Sea Grass Grille in Beaufort: Lowcountry Cooking with a Modern Edge

What to expect at Sea Grass Grille

Sea Grass Grille sits on Lady's Island in Beaufort and serves New American food built on Lowcountry ingredients and technique. The restaurant focuses on seafood—shrimp, fish, and oysters sourced from local waters—but also works with beef and chicken. The kitchen treats these proteins simply: grilled, sautéed, or roasted, then paired with vegetables and sauces that let the main ingredient speak. The dining room has a casual-upscale feel, with wood tones and water views that fit Beaufort's pace.

The menu changes with the seasons and what's available from local suppliers. You'll find shrimp prepared several ways—sometimes over grits, sometimes in a pasta, sometimes as part of a composed plate with seasonal vegetables. Fish specials rotate based on the catch. Oysters appear raw on the half shell or cooked, depending on the night. The kitchen also offers non-seafood options, so if you're dining with someone who doesn't eat fish, there's something for them too.

Key Takeaways

• Sea Grass Grille specializes in Lowcountry seafood and New American cooking, with a menu that shifts seasonally based on local supply.
• The restaurant sits on Lady's Island with views and a casual-upscale atmosphere suited to both a weeknight dinner and a special occasion.
• Shrimp and fish are the focus, but the kitchen also prepares beef and chicken for diners who prefer non-seafood options.
• Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season in Beaufort.

The Lowcountry seafood focus

Beaufort's location on the coast and its network of creeks and marshes have shaped the region's food culture for centuries. Sea Grass Grille taps into that tradition by working with local fishermen and shrimpers. The shrimp that appears on your plate likely came from waters within sight of the restaurant. This isn't a marketing angle—it's a practical choice that keeps the ingredient fresh and supports the people who harvest it.

The preparation style reflects Lowcountry cooking but with a modern sensibility. You won't find heavy cream sauces or fried everything. Instead, the kitchen uses grilling and sautéing to build flavor, then adds brightness with citrus, herbs, or light pan sauces. Shrimp and grits—a Lowcountry classic—appears on the menu, but the grits are creamy and well-seasoned, and the shrimp is cooked to order rather than sitting under heat. Oysters, whether raw or roasted, come with simple accompaniments that let their brine and sweetness come through.

Timing your visit and making a reservation

Sea Grass Grille is open for dinner most nights, with lunch service on weekdays. The restaurant fills up quickly on Friday and Saturday evenings, especially during Beaufort's busy season (roughly March through October). If you're planning to dine on a weekend or during a holiday week, call ahead or reserve online. Walk-ins are welcome when there's space, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour during peak times.

Weeknight dinners tend to be quieter, which can be a good time to experience the restaurant without the rush. The bar area is also a comfortable spot if you arrive without a reservation and want to eat and drink while you wait for a table. The kitchen keeps the bar menu consistent with the dining room, so you're not limited in what you can order.

Parking and location on Lady's Island

Sea Grass Grille is located on Lady's Island, a short drive from downtown Beaufort. The restaurant has its own parking lot, so you won't need to hunt for street parking. From downtown Beaufort, take Lady's Island Boulevard east; the restaurant is clearly marked. If you're staying at a hotel in downtown Beaufort, it's about a 10-minute drive.

Lady's Island has grown as a dining and shopping destination over the past decade, so there are other restaurants and shops nearby if you want to make an evening of it. The area is also close to Hunting Island State Park, so if you're visiting Beaufort for the day, you could combine a meal here with time on the beach or hiking the trails.

Price range and what to budget

Sea Grass Grille is moderately priced for a full-service restaurant in Beaufort. Entrées typically range from the mid-20s to the mid-30s, depending on what you order and whether you choose a special. Appetizers run from the low teens to the low 20s. The wine list is focused and reasonably marked up, with bottles starting in the 30s and going higher for premium selections. Beer and cocktails are available and priced in line with other restaurants in the area.

If you're looking to keep costs down, the bar menu and lunch service offer smaller portions and lower prices than dinner entrées. Happy hour specials, if offered, are worth asking about when you call to reserve.

What pairs well with the food

The wine list at Sea Grass Grille leans toward whites and rosés that complement seafood—Sauvignon Blancs, Pinot Grigios, and lighter reds that won't overpower delicate fish. The staff can point you toward a bottle that matches what you're ordering. If wine isn't your preference, the bar makes cocktails that work with the food: citrus-forward drinks, gin-based options, and classics like a Sazerac.

Beer is also a solid choice with seafood, and the restaurant stocks a mix of local and regional options. If you're driving, non-alcoholic options include iced tea, soft drinks, and coffee.

Dietary considerations and menu flexibility

The kitchen is accustomed to working with diners who have dietary restrictions. If you're vegetarian, let your server know and they can suggest dishes or work with the kitchen on modifications. Gluten-free diners should mention it when ordering; the kitchen can prepare many dishes without gluten, though cross-contamination is always a possibility in a shared kitchen. Shellfish allergies are taken seriously, so inform your server immediately if you have one.

The menu is not strictly vegetarian or vegan, but the kitchen has the skills and ingredients to create something satisfying if you ask. Calling ahead to discuss your needs gives the kitchen time to plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation to eat at Sea Grass Grille?

Reservations are not required but are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and during peak season. Walk-ins are seated when space is available, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour during busy times. Calling ahead takes the guesswork out of your evening.

What time does Sea Grass Grille open for dinner?

The restaurant typically opens for dinner around 5 or 5:30 p.m., though hours may vary by season. Lunch is served on weekdays. Call the restaurant directly to confirm hours for the day you plan to visit.

Can I bring children to Sea Grass Grille?

Yes, children are welcome. The restaurant has a casual-upscale atmosphere that accommodates families. The menu includes simpler preparations that appeal to younger diners, and the staff is accustomed to dining with kids.

Is there outdoor seating?

Sea Grass Grille has indoor seating with views. Outdoor seating availability depends on the season and weather. Call ahead if outdoor dining is important to your visit.

What if I have a shellfish allergy?

Inform your server immediately. The kitchen takes allergies seriously and can prepare dishes without shellfish, though the restaurant does handle shellfish throughout the day, so cross-contamination is a possibility. Discuss your specific concerns with the staff.