackened. Wash it down with a glass of what they declare to be the best sweet tea on the island, and finish with a slice of strawberry Key Lime pie (when it’s seasonally available) or a cup of banana pudding.

Order: Hearty appetites should try the Shack Attack Combo ($17.95 for lunch, $19.95 for dinner), which combines a crab cake, fish, shrimp, scallops, and oysters on a giant paper platter. Homemade tartar sauce is the traditional accompaniment, but we think the brandy-infused gator sauce makes an even better platter slather.

6B Executive Park Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; seashackhhi.com

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Sullivan’s Fish Camp

With its lofted ceilings, lacquered-wood booths, and commitment to retro branding, this Sullivan’s Island joint feels like it’s been there forever. In reality, it’s a newcomer—a spring 2022 top-to-bottom overhaul of a restaurant that had called the same spot home for 30 years. And while the nostalgically striped, umbrella-shaded patio is painfully charming, the takeaway window makes a strong case for a to-go lobster roll savored on the beach just a few blocks away.

Order: The shrimp fried rice ($24) puts a fresh coastal twist on a takeout mainstay. We also love the Key lime pie.

2019 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482; sullivansfishcamp.com

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The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene

So named for the trawler that was tossed ashore on the same spot during Hurricane Hugo in 1989, this dinner-only, no-reservations establishment on Shem Creek shrugs off formalities in favor of its dynamite views and deliciously simple seafood. The best seat in the house belongs to the wooden dockside bar, where sunset views and local craft beers are just an arm’s length away.

Order: Complete with red rice, coleslaw, a hush puppy, and a fried hominy square, the shrimp platter (from $17.95) is a true taste of the Lowcountry. The deviled crab is also worth a try.

106 Haddrell Street, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; wreckrc.com

Shrimp Shack

This family-owned lunch spot has been an island institution since it first opened its doors in 1978, and its magic belongs to its simplicity. They're only open for lunch, and you order through a carry-out window—though you don't have to take your food home. Snag one of the picnic tables on the porch for an especially satisfying alfresco dining experience.

Order: Given the restaurant's name, it's obvious you can't go wrong with shrimp here, but the shrimp burger ($9.30), served on a bun with tartar sauce and mayo, is a true crowd favorite.

1929 Sea Island Parkway, Saint Helena Island, SC 29920; facebook.com/shrimpshacksc

Mr. Fish Restaurant

There’s something for everyone on the extensive menu at this landmark Grand Strand restaurant and seafood market owned by a fisherman father and his culinary school-trained daughter. Choose a South Carolina classic, like the Lowcountry boil, or make the most of the raw bar and order a sushi roll or two. Stretch mealtime into a full-fledged Mr. Fish experience by reserving a ride to and from dinner in the Mr. Fishmobile, a bright blue school bus that hits all the nostalgic high notes.

Order: The seafood tacos ($15) are made with your choice of mahi, tuna, or shrimp and are topped with chipotle-lime sauce.

6307 North Kings Highway, Suite B, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572; mrfish.com

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MURRELLS INLET, S.C. (WMBF) - Deputies are asking for help getting to the bottom of a weekend armed robbery in Murrells Inlet.

The Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office said the incident happened at home on Sunnyside Avenue.

Deputies said that three men robbed the two victims of money, cell phones and a safe containing more money. Two of the suspects were also armed, according to the sheriff’s office.

Photos of two men wanted in connection with the case were also released Sunday, which were taken from a security camera at a convenience store in Horry County. The agency also released photos of a red Jeep Cherokee that they were seen in.

NEIGHBOR REACTS

Louann Wade told WMBF News on Monday that she’s called Murrells Inlet home for over a decade, but said she didn’t hear or see anything along her stretch of Sunnyside Avenue on Sunday.

Wade added that she’s now grappling with emotions and nerves she hasn’t felt since moving to the area.

”I’ve always loved it here, it’s a great neighborhood. I guess the times are getting into here too,” she said. “It’s always been quiet. I’ve never been scared to live here.”

Still, Wade said she’ll keep an eye out for those possibly involved.

“Since we’re retired, we kind of keep an eye on the neighborhood when they’re gone,” she said.

Anyone with information is asked to call 843-546-5102.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.

Copyright 2025 WMBF. All rights reserved.

MURRELLS INLET, S.C. (WBTW) — With Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. planning to eliminate at least six synthetic food dyes found in American food by the end of next year, a South Carolina ice cream shop has already started cutting the dyes out of their supply.

Several ice cream flavors at Stella’s Homemade Ice Cream are taking a hit from the artificial dye ban. That includes one of their most popular flavors — cookie monster.

Before the ban was even put into action, owner Haley King says the business was already slowly starting working toward removing the artificial dyes due to family concerns.

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“I have a niece and nephew that are pretty young, and my sister’s really big on trying to keep food dye out of their diet,” King said. “So when we first opened, we were already kind of on the lenient side, or a little bit on the more protective side, on what we were putting food coloring in.”

Now, the shop is starting to experiment with natural substitutes such as spirulina, a blue-green algae, and purple plum juice to still create fun colors in their ice cream and cake icings.

“Most of our flavors by the end of the season will be completely dye-free, out of our 200 flavors,” King said. “Already, we’re still over the [150 mark] of dye-free flavors already.”

But how do their customers feel about the looming change?

“Back in the 50s and 60s, they didn’t have no artificial flavor. You eat something, they didn’t have all that in there,” Gene Hembree said.

