Fleet Landing came highly recommended from other friends that have frequented Charleston as well as some locals. We are very glad they did because this restaurant was amazing. The parking is not amazing however ... to save yourself from frustrations, just find parking on the street or in the public parking next door. Once you walk up to the restaurant, you notice the charm of the old building. Then you walk inside and it continues. I love a good nostalgic setting. The exposed concrete and nautical theme set the right feel. We were greeted and sat immediately inside. I was kind of upset that we didn't wait for the outside seating due to the view of the harbor and experience, but I loved inside as well. Our server was extremely friendly and attentive. My drink was never empty, which I appreciate! We viewed the menu online so we somewhat knew what we wanted. It was Charleston's restaurant week, so it worked out perfectly as one of the entrees I wanted was on it. So I ordered the crab dip, shrimp and grits and chocolate torte. My husband ordered the She Crab soup and the Low Country Boil. Each course came out in perfect time and everything was so so good! We are from the north, so we loved all of the southern specialties we ordered! Needless to say, we will highly recommend this restaurant and be back in the future!
(4)
Matt N.
Had She Crab soup and Shrinp n Grits. The soup was really good and the grits were decent BUT I did get food poisoning :/ It wasnt the soup because 3 other people in my group ordered it and are fine. My first food poising experience ever...not a pretty sight
(1)
Bertie D.
Years ago a gal gathering @ 6 pm required us to go back the next evening @ 5 pm because they were out of apricot flash fried flounder. Our native gal said there is nothing better, and she was right. I've never had anything to compare. Tonight, we thawed out flounder. I could not find anything in my cookbooks. So I went to google. Low and behold - here it is!
(5)
Kayley N.
I'm a fan solely based off the few scallops that I ate. Yes, three scallops later and bam, four star review. Makes perfect sense. But really, the scallops were perfection. If I had to choose a meal to gorge on before I die, these scallops would be a contender. And the Rosemary Moscow Mule that I sipped on might be in the running as well. I deducted a star because it was jammed packed at 11:30 in the morning with people waiting outside and all over the bar for a place to sit. I was lucky enough to be eating here as part of a food passport tour thingy but man, it would be lousy to wait in such crammed quarters like so many were. Plus it's loud, really loud. Then again, who needs to talk when you can eat the best scallops of your life.
(4)
Mike C.
DISCLAIMER: This review is based solely on my experience at the bar, as I did not eat anything during my one and only visit. Therefore, my 4 star review is for the bar and the views of the water. I had the occasion to visit Fleet Landing Restaurant after a 3 day conference in Charleston and the purpose of our visit was simply to have a few drinks before having dinner at another location. The restaurant/bar is located behind the U.S. Customs House on Concord Avenue and is right on the water overlooking Charleston Harbor. The building itself is no engineering marvel, and it screams "old school" as it was built in the 1940's for the U.S. Navy and sat vacant for years. In the 1980's, it was renovated and rendered "hurricane proof", if there is truly such a thing. The restaurant was packed upon our arrival, and even if we wanted to eat, there was a pretty long wait for a table; especially since we had a group of 10 or so people. There is seating for approximately 175 people inside and another 100 or so on the humongous outdoor wrap-around patio. There was probably another 50-75 people just hanging out at the bar and socializing. This was a huge bar and could probably sustain this business without even having to serve any food at all. I took my drink and went outside to the back patio and enjoyed a stellar view of Charleston Harbor. The view of Fort Sumter in the distance kicked my nostalgia meter into overdrive. Maybe the alcohol had something to do with it too, but I digress. I wished we would have chosen to eat here, because I was in no hurry to leave. There was free parking for 30 or so cars, which is not nearly enough for this place, but there are plenty of parking lots nearby. All in all it was a great social experience and one I hope to repeat on any future trips to Charleston.
(4)
Paul A.
So good the wife and I went here twice during 1 vacation. One of the only places you can get food while sitting out on the water in Charleston. The Hush Puppies are a must and unique to this place as far as I can tell. The food and wine is good, staff is helpful and sit near the water if you can. Locals come here as well so you know it's good. Parking is difficult but this place is worth the wait/effort. You won't be sorry.
(4)
Alison B.
Food yummy. Very nice, competent, efficient and attentive staff. (We were splitting dishes so they gave extra plates with each course. They were careful about a food allergy, etc) At 9pm on a Wed there was still a bit of a wait, and we had a reservation! So, be patient. At least they have those buzzer things so you can walk around. You can also go to the bar. Biscuits: piping hot--- yes please!!! So good. Soft. Good floury taste. Butter with touch of honey. Fried green tomatoes: smaller than I anticipated. Very tasty crab salad stacked between them. She Crab soup: very creamy. A little kick of spicy (just a tad). Very good tho not amazing. Shrimp and grits: this is my first time trying it. Yum! The plate tho looked so bland. Made me think of "plop" scoop of whatever with gravy on top ala cafeterias. But maybe they always look this plain (after all what else would you add for color?). It was damn yummy. Hubby and I split all of the above and it was the perfect amount! It was dark so we can't comment on the view. The decor inside was cool (all nautical, down to the separations between the tables, maps on the tables). I like the cloth napkins. I don't like that you have to use your same silverware with each course.
(5)
Vicky T.
This place came highly recommended but it was awful. I have hada better experience at Red Lobster and money better spent! Not only that but the parking sucks! You pull in and the only way out is to back out. Meanwhile people have pulled in behind you. Even our waitress had the charm of a rock. It's a thumbs down!
(2)
Jessalin L.
A local cabbie recommended this place while I was visiting Charleston with a friend. We loved it and had a feast of oysters with a beautiful view of the water. Great service, view, food! Besides the oysters, we also ordered the she-crab soup and a Charleston sunset drink. Both were equally amazing! I'd highly recommend and will return when I'm back to charleston.
(4)
Andrea R.
Dined here on a Friday night, Memorial Day weekend. Upon arriving there was a mix-up with our reservation and we were first told the wait would be 50 minutes, then the hostess changed her mind and said she would get us in as soon as possible, I still didn't feel too confident, however we did only wait 25 minutes. When I went to the front desk she was completely nice about it and apologized for the confusion (which she failed to do at first), so I'm not sure what was going on when we arrived. We were able to snag seats at the indoor bar. There is a small outdoor area with a little bar but it was packed with people. This place is right on the water so I can understand its popularity. We were sat at a table on the deck outside next to the large window. We ordered the stuffed hush puppies to start with; they were very big and stuffed with shrimp, lobster and corn. Overall they were just okay, the actual hush puppy was extremely dry and the sauce was ok. A big pet peeve of mine is shrimp that isn't deveined or cleaned properly, so I could not enjoy the stuffing as the shrimp was not clean. My husband didn't care for the dish either. For dinner I ordered the special, the mahi mahi, blackened, with green beans and mashed potatoes. My husband ordered the shrimp and grits. My mahi mahi was SO salty; unfortunately it took over the entire dish and made it really hard to eat. On the upside the mahi mahi was clearly very fresh and juicy, the flavor was just bad. The green beans were good and crispy and the mashed potatoes were great. When the shrimp and grits arrived it honestly looked like gumbo, there was so much sauce on the plate you barely see the grits or shrimp! However the flavor was really good, some of the shrimp were clean so I ate some of them and the Andouille sausage was good. All in all it was an okay meal, we were glad to try this place but won't be back when we visit again.
(3)
Mark O.
It is a busy place and now we know why. People next to us had fried flounder and nothing but bones were left lol. I had the steak. It was also good. Great atmosphere over the water and not a tourist trap. This is one of the many places in Charleston that deserves a 2nd visit.
(5)
Kat T.
This venue is actually an old "fleet landing" for ships unloading cargo so it sits directly on the harbor with fantastic views in all directions. It's convenient to the market, waterfront park, the "pineapple", and many other must-see sites while in Charleston. The outside seating is on picnic benches, but there are umbrellas to keep out the beating sun and birds flying over. There are also side porches, one of which has an access directly to the bar without going back inside. It can get a little loud inside with all of the exposed cement throughout the building, but seating might be more comfortable if you prefer a booth or standard table. There are tvs in the bar area if you need to catch up on a game, and they can be seen from quite a few of the indoor tables. Food-wise, they have daily lunch specials which are all delicious, but I find myself leaning towards the ceasar salad with crab cakes almost every time. The crab cakes appear small upon arrival, but don't let that fool ya! They are packed with nothing but sweet lump crab meat and lightly dusted on the outside, just enough to barely hold them together. Another suggestion is the fried green tomato tower! Can't even describe it! They usually have some infused liquors to choose from if you're looking for some "home-made" libations. They have a pretty good "beers on tap" selection, but the liquor options seem to be better IMO. Either way, I am sure you will find something to your liking. The bartenders are there to satisfy your needs.
(4)
brad h.
Great seafood and a great location. They are on the water. We sat outside and enjoyed the breeze and the view of ships passing by as the sun set on Charleston. The building is rugged and appears to be built to stand some storms. It's heavy concrete so I got the feeling that I was in a real authentic location. It's nicely decorated inside... Seafood restaurants are sometimes overdone with fish on the walls, etc., but this seems to be open, airy, and pleasant. We started with the stuffed hush puppies which are filled with shrimp lobster and corn, covered with a delicious sauce. They were unique. I thought they added a really nice touch to the meal and were fitting given the fusion of Southern cooking and seafood. Our waiter added an extra to the normal complement of three so that we each could enjoy our own puppy... I had the triggerfish with pimento cheese grits and asparagus. The fish was perfectly cooked. The grits were as good as you would imagine, savory, and perfectly seasoned. Grits can be a disaster. These were not. The asparagus were just right. Our waiter gave us just the right attention, present when needed but not noticed when we were talking to our friends. Not an inexpensive meal... Not quite fine dining... But regardless, I think it was a great seafood experience. I would recommend it and I would come back.
(4)
Alayne H.
Fleet Landing was highly recommended to us by our hotel shuttle driver as we were looking for a lunch spot. Upon entering this nautical themed restaurant, there was a considerable wait for inside seating so we opted to sit out on the heated patio. There was plenty of seating out there as it was a cool day. The view of the waterfront was pleasant but I wondered where the heat was. lol I ordered the blue plate special which was pan fried shrimp cakes with Charleston red rice, broccoli casserole, & roasted red pepper sauce. I was disappointed as the food was served lukewarm. The most flavorful part of the meal was the broccoli casserole. I wasn't impressed but, maybe I ordered wrong. The service was great and the menu prices reasonable. Give it a go!
(3)
Austin K.
My wife and I went there while we were visiting Charleston, we had a great time there! We didn't have a reservation so waited about an hour, which I would definitely recommend to make a reservation before you go. The server is pretty awesome! Drinks came quick and so as the food! I didn't need to wait much after we got sat down! They first serve the biscuit which is not bad. We order a crab cake and a whole fried flounder for our dinner. The crab cake is decent, wouldn't recommend because I think it's a little over-priced. The whole flounder is awesome! Great flavor, big portion, fair price! Sauce is kinda sweet with a little sour flavor in it, didn't over-cooked the fish, it's just perfect! The only thing that I would really pick on would be the sweet tea...for being a great southern place... That tea is not sweet enough with a little bitter taste in it.
(5)
Mike B.
The food was awesome! We sat at the bar, as there was an hour wait for a table. The service was good and friendly. We shared a few appetizers. The oysters were awesome, the stuffed hush puppies were so good we got another order, the calamari was great and the shrimp and grits were rich and wonderful. I would definitely go there again.
(5)
Charlie P.
Fleet Landing is worthy of a visit for the view alone, being one of the only restaurants in Charleston situated right on the water. The food isn't anything special, but isn't horrible either. Simple seafood staples is the focus of the huge menu, which also offers burgers, salads and sandwiches. I like Fleet Landing best for weekend brunch, sitting outside in the sunshine on their patio. Must-order items: Brunch Buttermilk Biscuits w. eggs Crème Brulee French Toast Fried Shrimp Po-Boy She Crab Soup
(3)
Edward P.
Another great meal at Fleet! My wife and I always seem to find our way back here whenever we are near Charleston. Great seafood at great prices. Never once been disappointed by the Oysters the serve. If you want your taste buds blown of, get a crab cake; but be careful if you are thinking of splitting it with someone.
(4)
Timothy A.
The food is great, the location on the water is excellent, but the parking lot leaves a little bit to be desired. I won't dock them (pun intended) for that though, because it's what's on the inside that counts. Anyone that comes to visit me gets a trip to Fleet Landing for either a lunch or a dinner.
(4)
Michelle M.
Colton is wonderful. He suggested amazing dishes that we LOVEE. Here is what we had: Crab dip -OMG NOM . Amazing amazing. It's literally all crab. It's a good portion for an app. Light, cold, and fresh. Shrimp and Grits: I'm from the north so we knew we had to give it a go. I have been converted!! So incredibly delicious. I'm hesitant to try it anywhere else because the taste was mouth watering. Crab sandwich: it is literally all crab and no crap. The sauce has a nice tang and everything was perfectly seasoned. Basil lemonade drink: cool, fresh, perfect for a hot day. Curious traveler Shandy: put away your blue moon. This drink can turn a wine girl into a beer lover. A good choice for a hot day! FIVE STARS! It's a MUST GO if you're downtown.
(5)
Melissa F.
This restaurant was recommended to me by a friend who had traveled to Charleston. It did not disappoint! We'd made a reservation for 7:30pm, however we were driving in from Maryland and hit a lot of traffic. We called around 3pm and the only reservation for 2 left was for 9:30pm. We happily took it! The restaurant was packed at 9pm on a Friday night! We started with the stuffed hush puppies. They were AMAZING! Very crispy and tasty, the hush puppies were cut in half and stuffed with lobster, shrimp, leeks and corn. They were served over a Creole tomato sauce. Need I say more?? The Caesar salad had a bit of a kick to it, but other than that was pretty average. My mom had the small plate portion of the Carolina lump crab cakes. They were served with pickled corn relish, red pepper sauce and crispy fried onions - they were very good. I had the pan-seared, blackened triggerfish served with pimento cheese grits and grilled asparagus. The fish was cooked perfectly and the grits were outstanding! I definitely recommend this restaurant and dish! The service was also excellent!
(4)
Cat L.
My friends & I ate at this location for our first dinner in Charleston while visiting for the Hootie & the Blowfish concert. We wanted a nice place on the water and that is exactly what we got at this place. The :20 wait was pleasant and the table on the deck was perfect. We had a beautiful view of the pier and the weather made the dinner great. We started the meal with calamari as recommended by the waitress. And unfortunately wasn't as great as expected. We also tried the lobster stuffed hushpuppies. As an entree I tried the cod fish & chips which was delicious. The batter on the cod was flavorful & tasty. The crab cakes were also very good. They were a little heavier than I like and the veggie of the day were peas that were not spectacular. The mashed potatoes were smooth and complemented the crab cakes nicely. The flounder was cut uniquely and allowed the fish to be cooked and seasoned evenly. The last fish dish we had was delicately constructed. The final thoughtful touch by our waitress was for forfeiting our calamari order. The experience was pleasant & the food was memorable.
(4)
Carolyn L.
What pushes this place into the category of possible return while in the C-ston, is the view. Can't beat the atmosphere and it made for a memorable meal. Unfortunately, the quality of the food wasn't quite as unanimously great. For drinks, I chose some selections off the beer list, while everyone else got dark and stormys. Perfect place and weather for such a beverage, although I crave a bit more of a ginger kick from my dark and stormys. For apps, we ordered a shrimp platter, which was very good although only had 5 scrimps, whayt?? We paired that with some calamari, which were super disappointing. I am a self proclaimed calamari enthusiast and to label these as disappointing is an understatement. They had a mealy texture that was quite off putting. The pals also enjoyed the lobstah stuffed hush puppies, which were quite tasty. Even with our robust line up of apps, we did some damage on our mains as well. Mine, the triggerfish sandwich was forgettable and the husband's fish tacos were borderline inedible, but our friends raved about the shrimp and grits and Mahi Mahi fish special so I think we might have drawn the short end of the ordering stick. Because we needed dessert to fill in the cracks, we ordered the chocolate pie for desert, which definitely did not disappoint!
(3)
Cody Y.
A very popular touristy restaurant with good food and long wait times if you don't make a reservation. Thank you yelp for giving me a heads up about reservations at Fleet Landing Restaurant. My group was driving into Charleston at 2:30 pm on a Saturday and made reservations a few hours before. The restaurant has a claustrophobic parking lot that will probably be full unless you luck out like we did. We walked past the line of waiting people (I overheard the wait was 45-60 minutes) and sat outside. We ordered the Fleet Landing Stuffed Hush Puppies ($10), two large overstuffed hush puppies filled with lobster, shrimp, leeks, and creole tomato sauce. They were excellent - crispy outside with a warm seafood filling. For our lunch entrees, I ordered the Golden Fried Oyster Po-Boy ($10) and my girlfriend ordered the Fried Green Tomato BLT ($9). The po boy was interesting - the oysters were fantastic and served hot, but the addition of asiago cheese and blue cheese dressing was confusing for a po boy. The Fried Green Tomato BLT also had some interesting flavors - the Gouda, arugula, and red pepper remoulade were nice additions, but I think the sandwich would be better with whole pieces of bacon instead of chipped. This is really nit-picky of me for both dishes, which is why I'm rounding up to four stars. Overall, I'm not sure this is the place to eat if you want to eat like a local - the clientele seems to be tourists. If you want good seafood with a view and don't mind the wait, Fleet Landing Restaurant will satisfy.
(4)
Jon B.
I came here with a group per my Charleston friend's reference. We were not disappointed in anything. We came here on one of the busiest weekends of the year (during the Cooper River Bridge Run) and waited about 45 minutes for a table. While waiting, we sat at the bar and ordered cocktails ... all of which were perfect. We were seated outside on the deck for dinner, and it was an awesome view. Our waitress was super helpful. She even recommended that I tried getting my scallops blackened (which was not shown anywhere on the menu) and they were probably my favorite thing. The biscuits and butter were awesome, everyone's food was incredible. I would highly recommend getting the scallops seared & blackened ... or trying the low country seafood pasta (that sauce in this dish was outstanding). I think the pricing is awesome for the quantity & quality of the food you're getting! Cannot wait to come back to Charleston and hit this place up again. I'll make sure to leave some room for the she crab soup, though.
