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Sonny's Grill II: Lowcountry Cooking and Seafood in Beaufort

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What to expect at Sonny's Grill II

Sonny's Grill II is a casual seafood restaurant in Beaufort that serves Lowcountry cooking—the regional style built on fresh catches, rice, and flavors rooted in the coastal South Carolina tradition. The restaurant focuses on straightforward preparations: fried shrimp, grilled fish, she-crab soup, and the kind of sides (collard greens, cornbread, mac and cheese) that anchor a Lowcountry meal. The space is unpretentious, with the feel of a neighborhood spot where locals eat regularly rather than a destination restaurant with a polished front.

The menu changes based on what's available from local waters and suppliers, so the daily specials board often holds the most interesting options. Expect moderate prices and portions sized for real appetites. Service is straightforward and attentive without being formal. The restaurant draws a mix of tourists discovering Beaufort's food scene and residents who know the kitchen's strengths.

Key Takeaways

  • Sonny's Grill II specializes in Lowcountry seafood and regional cooking, with daily specials reflecting what's fresh and available.
  • The menu includes fried and grilled seafood, she-crab soup, and traditional sides like collard greens and cornbread.
  • The restaurant is located in Beaufort and operates as a casual, neighborhood-style dining spot rather than fine dining.
  • Prices are moderate, and the kitchen handles both simple preparations and regional specialties well.

Signature dishes and what to order

She-crab soup is a Lowcountry classic, and Sonny's version is worth ordering if it's on the menu that day. The soup combines crab meat, crab roe (the orange eggs that give it color and richness), cream, and broth—it's rich and deeply flavored, the kind of dish that tastes like the coast. A bowl or cup makes a strong start to a meal, or a light meal on its own with cornbread.

Fried shrimp appears on most menus in Beaufort, but execution matters. Sonny's keeps the batter light and the shrimp properly cooked—not rubbery or oversalted. Order it with hushpuppies (fried cornmeal balls, another Lowcountry staple) and a simple slaw or collard greens on the side. Grilled fish specials, when available, let you taste the quality of the catch without heavy sauce. Ask your server what came in that day and how the kitchen is preparing it.

When to go and what the space feels like

Sonny's Grill II is busiest during lunch and dinner service on weekdays and weekends. Lunch tends to draw a working crowd and tourists between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Dinner service runs from around 5 p.m. onward, with the restaurant filling up between 6 and 8 p.m. If you prefer a quieter table and shorter wait, aim for early lunch or the tail end of dinner service after 8:30 p.m.

The interior is casual and comfortable—wood tables, nautical touches, and a bar area where locals often sit. The noise level is moderate; you can have a conversation without shouting, but it's not a quiet space. The restaurant has the worn-in quality of a place that's been feeding the same community for years, which is part of its appeal. Casual dress is the norm; there's no need to dress up.

Beaufort's Lowcountry food tradition

Lowcountry cooking developed in the coastal regions of South Carolina and Georgia, shaped by the waters, the rice plantations that once dominated the landscape, and the African, European, and Caribbean influences that met there. The food emphasizes fresh seafood, rice as a base or side, and slow-cooked vegetables. Dishes like she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, frogmore stew (shrimp, corn, sausage, and potatoes boiled together), and fried oysters are regional signatures.

Beaufort sits at the heart of this tradition. The town's location on the Beaufort River and its proximity to the Atlantic and coastal marshes mean that shrimp, crab, oysters, and fish have always been central to the local diet. Restaurants like Sonny's Grill II keep that tradition alive by sourcing locally when possible and preparing dishes the way they've been made for generations. Understanding this context helps explain why a simple fried shrimp plate or a bowl of she-crab soup carries weight in Beaufort—it's not just food; it's a connection to place and history.

Parking and location in Beaufort

Sonny's Grill II is located on Lady's Island, just across the bridge from downtown Beaufort. The restaurant has its own parking lot, so you won't need to hunt for street parking or pay a meter. Parking is free and usually available, even during busy lunch and dinner hours. The location is easy to reach by car from most parts of Beaufort and the surrounding area.

If you're staying downtown or exploring Beaufort's historic district, the restaurant is a short drive away. The area around Lady's Island is less walkable than downtown Beaufort, so arriving by car is the practical choice. GPS coordinates or the restaurant's address will get you there directly from any major road in the area.

Dietary considerations and menu flexibility

Seafood is the restaurant's focus, so vegetarian options are limited. The kitchen can usually prepare sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, or rice as a meal, and cornbread is typically available. If you have specific dietary needs, ask your server when you arrive—the kitchen is often willing to work with requests, though the menu isn't designed around them.

Shellfish allergies require careful attention in a seafood restaurant. Let your server know immediately, and ask about cross-contamination in the kitchen. The restaurant takes allergies seriously, but a seafood-focused kitchen carries inherent risk. If you have a severe allergy, you may want to call ahead to discuss what the kitchen can safely prepare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are not required, and the restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak lunch and dinner hours, you may wait 15 to 30 minutes for a table. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you decide whether to come now or return later.

What are the hours?

Hours vary by season and day of the week. Call the restaurant directly or check their current hours online before you go, as restaurant hours can change. Most seafood restaurants in Beaufort close one day a week, often Monday or Tuesday.

Can I bring children?

Yes, Sonny's Grill II is a family-friendly restaurant. The casual atmosphere and straightforward menu make it comfortable for kids. High chairs are available if needed. The restaurant is not loud or formal, so children are welcome at any time during service.

Is there a bar?

Yes, the restaurant has a bar area where you can order beer, wine, and cocktails. The bar is casual and fits the neighborhood feel of the restaurant. You can sit at the bar for a meal or just a drink.

What if I don't eat seafood?

The menu is seafood-focused, and non-seafood options are limited. Call ahead to ask what the kitchen can prepare, or consider visiting a restaurant with a broader menu. Beaufort has other dining options if seafood isn't your preference.