Top 10 Best Shrimp and Grits in Charleston

Located in the bustling City Market, Church and Union brings a contemporary edge to Lowcountry classics in a stylish industrial-chic space with Edison bulbs and exposed brick. Their Shrimp and Grits feature Geechie Boy grits and Gulf shrimp with a spicy tomato gravy that has a modern kick, reflecting chef Jamie Lynch's creative approach to traditional dishes. The central location makes it perfect for groups exploring downtown, and the lively bar scene transitions seamlessly from dinner to nightlife. Weekend brunch here is particularly popular with the under-40 crowd who appreciate the Instagram-worthy plating and craft cocktail program that goes beyond typical Southern sweet tea and bourbon.

With its romantic courtyard garden and circa-1886 building, 82 Queen offers multiple dining environments from formal indoor seating to the enchanting outdoor patio strung with lights. The Southern Shrimp and Grits here showcase a lighter, more refined approach with delicate herb-infused grits and a white wine butter sauce that lets the sweet local shrimp shine. This is date-night central—the garden setting is undeniably romantic, especially in spring when the jasmine blooms. While it leans touristy, the kitchen maintains quality standards and the multiple seating areas mean you can usually get a table when everywhere else is booked solid.

Set in a beautifully restored 1930s warehouse, Hank's combines historic Charleston charm with serious seafood credentials and an oyster bar that's always buzzing. Their Shrimp and Grits feature Anson Mills grits—the gold standard for stone-ground Southern grits—topped with jumbo local shrimp in a mushroom and tasso gravy that's simultaneously rich and balanced. The white tablecloth service doesn't feel stuffy thanks to knowledgeable servers who genuinely love the food they're serving, making it ideal for food-focused couples and discerning diners. Don't skip the raw bar; starting with a half-dozen oysters before your grits is the move insiders make.

High Cotton channels antebellum elegance with soaring ceilings, live piano music, and a sophisticated crowd that appreciates refined Southern cuisine. Their Pan-Seared Diver Scallops over Creamy Grits with country ham transcends the traditional shrimp preparation, though the Charleston Shrimp and Grits remain a menu staple with good reason. This is where you take clients, celebrate milestones, or dress up for a proper Charleston evening complete with craft cocktails from the mahogany bar. The Sunday jazz brunch is legendary among locals, and the sommelier-curated wine list rivals any fine dining establishment in the Southeast.

Just across the bridge in Mount Pleasant, Grace & Grit has quickly become a destination for locals seeking elevated Southern fare away from downtown's tourist throngs. Their Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits feature locally sourced Carolina Gold rice grits and head-on shrimp in a decadent tasso ham cream sauce that's worth the drive. The modern rustic interior with reclaimed wood and industrial touches creates a relaxed upscale vibe perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations. Their impressive bourbon selection and house-made biscuits make this a complete Lowcountry experience, and the ample parking is a luxury Charleston proper can't offer.

This Queen Street Victorian house-turned-restaurant comes with its own ghost story (ask about Poogan the dog) and serves soul-warming Southern classics on the charming wraparound porch. The Shrimp and Grits here are traditional in the best way—no molecular gastronomy, just buttery grits, perfectly sautéed shrimp, and a rich pan gravy that tastes like your South Carolina grandmother made it. While some complain about touristy vibes, the shaded porch seating transports you to old Charleston, making it ideal for brunch after exploring the Historic District or when you want postcard-perfect Southern ambiance. The She-Crab Soup is another must-order that pairs beautifully with their shrimp preparations.

Occupying a former naval facility with unbeatable harbor views, Fleet Landing serves shrimp and grits with a side of maritime history and sunset vistas over the water. Their Low Country Shrimp and Grits come loaded with andouille sausage, peppers, and a spicy tomato gravy that locals argue is the most authentic version in town. The expansive outdoor deck is perfect for families and casual groups who want quality seafood without the stuffiness, especially during golden hour when dolphins occasionally swim past. With its sprawling space and flexible menu, it's also surprisingly accommodating for large parties and tourists fresh off the harbor tours.

Magnolias put Lowcountry cuisine on the culinary map in 1990 and remains the benchmark against which all other shrimp and grits are measured. Their signature Down South Egg Roll appetizer is legendary, but the Shellfish over Grits—a luscious combination of shrimp, scallops, and lobster in cognac butter—is why Food & Wine named this one of America's most important restaurants. The elegant yet approachable dining room strikes the perfect balance for business dinners, anniversary celebrations, or impressing out-of-town guests who think they've had good Southern food before. Chef Don Drake's modern interpretations respect tradition while pushing boundaries, making reservations essential.

With nearly 50,000 reviews and a 4.9 rating, Hyman's isn't just popular—it's a Charleston institution that's been serving seafood since 1890. Their Charleston Nasty Shrimp features a heaping portion over creamy grits with a rich gravy that justifies the line you'll inevitably wait in, though it moves surprisingly fast. This is tourist-central done right: families, first-timers, and locals celebrating special occasions all pack the expansive dining rooms for consistently excellent seafood at shockingly reasonable prices. The massive menu can be overwhelming, but trust the servers who've been here for decades—they'll steer you right.

Tucked on Meeting Street, Iron Rose delivers upscale comfort with a neighborhood bar feel that locals fiercely guard as their own. Their Southern Shrimp and Grits feature Geechie Boy stone-ground grits swimming in a bacon-laced gravy that'll make you understand why this dish became a Lowcountry legend. With an impressive craft cocktail program and late-night kitchen, it's perfect for date nights or post-work unwinding when you want elevated Southern fare without the tourist crowds. The intimate exposed-brick interior and knowledgeable bartenders make every visit feel like you've been let in on Charleston's best-kept secret.