(5)
Ju J.
The buttermilk biscuits are to die and the key lime pie melts in your mouth...I will definitely come back just doe the buttermilk biscuits.
(5)
Kristi T.
Always good food, the wait was extreme on this most recent visit, over an hour!!! We were sat outside, so that was a plus. Our waiter was great, food was great, as always. I would recommend this to visitors if they are looking for waterfront dining.
(5)
June G.
A local recommended this place. Nothing fancy outside, but an hour wait at 9:00 on a Friday night speaks volumes. We had the crab dip and crackers for an appetizer. It was average at best. The she crab soup was excellent. It's comparable to crab soups you would find in Maryland. My friend had the shrimp and grits and they were very tasty. I had the triggerfish and it was a little overlooked. The pimento cheese grits were tasty. The service was top-notch. Ashley did an excellent job, even though it was late.
(4)
Justin H.
tldr; Safe place for a good meal. But don't expect anything spectacular. Meh. The locale is great- Right on the water, and it has a parking lot. The food was good. However, the food didn't blow me away. I did have the swordfish, which was fresh and good, but again nothing mind-blowing. The other food was good, the seafood I didn't think was great. And overall, I felt it was more money than what it was worth.
(3)
Leah F.
Whoever said this was a religious experience was right. We started with the stuffed hush puppies - they were to die for. I ordered the shrimp and grits - amazing. My husband had the flounder sandwich - adequate. The sweet tea was delicious as well, and the service was out of this world. Not to mention the views! Sit outside if you can!
(5)
Jennifer R.
Parking lot is horrible server was very sweet but the food took forever so long was not even hungry anymore and not good enough to take so long food wasn't even hot took 30 min for them to put dessert that came with the meal in a box that was ordered at time dinner was ordered seriously it took 10 min to get out of the parking lot it was set up so bad
(1)
Kiaira B.
LOCATION IS AWESOME!!! Waterfront! Parking on the other hand sucks, also waterfront. Lol The food is pretty good, We went for my Boyfriend's Graduation from Boot Camp. I had the salmon, most of the others at the table had the Shrimp and Grits which was savory and tasty. Overall great experience. The fried green tomatoes were really good with crab meat between the stacks, so tasty!
(4)
Lauren T.
This review is for dinner: Ambiance: So glad to find some beautiful waterfront dining. Sitting outside is a must. The view is great. I will say that we were sitting right next to the speaker, so the music was a little loud. The outside looks like an old warehouse. Don't be fooled because the inside is nice. Service: Our waiter was not feeling it that day. One word grunts was all we got out of him. Other waiters and waitresses serving though did not appear as disgruntled as this guy. Food: The Shrimp and Grits were great. They also had a yummy Andouille Sausage that was tasty. I had a Cobb Salad that was more than enough food and very good. It had a balsamic vinaigrette which was a good, but new take for me and a Cobb Salad. Portion sizes are sizable with fair prices. Overall: Go if you are in Charleston. A bonus is they have their own parking lot. Granted, it is small, but if you get a spot, it is very close and free!
(4)
Roselle W.
My husband and I shared soup, seafood pot pie and the lobster hush puppies. The hush puppies were the best part! The kids loved the French fries, but they weren't so happy with the grilled cheese. It was a little too greasy, which we are not used to eating. The beat part was the nautical decor and the view of the ship.This kept the kids interested.
(4)
Susanna F.
The service we received from Ryan, combined with the awesome outdoor patio views earned this spot 4 stars. Don't come for the food; definitely not their strong point. It's not awful, just average and what I would expect from a touristy hotspot. If you're lucky enough to sit outside, keep an eye on the water to spot dolphins!
(4)
Aisha V.
Fleets Landing is pretty ok. Its one of the places that everyone recommends to visitors. For the view and the breeze, I'll go along with that, but ONLY because the food is pretty decent. Went here for dinner when the bridge was closed, and 3/4th of the restaurant was filled with people waiting to get back to Mount P. Had a really pleasant waiter. Cant remember dudes name, but he was really nice, no overkill, smiled, not rushing, and didnt come to the table ever 2 minutes; thumbs up there. Started with their famous tennis ball sized hush puppies. Loved the sauce, great texture, really delicious, but I would not order them again. $12 for hush puppies? Pass. I ordered the whole flounder with the apricot glaze. The glaze kind of overshadowed the fish, so if I were to go there in the future, Id probably put the glaze on the side, or just try the flounder filets. Idk, it is a seafood restaurant, yet outside of shrimp, flounder, or some combination of the two...there really arent many options. And there main dishes arent 'wows', so I may chalk Fleets Landing up as a done it, and move on. Overall I like Fleets Landing, but man, is it overpriced. Average should be a little more affordable.
(3)
Meghan C.
I've been here a couple of times and it has been a pleasant experience. The reasons I think so, are because we had reservations - I have seen the masses waiting for a table and that is just not the Meg C. way. The first time, the service was excellent - second time, it was meh with a few server changes but the food was again, very good. Anyway, some things are pricey, or you can get a burger for like $10 - for the location and caliber of food you get :::Samuel voice::: that is a tasty burger.
(4)
Tom H.
The Triggerfish tripped my trigger and the sheepshead special were great. The charleston rice was similar to a Spanish rice- dirty rice combo and I ate it all - it was bueno The Holy City stout was quite good as well
(4)
Thomas A.
Had a great meal from start to finish. Service was fast and server Lucas payed attention to detail. He made some great suggestions on the menu and he was spot on, if back in town will visit again. I had shrimp and grits yum!!
(5)
Ali T.
Good atmosphere but not the greatest service. Arrived on a Thursday night with 7:30 reservations. Nice views and ok food. Good tourist trap .
(3)
Karen M.
We went here because we wanted to sit on the water on a beautiful day and it fit the bill perfectly. It was a great view. Service was good and they were able to accommodate me by modifying a pasta and vegetables dish to make it vegan and I got an excellent house salad. Also had some local beers on tap which was fun.
(4)
Brittany H.
The wait was long but it was really busy so we understood however when we were seated they didnt put us where we had asked. So i had to go and request another table. The food was ok but not really anything incredible! Cannot really say that we would go for a second try!
(2)
Karen Y.
Very good meal - glad we had reservations! Our server was friendly but had a large party (10) at the same time. She was still reasonably attentive. Will be back the next time we're in town.
(4)
Niki U.
Came with a very large group and they were able to accommodate us all by splitting up tables. Food and service was excellent. Atmosphere and location great but the place does get busy. Very kid friendly.
(5)
Joel B.
Great spot for our first stop in Charleston. Cool atmosphere, great service. Hush puppies were great, oysters were as well. The Flounder Sandwich was A+ and the Fried Green Club was great as well (stole a few bites from the wife). I recommend the John Daly for a drink. Very good.
(4)
Allison G.
It has plenty of seafood options to choose from. I went with an entree that I honestly hated the flavor profiles to. I guess it was a luck of the draw. I went with a non-seafood choice and it just didn't work out. I got fried okra which was delicious and a basic wedge salad to replace the sweet potato gnocchi. Not too special. The servers were very nice and the place was really busy. It was really warm, close to being hot there. After a long day in the sun, the air was pretty dense. Next time, I'll try another entree.
(3)
Elizabeth R.
Loved the setting as much as the food! The view of the river and harbor was amazing as the sun set tonight. Our waitress was attentive and friendly, food served promptly. The biscuits with honey butter were warm, melt in your mouth good. The fried green tomato stack: nice portion of tomato to crab. The blue cheese salad wedge was perfectly seasoned and crisp. The main dishes were fresh and tender: scallops with the mashed potatoes to die for. The seafood pasta had tons of fresh scallops, shrimp, crawfish and lobster. A delicious meal with reasonable prices in a fabulous setting!
(5)
Quan N.
Service is good. They carry A TON of wine! Most ive seen from a place with pricing like this. Shrimp platter comes with 7-8 shrimps. Theyre whatever sized. Not small but not like prawn size. Decent. Crab cake sandwich was delicious! Good amount of crab. Nice aioli spread with arugula. Im happy that they carry angry orchard hard cider. The other places ive been around here jn SC dont have a good selection of beers. Woulda been a 3 stars cuz honestly things were good but not great or special. Service and pricing gave it a four.
(4)
Jeff C.
Fantastic experience. Great location with a very unique decor and history. Very attentive service, excellent food and reasonably priced.
(5)
Amy H.
Very impressed!!! We walked in no reservation and sat right away!! Started with the spinach salad, classic with good fresh ingredients!! I had the seared flounder which was out of this world!!! Fried perfectly and loved the apricot sauce!! You didn't feel gross after eating!! Cannot beat the view!!
(4)
Anna B.
Great food. Food took a long time to come out - especially for a salad and a roasted turkey sandwich! Dining partner also had the hush puppies which she said were super good.
(4)
M Allen P.
You can't argue with the view - it's a beautiful waterfront dining experience. The restaurant has a great atmosphere with an industrial, vintage maritime theme. The price is reasonable but the food just isn't very good. In a town known for it's delicious food, I would rather spend my money at one of the nearby establishments - Amen Street, Blossom, Hanks. My wife had a house salad (small and underwhelming) and the shrimp and grits. The shrimp and grits were definitely the best thing we had; very creamy and a little on the saucy side. I had mahi mahi, blackened with red rice and Lima beans. The fish was over-seasoned and overcooked. I can do that at home! The red rice and Lima beans will soon be forgotten.
(3)
Emily W.
My husband and I took a 3-day weekend to visit Savannah and Charleston (spending 2 of those days in Savannah), and I have to say that this was the best meal we had on our entire trip. We split the stuffed hush puppies and each ordered the shrimp and grits. MY OH MY. I am determined to learn how to make shrimp and grits for myself now. They were so delicious, and very filling. My only wish is that we had room for the key lime pie at the end, but a full belly was worth it. The hush puppies weren't what I was expecting. You get two big hush puppies stuffed with full shrimp, but they were so good! Definitely something out of the ordinary. Service was great, we got to sit outside in the sun and enjoy the breeze. I'm so glad I went here on a recommendation from a friend. I will make sure to come back if we visit Charleston in the future!
(5)
Ted S.
Great location that needs a face lift!!! Local oyster small and tasteless Stuffed hush puppies awful Fried green tomatoes just fair. Much better restaurants in the neighborhoods
(1)
Gerard H.
Many people recommended this place to us but I was less than impressed. Great views -yes. But sitting outside on a hot day with low tide (smelly) was not ideal. Food was just okay. Pasta with seafood for me and shrimp salad for wife were just okay, calamari was just not right. Too many restaurants in Charleston to come here again. But maybe if you sat inside it would be better.
(3)
Paul R.
We were pleased with everything. The low country pasta was great as were the crab cakes, the fried green tomatoes, the biscuits and the salad. If you are in the area come on in for a meal. Make a reservation because they are busy.
(5)
Chadwick C.
Fresh local seafood. Had the whole fried flounder a couple of times..excellent. Fried green tomato and crab tower is delicious also. Best fried calamari that I've ever had also. Jam up martinis.
(4)
Tyler C.
My rating isn't based on eating there - we just stopped in for drinks. Cool place with nice indoor/outdoor bar. Friendly servers. The upside and downside ... the outside seating is a must. Views of the water from most of the inside seating are slim. Even the outdoor seating at the bar has limited views of the nicer part of the water. Plus side is great views if you sit on the back deck.
(4)
Matt S.
Great food, great view and Liz our server was amazing. My wife and I had lunch here on a Thursday and all I can say is get there early or call ahead it gets packed and for good reason!
(5)
Bo F.
Well, the one place I wanted to go on my vacation from the world and my constant fitness diet, was Fleet. I wanted the famous shrimp and grits from there that I had heard sooooooo much about for so long. First, it was a Friday night so we expected to wait a bit. We had an hour and 20 min wait. Not that bad for Friday night in a foodie tourist mecca. They have a great bar and awesome bar staff that can make a hell of a drink. Seating is great roomy tables and the wait staff is phenomenal! We never wanted for anything, never had to ask for refills, nothing. The shrimp and grits they said was a staple at all restaurants here so I was a little scared that it would just be some bland mass produced dish. I say no sir! That was the biggest and best plate of S&G that I have tasted. My word people. I loved it . The rest of our party had different things so I was able to taste a few different things. Everything that we had was good. Salmon was absolutely cooked to perfection. This place would have gotten five stars except for the noise. It was so loud in there, probably because of the building itself but it was hard to hear conversation. Thankfully, I was more interested in eating that talking. Well worth the money.
(4)
Stephanie J.
Loved it! We got there right at 5 with no reservations. We were seated within 20 minutes . I had the shrimp and grits and loved it ! The grits were creamy and delicious . Shrimp was wonderful. I was happy with the amount of shrimp on the platter! The view is great too! Watching the harbor is so fun and beautiful. My family and i loved it !
(5)
Diane C.
Delicious seafood gumbo and she crab soup but could have had more crabmeat. Crab bruschetta appetizer good and burger was delicious. The view of Charleston Harbor is wonderful.
(4)
Adrian S.
Great place!! Sit by the water!! Food awesome! Location is great!! Try the crab dip or calamari!!
(5)
Jarrett O.
This place is great if you're searching for mediocre seafood. I would recommend the lobster bruschetta. The she crab soup had a rich base, and lots of sherry, but lacked depth. As for the seared tuna "special catch", I was served a tail piece with lots of sinew... poor form for a market price of $24+. The fried shrimp and sea scallops my wife got were decent. Would like to see better choices for sides.
(2)
Bartek K.
It's odd that this seems to be the only restaurant with water views given you're on a peninsula. Must be why it's extremely popular. Highly suggest reservations! If not, the bar proved to be a great place to sit and eat as it's really just a part of the same restaurant. Also the bar actually circles around and has more seating outside which seemed to be a secret only known by a few. Staff was perfectly attentive and the food was delicious as well. Don't forget about those reservations!
(4)
Melissa N.
We walked by and didn't realize that it was a restaurant at first...what an unexpected surprise that they converted the old navy processing center into a place to grab a bite to eat while visiting and touring Charleston!! Food and service OUTSTANDING! We usually don't do repeats when visiting somewhere because there are so many places to experience, but we made an exception to the rule, we probably would have eaten here every day to try out everything on the menu.
(4)
Tim A.
Very cool spot right on the water. Fried green tomato stack and calamari are money. Nice spot for dinner or a couple drinks and apps as a pregame
(4)
Tara J.
Fantastic location, menu, ambiance, and service! Traveled here with 3 co-workers while on business. We were searching for a non-chain, local spot for dinner, so we trusted Yelp. Fleet Landing was recommended based on the type of food we were looking for, in the right price range. Located right at the port, a Carnival ship was in port and getting ready to leave as we arrived for dinner. We arrived a few minutes early for our 5pm reservation and the place was PACKED with people who did not make reservations. The restaurant itself is filled with old nautical symbols and icons here and there, but one thing that I loved the most (besides the food) was how open, light and airy it felt. To top it off, our server was fun and friendly, and appeared to really like her job. After dinner we walked around downtown historical Charleston and made the most of our time down there. If you're in the area, head over to the water and enjoy a meal here -- but make reservations and ask for a window seat if it's too hot to sit outside!
(5)
Purvi R.
We're from out of town and we were recommended this place by the hotel. Atmosphere was good but if you don't have a reservation the wait was long! Everyone keeps raving about the views but unfortunately it was already dark when we got there and couldn't enjoy them. We started with the hush puppies and they were huge! Between the two of us it already started to fill us up but we really enjoyed them. I then had the pan seared salmon and my husband had the crab cakes. Both were average at best and we've had better. The sides of coleslaw, mashed potatoes and collard greens were also average. I must give credit to the staff. Everyone was smiling and super friendly. Unfortunately this place is overrated and probably so popular because of its location on the water.
(3)
Kathy S.
Fleet Landing is a pretty cool restaurant, located right on the water with a great view! (except when a gigantic cruise ship is blocking everything, which is likely often) I'm guessing this place gets a ton of traffic from the ships, but we were incredibly lucky to get out on the patio without a wait, AND during prime lunch time! The She-Crab Soup was creamy and delicious, and the Herb Crusted Cod was a good, light lunch to balance out all of the rich foods Kenzie K. and I had been eating earlier. On another day, I would have tried oysters or shrimp & grits, which sound lovely from all of the other reviews! Next time... It'd be cool to be inside and see/learn a bit more about the history - it sounds like Fleet Landing has a great story!
(4)
Gino T.
As everyone will tell you, this is the only restaurant in Charleston on the water, so it gets one star for being on the water. As for the food, my wife ordered plain hushpuppies (not the stuffed ones), and said she'd have preferred more onions in them. The She-Crab soup was truly outstanding--spicy, with a broth-like consistency and several chunks of crab in it. The fried oyster platter and fried shrimp platter were not as good as what we get in Galveston, and the portion sizes of the shellfish were nowhere as large (although the french fries were excellent and plentiful). If you're going here, do yourself a favor--make reservations. We tried dropping in at 3:00 PM on a Friday, and were told we'd have a 30-minute wait. We then asked the hostess for a Saturday reservation at 12:30 PM on the deck, and had no problem getting the reservation (which was honored, by the way).
(3)
Jenna L.
My family and I went to Fleet landing for dinner tonight and had to wait an hour(they were SO busy which I guess is a good sign)... needless to say it was so worth it! The view outside was incredible. It was over 100° and they had fans and a light mist going over head. It was a great way to beat the heat! The food along with the service was top notch... we'll definitely go back every time we're in town!
(5)
Ellen S.
Three of us enjoyed a pleasant lunch here on a cool December day. Sat outdoors on the heated patio (plenty warm enough), overlooking the marshes and harbor, where I saw a dolphin breach several times. I had the Tuesday blue plate special, featuring shrimp cakes and red rice. My dining companions tried the she-crab soup and the shrimp with grits and gravy. All of these items were rated as very nicely created examples of their genres. I especially liked my tastes of the she-crab soup. Service was fine (no complaints), and we were all happy with the locally brewed draft beers we chose. I'd gladly go back to Fleet Landing!
(4)
Valery M.
Omg! The best jackpot ever! We ordered flounder, snapper, swordfish, and triggerfish....party of 4...lol The triggerfish and flounder was the best....just order the flounder...with a side of grits instead of beans..you WONT regret it....
(5)
Jordan D.
