If you’ve ever wondered what restaurants around Charleston can be accessed by boat during a day or evening around Charleston Harbor, then read on. Charleston is known for its world class cuisine, and is home to some of the finest, mostly highly acclaimed restaurants in the US. This is not that list. However, there is no slight intended here, and what follows is some truly excellent fare. The range is flip-flop casual to fine dining, though it wasn’t their French trained chef or Mobil 5 Diamond award that got them on the roster. No- the one requirement is they have their own dock where you can park the boat and walk in the back door to enjoy the gastronomic offerings, knowing that you have arrived in pirate style.  You will notice the highest concentration of dockside fare is located on Shem Creek, which is not inconvenient, as often what will cause you to make your final drinking and dining decision on the water will be that open space on the dock. If one spot on the list is overly occupied- just throw the wheel over and head next door. And don’t forget to bring an extra fender or two, in case you discover the need to raft up to your nautical neighbor.

While you are there, stop into our new Charleston, South Carolina office located in the The Harborage at Ashley Marina and allow Chris Ollis and the entire Denison team provide you with all the local knowledge and must-see attractions allowing you to further enjoy your boating experience!

1. Red’s Ice House- Shem Creek, Mt. Pleasant

Red’s, as the locals call it, got its name from “Red” Simmons’ commercial dock and working ice house on the same site which provided ice for the holds of the local fishing fleet, and operated on the creek for 50 years.  Red’s features an open air dockside bar, and outdoor seating with dockage directly in front.  Try the Saku Tuna treat as an appetizer, and if you are a fan of fish sandwiches, you must try the Great Grouper sandwich- grilled, blackened, or fried.

If by sea: Proceed up Shem Creek from Charleston Harbor, and Red’s is on the right side of the creek approximately 75 yards before Shem Creek Bridge. The dock is directly in front of the restaurant.

If by land:      98 Church Street

                       Mount Pleasant, SC  29464

                       843.388.0003

2. Water’s Edge- Shem Creek, Mt. Pleasant

Water’s Edge has a waterfront bar and outdoor seating, and is one of the upscale locations on this list.  Their wine list is extensive, and they continue to receive Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence year after year.  Outside dining is more casual, and inside, while not formal, has a dressier feel.  The sophisticated dinner menu boasts dishes from fresh local seafood, to pasta and steaks, and a fantastic duck breast.

If by sea:  Proceed up Shem Creek from Charleston Harbor, and Water’s Edge is on the left side of the creek when approaching Shem Creek Bridge. The dock is directly in front of the Cabana

If by land: 1407 Shrimp Boat Lane

                  Mount Pleasant, SC

                   843.884.4074

3. R.B.’s- Shem Creek, Mt. Pleasant

R.B.’s Seafood Restaurant, which got its name from the initials of the owner, Ronnie Boals, is a Mount Pleasant icon, having originally opened on Shem Creek in 1979.  It is what the name implies- a seafood restaurant featuring all manners of fried, boiled, broiled and blackened seafood in addition to burgers, pasta, soups and salads.  If you have never tried their “World Famous Crab Dip”, it is a must, and you can even enjoy it while rocking to and fro with your honey on one of their second floor swinging Tiki tables.

If by sea:  Proceed up Shem Creek from Charleston Harbor, and R.B.’s is on the right side of the creek as you approach Shem Creek Bridge.  You will know you are in the right place when you look up and see the daring pirate swinging from the left corner of the upper deck. The dock is directly in front of the restaurant.

If by land:  97 Church Street

                   Mount Pleasant, SC

                   843.881.0466

4. Shem Creek Bar and Grill- Shem Creek, Mt. Pleasant

Shem Creek Bar and Grill is another Shem Creek standard that has stood the test of time. It has been a staple on the creek for over 30 years. The restaurant is casual, and you can enjoy their Naked Seafood with butter, lemon, and “Shem Spice”, or one of the Shem Specialties such like the outstanding Damn Good Crab Cakes made from hand-picked crab meat. They also boast classic fried seafood.

If by sea:  Proceed up Shem Creek from the harbor, and pass beneath the Shem Creek Bridge (12 foot clearance) This is the one location that you cannot access by boat if you are higher than 12 feet, so keep that in mind before tearing your antennas off, and frightening your crew. Otherwise, after passing beneath the bridge, stay to the left in the deeper water until well around the bend, and you will see the dock just beneath the outside bar on the right side of the creek.

