Going to Charleston SC this weekend - which restaurant, in your opinion, is the best to eat plain ole fried seafood?

We had good plain ole' seafood at the Boathouse. They had a great raw bar. I am under the impression there are 2 locations for this restaurant and one is better...but don't know which one we were at...sorry! I think the one that isn't downtown is preferable??

Don't discount the 'plain, good' food at Carey Hilliards. It is a Savannah chain that opened a branch in Ctown sometime ago. When in Savannah, I always stop in at least once for either their generous fried shrimp or barbeque platter.

Agree about the Boathouse but prefer the one on the Inlet. Don't know about Carey Hilliard's - where is it?
How does Hank's rank?
Thanks for all the help!

California Dreaming.

If it's FRIED shrimp--go to Hyman's on Church Street--one of the oldest seafood restos in the town. But, if it's more gourmet--SNOB--Slightly North of Broad, or Fig, up the street from Hyman's. Kandi

I am not a food snob and am normally a positive person...and I had a horrible meal at Hyman's.

The best Boat House is at Breech Inlet as suggested. The one downtown just doesn't have the same feel.

Carey Hillards is in North Charleston on Rivers Avenue. Haven't eaten there since I was in high school -- not going to say how long ago that was

Hank's is my favorite seafood restaurant in town but definitely not a place I think of when someone says "plain ole fried seafood". It is more upscale but not snobby. They are only open for dinner and I always make a reservation, esp. on weekends.

AW Shucks on State St (corner of Market and State) would be a good choice. They also have a great raw bar...if you wanted to try something other than fried.

While I'm personally not a fan of Hyman's (Meeting Street just north of Market), many folks do like their food and are willing to wait in the sometimes long lines.

Enjoy your visit!

Thanks for all the help. Have made a reservation at Hanks after looking at the menu - seemed to have a little of everything. Have been to Hymans - wasn't blown away - and like AW Shucks but that wasn't really the mood I was looking for this time. I agree about Ca Dreaming but we have one near home. Thanks again!

As long as you get fried seafood, Hyman's is pretty good. My fave is the crispy fish; whole fried baby flounder.

Let me just add that it has been years since I've eaten at Hanks so I don't feel qualified to give any input but travelgirl knows her stuff.

I like Hanks, but I decided on a calorie splurge year before last and ordered a fried seafood dinner there. I was VERY disappointed. If you are looking for fried shrimp, don't go to Hanks. But they do other stuff pretty well.

Thanks GoT!

AUSC59: I know you made ressies at Hank's but did forget to mention Red's Ice House over on Shem Creek. It's very different from Hank's in that it's paper plates and on the docks but it is a great casual alternative if you want to get out of the city.

Thanks for the input. Our dinner last night was just what we wanted...a selection of excellent seafood for 4 diverse people! Crabcakes, shrimp, flounder, grouper, and oysters as well as she-crab soup - we were all quite content!
Will keep in mind Red's Ice House for my trip down this spring. Sounds like a place my daughter would enjoy.