The Lakeside Grill: Fresh Seafood and Low Country Cooking in South Carolina

What to expect at The Lakeside Grill

The Lakeside Grill is a casual waterfront restaurant that serves fresh seafood and Low Country classics in a relaxed setting. The menu centers on regional catches—shrimp, flounder, crab, and seasonal fish—prepared simply so the quality of the ingredient shows. You'll find shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, fried platters, and grilled fish alongside non-seafood options like chicken and steak for those in your party who prefer them.

The dining room opens onto a view of the water, which is the main draw for many regulars. Tables fill up during lunch and dinner service, especially on weekends and during tourist season. The atmosphere is unpretentious—families with children, groups of friends, and solo diners all feel at home here. Service is friendly but not fussy, and the pace is unhurried.

Key Takeaways

• The Lakeside Grill specializes in fresh local seafood prepared in Low Country style, with shrimp and grits and she-crab soup as standout dishes.
• Waterfront seating is the restaurant's signature feature, so arrive early or call ahead during peak times to secure a table with a view.
• The menu includes non-seafood options, making it workable for mixed groups with different preferences.
• Lunch and dinner service run daily, with weekend crowds typically heaviest between noon and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The menu and what to order

Start with the she-crab soup if it's available—it's made with local crab roe and tastes distinctly of the Lowcountry. The shrimp and grits is the signature dish: creamy stone-ground grits topped with local shrimp in a sauce that balances richness with brightness. Both are worth ordering even if you've had versions elsewhere, because the quality of the shrimp and the care in the preparation make a real difference.

For a main course, the grilled fish of the day is usually the safest bet. The kitchen doesn't overcomplicate it—a piece of fresh flounder or grouper, grilled and finished simply, lets you taste what you're eating. Fried platters are also popular: the fried shrimp and fried flounder come with hushpuppies and coleslaw. If you're not in a seafood mood, the chicken and steak options are solid, though not what the restaurant is known for.

Sides rotate but typically include collard greens, mac and cheese, and seasonal vegetables. Desserts are traditional—peach cobbler, chess pie, and bread pudding are common. The wine list is short and focused on affordable bottles that pair well with seafood; beer and cocktails are also available.

Location and hours

The Lakeside Grill sits on the water in a location that varies by which South Carolina town you're visiting—there are multiple restaurants with this name across the state. Before you go, confirm the specific address and phone number, because hours and seasonal closures can change. Most locations operate for both lunch and dinner daily, though some close on Mondays or have reduced hours in winter.

Parking is usually available on-site or nearby. The restaurant is casual enough that you don't need to dress up, but it's popular enough that you should call ahead if you're coming with a large group or during a holiday weekend.

When to visit and what to know

Lunch is a good time to go if you want a quieter experience and faster service. The restaurant fills up quickly at midday, especially on weekends, but the turnover is steady. Dinner is busier and more social—expect to wait 20 to 30 minutes for a table on Friday or Saturday nights during peak season, even with a reservation.

Spring and fall are the most pleasant times to dine on the water, when the weather is mild and the light is good at sunset. Summer can be hot and humid, and winter may bring occasional closures or reduced hours depending on the location. If waterfront seating is important to you, ask for it when you call or arrive—the restaurant will do its best to accommodate, but indoor tables fill first on busy nights.

Price range and payment

Entrees typically run from the mid-teens to the low thirties, depending on what you order and which location you visit. Appetizers and sides are in the single digits to low teens. A meal for two with drinks and dessert usually falls in the $50 to $80 range, though you can spend less if you skip alcohol or dessert.

Most locations take cash and major credit cards. Call ahead if you have questions about payment methods or if you're planning to spend a specific amount.

Why it matters to South Carolina dining

The Lakeside Grill represents a particular kind of South Carolina restaurant: unpretentious, ingredient-focused, and rooted in regional cooking. Low Country cuisine—the food of the coastal Lowcountry region—relies on what the water and land provide: shrimp, crab, fish, rice, and vegetables that grow well in the climate. Restaurants like this one keep that tradition alive by sourcing locally when possible and cooking simply so the ingredients speak for themselves.

The waterfront setting is also part of South Carolina's identity. Dining on the water while eating food that comes from the water creates a connection to place that matters to visitors and locals alike. It's the kind of experience that stays with you after you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner on weekends or during tourist season. Call ahead to check availability. Walk-ins are usually welcome during slower times, but you may wait 20 to 30 minutes during peak hours.

Is there a kids menu?

Most locations offer a children's menu with simpler options like fried shrimp, chicken tenders, and mac and cheese. Call the restaurant directly to confirm what's available for your group.

Can I bring my own wine?

Most restaurants do not allow outside alcohol, but policies vary by location. Call ahead to ask about their specific rules before you arrive.

What if I don't eat seafood?

The menu includes chicken, steak, and other non-seafood options, so you won't go hungry. The sides and appetizers also offer choices beyond seafood, though the restaurant's strength is clearly in what comes from the water.

Is the restaurant accessible?

Accessibility varies by location. Call ahead to ask about parking, entrance, restroom, and seating accommodations so you can plan accordingly.