From fresh-caught seafood to Lowcountry classics, the restaurants on South Carolina’s Hammock Coast® serve up something for every palate. Whether you’re on the hunt for waterfront views, family-friendly comfort food, or fine dining with a Southern twist, this corner of the coast delivers. Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, Georgetown, and Litchfield all offer local restaurants with charm, flavor, and hospitality that define coastal Carolina dining.
Dining on the Hammock Coast is all about laid-back luxury and local flavor. You’ll find everything from historic seafood spots to upscale restaurants tucked under oak canopies. In Georgetown, enjoy fresh catches with a view of the harbor. In Litchfield and Pawleys Island, sample inventive menus at restaurants like Chive Blossom Café or Bistro 217. In Murrells Inlet, places like Lee’s Inlet Kitchen and Graham’s Landing keep regulars and visitors coming back. Many restaurants here are family-owned and rooted in generations of tradition, creating authentic South Carolina restaurant experiences.
The Hammock Coast is a stronghold for Lowcountry cuisine — a rich culinary tradition shaped by the South Carolina coast. Expect dishes like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and Lowcountry boils that pile the table high with shrimp, sausage, corn, and red potatoes. Oysters are a staple, especially in high season. Soft shell crab, blackened grouper, and flounder sandwiches round out the seafood selection. Don’t skip on sides like collard greens, pimento cheese grits, or hushpuppies with house-made honey butter.
This area is also known for its hyper-local sourcing. Many restaurants use seafood brought in the same day and produce from nearby farms. It’s a region where the catch of the day really means something.
From casual bites to candlelit dinners, the Hammock Coast serves up more than great meals — it delivers memorable moments. Whether you’re planning a romantic night out, a family dinner with sandy toes in tow, or a waterfront lunch with a view, there’s a seat (and a dish) for everyone. Explore the different ways to dine, unwind, and savor the flavors of South Carolina’s coast.
Celebrate a special night out at places like Frank’s Restaurant in Pawleys Island or Coastal Dish at Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort. With elevated menus, local seafood, curated wine lists, and warm ambiance, these restaurants offer a taste of luxury in a relaxed, coastal setting.
Nothing says Hammock Coast like dining with a view of the water. Head to Inlet Crab House in Murrells Inlet or Big Tuna Raw Bar in Georgetown for seafood with a side of scenery. These restaurants serve up the best of the coast, with views that change with the tides.
Dining out with kids? Restaurants like Russell’s Seafood Grill or the Inlet Crab House offer hearty portions, casual atmospheres, and kid-friendly menus. Many spots include outdoor seating and quick service, so the whole family can dig in without stress.
For a date night or honeymoon meal, cozy up at places like Chive Blossom Café or Bovine’s Restaurant. Think candlelit tables, coastal wines, fresh oysters, and slow-paced evenings that let the ambiance do the work.
Have questions about dining on the Hammock Coast? From dietary accommodations to the best times to grab a table, we’ve got the answers to help you navigate the local food scene with ease (and an appetite).
Shrimp, oysters, flounder, grouper, and soft-shell crab are local standouts. Many restaurants serve these grilled, blackened, or in signature Lowcountry dishes.
Yes, most do! It’s always best to call ahead, but many restaurants offer gluten-free and allergen-conscious options, particularly seafood-based dishes.
Yes. Many restaurants in the Hammock Coast, including Chive Blossom Café and Costa Coastal Kitchen, offer vegetarian-friendly options. Vegan dishes may be more limited, but can be found or requested at most full-service restaurants.
Lunchtime is often less crowded, while dinner hours (especially around sunset) tend to fill up fast. Weekdays generally offer more flexibility than weekends.
For fine dining or during peak travel seasons, reservations are strongly recommended. Many casual spots are first-come, first-served, but wait times can be long during dinner hours and weekends.
Yes! The area hosts several food and wine festivals throughout the year, including Taste of the MarshWalk and Oyster Roasts in the fall and winter.
From cozy cafés to hidden gems serving up Lowcountry classics, these restaurants offer unforgettable flavor.
