The Best Crab Cakes In The US? They Are In South Carolina
If you’re in the mood for the best crab cakes look no further than South Carolina. Charleston, South Carolina to be exact. Food & Wine recently declared the best crab cakes, which are in their words “worth building an entire vacation around.” If that’s not high praise I’m not sure what is. While the dish is fairly easy to make, usually just 4 ingredients- bread crumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, and of course, crab meat, some places just do it better. Sure Maryland is known for their crab cakes. But when Food & Wine named their favorites? Two of the 7 restaurants recognized were in Charleston, South Carolina.
Charleston is consistently recognized for its cuisine. Especially its seafood. So this shouldn’t be too surprising. But which spots do you need to hit up in the southern, historical foodie’s paradise when your mouth is watering for crab cakes?
The first place is Charleston Grill. You’ll find it in the Charleston Place Hotel in downtown on Meeting Street. The Charleston Grill is “renowned for its unparalleled dining experience and warm hospitality.” The “Jumbo Lump Crab Cake” is an appetizer and made with sauce vierge and capers. At the time of publishing the price is $25.
Not to be forgotten, Stono Market and Tomato Shed Café in Charleston was also recognized for their stellar crab cakes. It’s located on the nearby John’s Island and is “family-owned, and locally grown”. The crab cakes are available as an entree in the form of the Crab Cake Platter. For $29 you get two “award winning crab cakes” that are made with lump and claw meat, peppers, onion, egg, crushed crackers, and seasoning. It also comes with your choice of two sides. There are 18 different options to choose from!
So if you’re in the mood for some of the best crab cakes not only in South Carolina but the US it’s time to pay Charleston a visit. You can read the full Food & Wine article here.
South Carolina's Best Seafood? Here's Where You Can Find It
When you think of top-tier fresh seafood, you usually think of the beach or at least somewhere near the coast. So when I came across this list of the best seafood in every state, well I figured South Carolina’s had to be in one of the coastal towns. From resort destinations like Hilton Head, to the tourist capital of the state Myrtle Beach, or the culinary paradise of Charleston. And I was correct. This list was created by a website called 24/7 Wall Street. They created a list of the best seafood in every state including the Palmetto State. So how exactly did they determine South Carolina’s best seafood?
According to the article, they ” consulted lists, ratings, and reviews from websites including Guide Michelin, Eat This Not That, Food Network, Gayot, Eater, and Time Out, as well as numerous local and regional sites.” What was considered a “seafood restaurant”? Well, sushi and “informal seafood shacks” were omitted from the list. The establishments included can be anything from fancy white tablecloth restaurants to casual restaurants. Some offer fried fish or shrimp, others have a range of flavors including Mexican, Portuguese, Chinese, or New American. They also mention that regional trends are represented- think Cajun crawfish, Maryland crabs, New England chowder, and Maine lobster.
Hungry yet? So if such emphasis is put on regional fresh seafood, where are we going to find the best seafood in South Carolina? I’m going to keep you hanging for just another second. But you most likely have guessed the city correctly. It’s one that has incredible cuisine of all types. But especially seafood. Keep reading to see the best seafood in SC as well as some of our neighbors. You can read the full 24/7 Wall Street list here. Do you disagree? Let me know! I’d love to know what your favorite is. Just don’t shoot the messenger if you don’t agree.
Melanie Day is a graduate of North Carolina State University. She has worked for Beasley since 2012 in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles in both digital and promotions. Melanie writes about a diverse range of topics some of her favorites include travel, restaurants, Taylor Swift, and college athletics. When not at work you'll find her at a country concert or NC State sporting event.
