“ShrimpGate” rocked the Charleston restaurant scene earlier this year when the South Carolina Shrimpers Association (SCSA) filed a lawsuit against 25 area restaurants. The lawsuit claimed the establishments misrepresented where they sourced their shrimp, and that many were imported, not local, as advertised. The lawsuit was based on a study done by SeaD Consulting, a group that conducts genetic testing of seafood species.
Several restaurants have since reached agreements with the SCSA and others have fought back with statements and clarifications on their sourcing practices. While the full scope of the lawsuit’s effects are still to be seen, what remains unchallenged is that there are many great places in Charleston to get delicious fried shrimp.
We love a good poll at City Paper and our readers are always ready to share their feelings about the local food scene. Here are 10 top spots to get fried shrimp in Charleston, based on an unscientific — no genetic testing here! — Instagram poll (listed in alphabetical order):
Acme Lowcountry Kitchen
One of the best brunches in the Lowcountry can be found on Isle of Palms, but it’s the fried shrimp on the dinner menu that gets a mention here. The Yorktown dish serves fried shrimp alongside fried oysters, fried flounder, French fries and coleslaw and you can also get fried shrimp over cornbread, smothered in Lowcountry tasso ham gravy. The Southern Hospitality plate puts fried shrimp over pimento cheese grits and collards. It doesn’t get more Southern than that! More: acmelowcountrykitchen.com
Bowens Island Restaurant
Since its founding in 1946, Bowens Island has been serving some of the best fried seafood, oysters and local beer in the Lowcountry. While you can find all-you-can-eat oyster tables downstairs, you don’t want to miss the fried shrimp. Get them platter style with French fries, hush puppies and coleslaw or paired with a crabcake or fried fish. More: bowensisland.com
Dave’s Carry-Out
This soul food joint offers a true taste of Charleston. The selection of sides is small but tasty — try the lima beans, thick steak fries or rice. For less than $10, you can get a generous portion of shrimp, arguably one of the best deals in the city. A few tables allow customers to dine in, but most folks get their Dave’s to-go, whether for lunch or a greasy late-night snack. More: Facebook
Red Drum
Red Drum has been a fixture in Mount Pleasant since opening in 2005. If you’re looking for fried shrimp, you can find them on the happy hour, brunch and dinner menus. People have strong feelings about the best condiment for fried shrimp, be it tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, a lemon squeeze or plain. And if you love a remoulade, Red Drum is your place. We certainly can’t argue with anything mayo based! More: reddrumrestaurant.com
CudaCo. Seafood House
CudoCo. has been serving the Lowcountry sustainable seafood on Folly Road since 2021. Its Po’ Boy has remoulade, slaw, Crystal hot sauce and herbs and the Fish Fry comes with citrus and remoulade. And if you prefer to have your fried shrimp at home, pick up a few pounds from the on-site market. More: cudaco.com
Fishnet Seafood
Fishnet, a gem located on Savannah Highway on Johns Island, is known for its garlic fried crabs and the so-called “Jesus crabs” (it’s a good Christian place with no room for the devil). But the fryers can crisp up some seriously great shrimp too — small, sweet and very lightly battered. While Fishnet is worth the trip from Charleston, it is also the perfect place to stop if you’re heading south on Savannah Highway. More: Facebook
Hank’s Seafood Restaurant
While it might feel best to eat fried shrimp on paper plates, sometimes the shellfish needs an upscale twist. Hank’s has been serving Charleston locals and visitors for more than 25 years, and its fried shrimp platter comes with French fries and southern coleslaw with the white tablecloth treatment. More: hanksseafoodrestaurant.com
Hannibal’s Kitchen
Hannibal’s Kitchen is a no-frills soul joint on the East Side of Charleston that, according to owner L.J. Huger, has “been feeding the soul of the city” for more than 40 years. It’s a Charleston institution and was even listed on The New York Times 2021 top 50 restaurants in the country. Get your fried shrimp here with a selection of sides including lima beans, red rice and okra soup. More: hannibalkitchen.com
See Wee Restaurant
If you drive north on U.S. Highway. 17, a stop at See Wee Restaurant in Awendaw is a must. It’s only closed on Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas so you can get your fried shrimp fix 362 days a year. The fried shrimp platter comes lightly breaded then deep-fried and is served with a choice of three sides. Our recommendation is butter beans, fried green tomatoes and sweet potato casserole. More: seeweerestaurantinc.com
The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene
Shem Creek favorite The Wreck feels exactly like a fried fish joint should with the aromas of the fryer, pluff mud and salt water wafting through the space. There are many ways to order fried fish here, but you called out the fried seafood platter that serves fried shrimp with scallops, oysters and the fish-of-the-day. More: wreckrc.com
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