If you're in the mood for a great meal with an awesome view I would recommend Fleet Landing. The building is historic and the atmosphere is very energetic. I would recommend the oysters or the shrimp and grits. I would say they have the second best shrimp and grits in town. There is a full bar with service inside and out. The staff is always really friendly. If the weather is nice try and sit outside. The location is right on the water and even if it's a little cold they have heaters.
(4)
Bill S.
After visiting The Fleet Landing about 10 times in 2 years and being from Florida, I can honestly say this is the best seafood resteraunt in the South. I cant say enough good things about it and other than parking I couldnt find anything they could improve.
(5)
Sparkle L.
Excellent food the salmon is wonderful my husband had the ribeye it was so flavorful. The mashed potatoes are delicious and creamy comes with gravy better without it. Key lime pie is excellent.
(5)
Sara W.
I was visiting Charleston for the weekend and wanted to take in the warm weather and seafood to make it a real escape from NYC. I'm really glad to have come to fleet landing, it was a great experience! I was in a party of 4 and we sat outside after waiting at the bar for a little (we arrived early for our reservation). We decided to share all appetizers and entrees to get a real feel for the menu and I'm glad we did! We started with the oysters, hush puppies and she crab soup. The oysters were really fresh and clean. The hush puppies, while they were stuffed with shrimp and lobster were just ok. The soup had great flavor but is very rich. Next we had the iceberg salad, shrimp and grits and the boil. Really liked all of these. The shrimp and grits was definitely heavy and saucy. The boil had a lot of food but the broth was light so it was perfect! We rolled out of here with major food babies! I'm sure there are better seafood restaurants in this area but you can't beat the outdoor seating and view, good service and decent prices.
(4)
Frank G.
This place never disappoints. Been here many times. Great place for outside dining near the water. Food is excellent, drinks are great. Good place to hang out and enjoy the area. Since I live here, it's one of my standard places. Make it yours. FrankG
(5)
Pekepoo M.
Today we had lunch at fleet landing and it was excellent. There was no wait; it was a cool day in Charleston but we were able to sit out on the heated patio. We started off with the steak calamari they were exceptional, perfectly seasoned. Both dipping sauces complimented the calamari. My husband and I split the lunch portion shrimp and grits, simply, fantastic! Perfectly seasoned the flavors were outstanding I think I enjoyed the creamy grits even more than the flavorful gravy and shrimp. Our server was very attentive and personable. Whenever I'm in Charleston I'll visit fleet landing! A MUST WHEN IN THE CITY.
(5)
Hilary R.
I visited on a cold, rainy day in April, after schlepping around Charleston, seeing all of the touristy things that it has to offer. I was traveling with a friend and we were in town visiting with her family, who live outside of downtown Charleston. They suggested Fleet's Landing as a great spot...although we did not get to enjoy the true water views since it was very cold and rainy. We did sit on the "deck" around the perimeter of the restaurant and it was covered with plastic sheeting being that it was out of season. They also had heaters going so they obviously maximize their outdoor space year round. The inside of the restaurant is really big and open and a nice large bar is in the middle of the room. Definitely seemed like a great summer happy hour or dinner place. I tried the she-crab soup (first time) as one of my companions ordered it and we all shared her bowl. For my meal, I had the fried green tomato BLT (applewood smoked bacon, smoked gouda, arugula & roasted red pepper remoulade on a toasted roll), which was another first for me...it was delicious and I now love fried green tomatoes! Too bad they are not easier to find in the northeast :-( All in all, a nice spot to grab a bite or drink and maybe next time I'll be back in the summer and enjoy those views.
(4)
Sherry K.
I've eaten at Fleet Landing a number of times and always focused on the seafood. Let me add, I've never been disappointed going that route! I had family in town over the weekend and they wanted to go to Fleet Landing to get their shrimp and grits fix. We found ourselves embarrassingly staring at other diners delicious brunch choices. The quiche of the day was lobster and smoked Gouda, with arugula over creamy cheese grits and hollandaise sauce. Three out of five at our table ended up ordering this. The portion was incredible, the flavors amazing! Our server, Tyler, put the 5th star on our experience! She was always there when you needed something and didn't hover or rush us even though the growing line waiting for tables was out the door. Tyler's charming genuine and humorous personality will have me going back to Fleet Landing and requesting her again and again!
(5)
Yvonne R.
Dined here today. I was here 6 months ago and had the mussels, they where amazing. Came back tonight, waited 45 minutes to be seated to find they were out of mussels. Ordered the crab bruschetta, it was bland. Ordered the calamari, same bland flavor. Last but not least ordered the whole flounder that so many of my fellow yelpers bragged about. Bland, too crunchy, not good. On a positive, the biscuits where delicious. Not happy and disappointed. I won't be back.
(2)
Rene S.
Had good lunch with family here. The hush puppies were good, but don't expect the traditional ones. I liked my fish sandwich and the rest of my family was happy too. very busy place and due to its location overrun with tourists. They love to sit outside and smell "the beach". Will be back and try more dishes.
(4)
David M.
Had the trigger fish, excellent. Also had the gumbo, also very good. Sat at the bar, bartenders very friendly and good.
(4)
Vince V.
3.5 stars ... interesting location but not unobstructed views of the harbor ... they are impeded by warehouses and other buildings. food is good quality, and has a number of unique offerings (BLT green tomato sandwich) but the sides are standard and the crabcakes were heavier on bread than a premium cake would be. prices not bad for the location and the quantity of food. service very solid ... much appreciated!
(3)
Katie W.
Cute place with decent food. The oysters were great and the staff very friendly. The view was a little bit of a let down and the scallops were just OK.
(3)
Lacey H.
Brought my mom here on a Tuesday! We didn't have reservations but were able to find a seat at the bar. The service there was outstanding. We ordered mussels, a Caesar salad, and she crab soup. The mussels were amazing! My mom loved her Caesar salad. Once I asked the bartender for Sherry, which he gladly gave me, my she crab soup was the best I've ever had
(5)
Vinetta F.
After reading some of the reviews, I wasn't sure if I would enjoy the food, as I am a picky eater. However, to my surprise it was the best dinner I had over the three nights that I stayed in Charleston. The view and breeze from the outside dinning was so relaxing. The atmosphere and the food made for a memorable meal. The server was friendly and attentive without being in the way. Everything was super fresh, tasted, and lightly seasoned. The fried green tomatoes were absolutely delicious. For my entree I had the fried shrimp, which were not overly battered nor greasy. The chocolate torte was also very good - not overly sweet.
(4)
Lauren T.
Let me just say... This restaurant has an AMAZINGLY refreshing drink that I am now obsessed with (thank you very much). Two words: Pomegranate Mojito. Order one now. You won't regret it. Not to mention, this is the best view you're going to get (by the water) at a Charleston restaurant. Very laid-back, beachy feel. Good times to be had. And tasty pomegranate mojitos for all. What more could you ask for?
(4)
John P.
Sunny deck overlooking the harbor. Quick seating, fast friendly service delicious food, excellent prices. Sharing Key Lime Pie for desert yum-yum, will try the bread pudding next time. Bee liked my White Allagash beer, no problem, free replacement, beer not the bee.
(5)
Erik A.
Great food, not for the cheap pockets but very good oysters and fast service(at the bar). Good atmosphere and nice view. Make sure you have a reservation as this place gets busy!
(5)
Alaina-Maria B.
OMG YUM! Went for my birthday dinner. For apps we had the fried green tomato stack. They were super crispy and the crab between was delicious. We also had the crab dip. It is chock full of actual crab and comes with a variety of crackers. Also delicious. I had the jumbo shrimp with the lemon shallot butter. (Perfectly cooked) garlic mashed potatoes (perfect)! And southern slaw (standard). My companions had the whole flounder also terrific and the fried shrimp and flounder also delicious. We had reservations and were seated right away outside which is heated and had a fantastic view of the water complete with dolphin sightings. Our server was very friendly and helpful. I can not wait to go back!!!
(4)
Bernadette M.
WE had reservations for 9 pm. Got there at 8:45 and had a glass of wine at the bar. Good wine list. We were seated at 9 and had Morgan for server. SHE was knowledgeable and very friendly but not intrusive. The hushpuppies are an outstanding large appetizer with great sauce. We ordered the surf and turf and the grilled salmon with honey Ginger glaze. The filet was butter tender and a big Alaska crab leg was delicious. The salmon was moist and the grits were the best in Charleston. We had a great bottle of wine and and excellent service. Highly recommend this restaurant with great view.
(4)
Stephanie O.
it was awesome , I had the shrimp and grits with andouille sausage mixed in...I really didn't care for the sausage but those grits were soooooo creamy with cream cheese! i loved it!
(4)
Alyssa S.
Amazing. Had the lionfish blackened- very tasty!! Vegetables had just the right amount of fresh garlic on them. Peach tea martini was spectacular. My husband had the shrimp and grits- said they were the best grits he's ever had. View was breathtaking!!! Definitely need to come to this restaurant!!!
(5)
Meg S.
The food was so bad here. We saved this restaurant for our last night in town hoping to have a nice seafood meal on the water. After some DELICIOUS food at other restaurants this place was horrible. The crab soup was more like cheese soup with maybe two bits of crab in there. So many other places had wonderful crab soup. The fish was literally inedible. There was so much seasoning you couldn't even taste he fish. I had the triggerfish and it was soaking in oil. Anyone who has had fish knows you shouldn't see globs of oil underneath, nor taste the texture of the inch thick layer of spices on top of the fish. We paid $80 for a meal that we thought was worse than a chain restaurant. And the water views are just not that amazing. Sit on the pier with a glass of wine... It will be a much better experience. Save the time and money- head to the countless other delicious restaurants in charleston.
(1)
Allen R.
We got 2 appetizers to split (fried tomatoes and hush puppies), and 3 entrees. Everything was incredible, especially the shrimp pot pie and hush puppies.
(5)
Jared K.
This place has great bloody Mary's and is a lot of fun during the lunchtime hour. However dinner time, I feel the food is extremely overpriced. I had the shrimp and grits which were good, but not over $20 good. Great view and they obviously have the advantage of being right on the water. I will go back next visit. But only for drinks and an appetizer to split. Outdoor seating is key at this place. Chilled Oysters on the half shell tasted very fresh.
(3)
Katherine D.
We were steered here by our friendly airport taxi driver. We asked "what's the best place for seafood?" and he answered without hesitation. The location and atmosphere were great. It's right on the bay, and offers outdoor seating. It was our first time in Charleston, and the view was great. So was the decor - very nautical. We got the hush puppies for an appetizer, which were okay. I liked the cornbread the best. The sauce and the seafood were kind of bland. My husband had the shrimp and grits, and reports "it was pretty good - I liked it. Good gravy, good grits." I tasted the grits and they were nice and creamy. I had the grouper tacos, and they were meh. The tortillas were a bit too big for the amount of food inside. The mango salsa was nice but it just wasn't as put-together as some other fish tacos I've had (I'm thinking of that food truck in Key West). Overall, it was a nice experience with pretty good food.
(4)
Chris B.
Can't beat the atmosphere. On water, great bar, inside and out dining. Waitress forgot our appetizer and then still charged us for it, very disappointing. Other than that, and the hour wait (expected) it was a great evening.
(4)
Britney B.
Atmosphere was really good! Old Navy loading dock. Biscuits were amazing! I had the ribeye with pimento cheese croquet. It was cook perfectly and the flavors were very well in balance. I had a Red Rock Merlot and a Aligash White beer. Made me happy! My husband had the surf and turf. The menu doesn't specify that it is a filet. It was also cooked perfectly and the crab cakes were full of fresh crab. He paired this with a few Fat Tire brewskis. The biscuits..... Like I said before are amazing! So perfectly crispy on the outside and super soft on the inside. With sweet butter. Mmmmmm.... Will def return!!!
(5)
Auriel J.
Favorite place in Charleston :) used to work here for a summer & still come back every time I'm in town! AMAZING VIEWS! it's on the water.. The vibe is great .. But the food is what seals the deal. Everything I've ate here makes me keep coming back for more.
(5)
Lauren C.
Love this place! Cool view of harbor. Fried flounder with apricot glaze is delicious!!! Great drinks! Defiantly make a reservation for dinner on weekends
(5)
Stephanie M.
5 stars for the She Crab Soup. One of the best soups I've ever tasted, bar none. The waiter also recommended an AMAZING IPA to go with my food. I think it was called Westbrook or something. It's local, we definitely don't have it up in New Jersey. Had the crab cake appetizer also. It was okay but not amazing. I would come back a million times just for that soup.
(5)
Kyle S.
I don't really understand this place. They overcharge for all of their food, provide poor service and in general feel super gimmicky. They seem to believe they can charge obscene amounts of money for rather mediocre options just because they're on the water. Sure the view may be nice, but i can get the same view for free at Waterfront park and I'd rather go to one of the amazing Charleston restaurants in the middle of downtown and enjoy much better food.
Excellent place in charleston... The view is great and food is delicious!!! Always fresh, hidden little gem in Chucktown!!!
(5)
Ketan S.
Very good location - Very close to downtown and the market. if you are visiting charleston, I would recommend it since it is a nice place by the water. Food is good too! Very good service and plenty of room and lots of tables for a large group and also they can accomodate a decent crowd. They have their own parking space too which is nice. We went there for lunch and had a great time.
(4)
Larry J.
The food here was masterful. Hush puppies stuffed with lobster, shrimp mhhmmm. I had the trigger fish. Oooo my. So tender and flaky. My wife had the seared scallops were okay not much to write home about in comparsion to the hush puppies.
(5)
Mary L.
I went there last night and took a guest. The service was awful. It took forever for the waiter to initially come to the table and took a long time to get a drink and coffee. I ordered the crab cakes and it was cold....not warm.....cold. Cold mashed potatoes and cold crab cakes....yuck. My guest had a pasta dish and it was tepid. Obviously the crab cakes were frozen and they didn't bother to microwave it long enough. This is not an inexpensive place...I would not recommend it.
(1)
George T.
It doesn't deserve its high rating. Location is great as was service. Not so the food. Cobb salad and tuna were ok, but tile fish and calamari were like rubber, and calamari had cooled when it was served. Oysters were small, limp, and one of the servings had a peculiar tate. Won't be back.
(2)
Rob G.
Best night (of three) in Charleston. Excellent food. Cheese grits are a must. Flounder was good. Service and outdoor atmosphere was great.
(5)
Terry G.
One of the best meals we had in Charleston.
(5)
Tre M.
Went for lunch and immediately was impressed with the decor. It is really open and the water view is refreshing. The service was good but the food was basic. I got the crab cake sandwhich with the pasta salad, very underwhelming. Compared to the rest of the great food in Charleston, I doubt I would go back.
(3)
Renee O.
Great atmosphere, its right on the water and inside is really nice as well. Food is amazing! Stuffed hush puppies or artichoke dip are terrific starters. The fried shrimp po boys are the best I've had so far! The jumbo shrimp are delicious, the swordfish is amazing, and even the kids menu is tasty! They literally have THE BEST margaritas out of all the restaurants I have ever tried, they aren't made with some green mix like other places, I watch the bartender squeeze those limes and oranges lol they are strong, but not like you only taste tequila! They have really good mixed drinks as well!
(5)
Pres P.
Come for the view and stay because of the view. Admittedly, Fleet Landing has the best view of any restaurant on the Peninsula. Scenic views of the Charleston Harbor and Ravenel Bridge are hard to find at any Charleston restaurants. I was not impressed with the food however. We started off with the Fleet Landing Stuffed Hush Puppies. They were good but insanely overpriced for the portion. $10 for two stuffed hush puppies! I had the Blackened Triggerfish Sandwich and it was okay. It was kind of bland. My side of Southern Slaw might have been some of the worst slaw I've ever had. It had no taste whatsoever. The theme of the entree could have been Bland. After my experience, I would recommend Fleet Landing for drinks or maybe drinks and an appetizer but I just did not enjoy my entree or my side. The view is top-notch and nothing can take away from that.
(3)
Carole E.
Was amazing! Is right on the water, has huge windows for looking out on the water, tables are not over crowded that you cant get around. Love that. I had the Seafood pasta and could not stop eating it! So good! Others in my group had the crab cakes and a grilled shrimp plate. We all didn't talk through dinner we were so busy eating. Highly recommend!! This place also has some history too, on Veterans day we had to read up on the Naval part of it.
(4)
Samantha S.
I'm a grit snob. So know that theirs are really great! I got the salmon pan seared with grits and collards. I won the cleanest plate club. Only restaurant on the water. Must try!
(4)
Sierra D.
We ate at Fleet Landing on a Wednesday evening, with a 7:00 reservation. Long story short: the hostess was less than pleasant, the waiter was excellent, and the bartender was good. The appetizers were excellent, (including both soup options, the spinach dip, and the biscuits with honey butter) however the entrees weren't the best. (Burgers, tilapia, scallops) Just bland and average, and some overcooked. Some people in our group were searching for flavor and spice, it was lacking for them. But others enjoyed the simple flavor. The environment was lively, great for families.
(3)
Helen L.
I made a reservation for 1pm on a Saturday and arrived at 12:45pm. I was seated right away and had a nice view outside, though it was a bit chilly. I ordered the hush puppies and shrimp and grits. Both were delicious! My server (Robert??) was really attentive and checked in with me every now and then to make sure everything was okay. There were supposed to be dolphins but unfortunately, I didn't get to see any. This is definitely the place to go for a great meal. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time or be prepared to wait ~40 minutes on the weekends for a table.
(5)
Abe D.
Great hush puppies. They handled our oversize group of 14 very well. Trigger Fish was wonderfully flavorful, if quite salty in its preparation. Very very noisy place.
(4)
Tim E.
Really good!! The calamari was the best I ever had. Flounder and shrimp was excellent. A companion got salmon and was very disappointed. My suggestion is stay with local fare.
(5)
Katie V.
I've been to Fleet Landing several times in the past with good experiences. So when my Bachelorette party needed some recommendations, I was quick to suggest this spot. This visit was definitely quite different than any of my previous. We were a large party of 12 with reservations and were seated right away. The service was decent up until our food came out. While we were all eating, one of my friends found a giant mothlike bug in her salad!! Grossed out pretty much everyone at our table. We were quick to tell staff and very agreeable with the servers. When who we can only assume was the manager came out, she did not even apologize. She simply told my friend the salad would be comped. NO APOLOGY! Then when the same friend got her bill, they charged her for a $3.99 side of grits. If there was a giant bug in my salad, I wouldn't expect to pay anything. Ridiculous. As a former server and a current retail manager, I can't imagine the lack of care over such a major issue. I'd like to say I'll be back next time I visit, but after this experience, I may branch out to new places.
