Gulfstream Cafe in Beaufort: Low-Country Seafood and Coastal Charm

What Gulfstream Cafe Offers

Gulfstream Cafe is a casual seafood restaurant in Beaufort that serves fresh catches and Low Country classics in a relaxed waterfront setting. The menu centers on shrimp, fish, and crab prepared simply—fried, grilled, or steamed—alongside traditional sides like collard greens, cornbread, and hush puppies. The dining room overlooks the Beaufort River, and the pace is unhurried, which fits the restaurant's neighborhood character.

The restaurant has operated for decades as a local fixture, not a tourist trap. Portions are generous, prices are moderate, and the kitchen does not overcomplicate its seafood. If you want a fried shrimp plate or a crab cake sandwich without pretense or markup, this is where Beaufort residents go.

Key Takeaways

• Gulfstream Cafe specializes in fried and grilled seafood with Low Country sides, served in a casual waterfront dining room overlooking the Beaufort River.
• The restaurant is located on Lady's Island, just outside downtown Beaufort, and is open for lunch and dinner most days of the week.
• Parking is available on-site, and the restaurant accommodates walk-ins and reservations, though weekend waits can run 30 minutes or longer during peak season.
• The menu includes daily specials that rotate with the catch, so fresh options vary by season and availability.

Location and Hours

Gulfstream Cafe sits on Lady's Island, a short drive from downtown Beaufort. The address is 1 Lady's Island Marina Drive, Beaufort, SC 29902. From downtown, take Lady's Island Boulevard east and follow signs to the marina area; the restaurant is easy to spot from the water-facing side of the road.

Hours run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. most days, though the kitchen closes earlier on slower nights. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. Call ahead during winter months or before visiting on a holiday, as hours can shift. The phone number is (843) 521-0440.

What to Order

The fried shrimp plate is the signature dish—large, crispy shrimp served with fries, coleslaw, and hush puppies. The fried flounder and fried crab cakes are equally popular. If you prefer grilled fish, the catch of the day is usually available grilled or blackened, served with rice and a vegetable.

Soups and appetizers include she-crab soup (a Beaufort tradition made with crab roe) and fried oysters. The crab cake sandwich is a lighter option if you want something handheld. Sides worth ordering separately include collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread. The restaurant does not have an extensive dessert menu, but pecan pie and sweet tea are standard.

Gulfstream Cafe does not serve alcohol, so bring your own or order a soft drink or tea. The restaurant is family-friendly and welcomes children.

Parking and Accessibility

The restaurant has a dedicated parking lot with ample spaces, even on busy weekends. The lot is paved and well-lit. Parking is free.

The entrance is at ground level, and the dining room is accessible to wheelchairs. Restrooms are inside. If you have mobility concerns or need specific accommodations, call ahead to confirm what the restaurant can provide.

When to Go and What to Expect

Lunch (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) is quieter than dinner and a good time to go if you want to avoid a wait. Dinner service picks up around 5 p.m., and Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest. During summer and peak tourist season (March through October), expect waits of 30 to 45 minutes on weekends, even with a reservation.

The dining room is casual—no dress code, no tablecloths. The noise level is moderate; it is a working restaurant, not a quiet retreat. Service is friendly and efficient. The restaurant does not take reservations online, so call (843) 521-0440 to put your name on the list before you arrive.

Nearby Attractions

Gulfstream Cafe is close to several Beaufort landmarks. The Beaufort River waterfront is steps away, and the restaurant's location makes it convenient if you are visiting the Lady's Island Marina or exploring the water. Downtown Beaufort—with its historic district, galleries, and shops—is a 10-minute drive away.

If you are spending a day in the area, combine lunch or dinner here with a walk through the historic district, a visit to the Beaufort Museum, or a kayak tour of the salt marshes. The restaurant's casual pace fits well into a relaxed Beaufort itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are not required, but they are recommended on Friday and Saturday nights. Call (843) 521-0440 to add your name to the list. Walk-ins are welcome during slower hours, but you may wait 30 to 45 minutes on busy evenings.

What if I don't eat seafood?

The menu is seafood-focused, and there are no chicken or beef entrees. If you do not eat fish or shellfish, this restaurant is not the right fit. The sides—collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread—can be ordered alone, but they are meant to accompany seafood.

Is there outdoor seating?

Gulfstream Cafe has limited outdoor seating on a covered porch overlooking the river. Outdoor tables are first-come, first-served and fill quickly on nice days. The indoor dining room is the primary seating area.

Can I bring my own alcohol?

The restaurant does not serve alcohol, and the policy on outside beverages varies. Call ahead to ask what is permitted. Many diners bring beer or wine, but it is best to confirm before you arrive.

What are the daily specials?

Specials change based on what the kitchen receives from local suppliers and what is fresh that day. Call the restaurant or ask your server when you arrive. Specials are usually a good value and feature seasonal catches.