Anthony's Restaurant and Lounge in Charleston: Lowcountry Seafood and Southern Comfort

What to expect at Anthony's Restaurant and Lounge

Anthony's Restaurant and Lounge is a casual seafood spot in Charleston where the menu centers on fresh catches and Lowcountry preparations—shrimp, fish, and crab prepared simply or in traditional dishes. The restaurant operates as a neighborhood gathering place rather than fine dining, with a bar that draws regulars and a dining room that fills with families and groups looking for straightforward seafood without pretense. The atmosphere is relaxed, the portions are generous, and the prices reflect casual dining rather than upscale restaurant costs.

The restaurant's strength lies in its consistency with regional flavors. You'll find shrimp and grits, fried seafood platters, she-crab soup, and daily specials that change based on what's available at the dock. The kitchen doesn't attempt elaborate techniques—instead, it focuses on letting the seafood speak for itself, which works well for diners who want to taste the ingredient rather than a complicated sauce.

Key Takeaways

• Anthony's serves Lowcountry seafood classics like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fried platters in a casual, unpretentious setting.
• The bar is a working part of the restaurant, not an afterthought, and the lounge side draws a steady crowd of locals.
• Daily specials rotate based on what seafood is fresh, so calling ahead or asking your server what came in that day often yields the best meal.
• The restaurant works well for groups, families, and solo diners at the bar, with no dress code and no reservation requirement for most visits.

The menu and what to order

The menu stays focused rather than sprawling. Fried seafood platters come with your choice of protein—shrimp, fish, scallops, or a combination—served with fries, coleslaw, and hushpuppies. Grilled options are available for diners who prefer that preparation. Shrimp and grits appears in multiple forms: as a main course, as a side, or as part of a combo plate. She-crab soup, a Charleston staple made with crab roe when in season, is worth ordering if it's available that day.

The restaurant also serves non-seafood options—chicken, pork, and beef dishes—so it works for diners in your party who don't eat seafood. Appetizers include fried pickles, wings, and shrimp-focused starters. The bar menu overlaps with the dining menu, so you can order full meals at the bar or stick to lighter fare and drinks.

Sides matter here. Beyond the standard fries and coleslaw, you'll find mac and cheese, collard greens, and rice dishes that reflect Lowcountry cooking. Ordering a main and splitting sides with your table is a common approach, especially for groups.

When to go and how to plan your visit

Lunch and early dinner tend to be less crowded than peak dinner hours, which run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. The restaurant fills quickly on Friday and Saturday nights, particularly in warm months when tourists and locals both seek seafood. Weekday visits are generally easier if you want a quieter meal or faster service.

The bar operates as a destination in its own right, especially Thursday through Saturday evenings. If you're coming primarily to drink and socialize, arriving after 8 p.m. often means a livelier crowd. If you're coming to eat, earlier is usually better.

No reservation system is typically in place, so expect to wait during peak times or call ahead to ask about current wait times. The restaurant can accommodate groups, but large parties (eight or more) should call in advance to give the kitchen a heads-up.

Location and parking

Anthony's is located in Charleston proper, making it accessible from downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods. Street parking is available but can be tight during busy hours. A small lot serves the restaurant, though it fills during peak times. Arriving during off-peak hours or using a ride service on busy nights eliminates parking stress.

The restaurant is walkable from several residential neighborhoods and is close enough to downtown attractions that you can combine a meal here with other activities in the area.

The bar and lounge side

The lounge is not a separate room but an integrated part of the restaurant where the bar anchors the space. The drink menu includes beer, wine, and cocktails, with a focus on approachable options rather than craft complexity. Happy hour pricing often applies to drinks and appetizers during specific times—calling ahead confirms current hours and specials.

The bar draws a steady crowd of regulars who come for the atmosphere and the people-watching as much as the drinks. It's a place where you can sit alone and strike up a conversation or come with friends and claim a table. The television usually shows sports, making it a functional spot to catch a game while eating.

Price range and what you'll spend

Entrees typically range from moderate to mid-range pricing, reflecting the casual nature of the restaurant. A fried seafood platter, drink, and side usually costs less than a comparable meal at a fine-dining seafood restaurant. Appetizers and bar food are priced to encourage ordering multiple items. A meal for one person, including a drink and tip, generally falls in the $20 to $35 range, though this varies based on what you order.

Groups often find that ordering multiple appetizers and sharing entrees brings the per-person cost down. The restaurant doesn't charge a service fee or add-on, so your bill is straightforward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation to eat at Anthony's?

Reservations are not required for most visits, but calling ahead during peak times (Friday and Saturday evenings) lets you know the wait time. Large groups should call in advance to alert the kitchen and ensure they can accommodate you without a long delay.

What's the best thing to order if I'm new to the restaurant?

Start with shrimp and grits or a fried seafood platter—both showcase what the kitchen does well and represent Lowcountry cooking. Ask your server what came in fresh that day; daily specials often highlight the best available seafood and are worth ordering over the standard menu.

Can I eat at the bar?

Yes. The bar serves the full menu, and sitting at the bar is a common way to dine solo or with a friend. It's also a good option if you want a quicker meal or prefer the social atmosphere of the bar over a quiet table.

Is Anthony's good for groups?

Yes, especially groups of four to eight people. The restaurant is set up for sharing, and ordering multiple appetizers and entrees to split works well. Call ahead for larger groups so the kitchen can prepare.

What if someone in my group doesn't eat seafood?

The menu includes chicken, pork, and beef options, so non-seafood eaters have real choices beyond a side salad. The kitchen handles mixed-preference groups routinely.