(2)
Jessica W.
We wanted to eat by the water during our trip to Charleston, so we chose Fleet's Landing. The outdoor seating was right on the water, and it was quite lovely. We ordered the shrimp and grits, as well as the blackened shrimp and crab cake appetizers. Everything was quite good, and the portions were very large. The only thing was that it all felt rather heavy, but then it's southern cooking. We were stuffed after dinner!
(4)
Zachary H.
Appetizers: stuffed hush puppies, blackened seared shrimp Entrees: fresh catch salmon, red snapper, grouper Waiter: Harrison Amazing appetizers and entrees, great flavors, prepared perfectly, with a friendly staff. Harrison made some great recommendations that will we definitely come back for again.
(5)
Julia P.
This place was great. I had a fish special - snapper - which is not normally on the menu. We sat at the bar and the bartenders recommended it, which was nice they knew so much about the menus including the daily specials. I had the grits as a side. Holy moly...amazing. This place nows how to do grits and how to do snapper.
(5)
Juan T.
Good food but not great for the price. Tried the Shrimp and Grits but was not impressed, had better in another Charleston rest. The location and the ambience is really nice though. Had a nice time over all.
(3)
Jane S.
Severely disappointing. One word to describe = gimmicky. Service - 1 star Had to stand waiting 25 minutes at the bar to order 1 beer. Wasn't even that busy. Getting served a second was impossible. Gave up, tabbed out. Food - 2-3stars Had the artichoke dip, not too bad. Saw a shrimp sampler that looked delish. Price - 0.5 star $11 for the shrimp appetizer that had 4 shrimp on it? WAY overpriced. This place relies very heavily on its view. Doesn't really give allot of care to their service and charges an exuberant amount for mediocre food due to it being "on the water." Pay the same price a block over on East Bay and get an extremely different experience with 1st class food and service.
(1)
Steve B.
Stopped by on a Tuesday for dinner. That's a 12:00 meal. We had a crab dip appetizer that was just plain ole good. For the meal my wife had shrimp cakes that were a pleasant suprise. I had shrimp and oysters that were just right. We really like the atmosphere. It was like, welcome Come in sit down and eat with us, take your time, enjoy your time with us. Our waitress was very pleasant, kept our glasses full, and helped make for an enjoyable meal. Overall was very pleased with the food and the dinning experience. Will be back for more.
(4)
Roger C.
I wanted to eat there because I'm retired Navy, but was very disappointed with the food. While the food was just okay for the same price I could be at the Lowcountry bistro. I think people would be better off to pass this on by.
(2)
Li Y.
Fleet Landing, at the recommendation of an out of town colleague was easy enough to find. The first obstacle was finding parking. Granted the first evening we went we arrived at the very peak dinner hour on a Friday evening. The restaurant parking was not so big, definitely not large enough to accommodate even half the restaurant. Luckily there was a public parking lot close by...but be warned, don't go on a water event day...then there is no parking their either ! First obstacle down. Now, trying to get in and to a table. We were told it would be about a 90 minute wait. Half the group went to go walking around. The other half decided to hangout at the bar. So happy we discovered that not only was the bar abundant with seats, inside and out...it was also a full service bar. We ended ordering appetizers and drinks and took them outside for a silightly chilly but otherwise beautiful evening! We promptly contacted the rest of the group to get back and get to order their food. Ninety plus minutes later and there was still no table ready for us. By then we didn't care because we had a wonderful three course meal and outside dining. As there was a just about even mix of locals to tourists (aka:us), there was a nice group collecting on the outside deck. Even included discussions about the other seafood restaurants in town and my favorite...Bowen's Island...but that is another story =') Food was delicious. HINT: When in South Caroline go for the fresh oysters! Oysters on the half shell, fried oysters, more oysters...served with a delicious cheese grits. The prices though not so nice. Found the prices here a bit steep, especially for the casual and noisy atmosphere. Couldn't have been that bad though as we ended coming back here for dinner...just a week later!
(4)
Ann R.
Do get the shrimp and grits here. Savor each bite: creamy grits, spicy sausage, flavorful gravy and tender sweet shrimp.
(4)
Brian M.
Charleston is quite famous for its eats. This is one of those places that make it so. It's right on the water, great view. It's an old old US Navy depot. Pretty cool concrete building. But aside from the ambiance and setting, the food is excellent. The calamari app is pretty phenomenal. The steaks are great as well, although this is really primarily a seafood place. Eaten here a couple times and have had an exceptional experience every time. Really recommend this place if you are ever in downtown charleston.
(5)
Tammy H.
What a miss in Charleston. So much for southern hospitality. Walk in to have drinks & apps at the bar. It's 2pm. Restaurant is empty. Notice tables outside in the sun. Go back to hostess & ask to sit outside. She says if we are just having drinks they can't seat us out there. 5 empty tables, but can't seat us? Really??? Great business minds...2pm, empty tables, wants appetizers. I guess they must have a great business not to accommodate. Went to tbonz after, spent $100. Tbonz wants to thank you for your poor customer service. Great job!!!
(1)
M P.
It's a beautiful spot on the water, but the superlatives stop there. The food is two notches below average, and the service was that of a cheap chicken joint. It's a bit of a tourist trap, as it's the only place to eat on the water, but at the price you pay you really don't get a good value in my opinion.
(1)
Sam B.
This is such a great spot, I have been here on quite a few occasions and have never been disappointed! Sitting outside from 40* to 90* is worth the wait, heat in the winter and fans/cool bay breeze in the summer.
(5)
Michael P.
This was the second of three places recommended by a local, on our connecting flight to Charleston from Atlanta. This place was packed and reservations are a must. We called the afternoon we'd arrived and were fitted in with a 7:30 time slot. We arrived early and left late, with folks arriving for their reservations throughout. They run a good operation, as you're seated right on time. The food is excellent, and the prices are good. We thought the she-crab soup to be the best in town. I had shrimp and grits, so rich it was hard to finish. There's always room for collard greens, which were fine. My wife had seafood pasta; ditto, so there was no room for dessert. The service was friendly and prompt, but perhaps a bit too frequent in checking-in. This is a former U.S. Navy embarkation building built out of concrete - walls, floor, and ceiling. It's loud, despite some acoustical panels on the ceiling and top of walls. On the other hand, it's on a pier in the Cooper River, so the view, from inside or outside, is fantastic. The bar, like many in Charleston, has roll-up garage doors, so it can serve the inside guests on one side, and the outdoor guests on the other - that's cool.
(4)
Kathy S.
This is a decent restaurant and, if it weren't in Charleston, I'd give it 4 stars. It's just we have so many great restaurants here. What Fleet Landing has to offer is decent food with a GREAT view. We don't have a lot of restaurants with views here, so if you're visiting Charleston, this is a perfectly fine place to come for shrimp and grits or the whole flounder with apricot sauce.
(3)
Katie C.
Delicious! Great view! Had the sheepshead. I'd never tried that type of fish and was glad to have. Excellent. Would return.
(4)
Keith J.
This place was great for lunch. The shrimp and grits we fabulous and the service was excellent. This is the place for great food and the bread pudding was jus as good. We had to wait 45 minutes but worth the wait.
(5)
Michelle S.
Great view, our server took care of us, the hush puppies are beyond amazing, I would skip the calamari, though! As a local, I try to go for brunch only and go early since it gets a bit touristy. Make a reservation otherwise you may have to wait a while.
(3)
Bernd L.
Not sure what all the hoopla is all about and why the high ratings. Overpriced and very divey. The seafood boil was very average, the tuna/salmon tartare tiny and the she crab soup was very starchy with low grade ingredients.
(2)
Pete S.
Oh my gosh! I rarely give 5 stars. This is the place. We got there about 4:30. We had reservations at 5:00 pm. They don't start serving dinner until 5, so we sat at the bar & joined in on happy hour. It's from 4 to 7. We did get to see a cruise ship depart. How fun. We were promptly seated at 5pm by the window. What a great view. We were promptly greeted by our server, Kayla. Wow! She was really personable. She explained all the specials and took our drink orders and explained a few things on the menu. After she came back with our drinks she took our order. I had a pan seared trigger fish with pimento grits and asparagus. The whole meal was fantastic. The fish was cooked perfectly. Not over cooked. Wife had sea scallops with Carolina red rice and spotted Lima beans. Again, the meal was perfect, the scallops were not over cooked. Our friends both had seafood pasta. Shrimp, scallops, mussels, crawfish and andouille sausage. It was, again delicious. Everything prepared perfectly. For dessert I had the bread pudding, a little different but delicious. Wife had pecan pie with ice cream. Really good. Not to sweet. Friends had red velvet cake. Also great. This place was just amazing. We will return when we're back in the area.
(5)
Bill R.
Being from Iowa I never get the chance to get fresh fish so this was a real treat for us. I am so glad we picked this place to go to. The service is great, very friendly and helpful with suggestions. We sat outside and that made the experience even better. That night they had Swordfish as one of their fresh catch choices and it was amazing along with the southern slaw and collard greens it was a great meal. My son had the Salmon and it was also amazing. If you decide to go here go early and sit outside. We had reservations at 5 and got right in but by the time we left it was full and people were steadily coming through the door. The only knock is the parking kinda sucks but getting there early will help with that.
(5)
Erv C.
Many great reviews but Fleet Landing didn't live up to our expectations. The she crab soup was outstanding as was the gumbo. Generous servings! Oysters on the half shell were fresh and salty. Now for the negative, we ordered the seafood platter and requested grilled shrimp & scallops, no grill marks and seasoning was barely noticeable The fried seafood platter of fried shrimp and fried fish was good but no more tasty than your neighborhood fast food. Sides were good, cheese grits very creamy. All in all satisfying but the accolades on yelp exceed our dining experience.
(3)
Kevin S.
I've been to two seafood places in this area and Fleet Landing is better than the other by about 800%. I had a cold shrimp appetizer (phenomenal flavor) and a lowcountry boil. The boil wasn't my favorite but I did sample some of the things my compatriots had ordered and it was all quite good. You're going to pay a little bit (it's at the upper end of the two-dollar-sign range on Yelp) but if you absolutely must sample some seafood in downtown, I'd have no problem if you wanted to check this place out.
(4)
Kelly B.
Great view, great drinks, great food. Although this place can get very busy because it's quite the tourist attraction, they have a great menu bursting with seafood that people want when visiting Charleston. They also have an extensive drink and dessert menus. I highly recommend the Key Lime Pie. This place is the only restaurant on the water in downtown Charleston, which makes for a great view, especially if seated outside on the patio. I love the chunky crab cakes and she crab soup. It's a great spot to take visitors and located next to gorgeous Waterfront Park.
(4)
David L.
I would say it has an upscale feel to it but no need to dress up. Wait service is great, they know their menu and have their recommendations. Ordered crab cake and it was awesome - all crab meat. Ordered seafood pasta - lots of large shrimps, crawfish, clams and oysters. Little salty for my palate nonetheless packed with flavor. Also ordered salmon with ginger sauce - a bit sweet and well cooked and seared. The prime rib was awesome - especially the fat dipped in the au jus provided with the steak. It's is pricey but definitely worth it. Walkins accepted but better make reservations. Parking is limited to about 30 cars but come little early and find a spot for you car. If you can't find a parking spot will need to park at a meter or garage. When visiting Charleston, SC this is one restaurant you and family need to try. Enjoy!!!
(5)
Lauren P.
Been here 100 times, and it never disappoints. I've probably had everything off the menu, but my favorites include the blue crab dip (served cold), the she crab soup (this is my comfort food), and the shrimp and grits. These are all pretty much staples of the South, but they have a little of the "Gullah" cuisine added in to make them perfect. I enjoy sitting outside and enjoying the view, unless there is a cruise ship in port, which is the only thing I'm discontent with. However it is not the restaurants fault, and they still have some of the best food!!
(5)
Stacie B.
Went to Fleet landing because all my friends said it was very good. My husband and I went here on a date night. The wait was crazy and we arrived right when they opened. My recommendation is to make a reservation, but if not waiting it okay too since it is right on the water with beautiful views. We just enjoyed sitting around looking at the scenery. When we did get in I ordered their flounder and my husband ordered the salmon and we both enjoyed our food very much. I would go back again.
(5)
Greg J.
Great restaurant! Our server Colton Johnson helped us out to the fullest. Recommended 3 things that we tried for the first time and he hit the nail on the head each time. Great stuff, shrimp in grits were delicious. Definitely give this place a try!
(5)
Carl H.
Not too bad of a place. Went here with wife and sister. We had no reservations, but did have a play to see that night. Arrived about 6PM on Saturday, was told 30 minutes for first table or 45-50 minutes for inside. We decided to put our names down for "inside" and said we would be back in 45 and wandered over to the Waterfront Park, as a touristy thing to do with my sister from TX. While at the pier, we determined that it was breezy and cool enough in the shade to eat outside (we could see the restaurants outside seating and saw everybody was in the shade), and we did not want to rush, so headed back to restaurant to tell them we would take first available. However, when we walked in, they recognized us and said our inside table was ready. We ordered their Fried Green tomato stack, which was 3 slices of tomatoes Layered with Tarragon Crab Salad & Creamy Shellfish Sauce. This was small to share with three, but was flavorful. We also had their fried calamari steaks. This is regular calamari, but instead of slicing the squid into rings and frying, the squid was sliced length wise. I will say this was EXCELLENT. Two of us also had their She Crab soup. I love a crabby thick soup. This soup was thick, excellent flavor, but mine had very little crab, about half a teaspoon "lump" in a big soup bowl. For entree's, my sister had a Caesar salad and their tuna and salmon tartare appetizer. She liked both. I had their Pan seared blackened Trigger Fish with pimento cheese grits and asparagus. This was OK, the grits did taste strongly of pimento cheese (I probably would have appreciated a more subtle flavor), fish was well cooked, but only OK on flavor, the asparagus was the large variety so only received about 3 stalks, and was overcooked, or maybe I just prefer the small thin stalks that are less cooked and greener.
(3)
kate j.
this restaurant looks like a tourist trap but the food is delicious. I was turned off by the whole navy theme of the restaurant because it was a little overdone but overall it's a pretty cool spot in a good location. we sat outside which was great with the exception of about 100 seagulls squawking right by the deck the entire time we were eating; however, that's to be expected of a restaurant right on the water like fleet landing is. our group split the hush puppies (two thumbs up and a unique twist on the snack) and fried oysters with soco bbq sauce. my boyfriend ordered a steak and everyone else in our group ordered seafood, which I would recommend doing to any first timers here because it's good and it's what they're known for. my brother ordered the low country boil (similar to a bouillabaisse but more simple) and it was very good. I had the blackened triggerfish, which I'd never heard of before our visit to fleet landing, and it was awesome. their decent drink menu and good location makes this place even better!
While in Charleston, SC, I looked for an authentic culinary experience...Fleet Landing Restaurant exceeded all expectations!!! The restaurant/bar is located behind the U.S. Customs House on Concord Avenue and is right on the water overlooking Charleston Harbor. It is a central point for walking the Charleston Waterfront Park, Meeting Street, and King's street (some of the best sightseeing and shopping in the city). The restaurant was packed upon our arrival (good sign), which was about lunch time. A few words about the ambiance and, then, off to food review...The inside is casual; the space is plenty; the bar is very opened; the views are spectacular. The crowd was 50/50 tourists and local business people coming in for lunch. We got Bloody Marries, 1/4 lbs of Peel N' Eat Shrimp, Low country Seafood Gumbo, and Blackened Triggerfish Sandwich. Here is a break down of each dish: Bloody Marries - excellent presentation and great Bloody Marry mixer. The drink was delicious Peel N' Eat Shrimp - also excellent. The shrimp was served with served chilled with Old Bay Seasoning. There is a big difference between previously frozen shrimp and fresh shrimp. Needless to say, this shrimp was as fresh as it could be. It was a great small appetizer Low country Seafood Gumbo - have not had Gumbo before, so this dish blew my mind. In addition to seafood, the gumbo also had Andouille Sausage, Okra, & Rice in it. Blackened Triggerfish Sandwich - not crazy about sandwiches, but really wanted to try the Triggerfish. The Triggerfish was buttered, fried, presented with Avocado Aioli, Pepper Jack Cheese, Shredded Lettuce, & Tomato on Toasted Roll. We ate at the bar hence it was a little warm outside. However, the views of the Charleston harbor were pretty spectacular even from the inside. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone either living in Charleston or travelling to this wonderful city
(5)
Brett H.
This place is a great option for a quick place to eat with some above average unique seafood dishes. It's also on the water and an easy walking destination if you're parked and strolling around downtown on foot. Stuffed hushpuppies-- Yes. Shrimp cakes-- Double yes. (Only on Tuesdays) Key Lime Pie-- Yes, if you dare. Staff is very friendly and accommodating. They will go out of their way to make sure you have a good experience.
(4)
Princy D.
Mediocre at best. We ate here on the recommendation of the hotel and Yelp reviews. We've had better seafood for less further inland. Oysters were rubbery. Mussels needed more spices.
(2)
Kelly C.
The location and decor really shine at this waterside restaurant with beachy feel. Great views out over the water make it a great spot at lunch. I ordered the fish tacos (a Friday blue plate special) which didn't have a lot of flavor, so I would skip the next time around. My husband ordered a burger which he enjoyed. Overall, great place for the location and view, and just okay for the food quality.
(3)
Christina G.
I have been to a good amount of restaurants in Charleston and would say that there are better places than that one for the money you pay. The green tomatoes are good but nothing special. I also had a salad with shrimp and it was just ok. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere though and special flair due to its location. Still I would prefer other places over this one.
(3)
Kelly M.
