Charleston Tourism: Explore the List of Waterfront Restaurants Charleston SC Offers

 

Blue Life Charters |33 Lockwood Drive Charleston SC 29401 |  (843) 743-4915

Charleston, South Carolina, is a city where the waterfront dining scene is as vibrant and diverse as its’ history. For those seeking the ultimate dining experience with stunning views, sumptuous seafood, and a welcoming atmosphere, waterfront restaurants in Charleston SC, do not disappoint. Blue Life Charters is thrilled to present our top 10 favorite waterfront restaurants, each offering a unique glimpse into the heart of Charleston’s culinary excellence by the water.

1. Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar

Standing on an old Navy pier and offering one of the only waterfront restaurants in the downtown area, Fleet Landing merges historical significance with contemporary seafood cuisine. Famous for its shrimp & grits and she crab soup, its floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor seating area provide captivating views of the Charleston Harbor, making it an essential visit for anyone searching for the best waterfront restaurants Charleston SC has to offer.

Outdoor dining area at Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar with orange umbrellas, tables, and views of Charleston Harbor and the pier.
Courtesy of Fleet Landing Facebook

2. The Boathouse at Breach Inlet

Situated on the Intracoastal Waterway in Isle of Palms, The Boathouse offers scenic dining with a menu rich in local seafood. The interior boasts a nautical theme with woodwork from various species, while the outdoor area provides picturesque views of passing boats and fresh catches featured on your plate.

Outdoor dining area at The Boathouse featuring wooden deck, string lights, and scenic views of the Intracoastal Waterway, ideal for enjoying local seafood.
Courtesy of The Boathouse

3. Bowens Island Restaurant

A staple in the Charleston dining scene for over 75 years, Bowens Island Restaurant is known for its laid-back atmosphere and fresh oysters, straight off the boat. Located just minutes from Folly Beach, it’s the perfect spot for enjoying sunset views over the salt marsh and classic Lowcountry dishes.

Bowens Island Restaurant at dusk, featuring rustic wooden structures, scenic water views, and a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for enjoying fresh oysters and Lowcountry dishes.
Courtesy of Charleston Magazine

4. Coconut Joe’s Beach Grill

With its rooftop dining area offering sweeping views of the Isle of Palms beach, Coconut Joe’s is ideal for those wanting to dine in a relaxed setting. Their menu, featuring everything from fish tacos to burgers, complements the casual, beachy vibe perfectly. They also have a location in Folly Beach area.

Cocktail and Landshark Lager on a table with a beach view, featuring umbrellas and sunbathers in the background, representing the relaxed dining atmosphere at Coconut Joe's Beach Grill.
Courtesy of Coconut Joe’s

5. Red’s Ice House

On Shem Creek, Red’s Ice House is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, offering a lively atmosphere with stunning water views. It’s the place to enjoy cold drinks, fresh seafood, and possibly a dolphin sighting or two.

Red's Ice House on Shem Creek, featuring a lively atmosphere, outdoor dining area, and scenic waterfront views, ideal for enjoying seafood and drinks.
Courtesy of AmericanCuisine.com

6. Water’s Edge of Shem Creek

Located in Mount Pleasant on Shem Creek, Water’s Edge combines fine dining with a waterfront view. With an extensive wine selection and a variety of seafood dishes, dining here means enjoying the sights and sounds of the creek up close.

Water's Edge Cabana Bar on Shem Creek, featuring American flags, a wooden deck, and a waterfront dining atmosphere.
Courtesy of Water’s Edge Shem Creek

7. Saltwater Cowboys

This casual dining spot on Shem Creek is known for its local seafood and BBQ. Saltwater Cowboys is a great place to dock your boat and enjoy a meal with friends in a vibrant setting.

Outdoor dining area at Saltwater Cowboys on Shem Creek, featuring patrons enjoying meals under umbrellas, with boats and a vibrant waterfront setting in the background.
Courtesy of Saltwater Cowboys

8. The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene

Tucked away in Mount Pleasant, The Wreck offers a unique dining experience with its focus on local, fried seafood, and a history tied to Hurricane Hugo. It’s a hidden gem on Shem Creek, providing a true taste of Charleston’s seafood culture. Furthermore, most recently it has caught some publicity from its feature in the popular TV show, Outer Banks.

Cozy dining area overlooking Shem Creek with a view of boats, featuring a table set for a meal with a candle and condiments, embodying the local seafood dining experience at The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene.
Courtesy of Roadfood.com

9. Charleston Harbor Fish House

With panoramic views of the Cooper River Bridge and USS Yorktown, the Fish House is a go-to for those seeking both a meal and a view. Their rooftop bar offers an expansive view of the Charleston skyline, adding to the allure.

Interior of Charleston Harbor Fish House with panoramic views of the USS Yorktown and Cooper River Bridge, featuring tables and chairs in a bright, airy setting.
Courtesy of Charleston Harbor Fish House

10. BLU Restaurant & Bar

Located on Folly Beach, BLU offers a sophisticated beachside dining experience. With options for fine dining inside and more relaxed outdoor seating by the beach, BLU is a prime spot for enjoying the ocean’s breeze along with your meal.

Family enjoying a meal at a beachside restaurant, featuring a boy with fish tacos and a girl with a burger, surrounded by palm trees and orange umbrellas, with a bustling outdoor dining scene in the background.
Courtesy of BLU

Enhance Your Dining Experience with Blue Life Charters

While each of these waterfront restaurants in Charleston, SC, offers something special, imagine concluding your evening with a sunset dinner cruise on the water. Blue Life Charters invites you to dine aboard our vessels, where the views of Charleston from the water are unmatched. Enjoy a curated menu with our optional catering service or BYOB, listen to your favorite music playlist as the wind sails us through the harbor on a private cruise, and indulge in the serene beauty of a Charleston sunset as the perfect end to your dining adventure.

For both locals and tourists, these top 10 waterfront restaurants represent some of our favorite’s in the waterfront Charleston dining scene, each with its own story and culinary delights. And when you’re ready to take the waterfront experience to another level, join Blue Life Charters for an unforgettable dining experience on the water. Contact us today to book your unforgettable dinner cruise in Charleston, SC!

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