15 Local Restaurant Chains In South Carolina Celebrated For Their Fried Fish
South Carolina has fried fish down to an art form. From golden catfish fillets to crispy flounder straight out of the fryer, these chains turn simple seafood into a Southern tradition.
Ask any local, and they’ll tell you nothing beats the crunch, flavor, and hospitality waiting at these beloved spots.
1. Lizard’s Thicket – Family Tradition Since 1977
Cornmeal-crusted catfish stars at a beloved family chain with 15 locations across central South Carolina. Each golden-brown fillet arrives piping hot alongside homemade hushpuppies.
Locals swear by a crispy exterior that yields to flaky, tender fish within. The secret lies in a generations-old recipe unchanged for more than four decades.
2. Captain D’s – Fast-Casual Seafood Excellence
Though Tennessee-born, Captain D’s has captured South Carolina hearts with consistent quality and accessibility. Their signature batter creates a light, crispy coating that seafood lovers crave.
From Greenville to Myrtle Beach, these locations serve up generous portions of fish with Southern sides. The reasonable prices make it a family favorite for seafood dinners.
3. Fatz Cafe – Upstate’s Calabash-Style Specialists
Born in Spartanburg, Fatz Cafe revolutionized Upstate dining with their delicate Calabash-style flounder. The lightly dusted fish maintains its natural flavors while achieving the perfect crunch.
What truly sets them apart? Their legendary tangy-spicy “Fatz sauce” that accompanies each order. Many customers request extra portions just for dipping their hushpuppies!
4. Shrimp Boat – Coastal Charm Since The 70s
Boats drift into harbor as Shrimp Boat’s freshly caught flounder arrives at your table. Cornmeal–flour blend crackles into a golden crust so light it almost melts away. Wicker baskets lined with checkered paper carry plates that feel like Lowcountry tradition itself.
Modest décor fades into the background once the first bite proves why locals return for fried fish done to quiet perfection.
5. Mayflower Seafood – Buffet-Style Fish Feasts
Hungry diners flock to Mayflower’s all-you-can-eat fish buffets across the Midlands and Upstate. Despite offering dozens of seafood options, their classic fried fish remains the most requested item.
The secret lies in their consistent preparation and attention to freshness. Families gather here for special occasions, creating traditions around their signature crispy fillets and Southern sides.
6. Bertha’s Kitchen – Soul Food Sensation
James Beard Foundation honored a Charleston gem as an “America’s Classic” for good reason. Home-style fried whiting follows a recipe carried through generations.
Blue-painted walls set a warm backdrop for guests chasing authentic Lowcountry soul food.
Fish, crisp on the outside and tender within, joins red rice and collard greens in a meal that speaks Charleston’s culinary story with every bite.
7. Hyman’s Seafood – Five Generations Of Excellence
Since 1890, Hyman’s has been Charleston’s premier destination for seafood enthusiasts. The historic building houses five generations of fishing knowledge and culinary expertise.
Celebrity photos line the walls, testament to their legendary status. Their fried fish, sourced daily from local waters, maintains the perfect balance between seasoning and natural flavor, letting the freshness of Carolina catches shine through.
8. Shrimp Shack – St. Helena Island’s Hidden Gem
Tucked inside a humble roadside stop on St. Helena Island, a family-owned treasure serves seafood pulled from local waters only hours before reaching each plate. Shrimp burger may draw attention, yet locals know fried fish rivals it in excellence.
Hand-battered in a secret recipe coating, every piece carries Gullah-influenced flavor that feels both deep and authentic. The no-frills setting keeps focus squarely on seafood, letting each bite speak for itself.
9. Fishcamp On Broad Creek – Nostalgic Waterfront Dining
Set within a renovated 1950s fish camp, a Hilton Head landmark blends history with culinary craft.
Wooden docks and weathered pilings frame golden-fried seafood platters, each carrying flavors tied to coastal tradition.
As the sun slips toward the horizon, crispy locally sourced fish pairs with views that feel timeless. Heritage lives on through classic frying methods, while subtle modern touches brighten sauces and sides.
10. Marley’s Shrimp & Burger Shack – Casual Beachside Favorite
Sand-dusted flip-flops are welcome at this walk-up Hilton Head eatery where fried flounder sandwiches reign supreme.
The casual counter service belies the serious quality of their perfectly crisp fish.
Locals line up daily for these handheld treasures. Each sandwich features lightly breaded flounder that extends well beyond the bun, paired with house-made tartar sauce that adds just the right tangy kick.
11. Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks – Fresh Off The Boat
At Hudson’s, dinner often arrives straight from boats unloading just steps away, a tradition that keeps freshness beyond question. Hilton Head’s storied institution maintains its own fleet, ensuring every catch tells a local tale.
Light batter crackles into golden crunch around tender fish, while waterfront setting brings pelicans gliding past and dolphins surfacing nearby. Each bite feels inseparable from tide, breeze, and place itself.
12. The Wreck of Richard & Charlene – No-Frills Waterfront Wonder
Named after a shrimp boat that crashed during Hurricane Hugo, this Mount Pleasant institution embraces its rustic charm. Paper plates and plastic chairs set the unpretentious scene for some of SC’s finest fried flounder.
Finding it requires determination, there’s barely a sign! The reward? Perfectly crispy fish with spectacular creek views. Their straightforward approach lets the quality of their fresh-caught seafood take center stage.
13. The Crab Shack – Folly Beach’s Seafood Central
Salty air drifts through a beloved Folly Beach landmark where seafood platters arrive heaped with golden-fried fish and signature hushpuppies.
After long hours in the surf and sun, hungry visitors gather for hearty portions and familiar flavors that never disappoint.
Breezy, laid-back atmosphere pairs with ocean sounds outside, turning each bite of crisp fried fish into pure coastal memory.
14. Mr. Fish Restaurant – Myrtle Beach’s Local Treasure
Tourists may drift toward chains, yet locals find authenticity at Mr. Fish, where seafood speaks for itself. Fish tacos filled with perfectly fried local catches have earned a loyal following across the Grand Strand. Family-run warmth infuses the space, keeping it cozy even as crowds grow.
Founder Ted Hammerman’s roots on the water guarantee only the freshest hauls reach the fryers, yielding fried fish rich with coastal flavor.
15. Bubba’s Fish Shack (Grand Strand area)
Seaside charm blends with Southern comfort at a Grand Strand favorite, where the crackle of fryers mingles with gull calls and the scent of briny air.
Signature Calabash-style preparation, light breading that shatters with each bite, quick fry that locks in tender juiciness, keeps locals returning plate after plate. Bubba’s stands apart not only for golden, crispy fish but also for an easygoing warmth that makes every guest feel like family.