I came here a few years ago and had a spectacular hand muddled pomegranate mojito. I craved that drink a few times over the past couple years, and was happy to return for that mojito. During my recent visit, I had two pomegranate mojitos-- one was hand muddled and one was not. The hand muddling makes a difference and I would encourage the bartender not to skip that step when busy. With all that said, the food is good too! We started with an appetizer of the stuffed hush puppies (also saw someone order that a few years ago). It was delicious and big enough to split between three people. I ordered the tuna steak for my entree, the tuna was high quality but it was not seared as I hoped. I am not sure if that was my fault in the ordering process. The server also let me substitute a side that was not an option with my meal. The server, Lucas, was on his game and quite attentive. The atmosphere is touristy, perhaps, but the view is pretty. We were in the enclosed, heated porch. I was concerned because it was cool and windy, but we were comfortable throughout our meal. The outside options are worth a small wait. When I come back to Charleston, I will return to Fleet's landing for a pomegranate mojito and stuffed hush puppies. Until then, I can only dream of the perfect mojito. P.s. FL is busy, so reservations will help. We called same day and it was too late to get in at a decent time.
(4)
Anna H.
Had lunch here today. I asked for their gluten free menu and basically got their sandwich section of their regular menu but this time it said NO BREAD next to each selection. I ordered their burger but asked for one big lettuce piece instead of shredded lettuce so I could wrap my burger with it. When the burger came it came with 2 mini lettuces that I could only use as a topping. I basically ate a burger salad. Quite disappointing. They did cook it to my preference but nothing special. The service was not the best. It seemed that he was pretty overwhelmed because we thought at one point he forgot our drink order. When we finished eating we had to ask another server to get our checks since we couldn't get our servers attention.
(3)
Erin C.
We sat outside one gorgeous Friday night and couldn't have had a better experience. Our waiter, David, was amazing. The perfect combination of attentive and allowing for private time. We each ordered one of the two catches of the day, blackened. They were both perfect - moist, well seasoned and fresh. We also had sides of grits and mashed potatoes. I liked my grits better, but the husband's potatoes were well made. Just a bit of skin and incredibly smooth. The alcohol selection was average, but the scenic views, excellent service and food made up for it. I almost forgot the biscuits. Melt in your mouth excellence. All in all, highly recommended.
(4)
Kris L.
Had a solid lunch with a gorgeous view at Fleet Landing. We started with the seafood gumbo which was full of seafood flavorful and perfect! It reminded me of a heartier maryland crab soup. We also tried the Carolina barbecue brunch special which was Carolina BBQ pulled pork, 2 biscuits, grits, and a fried egg. The pork was perfectly tender and meaty with a lot of smoke. The flounder sandwich was also delish! The view was unbeatable. The service was friendly but not very on their game...but the food and view made up for it! Tip: make reservations on open table as you can wait an hour on weekends for lunch!
(4)
Kara A.
Had a truly enjoyable lunch with a wonderful view of Charleston Harbor. The table location was even more magical as we were able to have a front row seat to the summer storm while enjoying some delicious food.
(5)
Ashley S.
I've been here twice now and really like this place. My favorite part is the patio that overlooks the water. Sadly, the last time I came it was too cold to go out there, but at least I still got some delicious seafood. For starters, we shared the lobster and shrimp hush puppies, the spinach dip, and the calamari. All of the apps were great. My favorite was the hush puppies because they were stuffed to the brim with delicious seafood. For an entree, I had the yellowfin tuna. I chose cheese grits and asparagus as my sides. The cheese grits were a little bland and not my favorite, but the fish and asparagus were very good. We had dessert trays with a couple options. I loved the key lime pie. There was also a red velvet cake which was ok and I think some sort of rich chocolate brownie or cake. I was here for a private party on this last visit, and the restaurant did a good job hosting us. They gave us two large tables by the bar and kept all of our drink and dinner orders straight and brought out our food at the same time, which I appreciated. My only complaint is that they actually overcharged me for my drink, only by 50 cents, but it was still annoying.
(4)
Jan A.
Best fish taco I have ever had and I am from Florida ! The beans and rice were delish also. Daughter had shrimp and grits and loved them as well!
(5)
Deb W.
Finally made it to Fleet Landing after many years of not feeling the hype could live up to a 2 hour wait. I really had low expectations with it being such a HUGE part of the tourist scene but I was pleasantly surprised. The She crab soup was great, the seafood pasta was excellent (even better the next day:) my husbands fried seafood was very fresh and only slightly battered and the scenery/location is awesome. There was nothing unique enough that I'll be craving it - when I HAVE to get back to a place because I can't stop craving a specific dish - that's a 5 star to me. But any time anyone else wants to go, I'll definitely be happy to join them.
(4)
Stephen W.
This has turned out to be one of our favorite places. Great views, great service, great food. We still think the southern bbq oyster and grit appetizer is just to die for.
(5)
Tiger L.
Had dinner here... be careful you don't arrive before the shift change or you will wait. It filled up fast and people were waiting.. but.. hmmm.. I only counted 4 black people in the place, 1 barkeep and 3 guests. This tells me a lot: either there is a better place to go, or they are not welcome here. Food was delicious, but the amount of meat in my oysters was disappointing, I ordered a second 1/2 doz and one shell was empty. Wife had the amazing Crispy Whole Fried Southern Flounder with Apricot Glaze, ..wish I had that instead of the Oscar. 5 of us with drinks= $164.00
(3)
Aaron P.
**Overall Rank 4.5/5** Our third time here, and nothing has changed. I wanted to order the crispy flounder, but I couldn't bring myself to do get away from the Shrimp and Grits. This is the one restaurant that my wife and I have brought all of our visiting family to, and they all say they can't wait to come back to eat at Fleet Landing. If it is your first time there.....Shrimp and Grits and Pecan Pie with vanilla ice cream. If you have a chance to return, then you can explore the menu. **Food - Portion size 4/5** Lunch is the best time to go. The portion size is "slightly" smaller than the dinner entree, but half the price. Either way, the quality meets the price. **Food - Taste 5/5** The Shrimp and Grits are inexplicable. Okay, not really, but they are SOOO creamy and delicious. The Shrimp are big and cooked perfectly. The andouille sausage and tasso ham gravy add a rich flavor that reminds me of great food back in Louisiana. Bottom Line: You MUST try the Shrimp and Grits and for dessert, get the pecan pie with ice cream. **Location 5/5** Great location downtown, just a block away from the slave market and from Waterfront Park. **Parking 4/5** If you drive to Fleet Landing and don't walk, the parking can be VERY frustrating. They have a tiny lot with only one direction, so getting out can be tricky. There is a large parking lot for the port next door that is permit only, don't try that. If you go down Cumberland Street, you will see the restaurant directly in front of you. Just before you get to the stop sign on Concord, there is a parking garage to the right. Save yourself some time and park there. You can walk to the restaurant, up/down Meeting Street, to the slave market, to Waterfront park. It is $1 for every 1/2 hour. **Cleanliness 4/5** The only downside, which is out of their control, is the harbor during low tide. There is a strong muddy smell if you sit outside. Other than that, nothing to complain about. **Originality 4/5** Nothing too original, southern feel good, but they do it better than most. **Service 5/5** Service is always good. Wait staff are polite and chatty. Our waiter gave me a hard time for looking at my Yelp while ordering. He thought I was reading reviews, but I had some personal recommendations I was looking up. He laughed about it. **Price 4/5** Considering the service and atmosphere, the price is too high. Throw in location and it makes sense. **Wait 5/5** As busy as they were, we (table of 5) were sat immediately. Food comes quick. In and out for lunch in about 45 minutes. **Atmosphere 5/5** Right on the water. We like to sit outside so our daughter can watch the boats, planes, wildlife, etc. This experience was awesome because there was a thunderstorm out over the water that made for a cool view.
(5)
Megan F.
Love the atmosphere and the outdoor seating options. Great views of the water. We have eaten here twice on vacation and loved it both times. It's on our list of places to eat when we visit Charleston.
(4)
David O.
This is always a staple stop while in Charleston. Great seafood on the harbor with good views and fantastic food. Reasonably priced and good for kids. Parking on site but is always full and will take some maneuvering to claim your spot. Excellent service. Salmon was fantastic.
(5)
Megan K.
Wow. One of the best meals I've had in a while. We dipped into Fleet Landing on a whim on a recent trip to Charleston. We weren't entirely sure of what to expect, but we were soon wildly impressed with our choice. For starters, the restaurant is in an old, renovated Navy building, right on the water. We went for dinner, so we couldn't really see any of the shore, but on the contrary, there was a lightning storm occurring right as we entered the restaurant, so as odd as it may sound, it was a really cool experience to be seated outdoors (covered patio, tented walls, ample heating) and to take in the weather--almost as if we were old sailors ourselves. :) We started with She Crab Soup--which was just incredible. Maybe the best I've ever had. Very thick and flavorful. Perfect temperature. Boyfriend's iceberg wedge salad was crisp and cold and very beautifully constructed--tasted amazing as well. I had the crab cake dinner, which was equally amazing--perfect balance of fried-ness with the lump crab meat. Boyfriend had the seafood pasta, which was UNREAL. Lots of fresh seafood with a great sauce and the pasta was perfectly cooked. Service was just wonderful--I can't wait to return on our next trip to Charleston! I would recommend this place to anyone--we saw lots of groups, families, couples on dates... really great atmosphere and impeccable menu and service.
(5)
Cassie L.
We eat here for girls night! Everything we got was great! I am scared to eat seafood! I'm always scared that it is going to be to fishy or I will get sick.. But everything was GREAT! I would eat here again!
(4)
Sandra C.
Fleets Landing was one of the restaurants I have been waiting to go to since my first visit to Charleston. However after finding out, it would be a 45minutes to an hour wait, we decided to go somewhere else! This time around for Memorial Day weekend, I made sure we got reservations for 4 to sit outside! It was a breezy night and the hospitality of the waiter was very nice! I ordered the crispy flounder with the fried green tomato appetizers. The flounder was crispy and a bit dry, I had to ask for more apricot glaze! But the whole concept of the fish was very unique! We also ordered the salmon on a bed of rice and vegetables. The salmon was a small piece of fish, but was cooked to perfection where it was a little bit raw in the inside. The old country boil was not worth it for it's price, it came with 5 pieces of shrimp with 3 small ears of corn and a few sausages. All in all it was a delightful time dining here, and will return again for their brunch menu!
Fleet Landing is the only waterfront seafood restaurant on the peninsula/downtown. I've been stopped on the street numerous times, or asked by visiting friends and family, "Where can we eat seafood on the water that's within walking distance?" Fleet Landing fits the bill; they serve seafood of all kinds, all preparations, and the views are fantastic. Personal food recommendations: Shrimp & Lobster-Stuffed Hushpuppies (DO IT), Mixed Greens Salad with Spiced/Candied Pecans & Shrimp, Shrimp & Grits (some of the best in town if you like sausage in yours), anything "pan-roasted" from the Fresh Catch section of the menu. Experience: Call (way) ahead for reservations, ask for outdoor seating if at all possible, and avoid peak weekend nights during peak hours. I've seen Fleet Landing wait times estimated as up to 2 hours. Take note: parking can be massively painful here when the restaurant is busy. Walk there if at all possible. Why Fleet Landing: I recommend Fleet Landing to family, friends, and in my own writing because they are a platinum member of the Charleston Sustainable Seafood Initiative: scaquarium.org/ssi .
(4)
Jessica K.
Came here for lunch on our honeymoon. Food was good. Great view. Staff was friendly and helpful. Place filled up quickly!
(4)
Michelle T.
Family of 8 and the service was outstanding and so was the food. Location is awesome.
(5)
Marilyn C.
Great food and service. Make reservations using Open Table to save a long wait. They have a parking lot but it's small--after 6 pm find a meter which is free then or pay $5 in the lot next door (only in the spots listed on the sign). Try the stuffed hush puppies appetizer -- yummy! Shrimp & grits, fried shrimp, fried fish and Charleston red rice also good. We loved this place.
(5)
Steven J.
I find myself in Charleston every few years for training at a local base. Every visit, I make a point to stop at Fleet Landing. The touristy downtown restaurants can be hit or miss when it comes to food, but Fleet is a homerun every time. It's a perfect combination of scenic views, cool building, and excellent food. I usually go with a large group and, despite their popularity, they have found us a table within 30-40 minutes. The wait is never an issue, as you can grab a drink and stand on the waterfront patio. If you go, you must get the stuffed hushpuppies...a magical combination of shrimp, lobster, green onions, stuffed in a hushpuppy and covered in a creole tomato sauce. I would also recommend the mint julep, which was strong, well-made, and only $5.75.
(5)
Kaoru S.
Welcomed like family. Ordered a fried platter but nothing was over cooked! Since we we touristing alls fair. We enjoyed.
(4)
Dave M.
Great atmosphere with gorgeous views of the harbor. Difficult parking situation but worth the experience. Good food and bar.
(4)
Christi G.
Best shrimp and grits in Charleston!! The calamari is fantastic too. Really great drinks and it's right on the water!
(5)
Marilyn B.
Ambiance is PLUS factor on the Charleston Harbor. You can make reservations but could still be a wait. You have choice of indoors or outside. The history of the building is so cool. Read about it. Very Nautical theme and it fit the location. Fried Green Tomatoe is very good...thank goodness no goat cheese like other places in Charleston tend to serve. Lump Crab Bruschetta is very tasty. Well worth the Fresh Chefs Fish of Day...Had waiter recommend the Trigger fish. Never had but OMG was it good. We also had the pan-seared Tilapia...very good...not dried out but very tasty. Seasoning on both items was good. the 3rd person in the group had the LowCountry Seafood Pasta...Very plentiful on all seafoods (shrimp, scallops, crawfish, mussels) I had them hold the Andouille Sausage and that was not a problem.
(4)
t f.
We lack great restaurants on the water in Charleston. So this is about as good as it gets. Good. Not great. But really you are here for the views.
(3)
Kevin S.
Honestly, this is probably the best (or at least in the top 3) restaurants in Charleston. I had the She Crab Soup and the Shrimp and Grits.., which was heavenly!!! Next visit to Charleston, you better believe I'll be dining there again!
(5)
John E.
One of the few water-view restaurants that are reasonably priced in Charleston. Good views inside or outside. The local shrimp dishes are done well and the service is satisfactory.
(4)
Michelle N.
The view and location is Great!! The food not so much!!! Our waiter was too rushed and it was a slow day.....probably won't be back
(3)
Kelly S.
Got the crab cakes and they were great! It was a long wait but worth it. Maybe try to make a reservation if you can.
(5)
Tony F.
Fleet Landing Low country dinner tonight was so rich and tasty that finishing only half the meal and the rest to go. Now I lead you down our journey of exploding tastebuds. Sitting on the Charleston Bay waterfront in the historic area of Charleston. You enter boring warehouse looking street front building into a three glass walled Resturant. Sittings inside or outside over looking the water. The friendly staff seats your party down Followed by waiter ready to serve you. A bar if you wish. Wine of course. The appetizer was three huge shrimp and crab hush puppies hollowed and filled with lobster bisque in and out. OMG! Hard ball size! The next was Grits, Shrimp and Andouille sausage. Covered on a rich onion brown sauce/gravy. Again OMG OMG. The other dinner was two 85 percent crab cakes to die for. Smashed potatoes and butter beans. OMG again. How does anyone finish these over the top dishes in one sitting. I will be coming back here for lunch to have deserts. Not tonight. Come here for awesome seafood.
(5)
Jon G.
I had crab cake sandwich it was good but the really the bread to crab ratio was bad. Also had hush puppies that were just okay. Great views of the water, I'd probably go back and get something else.
(3)
Debra L.
Excellent food I had the most delicious baby spinach salad topped with grilled salmon. It's on the river beautiful scenery and the service was fabulous at the outside bar. And since I am cycling my way through Charleston I really appreciated the fact that the hostess let me bring my bicycle inside with me to the patio area.
(5)
Cecile B.
All our entrees were very good, seasoning was just right. Don't be fooled by the so-so (even tacky) facade, the inside ambience was much better. We were seated at the outdoor (heated) patio overlooking the harbor. I ordered the fried oyster baby spinach salad ($12.99) which was outstanding and surprisingly very filling. My hubby had the crab cakes ($24.99), which was above average - very little extenders, almost all crab! My 8 year old had calamari ($9.99), which she also liked (she's a normal kid - very picky) Service was excellent, our server was very attentive, and we were greeted by the manager & other employees also asked if we needed anything In the end, my husband exclaimed "that was so good" which doesn't normally happen when we eat out.
(4)
Robyn T.
Fleet Landing is a great place. For one, you simply cannot beat the view. I was fortunate enough to visit this restaurant during a trip to Charleston and came here with a large group of 15. I'm not going to lie, we are a loud bunch and that can be intimidating to a server trying to wrangle us all together and keep things organized. Hanna showed up at our table and quickly got our water glasses filled and our wine poured. Within a few more minutes she was explaining the menu and taking our orders. It was restaurant week and I ordered the Lump Crap Bruschetta, the Fish and Chips, and Key Lime Pie. I'm going to say without a doubt the bruschetta was the highlight of the meal. The crab meat and all of it's accompanying players (goat cheese, balsamic tomatoes, basil pesto, and balsamic glaze) blended together to create a perfect first impression of the food here. I could have ordered seconds and just made that my meal. The fish and chips, although good, was definitely not the best I've had. I prefer the batter to be a little more crispy and this wasn't. The fish didn't have a ton of flavor either. Now, the fried okra with comeback sauce is another favorite. We ended up dipping just about everything in the comeback sauce. There were a few others who also weren't blown away by their meals, including the gnocci, and steak. They said it was good, just not great. There were others who said their meals were fantastic. So I suppose the chefs excel in some areas and not in others. Normally I would give 3 stars to an overall review like this but I've got to give some props to our girl Hanna. She really stole the show. She was so attentive to everyone's needs, had our wine glasses continually refilled, was extremely knowledgeable of the wine and dinner menu, and was so incredibly pleasant to be around that we felt she enhanced our dining experience. Great job! I would without a doubt come back to Fleet Landing. The atmosphere is great, you can't beat the location, the food is tasty, and the service is top notch.
(4)
Stacy L.
We came to town and had a craving for seafood. There were 2 other places that were pretty packed and had a wait. So we came here, no wait. The food was ok, probably thought it was better than it was because we were hungry. The service was horrendous. I would have went to another restaurant with better reviews had we not of been so hungry. They don't have a very great selection. Which sucked. We were limited on what we could order, which was frustrating especially given the fact that they're on the water! We wouldn't return. Go to one of the other ones on bay st
(2)
Jeff T.
