South Carolina Crawfish Company: Where to Buy Fresh Crawfish and Prepared Seafood

What South Carolina Crawfish Company Sells and Where to Find Them

South Carolina Crawfish Company is a seafood market and restaurant located in the Lowcountry that specializes in fresh crawfish, shrimp, and other regional seafood. The business operates as both a retail market where you can purchase live or prepared seafood to take home, and a casual dining spot where you can eat on-site. They source crawfish seasonally—typically heaviest in spring and early summer—and stock other Gulf and Atlantic catches year-round.

The market is known for straightforward preparation: boiled crawfish by the pound, steamed shrimp, crab, and seasonal specials. If you're planning a crawfish boil at home, you can buy live crawfish and the seasoning separately, or order pre-boiled quantities ready to reheat. The retail counter also carries ice, coolers, and sides like corn and potatoes if you're building a full boil.

The dining area serves the same seafood in a casual setting—expect picnic tables, paper towels instead of napkins, and the kind of meal where you crack shells yourself. This is working waterfront food, not fine dining, and the prices reflect that.

Key Takeaways

• South Carolina Crawfish Company sells live crawfish, boiled crawfish by the pound, and other fresh seafood both retail and ready-to-eat.
• Crawfish availability peaks in spring and early summer; winter and fall supplies are lighter or unavailable depending on the year.
• You can buy individual portions to cook at home or order larger quantities for a crawfish boil, plus ice and sides.
• The on-site dining area operates on a casual, self-service model typical of Lowcountry seafood shacks.

Buying Live Crawfish for a Home Boil

If you're planning to boil crawfish yourself, the market sells them live by the pound or by the sack. Live crawfish stay fresher longer than pre-boiled ones and give you control over seasoning and cooking time. You'll need to keep them cool and moist during transport—ask the market for a bag with ice or damp newspaper, or bring a cooler.

Live crawfish should be cooked within a day or two of purchase. Store them in a cool place (not the freezer) in a breathable container—a mesh bag or colander works better than a sealed plastic tub, which can suffocate them. Rinse them gently under cool water just before cooking.

The market can tell you how many crawfish you'll need per person—typically 1.5 to 2 pounds per person for a full meal—and may offer bulk discounts if you're ordering for a large group. Call ahead during peak season to confirm availability and reserve your quantity.

Pre-Boiled Crawfish and Ready-to-Eat Options

If you want crawfish without the cooking step, the market sells them already boiled and seasoned, ready to reheat at home or eat on-site. Pre-boiled crawfish come in portions you can buy by the pound, which works well if you're feeding a small group or want to try them before committing to a full sack.

To reheat at home, place them in a pot with a little water or broth, cover, and warm over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes until steaming. You can also eat them cold straight from the container, though most people prefer them warm. The market staff can advise on reheating if you're unsure.

Beyond crawfish, the market typically stocks boiled shrimp, crab, and seasonal catches. These rotate based on what's available from local suppliers and what's in season.

Seasonality and Availability

Crawfish season in South Carolina runs roughly from late winter through early summer, with peak availability in March through May. Outside that window, crawfish may be imported from Louisiana or unavailable altogether, depending on the market's suppliers and inventory decisions.

Other seafood—shrimp, crab, flounder, grouper—is available year-round in varying quantities. Spring and fall typically bring the best selection and prices. Summer can see higher prices as demand peaks and supply tightens. Winter availability depends on what's being harvested locally and what's being shipped in.

Call ahead or visit in person to ask what's in stock that day. Seafood markets don't always post inventory online, and supplies change based on the daily catch and what's been sold.

Sides, Supplies, and Seasoning

South Carolina Crawfish Company stocks the basics you need to build a crawfish boil: ice, potatoes, corn, onions, and crawfish boil seasoning. You can buy these à la carte or ask the staff to recommend quantities based on how many people you're feeding and how much crawfish you've ordered.

Some markets also carry beer, soft drinks, and prepared sides like coleslaw or cornbread. Ask what's available when you call or visit. If you have a specific seasoning preference—Old Bay, Zatarain's, or a house blend—confirm they stock it before you plan your menu.

Dining In and Takeout

The on-site dining area is set up for casual eating: you order at the counter, find a seat at a picnic table, and eat with your hands. Napkins are paper towels. The pace is relaxed, and the focus is on the food, not the ambiance. This is the Lowcountry seafood shack experience.

Takeout is available if you'd rather eat elsewhere. Boiled crawfish and shrimp travel well in a container with ice; just keep them cool during transport and eat within a few hours. The market can pack your order to go and advise on how long it will stay fresh.

Pricing and Payment

Crawfish prices vary by season and market conditions. Spring crawfish are usually cheaper than winter or fall crawfish, which may be imported or scarce. Boiled crawfish typically cost more per pound than live crawfish because of labor and seasoning. Shrimp, crab, and other seafood prices fluctuate based on availability.

Most seafood markets accept cash and cards. Call ahead to confirm payment methods if you're planning a large order, and ask whether they require a deposit for bulk purchases or pre-orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do live crawfish stay fresh after I buy them?

Live crawfish stay fresh for one to two days if kept cool and moist in a breathable container. Do not freeze them alive. Cook them as soon as possible after purchase for the best flavor and texture.

Can I order crawfish in advance for a large group?

Yes. Call the market during business hours to place a pre-order, especially during peak season when supplies can run low. They may ask for a deposit and a pickup time. Ordering a few days ahead gives them time to source the quantity you need.

What's the difference between live and boiled crawfish?

Live crawfish give you control over seasoning and cooking time, and they stay fresher longer. Boiled crawfish are ready to eat or reheat, saving you time and effort. Both are good choices; it depends on whether you want to cook or prefer convenience.

Do you sell crawfish year-round?

Crawfish availability peaks in spring and early summer. Outside that season, supplies may be limited or unavailable. Other seafood like shrimp and crab are typically available year-round. Call to ask what's in stock during the time you plan to visit.

What should I bring to carry crawfish home?

Bring a cooler with ice or ask the market for a bag with ice and damp newspaper. Live crawfish need to stay cool and moist during transport. If you're buying boiled crawfish, ice is essential to keep them safe to eat until you get home.