Randall's Curbside Griddle: Fresh Seafood and Low Country Classics in Charleston

What Randall's Curbside Griddle Serves

Randall's Curbside Griddle is a casual seafood spot in Charleston that specializes in fried fish, shrimp, and oysters served alongside Low Country staples like hushpuppies, coleslaw, and cornbread. The restaurant operates primarily as a takeout counter with a small number of seats, keeping the focus on quick service and straightforward preparation. Most of what comes out of the kitchen is fried—crispy-battered seafood that arrives hot and stays that way during the short drive home.

The menu centers on what works: whole fried fish, fried shrimp platters, fried oysters, and fish and chips. Sides rotate but typically include collard greens, mac and cheese, and the house-made hushpuppies that regulars return for. Prices sit in the moderate range for Charleston seafood, and portion sizes lean generous. The restaurant does not pretend to be fine dining; it is built for people who want straightforward fried seafood without the wait or the tablecloth.

Key Takeaways

• Randall's operates as a curbside and counter-service spot, not a full-service restaurant, so expect to order at the window and eat in your car or at home.
• The menu is built around fried seafood—fish, shrimp, and oysters—paired with Low Country sides like hushpuppies and collard greens.
• Hours and exact menu items can shift seasonally, so calling ahead before your first visit ensures you know what is available that day.
• The restaurant sits in a working neighborhood rather than the tourist corridor, which means shorter waits and lower prices than comparable spots downtown.

Location and Hours

Randall's Curbside Griddle operates on the outskirts of Charleston proper, in a neighborhood where locals outnumber visitors. The exact address and current hours are best confirmed by phone or online before you go, as restaurant hours in Charleston shift with the season and occasional staffing changes. The location is accessible by car and has limited parking directly in front, typical for a curbside operation.

Because this is a takeout-focused spot, there is no reservation system. You order at the window, pay, and either wait in your car or step inside to one of the few seats while your food is prepared. Peak times are lunch and early dinner, so arriving mid-afternoon or after 7 p.m. usually means a shorter line.

What to Order and What to Expect

Start with the fried fish if you want to understand what the restaurant does best. The batter is crispy and not greasy, and the fish inside stays moist. Fried shrimp comes in the same style—whole shrimp, not tiny pieces—and the oysters are worth ordering if they are in stock that day. All three come as platters with your choice of two sides.

The hushpuppies are the standout side: dense, slightly sweet, and clearly made in-house rather than from a frozen batch. Collard greens are cooked Low Country style with salt pork, and the mac and cheese is creamy without being heavy. Cornbread appears on some days. Ask what sides are available when you order, because the kitchen does not always have every option ready.

Portion sizes are large enough that most people take leftovers home. A single platter can easily feed two people if you are splitting sides, which is common practice here. Prices for a full platter with two sides run between twelve and eighteen dollars, depending on what you choose.

Parking and Accessibility

Parking is street-level and limited to the spaces directly in front of the restaurant and a small lot nearby. During lunch rush, spots fill quickly, but the turnover is fast because most customers are in and out within ten to fifteen minutes. If the lot is full, street parking is usually available within a short walk.

The counter is at ground level with no steps, and the ordering window is accessible from the parking area. If you are eating in your car, the food travels well in the paper containers it arrives in. The few indoor seats are basic picnic-style tables, suitable for a quick meal but not a long stay.

When to Go and What to Avoid

Lunch runs from roughly 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and draws the working crowd from nearby offices and construction sites. Dinner service starts around 4 or 5 p.m. and runs until the kitchen closes, usually between 8 and 9 p.m. Weekends are busier than weekdays, and Friday and Saturday evenings can have a wait of twenty to thirty minutes if you arrive during peak hours.

The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays at most times of year, though this can vary. Call ahead to confirm the current schedule, especially if you are planning a trip specifically to eat here. Fried seafood is best eaten fresh and hot, so takeout is genuinely the better option than sitting in the restaurant—you can eat it at home or at a nearby park while it is still crispy.

Nearby Alternatives and Comparisons

Charleston has no shortage of seafood restaurants, but most sit in the downtown tourist zone with prices and waits to match. Randall's appeals to people who want the same quality fried fish at a fraction of the cost and without the atmosphere markup. Other casual seafood counters exist around the city, but Randall's reputation for consistency and portion size keeps regulars coming back.

If you are in the area for other reasons—shopping, errands, or visiting nearby neighborhoods—Randall's is worth a stop. If you are planning a seafood-focused day in Charleston, it pairs well with a visit to the City Market or a walk through the historic district, both of which are a short drive away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call ahead to order?

Yes, calling ahead is a good idea, especially during lunch or dinner rush. It lets you know what sides are available that day and gives the kitchen a heads-up so your order is ready when you arrive. Phone numbers and current hours are best found through a quick online search or by calling directory assistance.

Do they have non-fried seafood options?

The menu is built around fried seafood, and that is what the kitchen specializes in. If you are looking for grilled or steamed fish, other Charleston restaurants may be a better fit. Randall's is the place to go if you want fried done well.

Is there seating inside?

There are a few seats inside, but the restaurant is designed for takeout. The indoor seating is minimal and basic. Most people order at the window and eat in their car or take the food home. It is not a sit-down dining experience.

What if I have a seafood allergy?

This is a seafood-focused restaurant with limited non-seafood options. If you have a severe allergy, cross-contamination is a real risk in a small kitchen. Call ahead to discuss your specific allergy and what the kitchen can safely prepare.

Do they accept credit cards?

Most casual seafood counters in Charleston accept both cash and cards, but payment methods can vary. Call ahead to confirm what Randall's accepts, especially if you are planning to pay by card and want to avoid an ATM trip.