Fantastic venue, with an interesting history. The service is very friendly. Excellent wine list. And, most importantly, the food was outstanding. I came most recently with a party of 8, and prior visits were with large groups as well, and not one member of my group has ever had a bad experience or poorly-prepared meal! To me, that says a lot. If you're only visiting Charleston for a day or 2, you should really make time to have lunch or dinner at Fleet Landing!
(5)
Ashley K.
We had the hush puppies fried shrimp and shrimp po boy. The hushpuppies were awesome and grits were amazing! Otherwise the food was just good. The service was definitely lacking. Probably wouldn't go back.
(3)
Olivia M.
Came here twice while in Charleston. Had drinks outside on the deck over looking the water. The food was great! I would come back here again for sure!
(5)
Tessa M.
To start off - I love this restaurant. I've been here numerous times since moving to Charleston a few months ago and it's one of my top 5 favorite places to eat, hands down. The last time I went with a friend of mine, we both split the Stuffed Hush Puppies - they were amazing. Cooked to a perfect consistency (the hush puppies were not too hard or too soft) the lobster and shrimp that came along with it was amazing, and needless to say my friend and I ate every bite! I also got the she crab soup and it was the best I've had in Charleston so far as well. The perfect sherry to soup ratio. If the weather is nice and you're able to sit outside, definitely go for it. The outdoor seating overlooks the water and it's great when going to grab lunch or an early dinner.
(5)
Erika R.
Fantastic grits!!!!!!! Really all the food was good but the grits were super awesome. Lucas our server was a real pro and took excellent care of us.
(5)
Marla D.
Sad to downgrade BUT today, I brought the family and tried two new items and was disappointed. I love shrimp and grits but after trying them at quite a few places - I was disappointed that this restaurant included sausage and a brown gravy. I would not expect this at a seafood restaurant. The sausage is slightly spicy and it makes it a more heavy flavor instead of light and refreshing that seafood usually inspires. We also ordered the lump crab cake sandwich. Boring. No flavor. The arugala was wilted and the onions didn't even have flavor. I also noticed that for a seafood restaurant, there are not many seafood items - on the lunch menu at least. Our server was super nice though.
(3)
Allison S.
My eyes were way bigger than my stomach but it was well worth stuffing myself. Everything was super fresh, tasted amazing, and was well crafted. Our server was sweet and very attentive. Very pleased that my first "fresh seafood" experience was a good one!!!!
(5)
Judi H.
We came upon Fleets Landing while walking the waterfront. We had the best raw oysters while in Charleston and we ate a lot of oysters. We also ordered fried shrimp which were good. Wished we were more hungry so we could order more. The restaurant looked like many seafood restaurants but the view outside was beautiful. It was just too hit and humid to sit outside. The service was wonderful and prompt. Looked like a great place for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
(4)
leah f.
I had been looking forward to eating here because the reviews seem to be pretty good. Today I went there for lunch and it was not what I was expecting. We started with the calamari steak and crab cake. Calamari was bit tough but decent and the crab cake was amazing but that was the only highlight of this meal. My boyfriend got the chefs fish special, Mahi Mahi cheeks, which was alright but some were over cooked. I had the seared salmon. It was alright but seasoning was off, way to salting on one half and the other needed more salt. Even the green beans were hardly cooked. It was not worth the money we spent. However, the service was friendly but I won't be going back.
(1)
Shelby B.
I was severely unimpressed by this restaurant. All their fish options were run-of-the-mill, fried, and resembled something you would find in a non-coastal city. If you have a seafood restaurant in Charleston, you should serve respectable fish.
(2)
Jack L.
While this place was completely booked up on our first night in Charleston, we were able to get a table after about a twenty minute wait on a different day. The view from the outdoor patio was great and definitely something different than the other downtown options. Our server was friendly without being in the way. We ended up ordering the Flank Steak Salad, Chilled Peel-n-Eat Prawns, Fish-n-Chips, and the Veggie Pasta with Chicken. All of the items were tasty, especially the shrimp. None of the food was exceptional, but it was well-executed and traditional in a good way. Unlike others, I thought the pricing was reasonable considering the food and the view. Overall, the food was probably worth three stars but the ambiance, view, and service brought up the experience to four stars.
(4)
James F.
The shrimp and grits were delicious! The best I have had to date! You must come to Fleet Landing when coming to Charleston, SC.
(5)
Larry S.
Do you have any idea how difficult it is to get reservations for 16 people on short-notice? Fleet Landing was very accommodating, and we had a great time there. Our waiter and waitress played tag-team to keep every one of us happy. And as others have noted, the view is awesome! We passed around a number of appetizers. They were all good, but my favorite was the stuffed hush puppies. They were wonderful. I didn't keep track of what everyone ordered, but between us, we covered most of the menu, and nobody left unhappy. But I came to Charleston knowing I wanted a lowcountry shrimp boil, and this was definitely the place to get it. The red potatoes and corn-on-the-cob had absorbed the flavors from the shrimp, sausage, and whatever that magical seasoning was. I left with my lips tingling and my tummy happy.
(4)
D B.
We came with the same group. Experience was excellent again. We would give it 99 stars again! Well worth going out of your way for. Creative menu, very well presented. Consistent quality. You cannot go wrong here. Be certain to make a reservation.
(5)
Amanda R.
Today's fish special was Flounder Cheeks! It was delicious. The view was beautiful. And there was actually parking at the location. The servers were knowledgable and friendly. 2 thumbs up from this Gluten Free mamma!
(5)
Madeline S.
As an update - I want to let everyone know that the management did respond about my previous post and they brought their concerns to their staff. I'll definitely give them a second chance next time I'm in Charleston.
(3)
Selphyne B.
Extremely underwhelming experience over all. The wait time with a call ahead was close to an hour for a party of 2. The silverware, drink cups, and appetizer plates still had food residue on them. The appetizer we ordered were fried green tomatoes and it came with 3 pieces that were very small and incredibly greasy and devoid of flavor. My husband ordered a bacon fried green tomato BLT and I asked for the fried shrimp platter (there was no fresh grilled fish options and their fish tacos were apparently unavailable even after only 2 hours of them being open!). The best either of us left being able to say was that their French fries were perfect. The fried shrimp was ok at best, and the bacon BLT was again missing flavor entirely which seems so odd to us considering the ingredients listed on the menu description. Was over priced for what we received. We would never suggest this place to anyone. We give 2 stars for the fries alone. Wish we could say better for the only restaurant on the water.
(2)
Mary Ann Keogh K.
Shrimp and grits we're awesome. Stuffed hush puppies were ok. Ryan was a wonderful server. We really appreciated the casual ambbiece
(5)
Julia W.
I have to say the seafood here is well worth the wait. Everything is fresh and prepared well. I recommend the oysters, peeling shrimp and crab bisque for appetizers. The fish dishes were a table favorite, though the low country boil can use a little bit more flavor, it is still pretty good. All 8 of us had great things to say. A must for me next time I am in town.
(4)
Eric G.
Hush puppies were average, but shrimp and grits were outstanding. Great views and above average for a touristy place.
(4)
Jeni N.
What an awesome experience! My friends and I enjoyed lunch here on a beautiful Charleston day. Luckily, we were able to snag a table right beside the water and even saw some dolphins! We had a great time. Seeing the other yelpers reviews on the shrimp and grits and stuffed hush puppies, we decided to give it a try too! The hush puppies were okay in my opinion. However, the shrimp and grits are a different topic! It was delicious and very filling! It could be a shared dish, I was only able to finish half! Our server, Sharon, was so sweet and very knowledgable about the menu. She gave us great recommendations on drinks. She was the cherry on top of our experience! If it's a beautiful Charlestown day, take advantage of the outside seating at Fleet Landing!! You will not be disappointed. :)
(5)
Stephen J.
We've visited 5 or so bars/restaurants on a weekend stay in Charleston. Including some of the hot spots like grill225, wet willies, magnolias etc, and fleet was by far our favorite spot. We skipped the wait in line and went straight for the outdoor bar, imagine that, several available stools. We ordered a couple rounds of drinks and the catch of the day, food was excellent. ALL was excellent. The drinks especially from a Bloody Mary (merry) to a vodka tonic to a whiskey sour, the only "bad" drink was a new belgium rampant that was beyond its prime.
(5)
Ashlynn B.
Seriously this has to be my go-to place for great food, in a casual atmosphere, at a decent cost. I was born and raised in Charleston, and I've never had one bad dish here. They know how to make Charleston food like the oldies do at home, and the way grandmothers teach their grandchildren. The other great thing is the view and the atmosphere. The staff is also great.
(5)
Jason H.
My party was welcomed at the front door. Reservations were made and we were seated immediately. The bar was packed so it look longer than normal to receive our libations. Appetizers were ordered and received within a timely manner. The main course was served next and it was on par. I ordered the fried shrimp & oysters with red rice & collard greens. The batter was perfect on the seafood. The rice and collards were cooked to the correct consistency. If you are looking for Lowcountry food with a great view this us the place in downtown Charleston.
(4)
Chloe L.
Perfect location! Delicious food and cocktails! Will definitely be back when in Charleston!
Food is average, but the view is great! Only downtown restaurant with a view of the water, and the drinks are delicious. We went for a long brunch and had a great time. Like I said, food is pretty good, but go for the view!
(3)
Mike C.
Fairly average restaurant, but a pretty good value. I am surprised that Charleston doesn't have much waterfront dining downtown. I suppose it stems from the limitation to build and preserve the historical district architecture. Fleet Landing definitely has a competitive advantage in that regard. Seating is available both indoors and outdoors directly over the water. Even though this is a fairly touristy establishment, its reasonable prices allow it to be a decent option. Brunch specials seemed to all be under $10. There are much better restaurants in the area such as on East Bay St, but Fleet has a nice casual atmosphere. The decor is fairly minimal. Tall ceilings tables with nautical like maps of Charleston. Service is pretty fast and polite. The quality of food itself varies a bit. I think this is an excellent place to sample she crab soup, a Low Country staple. Its thick and creamy here. For out of towners, it's reminiscent of New England clam chowder with cajun salt spices and replacing the clams with crab. I do not think they add crab roe to theirs. Its in a big enough bowl to share here. I enjoyed the fact that they give you sherry to add yourself. Its the light fino kind and provided in a vinegar bottle. The crab cake is great. Like most places in Charleston, it is done fairly simple with limited or no fillers. The grits have cheese in them, which I'm not a fan of. I prefer gravy or a saucy dish to accompany. The chicken BLT is pretty average. The poached eggs are mediocre here. The egg whites are not completely cooked here. Only the yolks should be runny. Either its the style here or the chefs are pretty bad. Timing in boiling water should lead to consistent eggs. I'd advise taking a look around the restaurant to see how good some of the dishes look. I also found a hair in my food. Overall, I'd recommend stopping in for the soup and maybe grab a drink. Part of the bar is outdoors on the pier patio.
(3)
Nichole M.
Some of the most amazing seafood. I was so excited when we stopped here on our road trip to Isle of Palms, SC. Not only a beautiful view and really cool looking restaurant, but good food too! Woot. I had the chilled oysters to myself and boy was a happy gal, fresh and delicious. The she crab soup was amazing and my mouth is watering just thinking about it. The stuffed hush puppies were also really good, but so filling so be careful. I thought we tried something else but cannot remember. I was so full of seafood and so happy when I lift. Can't wait to come back next year. The service was also good, even though it was quite a few young people just goofing around over by the bar area.
(5)
Christie E.
I recently traveled to charleston sc to spend sometime with family and friends for my 40th birthday i very special friend of mine invited me out to dinner and this is where we ended up it was amazing we started off with a shrimp and scallop stuffed hush puppy and a lump crap with balsamic sauce drizzled over bruschetta after tasting this little bit of heaven i decided on shrimp and grits with spicy andouille sausage usually i never order grits at any restaurants because they tend to be grainny but this wasnt the grits were as creamy as butter the sauce was perfect the sausage added the greatest hint of spiciness to this dish i couldnt find anything wrong with this dish and the same went for every dish at the table that i sample this is my new favorite spot in charleston thank you for taking me here my birthday was great
(5)
heather y.
Maybe the best she crab soup of my life....and pimento cheese grits!!!! I need some more of those in my life. We had a group of 12 of us here and everyone left very happy and full! Not one person was disappointed with their meal which is an impressive statement with this group. The service was wonderful, no drinks were left empty, suggestions were made to those having trouble deciding and he even offered to bring the 2 year olds food out early with the appetizers For dessert we had the key lime pie and pecan pie and people were licking the plates. We will definitely return here the next time we are in charleston
(5)
Sarah C.
Eat outside, even if it's December. The space is heated to just the right temperature and you can look out over the water. The food was excellent. We had the spinach and artichoke dip, the fish of the day (swordfish) and the crab cakes, and if I had to eat that meal every day for the rest of my life I would be a happy camper. As someone who is not from the south, I never truly understood the appeal of grits until I ate here, but now it makes perfect sense.
(5)
Melissa M.
nice view, decent food
(4)
TaÃsa N.
Location is a little weird and the outside is not really that inviting at first. Decor is querky but fun and most importantly: the food was really good. I tried the blue crab dip and the gumbo and loved it. I would definitely recommend this place.
(5)
Kaitlin W.
Fleet Landing may be one of the best water-view meals I've ever had. We had an early dinner on a Saturday night, about 5pm and no problems being seated immediately. They offered us seats on the heated enclosed balcony which we gladly accepted. Our server, Lucas, was wonderful. He recommend a perfect wine and was so kind, but not overly imposing. We had the hush puppies which I would definitely recommend. My boyfriend had the seafood pasta which was delicious but incredibly rich and I had the salmon, pan roasted with lemon dill shallot butter with grits and slaw as my sides. The grits were killer and so was the salmon, though I should have ordered it medium rare (my own fault). It has a bit of a chainy feel, but the food and service completely surpass that.
(4)
John C.
We made reservations thru Yelp (Open Table) and was glad we did. There was a wait of about 45 minutes when we arrived and figured we would have to wait even with a reservation. That was not the case and were seated ourside on the deck with a the best view of any restaurant in Charleston. It was a wonderful evening I had the iceberg wedge & chrispy flounder (cooked perfectly). My wife had a salad the the peel & eat shrimp which were great - she can't wait to go back and try an entree. It was a great evening.
(4)
Kelsey M.
We made a reservation and we're seated as soon as we got there. The views are beautiful and they have an awesome deck that you can sit on. I got seared scallops and they were absolutely fantastic. Definitely a great place to check out.
(5)
Matthew C.
These guys were pretty fantastic. I set a reservation for Valentine's Day and then called ahead 5 hours early to change the reservation to be later--which they handled with ease. Overall service couldn't have been better. The food was exactly what I expected. We ordered the hush puppies and the surf & turf (8 oz. tenderloin and 2 crab cakes with asparagus and finger potatoes) along with a couple drinks. All were cooked as ordered, hot, excellent flavor, and served promptly. Again, everything was exactly as expected and right on the button for cost, atmosphere, etc. Last thing, my wife's birthday is Valentine's Day. I made the reservation via OpenTable and included a note that it would be nice for them to know because in past experience, restaurants and servers don't really care about my wife's birthday because they're too preoccupied with simply churning through tables on v-day. Even though they cancelled and rebooked my reservation they remembered her birthday. The hostess discretely wished her a happy birthday, the waiter dropped by to confirm and congratulate us when my wife stepped away from the table to the restroom, then the manager dropped by to personally wish her a happy birthday and they brought us a piece of red velvet cake with a candle in it. Again, we didn't ask for any of this, just wanted them to know/care that we were there for more than a holiday and they came through in spades. I fully recommend.
(5)
Maggie S.
PHENOMENAL! I had a delicious lunch here. After wandering into the US Customs House and out the back, we noticed Fleet Landing on the water with outside seating so we stopped for lunch. The patio was so pleasant on a sunny day because of the breeze off the harbor. I ordered oysters on the half shell, which were in that morning from Virginia and were tasty, then the Blackened Triggerfish Sandwich. WOW. I have never heard of Triggerfish, and it was delicious. It was topped with lettuce, tomato, and an avocado aioli that was a great flavor. So delicious! Jeff, our server, was friendly and efficient. I highly recommend Fleet Landing for a relaxing lunch on the water!
(5)
Jessica S.
My husband and I sat outside since the weather was pleasant. The view was good, but it was windy and a fan was blowing on us on top of everything. Our waitress was friendly, and the food was good, but the prices were a little too high. I do not recommend trying to park in the parking lot, it's impossible to turn around, you have to back out into the street and hope someone doesn't try to pull in and cause a back-up. You're better off parking in a parking deck and walking around for a bit after dinner.
(3)
Jonna P.
Food was delicious and the view is impeccable. Our server was a little inattentive but overall we had a great dinner.
(4)
Shane M.
As you drive up, you may be reconsidering your dining choice, do not do that. The outside seating is great and the waiter was top notch. I had the Blue Crab cake sandwich and my co-worker had the Triggerfish. Both couldn't have been better. Reasonable prices and excellent causal dinning.
(5)
Amber D.
