Locklear's on Little Oak: Lowcountry Seafood in the Heart of Beaufort

A casual seafood spot where the catch changes with the season

Locklear's on Little Oak is a neighborhood restaurant in Beaufort that serves fresh seafood without the formality or the markup of fancier establishments. The menu shifts based on what's available from local waters and suppliers—shrimp, flounder, crab, and seasonal fish rotate through daily specials. You'll find fried platters, steamed options, and simple preparations that let the seafood speak for itself. The dining room is unpretentious, the staff knows regulars by name, and the portions are generous enough that many people leave with a box.

The restaurant sits on Little Oak Street in downtown Beaufort, within walking distance of the waterfront and the historic district. It's the kind of place where a construction worker and a retired banker might sit at adjacent tables, both ordering the same thing. Locklear's has been part of Beaufort's food scene long enough that it shows up in conversations about where locals actually eat, not just where tourists go.

Key Takeaways

• The menu changes regularly based on what seafood is in season and available from local suppliers, so the same dish may taste different or disappear entirely depending on when you visit.
• Fried seafood platters come with sides like hushpuppies, coleslaw, and fries, and portions are large enough that many diners take leftovers home.
• Locklear's operates as a casual counter-service or table-service spot depending on the time of day, with no reservations required for most visits.
• The restaurant is located on Little Oak Street in downtown Beaufort, a walkable area with parking on the street and in nearby lots.

What to order and what changes seasonally

The fried seafood platters are the backbone of the menu. A typical order includes your choice of protein—shrimp, flounder, or whatever fish came in that day—fried golden and served with hushpuppies, coleslaw, and fries. The batter is light enough that you taste the seafood underneath, not just the crust. Steamed options are available for people who want less oil, usually served with butter and lemon on the side.

Seasonal availability means the specials board matters more than the printed menu. In spring and early summer, local shrimp peaks and appears in multiple forms—fried, steamed, or in a simple preparation over rice. Fall brings flounder and other flatfish. Winter can mean crab, either steamed whole or picked into cakes. If you have a preference, calling ahead to ask what's available that day takes the guesswork out of the trip.

Side dishes are straightforward: hushpuppies, coleslaw, fries, collard greens, and sometimes mac and cheese. Cornbread comes with most meals. The restaurant does not pretend to be anything other than what it is, so expectations about craft cocktails or a wine list should be left at the door.

Hours, location, and how to visit

Locklear's is located at 906 Little Oak Street in Beaufort, in the downtown area near the waterfront. Street parking is available along Little Oak, and there are public lots within a short walk. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary by season and day of the week—calling ahead or checking their current hours before a visit prevents a wasted trip.

The space itself is small and fills up quickly during peak times, especially on weekends and during tourist season. There is no reservation system, so expect a wait during lunch rush or on Friday and Saturday evenings. Off-peak times—weekday afternoons or early evening—are quieter. The restaurant does not take orders online, so you order when you arrive.

Why locals eat here instead of chain seafood restaurants

Locklear's survives in a town full of tourist-oriented restaurants because the seafood is fresher and the prices are lower than places catering to visitors. The owner sources from local fishermen and suppliers rather than national distributors, which means the shrimp you eat may have been caught in Calibogue Sound or St. Helena Sound within the past day or two. That difference shows in the flavor and texture.

The restaurant also operates on a smaller margin than chains, which means it can charge less while still paying for quality product. A full seafood platter at Locklear's costs significantly less than the same thing at a waterfront restaurant with a view and a bar. Beaufort residents who know the difference between fresh and frozen, between local and shipped, choose Locklear's for that reason.

Parking and accessibility in downtown Beaufort

Street parking along Little Oak Street is free and usually available, though it fills during peak tourist season and weekend lunch hours. If street spots are full, the Beaufort Parking Garage is two blocks away on Lady's Island, and several smaller public lots are within a five-minute walk. The restaurant itself is ground-level with a single entrance; if you need wheelchair access or have mobility concerns, call ahead to confirm the layout works for your needs.

The downtown Beaufort area is walkable, and Locklear's is close enough to other attractions—the waterfront, the historic district, shops on Bay Street—that you can combine a meal here with other activities. If you're parking in the garage, the walk is short enough that you won't regret it.

What to expect on a busy day versus a quiet one

On a quiet weekday afternoon, you walk in, order at the counter or a table, and your food arrives in 15 to 20 minutes. You can sit as long as you want. On a Saturday at noon or a Friday evening, you may wait 20 to 30 minutes for a table, and the dining room will be loud and full. The quality of the food does not change, but the experience does.

If you prefer a calmer meal, visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon. If you want the full neighborhood-gathering energy, come on a weekend. Either way, the seafood is the same—fresh, simply prepared, and priced for locals rather than tourists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do they take reservations?

No. Locklear's operates on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak times, expect a wait. Calling ahead to ask how busy they are can help you time your visit, but you cannot hold a table in advance.

Can I order takeout?

Yes. You can order to go and eat elsewhere, or take leftovers home. The portions are large, so many people plan on having a second meal from their order. Call ahead during busy times to avoid a long wait.

What if I don't eat fried food?

Steamed seafood options are available, usually served with butter and lemon. Sides like collard greens and mac and cheese are also on the menu. Tell the staff what you're looking for, and they can tell you what's available that day.

Is this place good for families with kids?

Yes. It's casual, the portions are big, and kids can eat the same food as adults. The noise level on weekends is high, so a quieter weekday visit might be easier if you have very young children.

How do I know what seafood is fresh that day?

Call ahead and ask what came in, or look at the specials board when you arrive. The staff will tell you honestly what's available and what's been frozen. Seasonal timing also helps—shrimp in summer, flounder in fall, crab in winter.