Best Hushpuppies In The World Award Goes To This Family Owned South Carolina Spot

It's one of our favorite accompaniments to a barbecue or seafood meal...hushpuppies. And, according to food experts, the best hushpuppies in the world can be found at a generational family owned spot in South Carolina.

The food experts at TasteAtlas.com rank Hyman's Seafood in Charleston, South Carolina as serving up the best hushpuppies in the world.

The family owned spot has been at the same location on Meeting St. in Charleston for more than 130 years. And, the iconic restaurant continues to rack up critical acclaim and celebrity visits.

And, while plenty of praise is heaped on Hyman's for their Shrimp & Grits along with other seafood dishes on the menu, review after review mentions the hushpuppies, since declared the best hushpuppies in the world.

One review says, 'These small, cornmeal cakes come right out of the fryer and still are sizzling when they get to your table.'

And, another diner proclaims, 'the absolute BEST hushpuppies I have ever tasted in my life. No joke!'

So, how did this beloved humble nugget of fried cornmeal come to be? Depending on who you ask, you may get a different answer.

But, one leading theory credits hunters and fishermen feeding fried cornmeal to their dogs with the command, 'hush puppies,' in an effort to keep the pups from scaring the prey away.

Also, another theory is Confederate soldiers fed hushpuppies to their dogs to silence them in the presence of enemies.

Regardless of how they came into existence, I'm certainly glad they did. And, whether you dip them in the traditional tartar sauce or ketchup, barbecue sauce or even mustard, they're delicious.

And, it's no surprise a legendary spot like Hyman's serves up the best hushpuppies in the world. The history of Hyman's speaks for itself.

According to their website, the family started Southern Wholesale dry goods store in this location in 1890 as one of the first distributors of Union & Hanes underwear in the Southeast.

Hyman's Seafood came to be in 1987. And, today it's successfully run as a 5th generation family business, with a hard fast rule that the customer is always right.

Furthermore, you know you're in the South when you see a menu that reads, 'to receive a sample of boiled peanuts and hushpuppies scan the QR code on front page of menu.'

And, Hyman's racks up critical recognition from highly acclaimed outlets such as Southern Living Magazine, America's Best Restaurants, Charleston Post and Courier and many more, including celebrities.

The Charleston Place Hotel is right next door, where many actors and artists stay while in town. And, if you've visited Hyman's you may have seen the likes of Kevin Costner, Oprah, Mel Gibson, Hootie & The Blowfish or even iconic restaurateur Paula Deen.

So next time you're in Charleston, give Hyman's a try and find out for yourself if they really have the best hushpuppies in the world!

Looking for the perfect fine dining experience? White tablecloths, fine china, famous chefs, and a meal you won't ever forget?  It's closer than you think! The Trip Advisor Travelers' Choice Award Best of The Best Restaurants were recently announced. There were not one, not two, but four South Carolina restaurants that made the top 25 fine dining list.

Would it surprise you that each of these four restaurants is in Charleston? It shouldn't. The southern historical city in the low country is always attracting positive attention. And many times it revolves around the city's famed cuisine. From fine dining, to waterfront spots, and incredible seafood there is no shortage of fantastic dining options in the city of Charleston. These restaurants offer an upscale unique culinary experience beloved by visitors and Charleston residents.

TripAdvisor says that the Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best restaurants have "a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews" from users over a 12-month period. Fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor’s 8 million listings are awarded Best of the Best. You can read the full list and more about the 4 South Carolina fine dining award winners here.

Halls has 5 locations but it's the Charleston location that came in 3rd on this list. It has a perfect 5-star rating on TripAdvisor. View the menu here.

Circa 1886 offers a "refined dining experience" in a spectacular location- the original carriage house of Wentworth Mansion. It features "a creative menu bursting with flavors, and experience unrivaled Southern hospitality." See the menu here.

The Peninsula is "the crown jewel of the dining scene" in Charleston. The menu features dishes made with fresh seafood, prime-cut steaks, and local produce. See the menu here.

Grill 225 is Charleston's Premier Prime Steakhouse. The restaurant located in the Market Pavilion Hotel is a member of the Great Steak Houses of North America. See the menu here.