8 Hidden Hole-in-the-Wall Shrimp Spots in South Carolina Locals Love

South Carolina’s coast hides a clutch of tiny seafood joints where the shrimp taste like they were hauled in that morning.

Locals guard these addresses, favoring paper plates, screen porches, and marsh breezes over white tablecloths.

If you crave low-key rooms, dock views, and cooks who let fresh shrimp do the talking, this list is your map.

Read on for eight small, soulful stops where the state’s shrimp heritage still feels personal and close to the water.

Dave’s Carry-Out, Charleston

Tucked on Morris Street in Charleston, Dave’s Carry-Out keeps the focus on simple seafood and quick service. The compact counter setup, fluorescent glow, and tight seating communicate what matters here, which is hot food in a hurry. Regulars come for fried shrimp that lands in a generous platter with scallops and deviled crab, a combo beloved by the neighborhood.

Expect no frills, just a steady rhythm of orders and a kitchen that moves. The shrimp arrives crisp, lightly seasoned, and satisfying, with sides that feel right for a Lowcountry plate. It is a classic South Carolina stop for travelers who want the flavor locals grew up with.

Find it at 42 Morris Street C, then step back outside to eat if seats fill fast. Plan for takeout on busy days, since the space is small. Bring an appetite and keep expectations centered on straightforward, reliable shrimp cooked by people who know the tradition.

Bowens Island Restaurant, James Island

Down a quiet road outside Charleston, Bowens Island Restaurant sits above the marsh with weathered boards and wide water views. The building is basic and photogenic, with oyster shells piled nearby and gulls looping overhead. Visitors love the relaxed mood, which gives the fried shrimp and shrimp and grits a comfortable home.

The kitchen leans on local catch and straightforward technique. Shrimp arrive tender, coated just enough to crackle, then paired with sides that match the Lowcountry setting. South Carolina travelers often linger on the deck, letting the tide and crab traps set the soundtrack.

Parking fills and lines form, so patience pays off with seats that frame sunset. Come early, savor the breeze, and keep your order simple. This is the kind of place where the view, the hush of the marsh, and a plate of shrimp make an easy afternoon feel complete.

The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene, Mount Pleasant

Hidden near Shem Creek on Haddrell Street, The Wreck feels like a friend’s screen porch that happens to serve seafood. There are paper plates, simple tables, and a steady breeze off the water. Shrimp boats sometimes glide past, which sets the tone for fried shrimp baskets and deviled crab.

The crowd is a mix of locals and clued-in visitors, many timing dinner with the evening light on the marsh. The shrimp coating stays crisp while the meat stays sweet, which keeps the table chatter happy and short. Nothing feels fussy, which suits the creek and the slow pace outside.

Look for a sign that is easy to miss and a gravel patch for parking. The experience rewards those who prefer character over polish. Sit back, enjoy the screened porch, and let the ambiance carry the meal.

The Shrimp Shack, St. Helena Island

Along Sea Island Parkway on St. Helena Island, The Shrimp Shack looks like a roadside stop from another era. The draw is lunch, with a steady flow of locals and day trippers aiming for fried shrimp. The pace remains calm, and the setting suits a quick break before exploring nearby beaches and marsh trails.

People talk about the shrimp burger, a coastal staple with a loyal following. Baskets with hush puppies and fries keep it classic without overcomplicating the plate. It is a South Carolina rite of passage for visitors chasing real-deal Lowcountry seafood without the crowds.

Expect counter service, a short wait, and a few picnic tables. Bring sunscreen if you plan to linger, since much of the seating is outdoors. Leave room in the afternoon for a drive through the island’s scenic byways and live oaks.

A&A Seafood Shack, Santee

Right off Bass Drive in Santee, A&A Seafood Shack sits far from the coast but keeps shrimp fans happy. Travelers on the inland corridor drop in for a quick plate before getting back on the road. The room is compact, the counter friendly, and the seasoning has a devoted following.

Many order the boom boom shrimp or a shrimp po’boy with fries and okra. The kitchen turns out hot baskets that feel surprisingly coastal for central South Carolina. It is the kind of address you mark for future drives because parking is easy and service moves.

Expect casual, upbeat energy with steady takeout traffic. If seats are full, step outside and regroup, since turnover is quick. For road trippers, this little stop breaks up the miles with a satisfying shrimp fix.

Coosaw Creek Crab Shack, North Charleston

Coosaw Creek Crab Shack on Dorchester Road serves a big neighborhood around North Charleston and Summerville. The vibe is family friendly, with roomy booths and the relaxed chatter of regulars. It is convenient for groups, and parking rarely becomes a headache.

Shrimp platters headline the draw, landing beside Lowcountry sides that keep the meal grounded. People also mix in deviled crab for a full coastal spread. Local reports praise the use of wild-caught shrimp, which gives the plate a clean, briny flavor.

Settle in for an easy meal after errands or a flight into the nearby airport. Service is warm, the tone unpretentious, and the menu broad enough to please a whole table. For travelers seeking dependable shrimp in South Carolina without a downtown squeeze, this is a smart pick.

The Sea Shack, Hilton Head Island

Down a side lane behind a gas station near Coligny, The Sea Shack keeps a low profile on purpose. The space is small, with friendly staff and a line that moves faster than it looks. Visitors who find it tend to return, since the formula stays consistent.

Fried shrimp baskets are the classic order, paired with hush puppies and simple sides. Seating is casual, with a backyard feel that suits beach days and sandy flip-flops. It builds Hilton Head’s reputation for humble seafood done right, away from resort gloss.

Arrive early at lunch to beat the rush, then take a seat at a picnic table. The setting invites conversation and unhurried bites. For a true South Carolina island experience that skips the spotlight, this spot wins.

Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, Hilton Head Island

Hudson’s sits right on the docks, with broad water views and an easy rhythm shaped by the tides. While larger than a shack, it earns a place on this list for its loyalty to local shrimp and unfussy plates. The dining rooms open to the sound of gulls and the sight of working boats.

Diners talk about the shrimp burger and simply prepared shrimp that highlights natural sweetness. Service is brisk, and the setting works for families or small groups who want a low-stress meal. Hilton Head regulars lean on it for consistency across seasons.

Time your visit to watch late afternoon light move across the creek. Walk the pier after you eat and take in the view. It is an approachable way to taste South Carolina’s shrimp story while staying close to the island’s busiest areas.