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Where to buy local seafood in Charleston, S.C.

Shem Creek Shrimp Boats

Geechie Seafood + Shrimp boats on Shem Creek | Photo by the CHStoday team

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This conversation was written by Lexa Garian, CHStoday’s digital media intern.

Hey Charleston, Lexa here. Earlier this summer, we asked you to share where you find fresh, local seafood around town. From those answers, we compiled a list of some of your favorite places. 🐟

Since we live on the water, it’s only natural that seafood is a staple meal. Remember the five food groups we learned in our first health class? For a little refresher: they’re fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods + dairy. If you add seafood to the top of that list, you would have the perfect Charleston-based food pyramid, in my opinion.

And, if you’re anything like me, you aren’t out there catching these critters yourself – so this list might make your lives a whole lot easier. Here are some of your favorite local seafood spots:

Rappahannock Oyster Company, 701 E. Bay St. 110

Rappahannock Oyster Co.

Rappahannock Oyster Co.’s oysters | Image via @RappahannockOysterCo.

Located in downtown Charleston in The Cigar Factory, this oyster bar serves oysters from the Rappahannock River, Chincoteague, Virginia, the Chesapeake Bay + Yorktown, Virginia. Rappahannock also serves fish, salads, burgers + more.

Southern Shrimp, 3802 Savannah Hwy., Johns Island

Jerry Gray - Southern Shrimp

Seafood variety | Image via @JerryGray

Owner + operator Eddie Corley has been serving the Lowcountry with fresh shrimp for over 30 years from his roadside trailer.

Miss Paula’s Shrimp, 102 Haddrell St., Mt. Pleasant

misspaulashrimp

Miss Paula’s Shrimp | Image via @empanadamamma

This local, family-owned business sells shrimp caught on the shrimp trawler “Miss Paula” every day during shrimping season + on weekends during the off-season. Occasionally, Miss Paula’s will have squid + whiting for sale.

Simmons Seafood, 1400 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms

Simmons Seafood - livingwithlandyn

Simmons Seafood Lowcountry boil | Image via @livingwithlandyn

Located on Isle of Palms, this local seafood market offers a selection of shrimp, lobster, crab stuffed flounder, deviled crabs, rice, grits, key lime pie + more. Lobster + pie in one shop? Sign me up.

Ted’s Butcherblock, 334 E. Bay St.

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Ted’s Butcherblock scallops | Image via @tedsbutcherblock

This butcher shop + gourmet cafe offers a selection of meat, seafood, sandwiches, soups, salads + more.

Simply Seafood, 3406 Maybank Hwy., Johns Island

simplyseafoodllc

Crab legs | Image via @simplyseafoodllc

Serving scallops, shrimp, oysters, fish, claims, snow crabs, Po’boys + more, Simply Seafood offers something for everyone.

Fishnet Seafood | 3832 Savannah Hwy., Johns Island

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Fishnet Seafood shrimp | Image via @peedeetourismsc

Fishnet Seafood has been serving the Charleston area since 1998. This hole-in-the-wall local dive doesn’t have in-house seating, however patrons can enjoy fresh, to-go seafood with prices that are hard to beat.

Geechie Seafood | 248 Magwood Ln., Mount Pleasant

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Geechie Seafood | Photo via @realhousewifeofmtpleasant

This hole-in-the-wall spot is a favorite hidden gem run by local shrimpers. Stop here for fresh shrimp that comes right off the boat in Shem’s Creek.

H & J Seafood, 129 St. James Ave, Goose Creek

HandJSeafood

H & J Seafood crabs | Image via @H&JSeafood

Stop by this seafood market six days a week to check out their selection of live crabs, shrimp, oysters + more.

Edisto Seafood, 3729 Docksite Rd., Edisto Island

edistoseafood - mandicampau

Edisto Seafood crabs | Image via @mandicampau

While this seafood market might be a bit of a drive, the selection of fresh fish, shrimp, scallops, snow crab legs, live blue crabs + oysters is sure to make the trip worthwhile.

If you buy local oysters, be sure to participate in a recycling program. Recycling the shells helps clean water + provides an environment for oyster populations to thrive. Click here to learn more + find a recycling site near you.

Disclaimer: This list is not intended to be exhaustive and was created based on reader recommendations. Did we leave out your favorite place to purchase local seafood? Share it with us in the comments below.

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