Everyone enjoys an evening of great food, friends, and family. Why not combine all of those things with unbelievable views and sunsets on the water? Shem Creek is the perfect place to sample excellent seafood, enjoy a fun happy hour, or relax with your family after a day on the beach! This is THE place to watch the sun dip below the Charleston Harbor as you eat a delicious meal in a memorable setting.
Our list of the best restaurants in Shem Creek breaks down eight of the top places to eat in this picturesque setting. Ready to start planning your trip? Our free Isle of Palms Vacation Guide has a complete list of restaurants, activities, and sights near our slice of paradise!
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7 of the Top Shem Creek Restaurants
1. Shem Creek Crab House
A casual dining experience awaits you at Shem Creek Crab House! This creekside staple has everything from classic bowls of shellfish to fried seafood platters. There are plenty of tasty options to choose from for both kids and adults! Enjoy a glass of wine or a beer as you watch the water slowly flow in and out of the creek during the change of tides!
2. Water’s Edge
Water’s Edge is one of the more elegant restaurant options along Shem Creek. They have a variety of fresh fish and steak options on their lunch and dinner menus in addition to salads, pasta, sandwiches, and wraps. Water’s Edge is also an excellent place to grab brunch, featuring southern staples like biscuits & gravy as well as a fantastic salmon benedict. If you’re looking for something a little more casual, walk down the stairs to the covered Cabana Bar for drinks and appetizers as you watch boats and kayaks float into the creek.
3. Vickery’s Bar & Grill
Lowcountry boils, shrimp & grits, and fried chicken highlight the menu at this Shem Creek restaurant. Vickery’s Bar & Grill sits at the mouth of the creek, giving you easy access to the boardwalk and incredible views of the sunset. Sit upstairs for a casual dining experience or take your shoes off and head down below to the beach bar, where you can enjoy a drink while the kids play in the sand!
4. Saltwater Cowboys on Shem Creek
Saltwater Cowboys serves up everything from ahi tuna poke to pickled fried okra on this eclectic menu. Barbeque, seafood, and top-shelf cocktails will satisfy your taste buds as you look out across Shem Creek, emptying into Charleston Harbor.
5. Red’s Ice House
Red’s Ice House is the best restaurant along Shem Creek to cheer on your favorite sports team with a burger and a beer. They feature over seven different burgers that you can mix and match with tons of toppings. Whether you eat downstairs on the huge outdoor patio or sit atop the two-story-tall deck, Red’s is a fantastic place for food and drinks. Make sure you save room for one of their delicious dessert jars!
6. Tavern & Table
Tavern & Table is another great option if you’re craving southern specialties like cornbread, pimento cheese, oysters, and grits. This is one of the better options for an intimate date night for mom and dad. Our guest services can assist you in finding a great babysitter for the night!
7. NICO
While it doesn’t sit on Shem Creek, NICO is just a few steps away from the boardwalk and features the most upscale dining experience in the area. French Cuisine is the staple here, and Chef Nico Romo serves up a mix of tasty seafood, chicken, and steak paired with excellent wines. NICO has South Carolinas largest oyster selection and is the best place for a romantic date night on Shem Creek.
Choose Your East Islands Rentals Home!
Once you sufficiently satisfy your taste buds, take the 15 to 20-minute drive back to your East Islands Rentals home. Our luxury vacation rentals give you the opportunity to stay right on the beach where you can enjoy sweeping ocean views from your back porch! Your family will love being able to walk right out onto the beach where you can frolic under the Carolina sky in the sand and water.
Check out our list of rentals to get ahead of the game and book your IOP beach vacation today!