I can't believe how reasonably this place is priced for lunch/brunch! It's the only (from what I can recall; I could be wrong) waterfront restaurant on the Battery side of Charleston Harbor, and boy, you can't beat the views! The nicest part about the atmosphere is that the views aren't just available on the patio; since it gets so blazing hot in Charleston, it's a relief to be able to sit and eat inside and still be able to look out of FL's huge windows out to the Yorktown, Charleston pier, and Castle Pinckney (it's also right next to the cruise terminal, so maybe we were lucky that there wasn't a boat docked that day). BRACE YOURSELF IF YOU ARE GOING TO ANY RESTAURANT IN DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON DURING A SUMMER WEEKEND. My husband, two friends of ours, and I went there on a Saturday for lunch. Now, mind you, we all prepared ourselves for walking in and walking right back out again, as the wait time for a table during high season can get overwhelming. So, we went early (got there around 11) and were pleased to be given a 25-minute wait. We sat at the bar, and the bartenders were very friendly and attentive, even with a full bar, and even though we all made the cardinal sin of ordering non-alcoholic drinks while taking up two chairs. Thanks, bartenders, for taking one for the team. =) So, we sat, and our server was available immediately. She was great, truly; it's a shame that I can't remember her name. With a waiting, hungry crowd building up as quickly as it does at FL, it's easy for any staff member to grow short on patience. Our server was pleasant and got everything right. She gets her star. On to the food, and yes, as I mentioned before, the incredibly reasonable prices for this place! Our friends ordered the spinach/artichoke dip appetizer for the table. Now, another tip: APPETIZERS AND ALCOHOL ARE ALWAYS EXPENSIVE, NO MATTER WHERE YOU GO. IT'S NATURE. The dip was $9. We all enjoyed it and could have made it at home. Hey, it's spinach/artichoke dip. I would recommend the FGT/Crab stack instead. As far as the entrees go, I had the crab cake benedict with red pepper hollandaise, poached eggs, and creamy grits. 'Nother tip: DON'T LEAVE CHARLESTON WITHOUT TRYING SOME SORT OF CREAMY GRIT/SEAFOOD/SAUCE CONCOCTION. EVEN IF YOU THINK IT'S WEIRD. It's not weird. It's magical. This particular mash-up was one of the best I've had, and the $11.95 price tag made it that much more special. Seriously, where can you get something this good in an area where folks are spending double the amount for the same thing across the street? With no water view? My husband had the burger, which he loved, and I believe ran under $10. Our friends had the fried green tomato BLT, also around the same price. These are simple sandwiches, but they were great, and the price just can't be beat. Our bill was $26!!! Theirs was $35 with the appetizer!! That's just craziness in the most positive way. We will definitely be back again.
(5)
Adam T.
Awesome salads. The shrimp apps were great too. The pimento cheese tasting grits were new.
(5)
ester k.
it's a cute restaurant right on the water. service was subpar, but the reason they are getting 3 stars is because their food was just decent... but the "platter" was the smallest thing we had ever seen. I got more in my just OK shrimp po'boy than my bf did on his shrimp platter. it was really sad actually. I would go again for lunch.... maybe. it may have been because they were turning over from lunch to dinner in the next hour, but still...provide a standard of service.
(3)
Laura G.
We travel a lot and try to find a good local hangout. This place is it for Charleston. We've now visited four days in a row. Here's what I report: - Good bartenders. Pour a nice drink and are attentive and they hustle! Happy hour from 4-7 pm can't be beat. One day had the Cona Sur wine and another day tried martinis. The bloody Mary's are made from pepper-infused vodka they make themselves and they are really good. - The she-crab soup is excellent. Better than the three other places in town we tried. For dinner, you can sop up the soup with warm rolls. No rolls at lunch but you can still enjoy it. - The shrimp and grits is also better than at other places we tried. The slices of andouille sausage add spice and the grits are not soggy. Really tasty dish. - Hubby loved the oyster po boy. One of the best he's had. Meaty oysters, good amount of sauce, nice bun. - The grilled shrimp for dinner are ok, just ordinary. Nice if you are seeking lighter fare. - The side dish of collard greens was surprisingly delish. It's busy but they seem to turn the tables quickly. Staff is very nice and the diverse crowd adds to the enjoyment. It's a keeper!
(5)
B H.
Perfect location. Not many restaurants in Charleston are on the water. The hostess was so friendly and welcoming. My parents first trip to Charleston. We sat inside at the front with amazing views of the water! I ordered the baby spinach salad with grilled salmon and it was delicious. Usually restaurants skimp on the amount of fish/meat they add to the salad but my salmon was 5 inches long! My parents ordered fried shrimp and fish which they said was good, though not amazing(the reason this is 4 stars). The hush puppies as appetizers are incredible. Huge! With shrimp and crab inside! Will definitely return!!
(4)
ChefCindyms M.
To the point, my scallops where the worst I ever had ever had, sent them back twice over swimming in oil. The waitstaff was very accommodating but I lost my appetite at the second round. The poor quality of seafood, many seafood restaurants are not gong to bat on FRESH seafood, past few years from my experience in fine dinning All in all the place was nice from waitstaff to views, food well you be the judge.
(2)
Sarah Beth B.
A big group of my family and I stopped in for a late dinner recently when we were in town for a wedding. From start to finish, Fleet Landing provided great service and delicious food. Our party of 12 was quickly seated, and the wait staff was super friendly. We started with some delicious (though very small) oysters, yummy biscuits and lots of booze and sweet tea. Thanks to a great suggestion from a regular, many of our party ordered the delicious, delicious flounder with apricot sauce. It was delicious, and bc it was a whole flounder, it was a lot of fun to eat. I had a wedge salad and she-crab soup-- great together as a whole meal, but of course would be great starters. The salad had great details: the tomatoes seemed vinegary, and the blue cheese dressing was sunk deep in the wedge layers (as opposed to all over the plate.) Very yum! We finished off the meal with key lime pie and pecan pie, which was basically to die for. The pecan pie (the only one I tried) was served with a praline sauce and ice cream, which added great flavor to an old standbye. I took one star off only bc it just wasn't perfect-- one of our entrees came out super late, one of the flounders was way overcooked, it was pretty loud, etc. But still! it was a great, fun place to eat and I'd definitely return, with a big group OR a date (there were plenty of both while we were there!)
(4)
N F.
Excellent choice for seafood and views on the water in Charleston!! Yes, a bit more expensive, but all the food was excellent and the portions were decent. I was really impressed with the pimento cheese grits -- very good! Excellent service, ambiance, and food. A winner all around!
(5)
John L.
Have been to Fleet Landing several times, but as of now they have lost a customer. We were taking some friends around the area and everyone was hungry. We walked over from the market to Fleet Landing. I was a bit ahead of our group, so I went in to get a table. It was around 4:30pm but had gotten pretty dark (and cold) out. I asked the hostess if I could get a table and was curtly told that they weren't serving until 5:00p. That was the end of the conversation. I wasn't offered a spot to come in out of the cold or even a seat at the bar, which we couldn't have done since we had a couple of small children in our group. We would have waited the 30 minutes if the hostess would have provided that as an option instead of just telling me that they weren't serving. Instead we walked up the block to another restaurant, got seated immediately and had a fine meal. Sorry Fleet Landing, your service or lack there of cost you a customer.
(1)
Joshua T.
Might be personal bias or preference from someone who doesn't like fish eggs much less a signature soup with fish eggs (She Crab with Roe). I don't really like fried food either, but for southern sake I got the fried flounder (bone in) with apricot glaze. I found it lacking flavor and seasoning. Low quality dish indeed. Service was fine.
(2)
David D.
If I could choose my dying words, it would be to order the shrimp and grits. I almost ordered the southern flounder with apricot glaze, but the shrimp and grits was a religious experience. Also almost went to Hyman's Seafood, glad I didn't.
(5)
V H.
My family ate here for dinner tonight, June 25. We called and made reservations earlier in the day... which to guarantee a seat, you need to do. When we arrived there was already a steady crowd of people coming into the restaurant--our reservation was for 5 PM, but we were about 10-15 minutes early. We walked in and there were two ladies in front of us. One asked for a reservation for a party of 10 for later tonight and the next available for that size group was 9 PM. The next lady asked if a party of 9 could be seated right then because the "crowd" was already there parking. The hostess was able to seat them, but said they needed to be finished by 6 PM to accommodate another party that already had reservations. Another (hostess?/waitress?) then came up to the hostess station and was informed of this group's arrival. She looked at my husband and I and said dismissively/almost snarky "have a seat over there and we'll get the table ready." The lady with the large party said "they're not with us" and the new hostess/waitress changed her tune and became friendly and apologetic to us. Personally, I think they should have not necessarily accommodated this family because shortly after their arrival the restaurant filled up quickly and it wasn't fair to that family, the wait staff or the kitchen staff to have to "rush" a groups order out. The food: we ordered calamari as our appetizer, along with shrimp and grits and the whole filet of flounder with mashed potatoes and collard greens as our entrees. The calamari came out fairly quickly and the pieces were larger than any other calamari app we've ever ordered. They were in "steak fry" size pieces. They were served with two sauces, which we didn't care for. The waitress also brought out complimentary biscuits for us and they were tasty, flaky and came with a nice tasting whipped butter. My husband didn't really care for his shrimp and grits... it had a brown "gravy" over it and he said it overpowered the dish. I tasted a bite and thought it was ok, but the gravy tasted like prepackaged taco seasoning or chili mix. My meal was HUGE... the flounder truly was a whole filet.. bone and all. It was covered with an apricot sauce, which was a little much... it would have been better if it were on the side or had a little less of it on the plate--to me, it covered the natural flavor of the flounder, which I find delicious. The collard greens and mashed potatoes were delicious. Our waitress was attentive... she told us the specials for the evening, she was polite and gave us time to look at the menu. She didn't hover, but made sure we had what we needed when we asked or she saw we needed something. The bill: comparable to what we've paid all week for our dinner in Charleston; however, this was the ONLY meal that even came close to being worth the price. It was still a little high, but the quality of food almost made it worth it! If we vacation in Charleston again, we would eat at Fleet Landing again. ***Make reservations, the parking lot is cramped, dress nicely (but not overboard), men's shirts must have sleeves, the restaurant is on the water in an old warehouse type of building.
(4)
Holly J.
Excellent food (the seafood pasta is awesome), nice bar, great service. Our favorite place in Charleston!
(5)
Don H.
While out touring the Charleston, we stopped in and made dinner reservations for later in the evening. We noticed a note stating the AC was not working so we opted to sit outside (temperatures were in the 90s but we hoped there would be a breeze off the water). Arriving 30 minutes earlier than expected, we asked if we could be seated early, after about 6-8 minutes we were seated outside. We knew we wanted to start with the Stuffed Hush Puppies and were thoroughly pleased that we did! Our server (Lucas) was very well versed (and very much the professional) in what to suggest and what each special had to offer in the dining experience! I was unsure what I would order (the typical pick 2 or 3 seafood platter) but Lucas suggested the Whole Fired Flounder with Apricot Glaze. My wife ordered Blackened Shrimp Appetizer with a Bowl of She Crab Soup as her meal. I will tell you that we were both very pleasantly surprised at the flavors, presentation and the portions for the prices! All in all this was a very good dining experience, the atmosphere, service, food quality, all make this a sure fire stop whenever in Charleston!
(4)
Brenda G.
Hush puppies stuffed with shrimp and crab were fabulous and the biscuits were yummy. Not the place to eat if you can't have carbs! View was nice, a little loud and staff was very nice.
(4)
Gary T.
This is a great place to go if you want to eat on the water. I got the impression that the wait could get pretty long to get a table around dinner time, so definitely plan accordingly. I had the special which was lion fish with a lemon shallot butter and a side off red rice and lady peas...it was very good, but borderline forgettable. The waiter we had was attentive and the views of the water front were great.
(4)
Caitlin H.
Our family came here for a casual lunch - the food and service were great!! The shrimp and grits were especially tasty. We sat outside for the harbor view, which would have been fantastic except for the giant cruise ship docked right in front of us. My only criticism would be that the food was a little pricey. I would recommend it to anyone visiting Charleston!!
(4)
Tom G.
Nice place, nicely priced. Small menu buts lots of variety. We sat outdoors which was nice on a good weather night. The service was very good but not oppressive. I just had a burger with slaw as I had a big lunch. My wife had the special "seafood boil" and both were very good. Nice selection of wine and beer on tap. $85 for 2 of us with a good tip.
(4)
Stevan J.
Like the food! I'll be back.
(4)
Branch D.
Waiter...Harrison...did a great job. Really enjoyed his recommendations! Go Big Red
(5)
Laura H.
We stopped by this restaurant twice during our stay in Charleston. The food was pretty good - I enjoyed the shrimp and grits with the tomato/cucumber salad. My husband really liked the chunky crab dip. We really enjoyed sitting outside on the dock and relaxing. The wait staff was friendly and attentive.
(4)
Amanda F.
This was my second visit to Fleet Landing and it was just as good as I remembered. Both times for lunch, and I can't be positive, but I think I had the same thing both times! There was a 20 minute wait, not too bad. But the place is busy! Our waitress was very attentive and kept refilling our drinks as soon as they were getting a little low. I had the triggerfish sandwich, the piece of fish wasn't very big but it filled me up. My table also had the shrimp po-boy, chicken cobb salad and the turkey/brie sandwich. We were all happy and full! Nice view if you score a table on the patio area! They have a small parking lot, but it's usually full--luckily there was a garage across the street that wasn't terribly expensive.
(4)
Ron D.
No reason not to give 5 stars to this place unless you want fine dining. Service excellent and the shrimp and grits are the best we have had. Will probably return before we leave Charleston.
(5)
Carla C.
amazing place with a very nice view! we read all of them tips from here and definetely the food did not dissapoint! it was super packed! so for sure make a reservation otherwise you will wait hours. Portions are decent size and filling, the stuffed hus puppies were amazing! never had them so good before. Also we got a couple of different sauces with the fried seafood we ordered and they were great as well. I would go back in a heart beat :)
(4)
Lilly Y.
This place was a pleasant change from our disappointing trip to Hyman's the day before. Our local friends and family were urging us to eat here instead, and I can see why. They have a nice patio overlooking the water and a cool environment inside. We chose to be outside, mostly because it wasn't scorching hot that day and we were about to make a 6-hour trek back to Atlanta. We started with the yummy stuffed hush puppies. It's something I'd never thought of, but really enjoyed it. The lobster and shrimp paired well with the sweet cornbread. I ordered their special: shrimp salad sliders on croissants with a side of cole slaw. The shrimp were fresh (rock shrimp from Florida, according to the server), and didn't taste frozen. The cole slaw wasn't memorable, though. My boyfriend got the triggerfish sandwich, which was really good. It was a thick piece of meat and was seasoned well. It had a really flavorful sauce paired with it, also. He ordered the fries, which weren't anything special, but were good nonetheless (fries are one of my favorite foods, but I'd had enough fried food after Hyman's). The customer service was okay... Our server didn't seem very personable or friendly. I felt like she just did her job versus engaging with us. But she never let our glasses get empty. The manager stopped by our table, but he came across as incredibly awkward. We got the impression that he didn't like talking to people and only did it for his job. I wouldn't hold the rest of the staff to that standard though. As we were leaving, another employee cheerfully thanked us for stopping by. Also, be forewarned about their parking lot. It's a gravel lot without specified spaces. When we were leaving, all the spots were full and everyone had pulled in at an angle. So the only way we could get out was to back into the street. Thankfully, people on the street cooperated with us leaving. It still made me nervous and made me wish I'd walked there instead.
(4)
Brantley D.
Got the signature burger and fries. It was pretty good. Other people in my party said there food was good not great. Parking is a nightmare here. As other people have stated they did appear to stay busy so so call ahead for a reservation. There appeared to be tables held for people but we were waiting for around 30 minutes and the tables had not been filled. The service was good.
(4)
Greg S.
The food was great would have given them a 5 but it's a little pricey. It looks like lunchtime prices are better so come for lunch and get your money's worth.
(4)
Curt R.
The service was amazing had to be the best service we have ever had at any restaurant we had the she crap soup was so good and the shrimp and grits were great would definitely recommend trying this place they use local seafood will be back again
(5)
Adam S.
Nice place but not amazing from what we got. Raw oysters were great and the she crab soup however I was not impressed by the crab cake, hush puppies, and pan seared snapper.
The fiance and I had a great experience here. The service was spot on, the food was delicious, and the scenery can't be beat. They have windows all around the restaurant, so you're able to view the water while you eat. Their fried shrimp was great. My fiance also liked their oysters. Worth a try if you're in the area!
(5)
Meghann C.
I have never had a bad experience at this place. The food and location are perfect. Though the dinner menu is a little higher and seems to have a small selection, its a great date or nice dinner out kind of place. We take the whole family and also have gone with a group for a birthday. Their bread pudding is to die for. The flounder is fabulous, as well.
(5)
Jonathan W.
OK, in my last review, I promised that if Fleet Landing got a bit more fish (meaning not shellfish) on their menu I would give them a Fifth Star. Well, here it is. The staff here worked for that star too. Believe it or not y'all, the staff at Fleet Landing actually READ your reviews here on Yelp. After my last review, I was contacted by Stephanie, and Sous Chef Bryan and they told me that they read my review, and they hope to have more fish choices the next time I come. Bryan also invited me to Facebook them if I am coming to dine with them and they will try to clue us in on the current catch they are purchasing. THAT my fellow yelprotagonists, is service! So, Fleet Landing here is your Fifth Star, y'all earned it!
(5)
Tykie F.
May 28 2014 We had lunch and the food was GREAT. John was our waiter and he was suburb.
(5)
Bob J.
I felt the bar service was rude while waiting to be seated. I even watched the girl cut the liquor on the margarita and no way served an oz of tequila. the food was very good and the waitress, Rosanna, was exceptional. the parking problem and the bar staff is enough to keep you away but the servers are enough to out way this. I'd still recommend going.
(3)
Jess M.
Seafood? Love it! Get a load of this place - They love it when you treat wildlife as if it were important. Feed the birds, the gators and the turtles with your leftover fries, chicken & fish. They have a deck dedicated to the tourists that they use to help the indigenous wildlife feed on deep fried food. In case YOU want to dine here, you should understand that they have excellent food and tasty Bloody Mary's. Get a cocktail or three. Have a tray full of shellfish and enjoy every chicken wing and each minute that you spend in Charleston! Whatever you don't use - feed to the fish! Four stars for this one. I love Fleets Landing and I like the way they treat the animals (and the liquor drinks).
(4)
Cameron B.
Holy moly, this is a cool place for a restaurant! We stumbled on this place while still hungover, and at the recommendation of a stranger we asked for directions to another overcrowded touristy restaurant. This place is a cool little spot that is in an old Navy building on the river, and has unbeatable views and atmosphere. The coolest detail of the restaurant, to me, was the anchor chain foot rests at the bar. Speaking of the bar, it is a 360 degree bar, half inside, half outside. Cool setup!There's a very cool piece of history on the wall here, as you walk in, there is a vintage picture that has been blown up and muralized on the wall. It ties the original intent of the depot with the current day use, and it also helps you appreciate how far our fleet has come over the years. I'd love to hole up here for a fun day drinking adventure, as it is close to a lot of happening stuff in Charleston. I had the shrimp and grits, and they were delicious. However, the Low Country is known for giving you a whopping portion.. This was not the case here. That was ok, since I had the stuffed hushpuppies for an appetizer, and a couple of drinks before we sat down. I'll definitely be back, and I hope to sit outside on the remnant of the dock and drink and eat myself into pure bliss here.
