
Folly Beach is like a slice of heaven, tucked away from the busy streets of Downtown Charleston but close enough that a weekend getaway is always in order. You may want to make the trip just for some of the Folly Beach restaurants that will tempt your tastebuds and encourage you to visit again soon.
The good news is that you’ll find everything here, from laid-back locations with great food and friendly people to more upscale destinations perfect for a romantic dining experience. There are plenty of crab shacks and a beach bar or two with and without live music to make this a fantastic experience, too.
Why be picky? Choose them all! With so many things to do in Folly Beach, from surf to sand, you’re sure to work up an appetite.
From our perspective, these are the best Folly Beach restaurants, and we know you will not be disappointed.
1. Lowlife Bar
- 106 E Hudson Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439
- https://lowlifebar.com/
- $$
- Local eats with a fun vibe
- Call ahead
Lowlife Bar is a fun destination with a friendly vibe that’s easily a favorite of visitors and locals. Its fantastic drinks, including custom-designed cocktails, coupled with fresh menu items sourced locally, make this an excellent choice.
The best option is to visit on the weekends, set up in the outdoor seating area, and enjoy the live music. The friendly team here, from the bartenders to the chefs in the back, is what makes this place special. You will not spend a lot (unless you want to try some of those over-the-top cocktails), but you will get a filling meal made fresh.
2. Rita’s Seaside Grille

- 2 Center St, Folly Beach, SC 29439
- https://ritasseasidegrille.com/
- Casual American faire
- $$
- Just drop in
Rita’s Seaside Grille is a local, scratch-made restaurant operated by a locally owned family. It is noted for a few key choices, including house-smoked BBQ and its Folly Beach Pier bar views. The food offers a more laid-back vibe but includes hearty meals with lots of vegetables and fruits.
The drinks are solid, with something for everyone. Whether you are looking for fresh salmon, a cocktail on a lazy afternoon, or a burger prepared from scratch, this destination offers it. The casual setting, often flanked by music, is a fun destination.
3. Chico Feo
- 122 E Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439
- https://www.chicofeos.com/
- Tacos and more
- $$
- Just drop in
Chico Feo is a diverse location offering something for everyone. Its upbeat vibe is excellent if you love tacos. The outdoor café feel is without reservations or pretensions.
They do have sandwiches and other fare, but everyone raves about the tacos. From the Mahi to the Wu-Tang, there is something for just about every craving. Vegetarian options are also on the menu.
4. Lost Dog Café
- 106 W Huron Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439
- https://lostdogfollybeach.com/
- All-day breakfast and sandwiches
- $$
- Just drop in
Lost Dog Café is a favorite for breakfast, even if you’re hungry for it after coming off the surf mid-day. They are only open for breakfast and lunch, but definitely worth the visit when you want fresh, locally made goodness. Brunch seems to be the best time to stop in if you are looking for a beachfront meal that’s fast enough to get back on the water quickly.
As a small destination, most of the menu items are made from scratch in-house. You’ll find options like the Lost Dog’s version of Huevos rancheros. The mimosas are hard to beat as well. It’s a fun location where guests are not just stopping in for breakfast before hitting the beach but also hanging out and getting to know each other.
5. The Crab Shack

- 26 Center St, Folly Beach, SC 29439
- https://crabshacks.com/folly-beach.php
- Seafood restaurant
- $$
- Just drop in
As one of the best seafood restaurants in Folly Beach, The Crab Shack is a must for those looking for a more intimate experience. It’s located right across from City Hall, in the heart of it all. This long-standing destination has been serving the local community for twenty years. The Crab Shack prides itself on huge portions and the freshest food.
There is a smaller outdoor deck, and it is within walking distance of the beach. This location offers a wide variety of choices, from crab to fried shrimp.
6. Loggerhead’s Beach Grill
- 123 W Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439
- Fresh seafood
- $$
- Just drop in
Loggerhead’s Beach Grill is noted as one of the best spots for a drink when spending the day at the beach or on the river. However, it’s not just where tourists go. This is a fun local stop with some of the best cocktails in the area.
The seafood is always fresh and prepared with a bit of space and eclectic flare to make it memorable. For those wanting something heartier, there is a burger menu that’s often raved about as well. The outdoor patio on a hot day with the delicious, fresh food served up here is a true way to relax. Even better, they run specials frequently.
7. Bohemian Bull
- 1531 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
- https://www.bohemianbull.com/
- upscale bar
- $$$
- Call ahead
Bohemian Bull is an upscale bar with good food and a routine community supporter of various events. The upbeat establishment offers what people seek while at the beach, including craft beers, hand-selected bourbons, and custom cocktails.
The best food includes options such as the brisket burger. There’s also lots to look at here, including the water, the live music, and the electric design on the walls. Great service also helps make this a popular destination for watching the big game.
8. The Washout
- 41 Center St, Folly Beach, SC 29439
- https://follywashout.com/
- Beach Eats
- $$
- Just drop in
The Washout is simple, but that has nothing to do with the food. It’s exceptional. This local seafood restaurant offers everything you want, from a good fried basket of shrimp to a fried chicken sandwich and wings.
Most of their food is locally sourced, and the atmosphere is very much what Folly Beach is all about – upbeat, relaxing, and positive. The prices are affordable, and the sea breeze on the outdoor patio is perfect, even on a hot day. Also notable, they are a great place for a quick bite when you don’t want to get tied down.
9. Alfredo’s On Folly
- 106 W Hudson Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439
- https://alfredosonfolly.com/
- Italian American cuisine
- $$
When you’re craving a bit of Italian cuisine, the hospitality and scratch-made foods at Alfredo’s On Folly are the place to go. They have fast meals for lunch, including paninis of all sorts. Get them with Lowcountry kettle chips like the locals.
Or, choose a sauce and a pasta type (the gnocchi is amazing), and then add the protein you desire, including meatballs and sausage. It’s a hearty meal that is easy to enjoy right after a long day of shopping and enjoying the waterfront.
Which Folly Beach Restaurant Is the Best for Your Next Meal?

It’s hard to say which is the best choice in Folly Beach, South Carolina, because each one offers its own character and charm to it. Folly Beach is a fantastic place to eat, from international fare to a Southern breakfast of grits at a local eatery.
Just be sure to book yourself a fantastic place to stay to round out your trip to Folly Beach. Casai has a fantastic selection of premium vacation rentals to choose from, including oceanfront villas and cozy cottages.