Cherry Point Seafood Company: Fresh Catch and Local Sourcing in Beaufort

What Cherry Point Seafood Company offers

Cherry Point Seafood Company is a working seafood market in Beaufort that sells fresh fish and shellfish directly from local waters and regional suppliers. The market operates as a retail counter where you can buy whole fish, fillets, shrimp, crab, oysters, and other seafood by the pound. They also sell prepared items like crab cakes and marinated fish, and carry frozen options for items that are out of season.

The business sits on the working waterfront near the Beaufort River, which means the catch often arrives the same day it's sold. The market is small and focused—no prepared-food restaurant, no extensive grocery selection—just seafood and the basics you need to cook it at home.

Key Takeaways

• Cherry Point sells fresh local seafood at a retail counter in downtown Beaufort, with catch arriving daily from regional waters.
• You can buy whole fish, fillets, shrimp, oysters, crab, and prepared items like crab cakes by the pound.
• The market is located on the working waterfront near the Beaufort River, making it easy to see where the seafood comes from.
• Hours and seasonal availability vary, so calling ahead before your visit ensures they have what you're looking for in stock.

How to find and visit Cherry Point

Cherry Point Seafood Company is located in downtown Beaufort on the waterfront. The exact address and current hours are best confirmed by calling ahead or checking their social media, as hours can shift with the season and the day's catch. Beaufort's downtown is walkable, and parking is available on nearby streets and in public lots.

The market is a small operation, so it's worth calling before you go if you're looking for something specific—a particular type of fish, a large quantity for a dinner party, or a special order. They can tell you what came in that day and whether they can set something aside for you.

What seafood is typically available

The selection changes with the season and what local boats bring in. In warmer months, you'll find shrimp, crab, and a wider variety of fish. Fall and winter bring different species and oyster season. The market carries both local catch and seafood from regional suppliers when local options aren't available.

Beyond fresh whole fish and fillets, Cherry Point makes prepared items in-house, including crab cakes and marinated fish dishes. They also stock frozen seafood for items that are out of season or for backup options. Prices reflect the freshness and local sourcing—expect to pay more than a large grocery chain, but less than a high-end restaurant.

Why local seafood matters in the Lowcountry

Beaufort's economy and culture are built on the water. Buying from a local seafood market supports the fishing families and boat captains who work these waters, and it keeps money in the community. The Beaufort River and surrounding creeks have sustained people here for centuries.

Fresh local seafood also tastes different from what's been frozen, shipped across the country, or sitting in a supermarket case for days. A fish that was in the water that morning cooks differently and has a cleaner flavor. For anyone serious about cooking seafood, the difference is worth the trip.

Cooking tips for market-fresh seafood

When you buy whole fish or fresh fillets, the staff at Cherry Point can offer advice on how to prepare them. Fresh fish needs less seasoning and shorter cooking times than frozen. A simple preparation—pan-seared with butter and lemon, or grilled whole—lets the quality of the catch shine through.

If you're buying a whole fish and aren't sure how to clean it, ask. Many seafood markets will clean and fillet fish for you on the spot, or they can walk you through it. Oysters and crab can be intimidating if you've never cooked them, but the staff can point you toward recipes or techniques that work for beginners.

Beaufort's seafood culture and other options

Cherry Point is one piece of Beaufort's food scene. The town has restaurants that serve local seafood, farmers markets where you can find other local ingredients to pair with your catch, and a strong tradition of Low Country cooking. Visiting a seafood market like Cherry Point connects you to that culture in a direct way—you're buying from the source, not through a restaurant kitchen.

If you're in Beaufort for a visit, combining a stop at the market with a walk along the waterfront or a meal at a local restaurant gives you a fuller picture of how the town relates to the water and the seafood that comes from it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to call ahead or can I just walk in?

Walking in works if you're flexible about what you buy, but calling ahead is smarter if you want something specific. The market is small, inventory changes daily based on the catch, and they may not have a particular type of fish or a large quantity when you arrive. A quick call ensures they can set something aside.

Can they clean and fillet fish for me?

Most seafood markets offer this service, though it's worth asking when you call or arrive. If they do, there may be a small fee. Having them clean a whole fish saves time and mess at home, especially if you're new to it.

What's the price range compared to a grocery store?

Fresh local seafood costs more than frozen fish at a supermarket, but the quality and flavor are noticeably different. Prices vary by species and season. Calling ahead lets you ask about current prices for what you want before you make the trip.

Is Cherry Point open year-round?

Most seafood markets operate year-round, but hours and availability shift with the season. Winter may bring shorter hours or different species. Calling ahead confirms they're open and what's in stock that day.

Can I order seafood in advance for a dinner party?

Yes. If you're planning a meal for a group, call ahead to discuss what you need, how much, and when you want to pick it up. They can often accommodate special orders or larger quantities with a day or two's notice.