Seafood Capital of SC

Restaurants in
Murrells Inlet

The freshest shrimp, the best oysters, and Lowcountry cooking done right — all within a shrimp's throw of the tidal marsh.

What Makes Murrells Inlet Different

This isn't a tourist seafood trap. Murrells Inlet has been a commercial fishing village for generations — which means the fish on your plate arrived off a local boat that morning. Restaurants here take their sourcing seriously. Whether you're sitting on a dock with a bucket of steamed oysters or settled in at a white-tablecloth spot over she-crab soup, you're eating the real thing.

Must-Try Dishes

Lowcountry seafood feast spread
  • Shrimp & Grits — The Lowcountry classic. Creamy stone-ground grits topped with fresh local shrimp, bacon, and a rich tasso ham gravy. Order it at least once.
  • She-Crab Soup — Rich, cream-based crab bisque made with blue crab roe — a true SC delicacy. Warming and deeply savory.
  • Steamed Oysters by the Dozen — Local oysters, steamed in the shell and served with crackers, cocktail sauce, and melted butter. Simple, perfect.
  • Deviled Crab — A Lowcountry staple: blue crab meat seasoned with spices and baked in the shell. Street food elevated to an art form.
  • Fried Flounder — Whole or filleted, fresh-caught flounder lightly breaded and fried golden. Comes with hush puppies and coleslaw.

Where I'd Actually Send People

Marsh Walk sunset dinner

Wicked TunaThe easy first reservation for inlet views and polished seafood.

Drunken Jack'sThe classic old-school Marsh Walk fallback for hush puppies, she-crab soup, and a slightly more nostalgic feel.

Casual seafood that feels local

Lee's Inlet KitchenThe dependable longtime pick for fried seafood and Lowcountry staples.

Russell's Seafood GrillA strong move when you want fresh catch without the full tourist-boardwalk energy.

One nicer dinner

Hot Fish ClubThe go-to for a more polished night out that still feels rooted in local seafood.

Bring the Lowcountry Home

Can't get enough? Take the flavors of Murrells Inlet back with you.