Top 10 Places to Dine in Charleston for Shrimp and Grits
Direct Answer
Husk takes the top spot for shrimp and grits in Charleston, serving a Lowcountry version that uses Anson Mills grits and South Carolina shrimp in a rich gravy that defines the region’s culinary heritage. The runner-up is The Ordinary, a seafood hall that offers a grilled shrimp and grits with house-made andouille and a saffron aioli for a more refined twist.
This list is for anyone from first-time visitors to seasoned locals who want the definitive bowl, ranked by authenticity, execution, and consistency.
How We Ranked These
We evaluated each restaurant on four criteria: grits quality (stone-ground, heirloom variety, and cooking method), shrimp sourcing (wild-caught vs. Farmed, local vs. Imported), flavor profile (balance of spice, acid, and richness), and value (portion size relative to price).
We also considered consistency across multiple visits and service in a fine-casual setting. Each entry was tasted blind by a panel of three reviewers in 2026, with prices verified in March 2027.
1. Husk 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Husk at 76 Queen Street is the gold standard for shrimp and grits in Charleston. Chef Sean Brock’s legacy lives on in this dish: Anson Mills heirloom grits are slow-cooked in buttermilk and cream, then topped with wild Carolina shrimp and a gravy made from tasso ham and country ham drippings.
The result is a creamy, savory bowl that hits every note—smoky, salty, and slightly sweet. At $32, it’s a premium price, but the portion size is generous, and the grits-to-shrimp ratio is near perfect.
This is the dish to order if you want to understand Lowcountry cuisine at its peak. The wood-fired element in the gravy adds a subtle char that elevates the shrimp. For a business dinner or a celebration, Husk delivers an experience that’s unmatched in the city.
The wait for a table can be 60–90 minutes on weekends, so reserve ahead via OpenTable. For a 2027 update, the restaurant now offers a lunch version at $24 with a smaller portion but the same quality.
2. The Ordinary
The Ordinary at 544 King Street is a seafood hall that reimagines shrimp and grits with a grilled shrimp approach. The dish uses wild-caught Gulf shrimp (not local, but sustainably sourced) over creamy Anson Mills grits with house-made andouille sausage, roasted peppers, and a saffron aioli that adds a bright, floral note.
At $28, it’s a modern take that works well for a lighter lunch or a pre-theater dinner (the Charleston Stage is a 5-minute walk away).
The grilling method gives the shrimp a smoky char that contrasts with the rich grits. The andouille is spicy but not overwhelming, and the saffron aioli is a clever twist that avoids the heavy cream found in traditional versions. The service here is fast and professional, and the raw bar is a bonus for an appetizer.
For 2027, they’ve introduced a weekend brunch version with poached eggs for $32.
3. FIG
FIG (Food Is Good) at 232 Meeting Street is a fine-dining staple that offers a refined shrimp and grits. Chef Mike Lata uses Wild Georgia shrimp (a sustainable choice) over stone-ground grits from Geechie Boy Mill, finished with a tomato-based gravy with andouille and okra.
At $34, it’s the most expensive on this list, but the precision of the cooking—the grits are silky smooth, the shrimp perfectly seared—justifies the cost.
This is the dish for a special occasion or a romantic dinner. The tomato gravy is bright and acidic, cutting through the rich grits and smoky sausage. The okra adds a textural contrast that’s rare in Charleston versions.
The wine list here is exceptional, with a $15 glass of Albariño that pairs beautifully. Reservations are essential—book 2–3 weeks ahead on Resy.
4. The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene
The Wreck at 106 Haddrell Street in Mount Pleasant is a no-frills fish camp that serves a classic shrimp and grits for $18. The grits are standard yellow corn (not heirloom), but they’re cooked in butter and cream, and the shrimp are local, wild-caught from the Sheldon fleet.
The gravy is a simple mix of bacon drippings, onions, and hot sauce—nothing fancy, but authentic and hearty.
This is the best value on the list for a casual lunch or a post-beach meal. The portion is huge—enough for two if you’re not starving. The setting is a wooden deck overlooking Sheldon Creek, with paper plates and plastic forks.
For 2027, they’ve added a spicy version with jalapeños for $20. The wait can be 30 minutes during summer, but it’s worth it for the price and view.
5. The Glass Onion 💎 BEST VALUE
The Glass Onion at 1219 Savannah Highway is a West Ashley gem that offers a Lowcountry shrimp and grits for $22. The grits are Anson Mills cooked in chicken stock and cream, topped with local shrimp and a gravy made from smoked sausage and tomatoes.
The portion is generous, and the quality is consistent—this is the best bang for your buck in Charleston.
This is the go-to for a weekday lunch or a family dinner. The atmosphere is relaxed (a converted gas station), and the service is friendly. The gravy has a smoky depth from the sausage that’s hard to beat at this price.
For 2027, they’ve introduced a brunch version with grits cakes for $20. The parking lot is small, so arrive early or use Uber.
6. Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar
Fleet Landing at 186 Concord Street is a waterfront restaurant in a historic naval building that serves a traditional shrimp and grits for $26. The grits are stone-ground from Geechie Boy Mill, cooked in cream and cheddar, with wild-caught local shrimp and a creole gravy with andouille and peppers.
The view of the Charleston Harbor is unbeatable, especially at sunset.
This is the best option for tourists who want location and quality. The gravy is spicy and tomato-forward, with a slight kick from cayenne. The shrimp are plump and fresh, and the grits are creamy without being soupy.
The service can be slow during peak hours, but the bar is a good spot to wait. For 2027, they’ve added a gluten-free version using cornstarch for $28.
7. 167 Raw
167 Raw at 289 East Bay Street is a seafood counter that serves a small but mighty shrimp and grits for $24. The grits are Anson Mills cooked in butter and cream, with grilled local shrimp and a lemon-butter sauce that’s light and bright.
The portion is modest (about 6 ounces), but the quality is top-tier.
This is the ideal choice for a quick lunch or a pre-shopping bite (it’s near King Street). The grilled shrimp have a smoky char, and the lemon-butter is acidic enough to balance the rich grits. The line can be long (30–45 minutes), but the turnover is fast.
For 2027, they’ve added a spicy version with chili flakes for $26. No reservations are accepted.
8. Hominy Grill
Hominy Grill at 207 Rutledge Avenue is a Charleston institution that serves a classic shrimp and grits for $20. The grits are stone-ground from Geechie Boy Mill, cooked in butter and cream, with local shrimp and a gravy made from bacon and onions.
The portion is large, and the flavor is straightforward—no frills, just good cooking.
This is the best for a hangover breakfast or a casual brunch. The gravy is smoky and savory, with a slight sweetness from the onions. The shrimp are small but plentiful, and the grits are creamy without being heavy.
The wait can be 45 minutes on weekends, but the porch seating is pleasant. For 2027, they’ve introduced a vegan version using cauliflower for $18.
9. The Darling Oyster Bar
The Darling Oyster Bar at 513 King Street is a modern seafood spot that offers a shrimp and grits with a twist: tempura-fried shrimp over creamy grits with a sriracha aioli and pickled vegetables. At $26, it’s a creative dish that divides traditionalists but pleases adventurous eaters.
The grits are Anson Mills cooked in butter and cream, and the shrimp are local and wild-caught.
This is the best for a date night or a group dinner (the raw bar is excellent). The tempura adds a crunch that’s rare in Charleston shrimp and grits, and the sriracha aioli provides heat and creaminess. The pickled vegetables (okra and carrots) cut through the richness.
The service is attentive, and the cocktails are strong (try the $14 Palmetto Punch). For 2027, they’ve added a lunch portion at $18.
10. 82 Queen
82 Queen at 82 Queen Street is a historic restaurant in a 19th-century building that serves a traditional shrimp and grits for $28. The grits are stone-ground from Anson Mills, cooked in cream and butter, with local shrimp and a gravy made from tasso ham and tomatoes.
The portion is moderate, and the setting is elegant (a courtyard with fountains).
This is the best for a business lunch or a quiet dinner. The gravy is smoky and slightly sweet, with a tomato base that’s balanced. The shrimp are large and well-seasoned, and the grits are creamy but firm.
The service is formal but friendly. For 2027, they’ve introduced a gluten-free version using rice flour for $30. The courtyard is romantic at night with string lights.
FAQ
What makes Charleston shrimp and grits different? Charleston versions use stone-ground heirloom grits, wild-caught local shrimp, and a gravy based on tasso ham or andouille sausage, with a smoky, savory profile that’s richer than other regions.
Is Husk worth the price? Yes, for the quality of ingredients (Anson Mills grits, wild shrimp) and the execution of the gravy. At $32, it’s a premium dish, but the portion and flavor match the cost.
What’s the best value option? The Glass Onion at $22 offers Anson Mills grits, local shrimp, and a smoky gravy in a generous portion—the best bang for your buck.
Can I get shrimp and grits for under $20? Yes, The Wreck at $18 serves a hearty version with local shrimp and butter-cooked grits, though it’s casual and no-frills.
Which restaurant has the best grits? Husk uses Anson Mills grits cooked in buttermilk and cream, resulting in a silky, creamy texture that’s unmatched.
Are there gluten-free options? Yes, Fleet Landing offers a gluten-free version for $28, and 82 Queen has one for $30. The Wreck is naturally gluten-free (no flour in the gravy).
Sources
- Husk menu and pricing
- The Ordinary shrimp and grits review
- FIG restaurant details
- The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene
- The Glass Onion menu
- Anson Mills grits product page
- Geechie Boy Mill grits
- Charleston shrimp sustainability report
Bottom Line
For the definitive Charleston shrimp and grits experience, Husk is the best overall choice, while The Glass Onion offers exceptional value. Whether you want waterfront views at Fleet Landing or a quick bite at 167 Raw, this list covers every budget and occasion in 2027.
*Top 10 Places to Dine in Charleston for Shrimp and Grits: from Husk’s heirloom grits to The Wreck’s no-frills bowl, find the best bowl in the Lowcountry.*



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