The Deli & Steam'd Raw Bar in Charleston: Fresh Seafood and Sandwiches on King Street

What you'll find at The Deli & Steam'd Raw Bar

The Deli & Steam'd Raw Bar is a casual seafood counter on King Street in Charleston that splits its menu between raw oysters and clams at the bar and hot sandwiches and prepared seafood dishes in the deli case. The space is small and built for quick service—you order at the counter, grab a seat at one of a few tables or the bar, and eat while you're there. The raw bar side keeps oysters on ice and shucks them to order; the deli side rotates prepared items like shrimp salad, crab cakes, and fried fish sandwiches depending on what came in that morning.

The restaurant sits in the middle of King Street's restaurant row, so it's easy to find between other dining spots. Hours are typically lunch and early dinner, closed Sundays and Mondays, though you should call ahead to confirm because hours shift seasonally. Parking on King Street itself is metered and tight; the nearby parking garage on King at Wentworth is your most reliable option.

Key Takeaways

• The raw bar serves oysters and clams shucked to order, and the deli case holds prepared seafood sandwiches and hot dishes that change daily based on what's available.
• The space is small with limited seating, so it works best for a quick lunch or a stand-up raw bar visit rather than a long meal.
• Prices are moderate for Charleston's downtown seafood scene—expect to pay more than a chain sandwich shop but less than a full-service restaurant.
• The restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays, and hours vary by season, so call ahead before making the trip.

The raw bar: oysters and clams

The oyster selection rotates based on what's available from local and regional suppliers. On any given day you might find Beaufort oysters, Waccamaw oysters from the Lowcountry, or oysters from other East Coast beds. The staff will tell you where each batch came from and what they taste like—briny, buttery, mineral—so you can pick what appeals to you. A half dozen or a full dozen is the standard order size.

Clams are also available raw on the half shell, usually littlenecks or cherrystones depending on the day. If you're new to raw shellfish, the staff can walk you through how to eat them and what to expect. The raw bar also keeps cocktail sauce, hot sauce, and mignonette on hand, though purists often eat oysters plain with just a squeeze of lemon.

The deli case and hot sandwiches

The deli side of the counter holds prepared items that shift daily. Crab cakes, shrimp salad, and fried fish sandwiches are regulars, but what's actually available depends on what the kitchen made that morning and what's sold out by the time you arrive. The fried fish sandwich is a straightforward version—fried fish fillet on a bun with tartar sauce and coleslaw—and it's a solid lunch option if you want something warm and filling.

Shrimp salad and crab cakes tend to be richer and more expensive per pound than the sandwiches. You can order them as a sandwich, in a container to take home, or sometimes as a plate with sides. The quality depends on the freshness of the seafood that day, which is why regulars come back—when the catch is good, the food is noticeably better.

Pricing and what to expect

A half dozen oysters typically costs between $12 and $18, depending on the variety and the market price that week. A full dozen runs roughly double. Sandwiches and prepared items like crab cakes usually fall between $12 and $16 for a single serving. These prices are standard for downtown Charleston seafood, though they're higher than you'd pay at a casual chain restaurant.

The restaurant doesn't take reservations and doesn't do large takeout orders, so it's best suited for individuals or small groups who want to eat quickly. If you're planning to feed a crowd, you'll want to call ahead and ask what they can handle, but this isn't the place for a catered event.

When to go and what to bring

Lunch is the busiest time, especially on weekdays when downtown workers stop in for a quick meal. If you prefer a quieter experience, go early in the lunch hour (around 11:30 a.m.) or later in the afternoon (after 2 p.m.). The raw bar is a good reason to go on its own if you're an oyster fan, but it also works as a stop on a King Street restaurant crawl.

The restaurant is cash-friendly but also takes cards. The space is casual—no dress code, no reservations needed—so you can walk in as you are. If you're eating at the bar, you'll be close to other diners, which is part of the charm if you're in the mood for conversation, or something to know if you prefer privacy.

Parking and location details

The Deli & Steam'd Raw Bar sits on King Street between Wentworth and Calhoun, in the heart of Charleston's downtown restaurant district. Street parking is metered and often full during lunch hours. The King Street parking garage (entrance on King at Wentworth) is a five-minute walk and usually has spaces available; rates are reasonable for downtown.

If you're visiting other restaurants or shops on King Street, you can easily walk to The Deli & Steam'd Raw Bar from most nearby spots. The area is pedestrian-friendly and well-lit, even in the evening.

Seasonal changes and what to call ahead about

Hours shift with the season—summer hours are often longer than winter hours, and the restaurant closes Sundays and Mondays year-round. Before you make the trip, call to confirm they're open and ask what's available that day. The staff can tell you whether the oysters are particularly good, whether the crab cakes are fresh, or whether a particular item has sold out.

Oyster season in South Carolina runs from September through April, when the water is cold and oysters are at their best. Outside that window, oysters are still available but may come from other regions. If you're visiting in summer and want raw oysters, ask what's in stock—they may have them, but the selection might be smaller.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to eat raw oysters?

No. The staff will show you how if you ask. The basic method is to loosen the oyster from the shell with the small fork they provide, add sauce or lemon if you want it, and eat it in one bite from the shell. If you're unsure, order a half dozen and ask the person shucking them to walk you through it.

Can I order takeout?

Yes, but the restaurant works best for eating there. Takeout oysters don't travel well because they're best eaten immediately. Sandwiches and prepared items travel fine, but call ahead if you're ordering more than a couple of items so they know to have it ready.

What if I don't like raw seafood?

The deli side has cooked options like fried fish sandwiches and crab cakes. You can also ask the staff what hot items they have available that day—sometimes there are soups or other prepared dishes beyond what's visible in the case.

Is there a kids menu?

No formal kids menu, but the kitchen can make simple items like a fried fish sandwich or plain sandwich if you ask. Call ahead if you're bringing children so they know what to expect.

What's the difference between the oyster varieties?

Each oyster bed produces oysters with different flavors based on the water they grew in. Beaufort oysters tend to be briny; Waccamaw oysters are often buttery. The staff can describe what's available that day and help you pick based on what you like.