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The South Carolina coastline is not only famous for its miles of beautiful barrier islands and sandy beaches, warm weather, outdoor activities, and southern charm. Tons of people visit the area to savor classic southern seafood, waterfront marsh-to-table dining, and the tasty tradition of Lowcountry Oyster Roasts.
Oysters may be an acquired taste, but they are a luxurious Lowcountry delicacy that appeal to many diners whether slurped raw, grilled, steamed, or roasted. The long-standing, Lowcountry tradition of oyster roasts dates back to the 1800s when notable fishermen held grand open-air cookouts celebrating the fresh oyster harvest, a well-loved tradition still celebrated on the islands today.
OYSTER HARVEST & ROASTING SEASON
Thanks to a prime location along the lush South Carolina coastline, oysters can be enjoyed year-round on Seabrook Island. The freshly harvested Lowcountry oysters are particularly flavorful and best served in the colder months, or as legend says in the months ending in the letter R.
October to May is the peak season for clam, mussel, and oyster harvesting as well as a prime time to savor the traditional taste of the Lowcountry with marsh-to-table dining and some of the best oyster events and festivals in the world.
OYSTER BARS NEAR SEABROOK
The Sanctuary Hotel
Phone: (843) 683-1234
Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday | 5:30 PM to 9 PM
*Reservations required
Dinner | Beverage
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers an unparalleled oyster dining experience. Savor the fresh flavors of Champagne Mignonette oysters in the award-winning Ocean Room.
Ocean Course Clubhouse, 1000 Ocean Course Dr.
Phone: (843) 266-4085
Hours:
Daily Dinner | 5:30 PM to 9 PM
*Reservations required
Indoor Seating Only
Dinner | Children | Dessert | Beverage
The Atlantic Room is Kiawah Island’s signature waterfront seafood restaurant overlooking the lush fairways of the Ocean Course and the Atlantic Ocean. From fresh-baked oysters to start to their signature Seafood Stew, the emphasis is on the freshest ingredients and a true taste of the season. End your meal with a nightcap at the Ryder Cup Bar overlooking the 18th green of the famed Ocean Course.
Bohicket Marina Market, 1882 Andell Bluff Blvd, Johns Island, SC
Phone: (843) 952-7335
Hours:
Open Daily | 11 AM to 10 PM
Daily Happy Hour | 4 PM to 7 PM
*Reservations not required
The Salty Dog Café is on the Bohicket Marina waterfront on Seabrook Island and serves up fresh seafood in a casual setting with live music and front-row seats to a spectacular Seabrook Island sunset. End your evening with delicious shakes and sundaes from the Salty Dog Ice Cream Shop or fireside s’mores and hot cocoa every Friday night through the festive season.
1870 Bowens Island Rd, Charleston, SC
Phone: (843) 795-2757
Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday | 11 AM to 9:30 PM
*Reservations not required
Located between James Island and Folly Beach, Bowens Island Restaurant has been hosting oyster roasts since the 1940s and is a firm favorite with island locals and visitors to the South Carolina coastline. The laid-back seafood shed has a timeless appeal, outstanding seafood, and unbeatable sunsets over the Folly River and marshlands. A unique Lowcountry oyster experience!
1531 Folly Rd, James Island, SC
Phone: (843) 225-1817
Hours:
Monday – Thursday | 11 AM to 11 PM
Friday – Saturday | 11 AM to 12 AM
Sunday | 10 AM to 10 PM
*Reservations not required
Menu | Brunch | Cocktails & Bourbon
In the same neighborhood, you’ll find Bohemian Bull, a casual tavern and beer garden with craft beers and cocktails, live music, and all-you-can-eat oyster roasts every 3rd Thursday (November to February). Bring the whole family for fresh local oysters, harvested in their own backyard and steamed over outdoor firepits.
CHARLESTON OYSTER BARS
If you’re taking a day trip to Charleston we suggest the Royal Tern Raw Bar in the heart of John Island or head to historic downtown Charleston for endless seafood restaurants and oyster bars. Sample Rockefeller oysters at Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oysters, Seabrook oysters at the Darling Raw Oyster Bar, deep-fried oyster po’boy at Rappahannock, or an oyster roast at the eclectic Pearlz Oyster Bar.
3005 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC
Phone: (843) 718-3434
Hours:
Monday – Saturday | 5 PM to 9 PM
*Reservations recommended
Menu:
Dinner | Kids | Desserts & Digestifs | Beers & Cocktails | Wine
698 King St, Charleston, SC
Phone: (843) 531-6500
Hours:
Open Daily | 11 AM to 10 PM
*Reservations recommended
Menu:
Food | Beverage | Wine
513 King St, Charleston, SC
Phone: (843) 641-0821
Hours:
Monday – Thursday | 4 PM to 10 PM
Friday – Saturday | 4 PM to 11 PM
Sunday | 11 AM to 10 PM
*Reservations recommended
Menu:
Main | Brunch | Raw Bar | Dessert | Drinks
701 E Bay Street, Charleston, SC
Phone: (843) 576-4693
Hours:
Monday – Thursday | 11 AM to 8:30 PM
Friday – Saturday | 11 AM to 9:30 PM
Sunday | 11 AM to 8:30 PM
Weekday Happy Hour | 4 PM to 6 PM
*Reservations recommended
Menu:
Oyster Bar Menu
153 E Bay Street, Charleston, SC
Phone: (843) 577-5755
Hours:
Monday – Thursday | 2 PM to 9 PM
Friday | 2 PM to 10 PM
Saturday | 12 PM to 10 PM
Sunday | 12 PM to 9 PM
Weekday Happy Hour | 4 PM to 6 PM
*Reservations recommended
Menu:
Menu | Chef’s Specials | Happy Hour | Beverages | Kids
THROW YOUR OWN OYSTER ROAST
Oyster beds line the banks of the Kiawah River between Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island which are easily accessible during the low tide. A fishing license is required and available locally at tackle stores covering all your fishing activities including crabbing, clamming, shrimping, and oystering.
Start a new tradition of your own, purchase your oyster roasting tools, roll up your sleeves, and host your own oyster roast with friends and family. Buy a bushel of oysters at a local seafood market or harvest, shuck, season, and roast your own oysters for a backyard oyster roast in the comfort of your Seabrook Island vacation home.
