Bowens Island Restaurant
$$ • Seafood, Pet Friendly, Vegetarian Book a table: 7:00 PM 7:15 PM 7:30 PM MoreAbout Bowens Island Restaurant
Customers' Favorites
A Tray of Perfectly Steamed Oysters
Frogmore Stew Low Country Boil
Raw Oysters on the Half Shell
Shrimp and Fish Platter
Big Ol Seafood Platter
Fried Fish and Shrimp
Fish and Shrimp Combo
Local Steamed Oysters
Fried Green Tomatoes
Bowens Island Restaurant Reviews
681 ratings
Share your opinion about Bowens Island Restaurant
If you're not a local, don't get the fried shrimp.
If you do, you'll be stuck dreaming about it, talking about it, and desperately trying to recreate it.
If you do, you'll be stuck dreaming about it, talking about it, and desperately trying to recreate it.
I ate the best crab cakes ever at Bowens Island and when I was very young I remember May making you feel like you were in her house eating at her table as she was so sweet and caring as she made sure!
Off the beaten path with amazing views and crab cakes!
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 11AM - 9PM |
| Wednesday | 11AM - 9PM |
| Thursday | 11AM - 9PM |
| Friday | 11AM - 9:30PM |
| Saturday | 11AM - 9:30PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Bowens Island Restaurant offers an awesome view and atmosphere for a quick bite, though it can get quite busy at times and is considered quite pricey. The seafood, especially the oysters and fish, is fantastic, and the restaurant is an absolute institution in Charleston. It is known as a hyperlocal, no thrills dining spot, making it a must-visit for many. The casual dining experience includes ordering at the counter, getting drinks, and cleaning up the table, which many visitors find enjoyable. Staff is efficient, with Ontario in the raw bar being super friendly and ensuring guests are well taken care of. The kitchen is known for its killer food, with cold beer always available.
However, food quality has been variable lately. While the All You Can Eat Oysters is a highlight, some dishes like the fried shrimp have not met expectations. Visitors have enjoyed the seafood platter, fish and shrimp combo, and fried green tomatoes, praising the fish for being light and flaky. Longtime visitors express a desire for the restaurant to return to its previous high standards. Overall, it remains a refreshing fish camp atmosphere on the water, and many look forward to coming back.