“I won’t get my favorite snacks,” Remy Marion said. “Like Skittles and Fruit Loops.”

“I think it’s good to use natural products when you are able to do it,” Marie Abrams said. “How they’re going to do it? I don’t know.”

At Stella’s, King said the biggest challenge the shop faces is outside candies or cereals being used in their ice cream, which is out of their control.

“Cereal still have them in there,” she said. “So we can’t really — either we don’t make those cereal flavors until they change, or hopefully they’ll change the cereal sooner rather than later.”

King says the process toward change — although already in the works — will take time to fully adjust to.

MURRELLS INLET, S.C. (WMBF) - The Spring Tide clean up, a staple event in Murrells Inlet, is making its return this weekend.

In its thirty-third year, the event has become South Carolina’s largest running community and salt marsh cleanup.

Hundreds of locals and visitors come to Morse Park to roll up their sleeves and show love for the Inlet.

“It shows how strong Murrells Inlet is,” said Stacy Johnson, Executive Director of Murrells Inlet 2020. “It truly takes a village.”

Spring Tide came about in the wake of Hurricane Hugo and has grown each year.

Boats of all kinds, including kayaks and paddle boards, will hit the marsh, while on land, volunteers are walking the streets and creek areas picking up tons of trash.

“It’s boots on the ground, boots in the water, and everybody collects as much trash as possible,” said Johnson.

Gloves, pickers, and bags will be provided for each volunteer, whether it is the first or 33rd time volunteering; all ages are welcome.

“This will only be my second year, so I am still a rookie, but it is a lot of fun. I really enjoy it,” said Chelsea Murray, who is a volunteer. “It is a sense of accomplishment cleaning up your community.”

“There is a great turnout every year, and I highly recommend everyone come out and support this beautiful land God has given us,” said Jacob West, who is a Murrells Inlet native and works at Hot Fish Club."

This year’s theme is “Thanks to you, it’s picking up.”

It is a nod to the progress being made in the inlet when it comes to throwing trash out properly.

Organizers say the amount of trash has decreased each year from six tons to three tons.

After all the work is finished, there will be a chowder cookoff at the Hot Fish Club between the local restaurants, along with live music.

“It is a community effort to try to get the place looking good for the season,” said Mike Campbell, Managing Partner of Dead Dog Saloon. “We try to all pitching in.”

The event will kick off on Sunday, April 27, at 10 a.m. with an opening ceremony at Morse Park.

The cleanup will begin at 10:30 a.m. through noon.

Copyright 2025 WMBF. All rights reserved.

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As the gateway to the southern portion of Horry County, the Inlet Square Mall re-development project wants to re-nourish a property unoccupied in recent years.

One of the Myrtle Beach area’s biggest shopping centers, the project intends to bring retail and business back to the site by converting the indoor facility into a more spacious shopping area.

This re-envisioning of the property included knocking down much of the enclosed mall that resided there before.

Now, the developer says that portion of the project is near completion. In an interview with The Sun News, Real Estate Manager for Paramount Development Corporation Neal Bowers said demolition will wrap up in the next few weeks.

He added debris removal is still ongoing. Bowers said that adding parking lots, site work, stormwater improvements and other utility work should start in April 2025.

Horry County Land Records shows that several parcels on the property received permits for this new phase for the site.

The project has changed from earlier plans for the mall. Previously, Paramount Development indicated that the project would include residential housing in a brochure for the property.

Bowers said the firm received interest from other developers to add a residential component, but Paramount currently has no plans to build housing on the site. He said the tract doesn’t have residential zoning, and Paramount has not submitted any rezoning applications.

While residential development could occur sometime in the future, Bowers stressed that Paramount has nothing in the works.

“We’re not residential developers ourselves, but we are not pursuing residential on the site,” Bowers said. “We have zero plans, zero land for residential, regardless of previous conceptual plans.”

Plans to revitalize the area are in motion, and the mall site has already attracted new businesses to a property that once saw many of its tenants close.

The Sun News reported in July 2024 that a Home2Suites by Hilton will open near the Belk store at the mall, along with a Hobby Lobby replacing the former JCPenney. Horry County Land Records show that the property submitted several permits for the interior and exterior renovations of the Hobby Lobby.

Bowers added that the firm signed a lease for a new business to open in a large portion of the former Kmart location next to Planet Fitness. More companies plan to open there, too.

The Myrtle Beach area Mexican restaurant chain El Cerro Grande plans to open at the former TGI Friday’s property, and Bowers said the eatery bought the building.

According to Horry County Land Records, El Cerro Grande bought the tract for $3 million in December 2024. The Inlet Square Mall isn’t the only Grand Strand shopping center set to undergo re-development.

The Sun News reported in November 2024 that the firm Rise Partners bought Conway’s Coastal Centre for $14 million.

Rise Partners Partner Greg Wilson said in an October 2024 interview that the firm wants to start project construction in 2025 and finish sometime in 2026.

“We’re super excited about it,” Wilson said in an interview with The Sun News. “Conway is growing and needs better options in the market.”

This story was originally published April 14, 2025 at 5:00 AM.

The Sun News

Ben Morse is the Retail and Leisure Reporter for The Sun News. Morse covers local business and Coastal Carolina University football and was awarded third place in the 2023 South Carolina Press Association News Contest for sports beat reporting and second place for sports video in the all-daily division. Morse previously worked for The Island Packet, covering local government. Morse graduated from American University in 2023 with a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism and economics and is originally from Prospect, Kentucky.