If by land:  508 Mill Street

                   Mount Pleasant, SC

                    843.884.8102

5. Charleston Crab House-  Wappoo Cut, James Island

Charleston Crab House has been a James Island favorite since they opened in 1991.  They feature outdoor seating on the deck overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, and are known for their Crab House Crab Pot with steamed shrimp, Snow crab legs, King crab legs, mussels, sausage, potatoes and corn on the cob, and an excellent fried soft shell crab sandwich when it is in season.  In addition to an extensive offering of fried seafood, are steaks and pastas.

If by sea: Travel just south of Charleston Harbor on the Intracoastal Waterway, beneath the Wappoo Cut draw bridge. The restaurant is on the left side of the waterway, and the dock is directly in front of the restaurant.

If by land: 145 Wappoo Creek Drive

                  Charleston, SC

                  843.795.1963

6. Sunset’s Bar and Grill- Dolphin Cove Marina, Charleston

Here’s one that that has been open just a short while, but is already garnering some good reviews. It is much easier to find by water than it is by land, making it an excellent boating and dining destination. A few of the favorites are Peel and Eat Shrimp, Shrimp and Grits, and the Philly cheese Steak sandwich, and if you are lucky enough to be there at sunset over the Ashley River, you may find the bartender handing out free shots.  Hard to complain about that.  One thing to remember is they are closed Monday and Tuesday.

If by sea:  Proceed up the Ashley River about two miles past the Coast Guard station between day markers 15 and 16.  Dolphin Cove Marina is on the right side of the river, and the slips for patrons are directly in front of the restaurant.

If by land: 2079 Austin Avenue

                  Charleston, SC

                   843.745.0426

7. California Dreaming- Ripley Light Marina, Charleston

When you first see California Dreaming, whether it be from the water, or the bridge over the Ashley River, it may strike you that it is an old castle or fort- that is, until you see the neon.  This restaurant has been “guarding” the entrance to Ripley Light Marina since before Hurricane Hugo, and is known for its steaks and Baby Back Ribs, as well as its seafood offerings.  Since you have been on the water with the fish all day, maybe you should change it up a little and try their tasty Prime Rib.  If you can get a seat by the water, the views are outstanding.

If by sea:  Head up the Ashley River just past the Charleston City Marina, and once you pass beneath the James Island Connector fixed span, turn left into Ripley Light Marina.  The dock for the restaurant is immediately on the left upon entering the marina.

If by land:  1 Ashley Point Drive

                    Charleston, SC  29407

                    843.766.1644

8. The Boathouse Restaurant- Breach Inlet, Isle of Palms

Not only is the Boathouse restaurant true to its name by having a beautiful yacht finish interior and collection of antique rowboats hanging from the ceiling- they can also make the claim of an incredible Atlantic Ocean view to the east and Intracoastal Waterway view to the west.  That before even mentioning the food.  Fresh local seafood fills the menu, with Steak and Lobster, or the Boathouse Crab Cakes, an often enjoyed favorite.  Begin your meal with the Sweet Jalapeno Hushpuppies with remoulade sauce.  You will not be disappointed.

If by sea: From the Intracoastal Waterway, turn right into the creek at marker 117A, and stay to the left and deeper side until you reach Hamlin Creek (local knowledge is a plus). The docks are on the left in front of the restaurant, just before Breach Inlet. Space is available for restaurant patrons.

If by land: 101 Palm Blvd.

                   Isle of Palms, SC

                   843.886.8000

9. Morgan Creek Grill- Isle of Palms Marina, Isle of Palms

Morgan Creek Grill is actually two restaurants in one, featuring very casual open air dining and the bar on the Upper Deck, and a more refined environment inside the main dining room. The Upstairs is actually relaxed enough that you can hop off the boat and drag a little sand up the stairs, and they will still welcome you. It is recommended that you have reservations for inside seating. It would be difficult not to find something you like at either venue. If on the Upper Deck, try the delicious Taco Trio or Southern Belle burger with pimento cheese and fried pickles. When you are feeling a little more well-mannered at the inside dining room- the Goat Island Tilapia, or Duck Leg and Seared Scallops are outstanding. There are excellent views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Isle of Palms Marina from either location.

If by sea:  Slightly south of marker 116 on the Intracoastal Waterway at the Isle of Palms Marina.  The docks are just off the waterway and in front the restaurant.

If by land: 80 41^st Avenue

                  Isle of Palms, SC

                  843.886.8980