Once upon a time, before the magic ribbon of concrete (interstates) criss-crossed America, the main highways were chock-a-block full of small businesses drivers would stop at for rest, relaxation, and refueling. In this part of the world, often the eateries were referred to as “clam shacks,” selling fresh, local seafood, prepared in a number of regional cooking methods.
Those days are gone, but one can occasionally stumble on a restaurant that is trying to recreate that ambiance, cuisine, and “Roadside Seafood” in Charleston is one such place. They started as a food truck less than five years ago, and immediate, overwhelming success enabled them to quickly go into a brick and mortar location.
Like their predecessors, they sell fresh, local (and some not) seafood (menu), prepared as sandwiches, tacos, or baskets, your choice (for most items) fried or grilled. It’s always busy, you order at the counter, and they’ll bring your grub when it’s ready – it doesn’t take long.
I was specifically in the hunt for grouper, very common in Florida, not so common elsewhere, but alas, they were out the day I was in. I substituted flounder (fried), and was not disappointed. Flounders live on the bottom of the ocean, occasionally venturing into estuaries, living off small fish and crustaceans. They grow to 25″ so they pack a good side filet.
Also tapped into the catfish, and an order of rings. In every case, the fry coating had a very pleasant bit of seasoning to it (Old Bay?) and each dish was fried to perfection.
This place is a bit of a drive from the tourist enclave in downtown Charleston, but the quality of the food and the value for the price are well worth the trip. Oh, and ‘baskets’ come in large and small. I couldn’t finish the smaller basket at a sitting, just sayin’. (Yes, their truck still travels the road, and also does private events, schedules posted on their site).
Flounder and rings
Catfish and fries
Roadside Seafood Review
Roadside Seafood Review
@roadsideseafood