Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
A one-pot boil of shrimp, smoked sausage, corn on the cob and new potatoes seasoned with Old Bay. Poured onto newspaper, eaten with fingers.
Frogmore stew (called Lowcountry boil elsewhere) takes its name from Frogmore, a small community on St. Helena Island near Beaufort. The recipe is credited to Richard Gay, a National Guardsman who fed his unit on the cheap in the 1960s by boiling whatever they had. The format scaled to family gatherings and church suppers. Today it lands on newspaper-covered tables across the Lowcountry, often at oyster roasts in winter and crab boils in summer. The Old Bay, while not historically Southern, is now non-negotiable; some kitchens add crab or sliced kielbasa.
4 editor picks for Frogmore stew in Charleston, ranked by editorial score. All Charleston signature dishes · Frogmore stew across every city.
Bowens Island Restaurant near Folly Beach has shovel-fed steamed Lowcountry oysters since 1946. James Beard America's Classics winner in 2006.
OrderA bushel of steamed oysters opened table-side and a bowl of Frogmore stew.
TipClosed Sunday and Monday. Cash and card; no reservations. Tide-line tables fill at sunset.
Hannibal's Kitchen on Blake Street in Charleston has run family-owned soul food cooking since 1985. Crab rice, lima beans over rice, smothered pork chops.
OrderThe crab rice with okra soup, plus a side of mac and cheese.
TipMon-Sat lunch and dinner; closed Sunday. Counter ordering Walk-ins usually OK.
Page's Okra Grill in Mount Pleasant has run family-owned Southern cooking on Coleman Boulevard since 2008. Kitchen leans southern, lowcountry.
OrderAshleigh's shrimp and grits with andouille and tomato gravy.
TipNo reservations; arrive at 11:00 or wait. Walk-ins only; cash and card.
Hyman's Seafood in Charleston serves the city from a Meeting Street row of historic buildings the Karesh-Hyman family has held since 1890; the seafood.
OrderShe-crab soup and a fried-fish plate with hushpuppies.
TipNo reservations; arrive before 17:30 or expect a 45-minute wait. Hush puppies are free.
Frogmore stew makes more sense with someone from Charleston explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Guided tour · 2.5 hours
Explore Charleston's City Market in the historic downtown district on a guided foodie walking tour. Learn about the city's history while enjoying tastings of Lowcountr...
Guided tour · 2.5 hours
Experience the flavors of Charleston with the help of local guides. Delve into over 300 years of culinary history as you taste your way through the historic city center.
Water activity · 2.5 hours
Experience Charleston's most unique and romantic evening out. SpiritLine Cruises offers the only true waterfront fine dining experience in Charleston aboard the elegan...