A & D Buffalos: Fresh Seafood and Low Country Classics in Charleston

What A & D Buffalos Offers

A & D Buffalos is a casual seafood restaurant in Charleston that serves fried fish, shrimp, and oysters alongside Low Country staples like she-crab soup and collard greens. The menu centers on straightforward preparations—fried platters, po'boy sandwiches, and daily specials—rather than fine dining. The restaurant has been a neighborhood fixture for decades, known for consistent quality and portions that reflect the price.

The space itself is unpretentious: worn wooden booths, a counter where you can watch the kitchen work, and walls decorated with fishing memorabilia and local photographs. It's the kind of place where regulars have their usual table and the staff remembers their order. Parking is street-level on a busy Charleston block, so arrive early or expect to circle.

Key Takeaways

• A & D Buffalos specializes in fried seafood and Low Country comfort food at moderate prices, with no reservations required.
• The restaurant operates during lunch and dinner hours but closes on Sundays and Mondays, so check hours before you go.
• Fried platters come with two sides—hushpuppies, collard greens, mac and cheese, and rice are standard choices.
• The she-crab soup and oyster stew are seasonal offerings that draw repeat customers during fall and winter months.
• Street parking fills quickly during peak dinner hours, so arriving before 6 p.m. or after 8 p.m. typically offers easier parking.

The Fried Seafood Menu

The core of the menu is fried fish, shrimp, and oysters served as platters with two sides and cornbread or hushpuppies. The fish changes based on what's available—flounder and catfish are common—and the kitchen fries everything to order rather than holding it under heat. This means a 10- to 15-minute wait during busy times, but the seafood arrives hot and crisp.

Shrimp platters are popular with both tourists and locals; the shrimp are large enough to taste like shrimp rather than breading. Oyster platters are available year-round but taste best during the cooler months (September through April), when oyster season peaks. The po'boy sandwiches use the same fried seafood, piled onto a soft roll with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce or hot sauce depending on your preference.

Low Country Sides and Soups

The side dishes are where A & D Buffalos connects to Charleston's culinary history. Collard greens are cooked with bacon and onion, not oversalted or mushy. Mac and cheese is creamy and mild, a comfort-food standard rather than an experiment. Rice, okra, and black-eyed peas rotate as daily sides, and hushpuppies—fried cornmeal balls—come with most platters.

She-crab soup appears on the menu during fall and winter, made with crab roe that gives it a distinctive orange color and briny depth. Oyster stew, another seasonal offering, is a simple broth of oysters, butter, and cream—the kind of dish that tastes better on a cold day than it reads on a menu. Both soups are available only when the ingredients are in season, so call ahead if you're making a special trip.

Pricing and What to Expect

Fried platters typically cost between $12 and $18, depending on whether you order fish, shrimp, or oysters. A po'boy sandwich runs $10 to $14. Soups are priced individually, usually $6 to $8 for a cup. Sides are included with platters, and drinks are standard diner prices—sweet tea, coffee, soft drinks, and beer.

This is not a place where you'll spend $40 per person unless you order multiple dishes or add appetizers. Most people leave satisfied for under $20, including a drink. The restaurant does not take reservations, so seating is first-come, first-served. During peak dinner hours (6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.), expect a short wait if you arrive without a reservation.

Hours, Location, and Parking

A & D Buffalos is located on King Street in downtown Charleston, a block that fills with foot traffic during lunch and dinner. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday; it closes Sundays and Mondays. Hours typically run 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., though it's worth calling ahead to confirm, especially during holidays or special events.

Street parking on King Street is metered and fills quickly, particularly after 5 p.m. A nearby parking garage is a two-block walk if street parking is full. Public transit—CARTA buses run along King Street—is another option if you're staying downtown. The restaurant is accessible by foot from most downtown hotels and the Historic District.

When to Visit and What to Order

Lunch (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) is quieter than dinner and a good time to avoid a wait. The menu is the same at both meals. If you're visiting during oyster season (September through April), order the oyster platter or oyster stew; if it's summer, stick with fried fish or shrimp, which taste equally good year-round.

First-time visitors often ask whether to order fried or grilled seafood. A & D Buffalos does fried well and doesn't offer grilled as a standard option, so lean into that strength. The hushpuppies are worth ordering as a side even if you're not sure about them—they're a Low Country tradition and taste better than they sound. Bring cash or a card; the restaurant takes both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

No. A & D Buffalos operates on a first-come, first-served basis. During lunch hours and early evening (before 6 p.m.), seating is usually immediate. Peak dinner time (6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) may have a 15- to 20-minute wait, but the line moves steadily.

What's the difference between the fish and shrimp platters?

Both come fried with two sides and cornbread or hushpuppies. Fish platters use whatever is fresh that day—typically flounder or catfish. Shrimp platters feature larger shrimp that hold their texture better when fried. Choose based on whether you prefer flaky white fish or the chewier texture of shrimp.

Is the she-crab soup available year-round?

No. She-crab soup appears on the menu only during fall and winter months, typically September through April, when crab roe is available. Call ahead if you're making a special trip to order it, since availability depends on the catch.

Can I get my seafood grilled instead of fried?

A & D Buffalos specializes in fried seafood and doesn't offer grilled as a standard preparation. If you have dietary restrictions or strong preferences, call ahead to ask whether the kitchen can accommodate a special request.

Is there parking nearby?

Street parking on King Street is metered and fills during dinner hours. A parking garage is a two-block walk away. CARTA buses run along King Street if you're using public transit. Arriving before 5:30 p.m. or after 8 p.m. typically offers easier street parking.