Old Shipyard Grill and Deli in Charleston: Sandwiches, Seafood, and Lowcountry Flavor

What You'll Find at Old Shipyard Grill and Deli

Old Shipyard Grill and Deli sits on the Charleston waterfront and serves sandwiches, seafood, and Lowcountry plates in a casual setting with views of the harbor. The menu leans toward fresh seafood—shrimp, crab, and fish—built into sandwiches, salads, and entrees, alongside traditional deli offerings like roast beef and turkey. The space has the feel of a working waterfront spot rather than a polished restaurant, with exposed brick, maritime decor, and large windows facing the water.

The deli side of the operation means you can order a quick sandwich to go or sit down for a longer meal. Lunch is the busiest time, especially on weekends when locals and visitors both crowd the counter. The kitchen handles both the grab-and-go pace and table service, so timing varies depending on how busy they are.

Key Takeaways

• Old Shipyard specializes in fresh seafood sandwiches and Lowcountry plates, with a deli counter for quick orders and table seating for full meals.
• The restaurant sits on the Charleston waterfront with harbor views, making it a natural stop if you're walking the historic district or visiting nearby attractions.
• Lunch is the primary service time, and the kitchen can get backed up during peak hours on weekends.
• The casual, working-waterfront atmosphere appeals to people looking for local flavor without formal dining.

The Menu: Seafood and Sandwiches

The sandwich menu centers on seafood. A shrimp burger, crab sandwich, and fish options rotate depending on what's fresh. These come on standard deli bread or rolls, with lettuce, tomato, and house-made sauces. The roast beef and turkey sandwiches serve people who want something familiar, and the deli counter lets you build your own if nothing on the printed menu appeals.

Beyond sandwiches, the kitchen offers Lowcountry plates—shrimp and grits, fried seafood platters, and crab cakes—that come with sides like coleslaw, hushpuppies, or rice. Prices sit in the mid-range for Charleston waterfront dining: sandwiches typically run $12 to $16, and entrees $16 to $24. The portions are generous, and the seafood is the draw rather than elaborate preparation.

Location and Waterfront Access

Old Shipyard Grill and Deli occupies a spot on the Charleston waterfront, within walking distance of the Historic District, the Battery, and Waterfront Park. If you're exploring downtown on foot, the restaurant is easy to find and a natural lunch stop. Parking is street parking or nearby lots—not dedicated to the restaurant, so availability depends on the time of day and season.

The harbor views from the windows and outdoor seating (when available) make it a pleasant place to eat, especially on mild days. The waterfront location also means the restaurant draws a mix of tourists and locals, so the atmosphere can shift from quiet mid-morning to crowded by noon.

When to Go and What to Expect

Lunch is the main service window, typically 11 a.m. to around 3 or 4 p.m., though hours can vary seasonally. Weekends are busier than weekdays, and the lunch rush (noon to 1:30 p.m.) can mean a wait at the counter or for a table. If you want a faster experience, arriving before 11:30 a.m. or after 2 p.m. usually means shorter lines.

The casual, counter-service-meets-table-service model means you order at the deli counter and either take your food to go or sit down. Staff will bring table orders to you once they're ready. During peak times, this system can slow down, so patience is part of the experience. The noise level is moderate—it's a working restaurant, not a quiet spot.

Lowcountry Flavor and Local Character

Old Shipyard reflects Charleston's seafood culture and working waterfront history. The menu prioritizes fresh catch over fussy technique, and the casual atmosphere—worn wood, maritime photos, the sound of the kitchen—feels authentic to the place. This is where locals eat lunch, not where tourists come for an Instagram moment, though tourists are welcome and the waterfront location makes it easy to find.

The restaurant's identity sits between a casual deli and a seafood spot, which means it works for people who want a quick sandwich and people who want to sit and eat a full meal. That flexibility, combined with the waterfront setting and fresh seafood, explains why it has held its spot on the Charleston dining landscape.

Dietary Considerations and Customization

The deli counter model means you can customize sandwiches—ask for no mayo, extra lettuce, or substitutions. The kitchen can accommodate simple requests, though this is not a restaurant built around dietary restrictions. Vegetarian options exist but are limited; the menu is seafood-forward, so people avoiding meat or fish will find fewer choices than those eating everything.

If you have specific allergies or dietary needs, ask the staff directly at the counter. They know the menu and can tell you what's possible. During busy times, detailed customization requests may add to your wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Old Shipyard Grill and Deli open for dinner?

The restaurant primarily serves lunch. Hours can vary by season and day of the week, so calling ahead or checking their current hours before visiting in the evening is wise. Most days, service ends in the mid-afternoon.

Can I get a table without waiting during lunch?

Arriving before 11:30 a.m. or after 2 p.m. usually means shorter waits. Peak lunch hours (noon to 1:30 p.m.) can have a line at the counter and a wait for seating, especially on weekends. The deli counter moves faster than table service during these times.

Is there outdoor seating?

Outdoor seating is available when weather permits, though it is limited and not may provide. Indoor seating is the primary option. The windows overlook the harbor, so even indoor tables have water views.

What is the closest parking?

The restaurant does not have dedicated parking. Street parking is available nearby, and several public lots are within a short walk. Parking fills up during peak tourist season and weekend lunch hours, so arriving early or using a paid lot may save time.

Do they take reservations?

Old Shipyard operates primarily as a counter-service and casual deli, so reservations are typically not available. You order at the counter and wait for your food. Calling ahead during busy times to ask about current wait times is an option.