Hey y’all! As a Charleston food enthusiast who’s been living here for years, I’m super excited to share my insider knowledge about where to get your hands on the most amazing fresh shrimp in the Holy City. Whether you’re a local looking for the best deals or a visitor wanting to cook up some authentic Lowcountry dishes, I’ve got you covered!
Why Charleston Shrimp Hits Different
Before I dive into the spots lemme tell you why Charleston shrimp is special. Our local waters produce some of the sweetest most flavorful shrimp you’ll ever taste. The combination of our pristine coastal waters and generations of shrimping expertise makes Charleston a seafood lover’s paradise.
Best Markets for Fresh Shrimp in Charleston
1. Crosby’s Fish & Shrimp Co.
- Location: 2223 Folly Road, Charleston
- Hours: 6am – 6pm, 7 days a week
- Contact: (843) 795-4049
Y’all, this place is the real deal! We’re talking less than 100 feet from dock to counter. They’ve been serving the Charleston area for over 30 years, and their seafood counter is constantly rotating with the freshest catches. What I love about Crosby’s:
- Direct from their boats
- Seasonal selections
- Connected with boats from Florida to Maine
- Local family-owned business
2. Geechie Seafood
Why we love it Right on Shem Creek, you can literally watch the shrimp boats come in! It doesn’t get fresher than this folks. The shrimpers here are true Lowcountry natives who know their stuff.
3. Southern Shrimp
Eddie Corley, the owner, has been in the shrimp game for over 30 years. Trust me, this guy knows his shrimp! The prices are reasonable, and the quality is always top-notch.
4. Tarvin Seafood
What makes them special:
- Family-owned operation
- Two dedicated shrimp trawlers: “Miss Paula” and “Carolina Breeze”
- Available daily during shrimp season
- Weekend availability during off-season
Pro Tips for Buying Fresh Shrimp
- Best Time to Buy
- Early morning = freshest catches
- Weekends can be busy, go early!
- Peak season: Late spring through fall
- What to Look For
- Firm, translucent meat
- No strong fishy smell
- Heads should be firmly attached
- Clear eyes (if head-on)
- Questions to Ask
- When was it caught?
- Is it local?
- Wild-caught or farm-raised?
Bonus: Restaurant Options
Sometimes you just wanna eat without the prep work, right? Here are some spots serving up amazing local shrimp:
- Grace & Grit
- Must-try: Shrimp Frogmore salad
- Focus on Southern seafood
- CudaCo.
- James Island location
- Committed to local sourcing
- Acme Lowcountry Kitchen
- Located on IOP
- Try their Whistle Stop local shrimp & grits
Price Guide (2025 Average Prices)
| Type | Price Range per Pound |
|---|---|
| Small Shrimp | $8-12 |
| Medium Shrimp | $12-16 |
| Large Shrimp | $16-22 |
| Jumbo Shrimp | $22-28 |
Storage Tips
If you’re buying fresh shrimp, here’s how to keep ’em good:
- Keep on ice
- Store at 32°F
- Use within 2 days
- Don’t let them sit in water
Local’s Secret Tips
- Make friends with your seafood vendor – they’ll hook you up with the best catches!
- Sign up for text alerts from your favorite market about fresh arrivals
- Buy in bulk during peak season and freeze for later
- Always ask about bulk discounts
Final Thoughts
Y’all, Charleston’s shrimp scene is something special. Whether you’re cooking up a Lowcountry boil or just wanting some fresh peel-n-eat shrimp, these spots won’t disappoint. The key is building relationships with these local vendors – they’re not just selling shrimp, they’re sharing a piece of Charleston’s heritage.
Remember to support our local shrimpers and markets – they’re what keeps our seafood tradition alive and kicking! And hey, if you’re new to cooking shrimp, don’t be shy about asking for tips. These folks love sharing their knowledge almost as much as they love their seafood!
Now get out there and get some fresh shrimp! And if you see me at Crosby’s or Geechie, say hey – I’m probably picking up some shrimp for dinner myself!
Would you like me to help break down any specific section in more detail or provide additional information about any of the locations mentioned?
We’ve rounded up a list of markets, sellers, and restaurants that offer locally caught seafood.
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Have you seen the Geechie Seafood + Shrimp boats docked at Shem Creek? | Photo by the CHStoday team
Looking for local? You’re in the right place. Keep reading for a few spots around town where you can pick up fresh, local seafood for your next Lowcountry boil — or places to enjoy it without all the prep work.
SC shrimpers identify 25 Charleston restaurants for alleged SHRIMP FRAUD
FAQ
Are shrimp in season in South Carolina?
The popular white shrimp season begins in September and lasts through December. There are so many places along our coast to buy fresh local seafood.
How to buy the freshest shrimp?
If buying shrimp “fresh”, avoid shrimp (or any seafood) that smells like ammonia – a clear sign that it’s bad. Avoid shells that feel mushy or slimy. If you purchase frozen shrimp, let them defrost slowly in the refrigerator, allowing the water to drain off as they thaw.
Does Winn Dixie sell fresh shrimp?
Fresh Medium Hdls Raw Shrimp Tp (1 pound) | Shop | Winn Dixie. $10 off your first 3 orders of $75+ online! Price Hold! Check Mark the Savings!
Does Wegmans have fresh shrimp?
Wegmans Shrimp, Fresh, Wild Caught, Uncooked
1 lb. ($14.99/lb.)