Did you know that Murrells Inlet used to be a hot spot for pirates? In the 1800s, pirates guarded the coasts, just waiting for unsuspecting fishermen to dock and sell their goods. You may have even heard of Blackbeard, South Carolina’s most famous pirate! But this unexpected history eventually died down as pirates retreated into the open water and local merchants set up shop once again in the safety of the inlet. Now, hundreds of years later, Murrells Inlet is actually known as the seafood capital of South Carolina. Yes, really!
Our very own spot on the Grand Strand just happens to be the best around for a fresh catch. If you’re looking to enjoy some seafood, free from pirates of course, check out some of these award-winning seafood shops and restaurants in Murrells Inlet:
Harrelson’s Seafood is another local seafood market. They serve various restaurants in the area as well as those who stop by the store. This family-owned business hopes to deliver the best and freshest fish to their customers. Their selection includes shrimp, local grouper, snapper, and plenty of other sea creatures. They even sell a low country boil bag that you can buy and boil at home!
If you just want to head out and enjoy fresh seafood at a restaurant, Lee’s Inlet Kitchen is a staple. This restaurant has been around since 1948 and they are the oldest restaurant in the Inlet still owned and operated by the original family. Because of their reputation for fresh preparations, they were voted Top Ten SC Seafood Restaurant, voted “Best of the Beach,” and voted First Place Best Seafood — every year since 2009!
Murrells Inlet’s seaside past can still be seen to this day. Even though the pirates fled for rougher waters, many families stuck around to build historically fresh seafood markets and restaurants for you to enjoy!
