Where are Charleston’s best waterfront restaurants?
If you’re searching for waterfront dining in Charleston, SC, Shem Creek should be at the top of your list. Sure, it’s home to us, but we promise we’re not biased.
From go-with-the-flow mornings (check out our brunch menu) to dockside sunsets and late-night drinks, Shem Creek offers a taste of everything locals and visitors love about coastal South Carolina.
And when it comes to a waterfront restaurant in Charleston that has good times, great views and even better food, to boot? Look no further than Saltwater Cowboys.
Why You Should Dine on Shem Creek
Our slice of coastal paradise is an active, working waterfront. Boats come and go, kayakers paddle through, and every now and then, dolphins make a guest appearance alongside other local wildlife.
It’s also a place where you can slow down and take it all in.
No hustle. No noise. No crowds.
Just the easy rhythm of locals and visitors enjoying the unmistakable charm of a Lowcountry waterway with a personality all its own.
Our diners enjoy open air, good company and some of the best seafood Charleston has to offer. Whether you’re stopping in for a casual lunch or settling in for sunset, Shem Creek delivers that laid-back, coastal vibe that defines Lowcountry living.
The nearby Shem Creek Park Boardwalk and Mount Pleasant walking trails make it the perfect place for a pet-friendly restaurant. Our outdoor dining space and dog menu are just added treats.
Why We Love Our Restaurant Community
Sure, the views on Shem Creek are nice. But it’s the people behind the waterfront restaurants that make this place feel like home. You’ll see that in practice as our culinary community works together to create something bigger than any one spot.
Events like Crawlin’ on the Creek are a prime example. Saltwater Cowboys is proud to partner with our creekside neighbors like Tavern & Table, Red’s Ice House, Vickery’s, Sunsets and Water’s Edge to celebrate food, drinks and good times. And that’s not the only event, there’s St. Patty’s Day, Miracle @ SWC and others that give folks the perfect reason to make memories on the Creek.
Why Saltwater Cowboys on Shem Creek Stands Out
You didn’t think we’d get through this list without a shoutout to our creekside crew, did you? When it comes to a waterfront restaurant in Charleston that brings together seafood, BBQ and a true creekside atmosphere, Saltwater Cowboys stands out.
Set right on Shem Creek, this is where the full Lowcountry experience comes together. Passing boats and dolphin sightings pair perfectly with craft cocktails and local brews. Grab some friends to enjoy these moments, and you’ve got yourself a perfect day in Charleston.
Menu favorites like fish tacos, fried seafood or slow-smoked BBQ offer the best of both worlds. Add in cold drinks, open-air seating and a laid-back crowd, and it’s easy to see why so many consider it one of the “best waterfront restaurants” when they’re in Mount Pleasant.
Finding Your Favorite Waterfront Spot
Charleston has no shortage of must-eat waterfront restaurants. But if you’re looking for that balance of great food, relaxed energy and a setting that feels like home, Saltwater Cowboys is the spot. Check out our full menu and come see why folks keep coming back for more.