Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, is one of the best waterfront dining destinations near Charleston. Known for its scenic boardwalk, fresh seafood, and views of shrimp boats and dolphins, Shem Creek offers a mix of casual and upscale restaurants along the water. This guide covers the best Shem Creek restaurants, where to go for sunset views, and how to plan your visit.
Where Is Shem Creek
Shem Creek is located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, just minutes from downtown Charleston. It is known for its waterfront restaurants, boat views, and dolphin sightings.
Why Shem Creek Restaurants Are So Popular
Shem Creek restaurants are known for their waterfront views, fresh seafood, and relaxed coastal atmosphere. Many offer outdoor seating overlooking the water, making them one of the best dining experiences near Charleston.
Best Shem Creek Restaurants
Vickery’s Bar & Grill – casual waterfront spot
Saltwater Cowboys – waterfront dining with sunset views
Tavern & Table – upscale dining on the creek
Water’s Edge – seafood with harbor views
Best Restaurants by Experience
Best for Sunset Views
- Saltwater Cowboys
- Water’s Edge
Best for Upscale Dining
- Tavern & Table
- Nico Oysters
Best for Casual Dining
Explore Shem Creek Restaurants
Choose a Shem Creek restaurant guide below for local tips, parking notes, waterfront dining info, and what to know before you go.
Best Time to Visit Shem Creek
Weekdays – More relaxed atmosphere
Sunset (most popular) – Best views, busiest time
Midday – Easier parking and shorter waits
Parking at Shem Creek
Parking is limited, especially during peak dining hours and weekends. Small parking areas are available near the restaurants and along Coleman Boulevard. Arriving early or visiting during off-peak hours is recommended.
Pro Tip: Combine with a Beach Day
Shem Creek is just minutes from both Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms, making it one of the best places to eat after a beach day. Visiting in the late afternoon lets you avoid peak beach traffic and enjoy sunset dining.
Best Shem Creek Restaurants In Mount Pleasant SC(Waterfront Dining)
Explore top-rated Shem Creek restaurants in Mount Pleasant, SC, including Red’s Ice House, Vickery’s Bar & Grill, Tavern & Table, Water’s Edge, Shem Creek Bar & Grill, Sunsets Waterfront Dining, and Saltwater Cowboys. These popular waterfront restaurants are known for fresh Lowcountry seafood, oysters, shrimp and grits, craft cocktails, and unbeatable marsh views along historic Shem Creek.
From casual outdoor decks to upscale coastal dining, Shem Creek offers some of the best waterfront dining near Charleston and Isle of Palms, making it a must-visit culinary destination for locals and visitors alike.
While enjoying creekside dining, it’s common to spot dolphins (porpoises), pelicans, and other coastal wildlife. Watch local shrimp boats, crabbing vessels, and fishing charters return with the day’s fresh catch — a true Mount Pleasant waterfront experience. After your meal, take a scenic walk along the boardwalk at Shem Creek Park, where panoramic sunset views and harbor breezes complete the perfect Lowcountry evening.
Waterfront Seafood Restaurants On Shem Creek
Vickery’s Bar and Grill
Classic waterfront dining at Vickery’s On Shem Creek with a more relaxed, sit-down atmosphere. Known for its Lowcountry seafood, outdoor seating, and consistent local following.
👉 Vickery’s Bar and Grill: What To Know Before You Go
Red’s Ice House
Casual waterfront dining with live music and one of the best sunset views on Shem Creek. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and rooftop bar.
👉 Read what to know before you go to Red’s Ice House →
Tavern and Table Restaurant
Tavern & Table offers upscale waterfront dining on Shem Creek with seafood, sushi, cocktails, and sunset views in Mount Pleasant.
Tavern and Table: What To Know Before You Go.
Water’s Edge Restaurant
Waters Edge is a classic Shem Creek waterfront restaurant known for seafood, outdoor dining, creek views, and a relaxed Lowcountry atmosphere.
Water’s Edge: What to Know Before You Go.
Saltwater Cowboys
Rustic waterfront dining on Shem Creek with a lively, outdoor atmosphere. Known for live music, marsh views, and a fun Lowcountry vibe.
Saltwater Cowboys on Shem Creek What To Know Before You Go
Sunsets Waterfront Dining
Sunsets Waterfront Dining offers traditional Low Country seafood like She Crab Soup, Roasted Oysters, Peel and Eat Shrimp, and Sushi in a fun waterfront atmosphere.
Check out Sunsets’ awesome menu. Full Bar Service. Open from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Monday through Friday—indoor and Outdoor Seating.
Shem Creek Bar and Grill
Located a little further up Shem Creek on the North side of the bridge, but still on the water, is the long-time favorite of locals and visitors, Shem Creek Bar and Grill. The atmosphere here is a little more laid-back since larger boats can’t pass under the bridge.
Enjoy classic Lowcountry appetizers like Crab Dip, Fried Green Tomatoes, or Peel and Eat Shrimp. Also, try Southern Fried Seafood, Seared Tuna, Steam Pots, and more for an entree!
Local Hidden Favorite: The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene
Tucked away at the edge of Shem Creek, The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene is one of those rare local spots that many visitors completely miss — and that’s exactly part of its charm.
Unlike most Shem Creek restaurants located along the main boardwalk and tourist areas, The Wreck sits hidden off a different side street that many tourists never even drive down. The restaurant occupies an old seafood and ice house building, giving it an authentic Lowcountry waterfront feel that’s becoming harder to find along the Charleston coast.
The setting is casual, relaxed, and deeply local. Shrimp boats, marsh views, weathered docks, and simple seafood baskets create an atmosphere that feels untouched by time. There’s no flashy tourism vibe here — just fresh seafood, cold drinks, and one of the most authentic waterfront dining experiences in the Charleston area.
For many locals, that hidden-away feeling is exactly why they love it. It feels more like discovering an old fishing camp than visiting a typical restaurant district, making The Wreck one of Shem Creek’s true hidden gems. See The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene’s menu.
Explore Charleston Area Restaurant Guides
Browse restaurant guides for Charleston beaches, waterfront dining, local seafood, vacation destinations, and popular Lowcountry food spots.
What to Expect (Pricing)
Drinks and appetizers widely available
Casual dining: $$
Upscale waterfront dining: $$$
Shem Creek Restaurants FAQs
What are the best restaurants on Shem Creek?
Saltwater Cowboys, Tavern & Table, Water’s Edge, Vickery’s, and Nico Oysters are among the most popular.
Are Shem Creek restaurants on the water?
Yes, most restaurants offer waterfront views, and many have outdoor seating along the creek.
Is Shem Creek worth visiting?
Yes, it’s one of the top waterfront dining areas near Charleston with great views and seafood.
When is the best time to visit Shem Creek?
Sunset is the most popular time, while midday and weekdays offer easier parking and fewer crowds.
Enjoy a full bar selection and indoor or outdoor dining. See Shem Creek Bar and Grill’s full menu and more. Take-out is available.
Restaurants Near Shem Creek SC
Two other local favorites that you might want to try are The Shelter Kitchen + Bar and Nico’s Oysters + Seafood. Nico’s and The Shelter are located just a block from Shem Creek. The Shelter Kitchen + Bar features a large patio. Nico’s Oysters + Seafood is known for its excellent oysters.
Shem Creek Restaurant information is updated regularly.