Old South Catering: Low Country Buffet and Takeout in Charleston

What Old South Catering Serves

Old South Catering is a buffet restaurant in Charleston that specializes in Low Country cooking—the regional cuisine of the South Carolina Lowcountry, built on rice, seafood, and slow-cooked meats. The buffet line includes fried chicken, shrimp and grits, collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, and seasonal vegetables. The restaurant also takes catering orders for events, which is how it got its name, though walk-in diners can eat from the buffet without ordering ahead.

The menu rotates daily, so the specific dishes available depend on when you visit. Fried seafood—shrimp, catfish, and sometimes oysters—appears regularly. Rice dishes, okra, and sweet potato are standard. Desserts typically include peach cobbler, banana pudding, and chess pie, all made in-house. Portions are generous, and the buffet is priced by weight or by a flat rate depending on the day.

Key Takeaways

• Old South Catering serves Low Country buffet food daily, with a menu that changes based on what the kitchen prepares each day.
• You can eat from the buffet without reserving ahead; walk-ins are welcome during regular hours.
• The restaurant also takes catering orders for events, which you can place by phone or in person.
• Desserts and sides are made on-site, not bought pre-made, which affects both flavor and availability day to day.

Location and Hours

Old South Catering is located on King Street in downtown Charleston, within walking distance of the historic district and near other restaurants and shops. The exact address and current hours are best confirmed by phone or online before you visit, as restaurant hours can shift seasonally or for special events.

Parking in downtown Charleston is limited and often requires payment. Street parking fills quickly during lunch and dinner rushes. Several paid lots are within a few blocks, and some restaurants validate parking for customers who eat there.

What to Expect When You Arrive

Walk in and join the buffet line. You will see the hot food laid out in metal pans, and staff will serve you or let you serve yourself depending on the dish. Some items—like fried chicken or seafood—are plated by staff to control portions. Others, like vegetables and rice, you may portion yourself. Desserts are usually at the end of the line or at a separate station.

Seating is first-come, first-served. The dining room has tables for groups and individuals. During lunch (roughly 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and dinner (roughly 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.), the restaurant fills up, so expect a wait during peak hours. Off-peak times—mid-afternoon or early evening—tend to be quieter.

Pricing and Payment

Old South Catering charges either by weight or by a flat buffet rate. The exact price structure varies, so call ahead if you want to know the cost before you arrive. Most buffet restaurants in Charleston charge between $12 and $18 per person for lunch and slightly more for dinner, but Old South's pricing may differ.

The restaurant accepts cash and card. If you are ordering catering for an event, you will need to discuss pricing and menu options with the owner or manager, usually by phone. Catering orders typically require advance notice—anywhere from a few days to a week or more, depending on the size and date of your event.

Catering Orders for Events

Old South Catering takes orders for weddings, family reunions, corporate events, and private parties. You can order family-style platters, buffet setups, or plated meals. The menu for catering is similar to the buffet but can be customized based on your needs and the restaurant's capacity on your date.

To place a catering order, call the restaurant directly. Be ready to tell them the date, number of guests, type of event, and any dietary restrictions or preferences. The restaurant will quote a price and discuss delivery or pickup. Some catering orders include setup and service; others are pickup only. Confirm these details when you order.

Low Country Food and Charleston's Food Culture

Low Country cooking reflects the history of the South Carolina coast—a blend of African, European, and Native American traditions built around what grew and what could be caught locally. Rice was the dominant crop for centuries, so rice appears in nearly every meal. Seafood from the Atlantic and salt marshes is central. Slow cooking, seasoning with salt and pepper, and simple preparation are hallmarks of the style.

Dishes like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, purloo (a stew), and Frogmore stew (also called Low Country boil) are regional classics. Collard greens, okra, and sweet potato are vegetables that appear on Low Country tables year-round. Cornbread and biscuits are the bread. This food is comfort food in Charleston and the surrounding region, and buffet restaurants like Old South Catering make it accessible and affordable for both locals and visitors.

Dietary Needs and Restrictions

Most Low Country buffet food contains meat, seafood, or animal products. Vegetarian options are usually limited to sides like collard greens (often cooked with meat stock), mac and cheese, rice, and vegetables. Vegan options are rare at traditional Low Country restaurants. If you have allergies or strict dietary needs, call ahead and ask what is available on the day you plan to visit.

The kitchen can sometimes accommodate special requests for catering orders, so mention any restrictions when you call to book. For walk-in buffet dining, your best bet is to ask staff what dishes are vegetarian or free of specific allergens before you fill your plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation to eat at the buffet?

No. Old South Catering welcomes walk-ins during regular hours. You can arrive anytime the restaurant is open and join the buffet line. Reservations are only needed for catering orders for events.

What time is best to avoid a long wait?

Lunch rush is typically 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and dinner rush is 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Mid-afternoon (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.) and early evening (after 8 p.m.) are usually quieter. Call ahead if you want to know how busy it is right now.

Can I order catering for a small group or just a few people?

Yes. Old South Catering takes orders of various sizes. Even a small catering order—say, 10 to 15 people—is usually possible, though there may be a minimum order. Call to discuss what you need and what the restaurant can provide.

What if I have a food allergy?

Tell staff when you arrive at the buffet, and ask which dishes contain the allergen you need to avoid. For catering orders, mention allergies when you call so the kitchen can prepare food safely and keep it separate from other dishes.

Is there parking nearby?

Street parking is available but limited and often requires payment. Paid parking lots are within a few blocks of King Street. Some restaurants validate parking, so ask when you pay your bill.