CHARLESTON, S.C. — Southern Living has unveiled its list of the most legendary restaurants in the South, and South Carolina is well-represented with five iconic spots making the cut. Of the 32 restaurants named, three are located in Charleston, while the others are in Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island.
“A great restaurant is never just a place to eat — it’s a keeper of stories, traditions, and generations of regulars,” said Southern Living in their feature.
Here’s a look at the five legendary South Carolina restaurants that made the list:
1. Poogan’s Porch (Charleston)
Location: 72 Queen St, Charleston
Website: poogansporch.com
With a history as rich as its food, Poogan’s Porch is housed in a former home built in 1891, transformed into a restaurant in 1976. The space is said to be haunted by Poogan, a dog who became a beloved mascot after the home was converted into a restaurant.
If the food — including Carolina crab cakes, pimiento-cheese fritters, and bone-in fried chicken — doesn’t draw you in, the story of Poogan’s lingering spirit just might. Poogan isn’t the only one who stays behind; Zoe Saint Amand, a former resident, is also said to haunt the building.
Must-Try Dish: Peach cobbler with a biscuit streusel topping or banana pudding made with bourbon.
Fun Fact: Poogan’s Porch is part of Charleston’s haunted history.
2. Hyman’s Seafood (Charleston)
Location: 215 Meeting St, Charleston
Website: hymanseafood.com
A true Charleston institution, Hyman’s Seafood has been serving fresh seafood since 1987 but has been at its Meeting Street location for over a century. It’s beloved by both locals and tourists, with a long list of celebrity patrons, including Oprah Winfrey, Sandra Bullock, and Barbra Streisand.
Known for a variety of seafood preparations — fried, chilled, barbecued, broiled, and more — Hyman’s doesn’t take reservations, so be prepared for a wait.
Must-Try Dish: Fried seafood platters, including their famous shrimp.
Fun Fact: Celebrities like Mikhail Baryshnikov and The Eagles have dined here, with their names displayed on brass plaques on the tables.
3. 82 Queen (Charleston)
Location: 82 Queen St, Charleston
Website: 82queen.com
Located in Charleston’s French Quarter, 82 Queen opened in 1982 with a simple name reflecting its address. Despite the humble name, the restaurant offers Lowcountry Cuisine with influences from African, French, Caribbean, and Anglo-Saxon flavors.
Famous for its shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fried green tomatoes, 82 Queen continues to deliver a memorable dining experience.
Must-Try Dish: Shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fried green tomatoes.
Fun Fact: The recipe for their fried green tomatoes was shared by popular magazines.
4. Sea Captain’s House (Myrtle Beach)
Location: 3002 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach
Website: seacaptains.com
Starting as a vacation home in 1930, Sea Captain’s House became a guesthouse before being rescued from demolition in 1962 by the Brittain family, who transformed it into the beloved restaurant it is today.
With an oceanfront view, Sea Captain’s House serves a variety of seafood, including flounder, scallops, and Charleston-style crab cakes, as well as surf and turf options.
Must-Try Dish: Charleston-style crab cakes and surf-and-turf platters.
Fun Fact: The restaurant has been serving meals with a beautiful ocean view for decades.
5. Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks (Hilton Head Island)
Location: 1 Hudson Rd, Hilton Head Island
Website: hudsonsonthedocks.com
A historic oyster processing facility, Hudson’s Seafood has grown into a popular spot for local seafood, such as oysters, scallops, and shrimp.
Known for its stunning waterfront views, Hudson’s serves up over 3,000 gallons of oysters and 70,000 pounds of shrimp each year. Located at the edge of Port Royal Sound, the seafood here is as fresh as it gets.
Must-Try Dish: Neptune Platter with oysters, scallops, deviled crab, shrimp, and fish.
Fun Fact: The restaurant is located right on the docks with a stunning waterfront view from every table.
