Dave's Carry-Out
A Charleston cornerstone serving soul-warming, perfectly fried seafood and Gullah Geechee classics with genuine Southern hospitality.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Dave's Carry-Out
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Charleston cornerstone serving soul-warming, perfectly fried seafood and Gullah Geechee classics with genuine Southern hospitality.
"This is the best fried seafood in Charleston, hands down!"
Go during busy times
Don't hesitate to visit during rush hour; they serve customers quickly even when packed.
Don't miss red rice
Highly recommended by patrons, the red rice and hot sauce are must-tries.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood, Soul Food
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(843) 577-7943
Address
42 Morris St C, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Perfectly Fried Seafood
Golden perfection in every bite! Indulge in a variety of seafood, from shrimp to fish, all expertly fried.
Authentic Gullah Geechee Flavors
Experience true Southern hospitality with Gullah Geechee staples like deviled crab and savory red rice.
Unbeatable Value
Generous portions and delicious food at prices that are a breath of fresh air.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Go during busy times
Don't hesitate to visit during rush hour; they serve customers quickly even when packed.
Don't miss red rice
Highly recommended by patrons, the red rice and hot sauce are must-tries.
Support local
A fantastic black-owned restaurant renowned for its outstanding seafood and soul food.
Lima Beans are a must
The lima beans are surprisingly delicious and a standout highlight.
Tips
from all over the internet
Go during busy times
Don't hesitate to visit during rush hour; they serve customers quickly even when packed.
Don't miss red rice
Highly recommended by patrons, the red rice and hot sauce are must-tries.
Support local
A fantastic black-owned restaurant renowned for its outstanding seafood and soul food.
Lima Beans are a must
The lima beans are surprisingly delicious and a standout highlight.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dave's Carry-Out is celebrated for its incredibly delicious and perfectly fried seafood, offering authentic Gullah Geechee staples at unbeatable prices. Many praise the generous portions and genuine Southern hospitality. While the food is consistently a hit, some diners found the deviled crab to be an acquired taste, suggesting alternatives for those unsure.
"Everything was cooked to perfection and absolutely delicious! I will be dreaming about the fried shrimp 😅 very fresh and tender. Hard working women producing simple but wonderful food for their neighborhood!"
Jack
"Sure! Here’s a polished and more engaging version of your review:
Absolutely fantastic spot!
The food was incredible—especially the fish, which was perfectly fried to golden, crispy perfection. The rice, surprisingly, ended up being one of the standout highlights of the meal. And the price? Unbeatable. It’s a refreshing change from the sometimes outrageous restaurant bills you find elsewhere. A perfect hidden gem worth every penny."
Jim Zahrobsky
"Dave’s is SLAMMIN’. Period. Seafood platter went crazy. Red rice. Atmosphere. People. One of the best meals I’ve ever had…"
William O'Neil
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The perfectly fried fish and shrimp are highly recommended, as are Gullah Geechee staples like deviled crab and red rice.
Yes, even during busy times, they manage to serve customers quickly. The counter-serve style is geared for takeout.
The seafood is fried in a light batter that allows the fresh taste of the seafood to shine through, cooked to golden perfection.
While known for seafood, sides like red rice, lima beans, and French fries are available.
It's a Gullah Geechee staple where emptied crab shells are stuffed with picked crab meat, breading, and spices. It has a crab cake-like texture.
While primarily a carry-out spot, there are a few plastic tables available for customers who can't wait to eat.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The Best Seafood In Charleston?
From the wonderful Dave’s Carryout (a corner dive, which fries it up deliciously) to the fancier Amen Street to many more in between (the tourist oriented Hyman’s, the communal tables at Hank’s Seafood, the newly converted food truck to restaurant Roadside Seafood, to the superb dishes at so many of the top Charleston restaurants), one spot always rings true — for the food, location and experience, Bowen’s Island (owned and run by Robert Barber, a James Beard Award-winning chef).
Top 10 seafood restaurants in Charleston
Launched in 1997 with a smaller space and longer hours, Dave’s Carry-Out is a downtown Charleston stalwart. Despite the soul food restaurant’s name, there are a few plastic tables on the premises for customers who can't wait until home to eat their fried fish sandwich or deviled crab. Fried shrimp, corn on the cob, hush puppies and fries are delivered to a table at Bowens Island Restaurant on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021.
14 of the Best Seafood Restaurants in Downtown Charleston, SC
The nondescript building of this Ellitotborough/Cannonborough stalwart conceals one of Charleston’s best-concealed secrets. Its fantastic fried fish, shrimp, and fried food in general are all big draws. The take out restaurant welcomes guest with the genteel hospitality you come to expect here in Charleston.
9 Charleston Hidden Gems Only the Locals Know About
Dave’s is another restaurant that is unassuming in appearance, but big on flavor. Dave has mastered the technique of perfectly frying every seafood known to man and for that I am eternally grateful. He keeps the integrity of the seafood because he uses a very light batter that is crisped to perfection.
Best Fried Chicken in Charleston
If you aren’t paying attention, you might accidentally miss this hole in the wall restaurant. Nestled in the historic neighborhood on the corner of Morris and Coming, Dave’s Carry Out serves food for the soul. While they’re not open on Monday, you can stop in on Tuesday – Friday from 11 a.m.
Here’s Where Eater Young Gun Nominee Shuai Wang Eats and Shops in Charleston
A similar spot to Bertha’s Kitchen, Dave’s Carry-Out serves up more comfort food to-go. Super affordable prices, unbeatable seafood (try the fish sandwich), and down-to-earth people in the kitchen: Charleston at its best. 47 Morris St, Charleston, SC 29403
Soul Food Places - Best Restaurants in Charleston SC
Iconic soul food restaurants abound off the beaten paths in and around Charleston, so we’ll highlight just a few of the oldest, newest, and best-loved: Hannibal’s, Dave’s Carry Out, Bertha’s, and Martha Lou’s Kitchen, among others.
Charleston’s 16 Most Iconic Dishes
Stop by Southern soul spot Dave’s Carry Out for Charleston icon devil crabs. Emptied crab shells are stuffed with a combination of picked crab meat, breading, and other secret spices. For only $3, this Charleston can be yours.
10 Best Cheap Eats in Charleston: What are you to do when you're broke but you still want to eat good food? Try one of these 10 cheap eats. | Charleston Grit
There’s something to be said for a classic fish and chips meal. Or the comfort of Hoppin' John and rice. Check your fad diet at the door and settle in for some simple, quality, delicious fried seafood or lima beans and rice.
40 Best Restaurants in Charleston, SC for 2025 (Top Eats!)
42 Morris St Ste CCharleston, SC 29403(843) 577-7943 Open in Google Maps. Located at Morris Street, this counter-serve eatery is a local haunt that delights patrons with its soul food classics.
Highest-rated Seafood Restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina by Diners
- Rating: 4.6/5 (214 reviews)- Price level: $- Address: 42 Morris St. Ste C Charleston, South Carolina - Categories: seafood, soul food- Read more on Yelp
Highest-rated seafood restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina by diners
– Rating: 4.6/5 (214 reviews)– Price level: $– Address: 42 Morris St. Ste C Charleston, South Carolina– Categories: seafood, soul food– Read more on Yelp
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