Ocean Front Bar and Grill in Charleston: Waterfront Dining with Low Country Flavor

What to expect at Ocean Front Bar and Grill

Ocean Front Bar and Grill sits on Charleston's waterfront with views of the harbor and the Cooper River Bridge. The restaurant serves American fare with a Low Country accent—shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, fresh catch of the day—in a casual atmosphere that works equally well for a weeknight dinner or a weekend celebration. The space itself is the draw: floor-to-ceiling windows, an open bar, and a deck where you can eat outside when the weather holds.

The menu leans toward seafood but includes steaks, sandwiches, and pasta for those who don't want fish. Portions are generous. The bar stocks a full range of spirits and keeps a wine list focused on bottles that pair well with coastal food. Service is attentive without hovering, and the noise level stays manageable even when the restaurant is full.

Key Takeaways

• Ocean Front Bar and Grill occupies a prime waterfront location with views of Charleston Harbor and the Cooper River Bridge from most tables.
• The menu centers on Low Country seafood—shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, local fish—but also offers steaks, sandwiches, and pasta for variety.
• The restaurant has both indoor seating with large windows and an outdoor deck, so you can choose your view and weather exposure.
• Dinner reservations are recommended on weekends and during peak season, though the bar accepts walk-ins for seating at the counter.

Location and how to get there

Ocean Front Bar and Grill is located at 186 Concord Street in Charleston's Historic District, a short walk from the waterfront parks and the City Market. If you're driving, street parking fills quickly in this neighborhood, especially on weekends and during tourist season. A paid parking garage sits two blocks away on Concord Street, and several other lots are within a five-minute walk.

Public transit is limited in this part of Charleston, but the restaurant is walkable from most downtown hotels and from the Market Hall area. If you're coming from outside the Historic District, a rideshare service is often faster than hunting for parking.

When to go and what the timing looks like

Lunch runs from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and weekends, with a lighter menu of sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. Dinner service begins at 5 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m. most nights, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

Peak times are Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday brunch, when the wait for a table can stretch to 45 minutes even with a reservation. Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6:30 p.m.) move faster. If you want to eat on the deck, go early in the evening or on a clear day—the space fills quickly and weather can change fast on the water.

The menu and what to order

Start with the she-crab soup, a Charleston classic made with crab roe and finished with sherry—it's rich and worth the price. The shrimp and grits come with creamy stone-ground grits, andouille sausage, and a brown butter sauce that ties everything together. If you want to taste what the kitchen does best, order whatever fish came in that day; the preparation is usually simple and lets the quality of the catch show.

For mains, the Low Country boil—shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage boiled together—is a good choice if you're eating with others and want to share. The crab cakes are substantial and hold together without being dense. Steaks are available for those who want beef, and the pasta dishes rotate seasonally. Sides include collard greens, mac and cheese, and seasonal vegetables.

The dessert menu is small but reliable: key lime pie, chocolate cake, and a rotating seasonal option. The bar makes cocktails that lean toward classics—Old Fashioneds, Sazeracs, Lowcountry Sours—rather than elaborate house creations. Beer selection includes local breweries and national standards.

Price range and what to budget

Lunch entrees run between $12 and $22. Dinner mains range from $18 for sandwiches to $32 for steaks and fresh fish, with most seafood dishes in the $22 to $28 range. Appetizers cost $8 to $16. A cocktail runs $10 to $14, beer $5 to $7, and wine by the glass $8 to $16.

A typical dinner for one person—appetizer, entree, and a drink—costs $40 to $55 before tax and tip. Two people can eat dinner with wine for $100 to $140 total. The restaurant does not have a dress code, but most diners wear casual to business casual clothing.

Atmosphere and who goes there

Ocean Front Bar and Grill draws a mix of tourists, locals, and business diners. The space is loud enough to feel lively but not so loud that you can't have a conversation. Families with children eat here regularly at lunch and early dinner. The bar attracts a happy-hour crowd on weekdays and becomes a social hub on weekend evenings. The waterfront views and the open layout make it feel like a destination rather than a neighborhood spot, even though locals return often.

The dress is casual—shorts and sandals are fine at lunch, and most dinner guests wear jeans or casual pants. The restaurant is not formal, but it's not a dive bar either; it occupies the middle ground where you can show up in everyday clothes and still feel comfortable.

Parking, accessibility, and practical details

Street parking on Concord Street is free but limited and fills by mid-morning on weekdays and by late morning on weekends. The paid lot at 181 King Street is two blocks away and costs $2 to $3 per hour. The restaurant itself has no dedicated parking.

Ocean Front Bar and Grill is accessible by wheelchair from the street entrance, and the restrooms are on the main dining level. The deck is accessible via a ramp. Reservations can be made through OpenTable or by calling the restaurant directly. The bar has no reservation system and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are not required but are strongly recommended on Friday and Saturday evenings and during peak tourist season (March through May and October through November). Weekday lunches and early dinners usually have tables available without advance notice. The bar accepts walk-ins anytime.

Can I bring children?

Yes. Ocean Front Bar and Grill is family-friendly during lunch and early dinner hours. The menu includes simpler options like sandwiches and pasta that appeal to younger diners. The noise level and casual atmosphere make it a comfortable choice for families with kids.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

The kitchen can accommodate vegetarian requests and most common allergies. Call ahead or speak with your server about specific needs. The menu is seafood-heavy, so vegetarian options are limited but available.

Is there outdoor seating?

Yes. The deck overlooks the water and seats about 40 people. It's first-come, first-served, so arrive early if outdoor seating is important to you. The deck is not heated, so it's most comfortable in mild weather.

What's the best time to watch the sunset?

The restaurant faces east toward the harbor, so sunset views are not the main draw. The best light is in late afternoon, when the sun hits the water and the bridge. Early evening in spring and fall offers the clearest views and most comfortable temperatures on the deck.