135 Seafood Bar and Grill in Charleston: Fresh Catch and Lowcountry Flavor

What to expect at 135 Seafood Bar and Grill

135 Seafood Bar and Grill is a Charleston restaurant focused on fresh seafood and Lowcountry cooking, located in the heart of the city's dining district. The menu centers on daily catches prepared simply—grilled, fried, or steamed—alongside regional dishes that reflect the Lowcountry's coastal heritage. The bar stocks spirits, wine, and beer, with cocktails that often feature local ingredients or traditional Southern recipes.

The restaurant occupies a casual but polished space where you can eat at the bar, at tables, or in a dining room. The atmosphere draws both locals and visitors looking for straightforward seafood without the formality of fine dining. Service moves at a comfortable pace, and the staff knows the menu well enough to guide you through the daily specials and house preparations.

Key Takeaways

• The menu changes based on what's available from local waters, so the same dish may not be there every visit.
• You can order at the bar, at a table, or in the main dining room depending on your mood and party size.
• Lowcountry staples like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fried oysters appear regularly alongside grilled fish specials.
• The bar program includes cocktails, wine by the glass, and beer selections that pair well with seafood.

The menu and what changes with the season

The kitchen sources fish and shellfish from regional suppliers, which means the menu shifts with what's in season and what the boats bring in. Shrimp peaks in summer and fall; oysters are best in cooler months. You'll find standbys like fried flounder, grilled grouper, and steamed crab, but the daily specials board is where the kitchen shows what it's excited about that week.

Lowcountry sides—collard greens, cornbread, hushpuppies, and rice—anchor most plates. Appetizers typically include fried oysters, shrimp and grits, and she-crab soup, dishes that define Charleston's food identity. If you're uncertain what to order, ask your server what came in fresh that day; they can tell you the difference between what's been on the menu for months and what arrived this morning.

The bar and what to drink

The bar at 135 leans into spirits and cocktails that work with seafood—gin-based drinks, rum cocktails, and whiskey preparations that don't overpower delicate fish. House cocktails often draw on Southern ingredients like bourbon, pecan liqueur, or local honey. Wine selections include whites and rosés suited to shellfish, plus reds for those who prefer them with grilled fish.

Beer on tap and by the bottle covers both local South Carolina breweries and national options. If you're not sure what to order, the bartender can suggest a pairing based on what you're eating. Prices for cocktails and wine by the glass fall in the mid-range for Charleston dining—not cheap, but not premium either.

When to go and how to plan your visit

Lunch runs lighter than dinner; you'll find sandwiches, salads, and smaller portions of the dinner menu. Dinner is busier, especially Thursday through Saturday, and the restaurant fills up quickly after 6 p.m. If you want a table without waiting, arrive before 5:30 p.m. or after 9 p.m., or call ahead to ask about the wait.

The bar itself is a good option if you don't have a reservation and don't want to wait for a table. You can order the full menu from a barstool, watch the kitchen work, and often have a shorter wait for a seat. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so plan accordingly if you're visiting mid-week.

Parking and location in Charleston

135 Seafood Bar and Grill sits in downtown Charleston, where street parking is limited and paid. The restaurant itself does not have a dedicated lot. Your best options are the nearby public parking garages on King Street or East Bay Street, a short walk away. If you're staying in the historic district, the restaurant is walkable from most hotels and inns.

Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft operate throughout Charleston and can drop you at the door, which eliminates parking concerns if you plan to drink. Taxis are also available on the street or by phone.

Price range and what a meal costs

Entrees typically run between $18 and $35, depending on the fish and how it's prepared. Appetizers range from $8 to $16. Cocktails are $12 to $15, wine by the glass $8 to $14. A meal for one person—entree, drink, and tip—usually falls between $40 and $65 before tax.

The restaurant accepts credit cards and cash. There is no cover charge or minimum. If you're on a tighter budget, ordering appetizers and a drink at the bar is a common way to experience the place without committing to a full dinner.

What makes it worth the visit

135 Seafood Bar and Grill represents the kind of seafood restaurant that Charleston does well: no pretense, fresh ingredients, and cooking that lets the fish speak for itself. It's not a destination restaurant that requires a special trip from out of state, but if you're in Charleston and want good seafood and a drink without dressing up, it delivers. The bar is particularly good if you're traveling alone or with one other person and want to eat well without the formality of a reservation.

The restaurant also reflects Lowcountry food culture—the dishes, the ingredients, the way the kitchen approaches seafood—in a way that helps you understand why Charleston's food scene matters. If you're interested in regional cooking, this is a straightforward place to experience it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially Thursday through Saturday. Lunch is usually less crowded. You can call ahead to ask about the wait, or walk in and sit at the bar if you don't mind standing briefly. The restaurant does not hold reservations through online platforms; call directly.

What if I don't eat seafood?

The menu is built around seafood, and there are limited non-seafood options. Call ahead to ask what's available that day if you have dietary restrictions or strong preferences. The bar and appetizers offer more variety than the entree list.

Can I bring children?

Yes, children are welcome during lunch and early dinner hours. The restaurant is a bar, so it's noisier and more adult-oriented later in the evening. If you're bringing young children, earlier times are more comfortable.

What's the dress code?

There is no formal dress code. Casual clothing is fine. Most diners wear jeans or casual pants and a shirt. Beachwear and very casual athletic wear stand out, but the restaurant is not strict about it.

Is there outdoor seating?

The restaurant has limited outdoor seating depending on the season and weather. Call ahead if outdoor seating is important to you, as availability varies. Indoor seating is the primary option.