(5)
James S.
This is officially our best restaurant we eat at in Charleston. Between the food, service, price, and atmosphere, it might be the best value in Charleston. We eat here frequently. Atmosphere: The building is located right on the river. The inside is nice, but doesn't hold a candle to sitting on the deck. There you can take in the beautiful view of the water and Fort Sumter off in the distance. They have fans that spray a light mist to keep you cool on the hot summer evenings. The only downside is that if you are seated looking away from Fort Sumter, you have a view of a pretty drab building. Food: For our first meal here... As an appetizer we had the hush puppies filled with shrimp and lobster. Loved them. Didn't feel like you were just eating fried breading. Well worth the calories. For the main course I had the shrimp and grits, my wife had the seafood pasta, her parents had scallops and the catch of the day (Pogie?). Each dish was terrific. I liked the scallops with pesto sauce and the shrimp and grits the best. Delicious. Service. We always have very good service here. Everyone is always nice and attentive. Overall: Fleet Landing is always on the short list of places to eat when we are trying to decide. So glad we found it.
(5)
Jamie G.
Nice location, fast service. We had lunch on Sunday and we were disappointed. The food was not seasoned at all. If you like bland food, this would be the place for you. I would like to try dinner but I am afraid to return.
(1)
Elizabeth B.
While at Edisto Beach for a family reunion, ten of my family members and I made the day trip to Charleston. At the recommendation of our extended family from South Carolina, we decided to get lunch at Fleet Landing. We had a great experience at Fleet Landing. Even though we didn't have a reservation, we only had to wait about 10-15 minutes to be seated. My husband and I started with the Crispy Steak Calamari. The calamari was tasty, but the home run for me was the Apricot Glaze dipping sauce. Wow! After ordering my Shrimp Seafood Platter, I kept reaching across the table to dip my tasty shrimp into the delicious glaze. Though we did order two alcoholic beverages which drove out total cost up, my husband's and my appetizer and two entrees were under $30. Not a bad price for delicious food with a great view!
(4)
Rene T.
Call ahead and make a reservation so you can sit outdoors, the view is a large part of what makes this dining experience memorable. Our waiter (Scott) was awesome. We ordered soup to start: She Crab and Gumbo, both delicious and hearty. Then we split peel and eat shrimp (messy, but also yummy) and the corn fritters (deep fried deliciousness but not a huge serving). This meal was our lightest of the day, but the menu had a lot of heavier options for sure. I recommend walking, as parking was very limited.
(5)
Stephanie J.
Right on the water! They are primarily a seafood restaurant but do have few vegetarian options. The sweet potato gnocchi was amazing.
(4)
Edward U.
My experience at Fleet Landing started out rough. It seemed the hostesses were in the weeds. They explained that there were tables open that needed to be cleaned, even though there were tables set in plain view. We waited about ten minutes, not bad. In the meantime though, an elderly gentleman and his wife had legitimately parked in a handicapped zone. The floor manager told him he had to move his car because it was in a loading zone despite being clearly marked as a handicapped spot. Nobody delivers on Sunday, and this was about 3:00 P.M. They were busy, and I could tell it might be a rough ride. I mentioned to my fellow diners that perhaps our server could turn the situation around. He delivered. He was a rockstar. Despite how busy they were, he talked to us and made good conversation, took our drink order and returned promptly. When we ordered our food I expected it to take at least 20-30 minutes based on how busy it was. I was floored when the food came out in about 12-15 minutes. Everything was on point. I had their house burger with pimento cheese, fried onions and bacon, which was excellent. Other dishes were the fried flounder sandwich, fried shrimp platter, and another shrimp platter with collards substituted for fries. The collards and slaw were great. It stuck out to me that the french fries were hot and crispy. I have to say that Fleet Landing knocked it out of the park. The food was way better than I expected. Our server made all the difference. He mentioned that he also worked in a restaurant in Beaufort that I had a great experience at. I'll return and recommend both. Also, you just can't beat the views. 4.9/5.
(4)
Brittany C.
We ate at Fleet Landing on our first night in Charleston. There were only 2 of us and we had to wait almost an hour for a first available table on a Monday night around 8 pm. They have an amazing view right on the water, so we ordered some drinks and sat out on the porch. First, our server Allyson was AWESOME and we couldn't have asked for better service. She was very knowledgeable and attentive and gave us great suggestions for the menu. We started with a dozen oysters, which are pricey because they're out of season in the Carolinas but were good. I ordered the Lion Fish, which Allyson explained had been speared by divers that morning just a few miles off the coast. She also talked to us about the Lion Fish, which was featured on Shark Tank. My husband ordered the fried shrimp. My fish was cooked well and tasted ok but nothing to write home about especially at nearly $30 for the entree. The grits that I ordered as a side were amazingly creamy and some of the best I've ever had. Husband said the shrimp were good. We also had the apple dessert, which Allyson described as a cross between bread pudding and apple pie. We expected it to come out warm but it was just room temp. It tasted fine but wasn't very impressive. Our bill was $125 for our meal, a beer and rum and coke, and a very generous tip. It's good food with one of the best views in town, but compared to other places we ate at later in the week, this wasn't the highlight of our dining experiences.
(3)
Hannah B.
I always love fleet landing food. Love the spinach dip and I got a great Cobb salad. Really really good food! And the ocean view is awesome.
(5)
Melissa G.
Even good for vegetarians! Went here with a group. It was very crowded, but we got to sit outside, which was nice. Any hotter and it wouldn't have been, though! Our waitress was very friendly and attentive, even when one member of our party was a bit difficult. She split our check for us 5 ways with no problem! I really wanted to try the sweet potato gnocchi, but they were out, which was disappointing. I got the pasta with vegetables instead which was a surprisingly tasty mix of seasonal grilled vegetables, pasta and pesto.
(4)
Donna M.
Fleet Landing is a very lively spot. Food is fine. Nothing out of the ordinary. The biscuits are delicious. Service is very fast and friendly. It is an extraordinarily live venue. Seems like the idea is to get diners in and out rapidly as it is a very popular spot. Atmosphere is loud and jumpy.
(3)
Julia S.
This place is the coolest. We went here for dessert back in April and sat on the deck during sunset. The view was phenomenal and the place was very tastefully decorated.
(4)
MaryBeth W.
AWESOME shrimp and grits!!!
(5)
Josh S.
All in all a great place to have drinks and a meal with a great view. I live the turkey and cranberry sandwich!
(4)
Sam J.
Great service. Very friendly waitress. Food good at reasonable prices. Wonderful views. A little loud.
(3)
Scott W.
Great spot in downtown Charleston sitting on the Charleston Harbor. We sat out on the back deck overlooking the Harbor within eye shot of Fort Sumter. Tons of seating in and out, lots of people waiting which I think is pretty typical. I had a drink at the bar while my party waited for a table which only took about 20 minutes. We had crispy steak calamari for an appetizer. This was calamari cut like a steak fry instead of the typical round fried calamari shape. Delicious and it was served with a sweet apricot glaze and a spicy, peppery sauce. I had the pan seared triggerfish with pimento cheese grits and asparagus. The fish was cooked perfectly and seasoned with a blackened flavored spice. Very light and meaty fish and there were quite a few small filets. The cheese grits were very flavorful as well. Prices were all that bad for being downtown and on the water. The drinks were good and the wait and host staff was fast and friendly. Nice spot although I'm sure downtown Charleston is loaded with lots of great spots to eat. Fleet was very good all around.
(4)
C.A. J.
Great service and amazing food! The local oysters on the half shell hit the spot!
(5)
Stephen S.
Visited for lunch. Sat outside with view of Fort Sumter. Great atmosphere. Good food lunch prices from $10 and up. Stuffed hush puppies are really good. Service was friendly and helpful.
(4)
Ryan P.
An awesome place to have an amazing lunch. Worth the 30 minute wait since we didn't have reservations. Fried calamari was fresh and of high quality, the crab dip was amazing, and I got to have she crab soup for the first time. Trigger fish sandwich was really good and something I had never had before. Waitress was amazing, kept my drink full, and she wrote us a list of places around town that she would try for foodie experiences. My wife really enjoyed the restaurant and writes. Much more colorful review of her experience, but for me it comes down to this:I would eat here again!
(5)
Mark K.
Great meal with family and friends. Food was excellent and view was fantastic. Recommend the hush puppies, sword fish, soft shell crab sandwich, trigger fish sandwich, and more. Prices were good for downtown area. We usually dont go to the same places when in Charleston but this will warrant further trips especially with out of town friends. Staff was great too !
(5)
David S.
Our trip to this restaurant was everything I had expected. According to a chef that we know in the area the food and service is only good on certain shifts. Luckily, we got the right shift. The service was quick and helpful. The food was amazing. The only downside was that the inside was packed and the majority of the customers were sloppily dressed. It really brought down the atmosphere. Luckily we waited for a seat outside. And had a great time.
(5)
Phoenix B.
I ate with a party of 3 for brunch. The Fried Green Tomato BLT looked amazing! I had the fried oyster platter. Increase the portion size and it's a winner!
(4)
Carmen P.
after the hubs and i's great disappointment in our friday lunch at amen grill, we were weary to trust other (charleston) yelp reviews. but then, then! i saw that it!--a fellow nashville yelper friend gave this place 4 stars, and i trusted that! therefore, we eagerly headed through side roads and what seemed to be alley ways to come here, a narrow gravel parking lot. and a pretty low-key, laid back looking white shack of a restaurant. in other words, it looked pretty awesome. when they told us there was a 30 minute wait, at 2:00, we knew we were in the right place--i mean, people would not be still packing this place if it wasn't tasty, right?! we giddily waited for a table, and as we were finally seated we salivated over the menu. bemoaning my tiny, but mighty, stomach, we ordered our appetizers: fried calamari steaks and blue crab dip (two separate appetizers, i realize my lack of a comma would make it seem that they were part of the same culinary creation, but they are in-fact, separate.) i normally don't care for calamari when it's large pieces (preferring more popcorn style), but this was amazing! my normal caring, "no you have the last piece honey" good-wife persona went out the window as i snatched up the last few pieces, holding them in my hands to ensure the least amount of sharing. :sigh: my mom raised me better than that, but i don't care when it comes to tasty food. my main meal was shrimp and grits. they too were glorious. creamy, not grainy, grits, fresh shrimp, sliced pieces of andouille sausage, tasso ham gravy (whatever that is, but it was oh-so-divine). all my surroundings faded, even my dear husband, seated across from me, faded, and all that was left was me and my shrimp and grits. i don't even remembered if i prayed and thanked God for them before i devoted them, but if i didn't, let me thank Him now--thank you God for giving us delicious shrimp, tasty pigs that become andouille sausage, and masterful minds that create dishes combining such things. and our server, she was the tops. the cats meow. the bee's knees. we lamented to her regarding our sub-par experience at amen street grill, and she offered to make a list of legit restaurants for us to check out. she came back with a list organized by fare type, street/area, and notoriety. if you are in charleston, this is a must.
(5)
Terri S.
Amazing! Came here on the recommendation of the people at the Harbor Boat Tour and so glad we went! The service was wonderful and our food was delicous. I am not a seafood fan, so ordered the sweet potato gnocci with goat cheese and balsamic glaze (i asked them to not include the okra). it was INCREDIBLE! I highly recommend this place. Only one thing... parking AT the restaurant is horrible...only about 20 spots if that...so be prepared to park elsewhere.
(4)
Aaron C.
This place has a beautiful view and pretty good food. The oysters were particularly good. This is a great place to relax after walking around Charleston.
(4)
Marissa B.
We really enjoyed our experience here. The calamari was excellent; large, steak like pieces with a tasty duo of sauces. Our seafood platter was also enjoyable. We finished with a piece of key lime pie-- just fantastic. We were able to sit on the deck which was beautiful and relaxing. Our waitress was charming and attentive. The restaurant was clean and well organized. I would definitely recommend it to anyone and I will be going back.
(4)
Richard R.
Another restaurant I had high hopes for failed to live up to the hype. Seems that I am having a major difference of opinion with some of my most trusted Yelp buddies. Fleet Landing was good, but not great. We had a party of 7 and ordered a variety of items on the menu which included: * Crispy Steak Calamari (starter) - average, but really liked the sweet pepper jelly (3) * Baked Spinach & Artichoke Dip (starter) - I disagreed with my wife on this one. She thought it was the best ever and I didn't think it had enough flavor. I also prefer mine creamier and this one had large chunks of artichoke in it. (3.5) * Signature burger - AMAZING (5) * Grilled Mahi Mahi sandwich - didn't have much flavor (2) * Fried Flounder sandwich - a little better than the Mahi Mahi (2.5) * Fried Green Tomato "BLT" - not very good (2) * Charleston Shrimp & Grits - Good, but I thought Page's Okra Grill was better (3.5) * French Fries - very good (4) My dish was the Shrimp and Grits. What I didn't like was the sour flavor of the grits, which was probably a direct result of the cheese they use. I'm figuring it was Bleu Cheese, which I don't really like unless it's on a burger. As the elder person at our table (and the one paying the bill) I got to sample everyone's meal. The ratings came from my family themselves and I would have to agree with all except the Artichoke dip. My wife who is semi-vegetarian thought it was truly amazing. She really liked the large chunks of artichoke and the milder flavor of the sauce. I'm just the opposite. The Signature Burger was fantastic and gave me a serious case of order envy. It was nicely cooked, flavored and very tender. A winner for sure!!! Parking is strange and spaces are difficult to get when they are busy. If you have the patience to wait... you will likely get a space within 10 minutes because someone is always leaving soon. The view is nice, however a Carnival ship was in port and blocked most of the view from our vantage point. Overall it's a good restaurant to visit, but I was looking for outstanding!!!
(3)
Scott H.
Went here with me wife and a another couple. We had a great time. Fantastic service and atmosphere. We got the stuffed hush puppies as an appetizer... Delicious. I got the shrimp and grits for an entree... Fantastic.
(5)
Gwendolyn F.
The food was fresh and tasted great. The staff was friendly. However, service was slow to say the least. I'm pretty sure they were under staffed. We ordered the Shrimp Cakes, Flounder, and Shrimp and Grits. Everything tasted great. We sat outside and had a great view of Fort Sumter. We even saw some dolphins. The parking was awful!!! No where to turn around, meaning you have to back out of the parking lot. Don't get stuck; if you are close enough... WALK!!!
(4)
Russ K.
If I could marry this restaurant, this is what I'd say.... Yes...I'm in love with you. Please marry me and then I can have you all to myself. This place can get over-run when the weather is good, so either make reservations or go on off times and days. But, make no mistake, Fleet Landing is one of a kind and worthy of the adulation.
(5)
Allan B.
I have been coming to fleet landing for years . The food is wonderful and the service has always been top notch. When ever I go the staff makes me feel like a king. They employees care about your dining experience and I thank them :)
All of our seafood feast was great. I loved the deck, right on the water. We had a view of the fort.
(4)
Julie Ann C.
I had blackened swordfish which was one of the specials and it was excellent. The She Crab soup was to die for as well as the shrimp & grits my husband had. The only reason I did not give them 5 stars is because it was so hot inside, it made the meal quite uncomfortable. I'm not sure if it was because we were sitting by the windows but Charleston in August is no fun without AC! Great dolphin watching too.
(4)
Chris M.
Came with a large group of 10, including kids. Nice pier setting with pretty views while we waited. I had the veggie pasta with chicken (just good) and my husband had seafood pasta (enjoyed but not raved about). Service was good, place was clean.
(4)
Kimber C.
I loved the view, the drinks, and the food. It's pricey, but I think worth the price. I think the best time to go is during happy hour when the sun is just going down. I didn't have a full meal, mostly just appetizers and drinks.
(5)
S H.
Went for lunch. Ok view...it sits right on the water. Had an oyster po'boy, which came on a thick, tasteless "hoagie" style roll. The oysters were very nicely fried, but there were not very many of them. Prices are decent, however. Go for the view, not for the food.
(2)
Shane R.
This place can certainly serve the purpose but I've definitely had better. Stopping in for a quick drink at the bar while touring Charleston, I had less than stellar service. Perhaps the bartender was put off by the fact that my group had no interest in food. To be fair, my rating doesn't reflect the quality of the food as I didn't eat. However, the drinks and service left a lot to be desired. The exterior also came off as dirty and offered some industrial surroundings. Positioned next to the Carnival Cruise ship dock, this place also has a tourist like feel. Parking, although not difficult, seemed to prove confusing for other patrons. I'd be curious to go back just to try the food that other Yelpsters seem to rave over but outside of mere curiosity and a desire for seafood, I don't think I'd return.
(2)
Kathy B.
We had a wonderful low country lunch at the Landing. Shrimp and grits/gumbo/and the best hushpuppies! Harrison was a superior server. We would definitely make another stop here. And, even though the place was crowded, parking was available-free- and the wait was minimal. Yes, this is a definite place to visit.
(5)
Brett O.
Cool place, great port experience. Its a casual place downtown for when you don't need a Halls Chophouse kind of lunch. Really great staff, nice location, cool deck on the water, and the history of the building is a plus. The food is pretty meh, its okay, not bad, just not great. In a culinary town sort of a misfire for me. That said, definitely have bloody mary's here on a sunny morning. A dinky bruch place, for a brunch centered on food there are better options. Again, amazing staff.
(2)
Jennifer N.
I was told by two different locals to go to Fleets Landing. Not much to look at from the outside but the interior is very sheik. You can eat outside on the water too. The shrimp and grits were awesome. My husband still talks about the pimento grits and seared scallops he had 3 days ago! The seafood prices seemed the most reasonable in town. Would def go back!
(4)
Susan D.
Fantastic lunch! If you like shrimp and grits...this is the place to go! Great spicy flavor....creamy and just DELISH!
(5)
Katie S.
Wonderful meal and our waiter made the experience so much fun! Ryan was just great! Definitely the best waiter I have ever had! He made us laugh the whole time and was very helpful choosing our meals! Such a great restaurant in Charleston.
(5)
Ronald Y.
Food was exceptional. I had the swordfish; my wife had the Chicken Piccata. Our server, John, was very personable and helpful. It was a meal to remember.
(5)
Lisa C.
I loved this restaurant -- we had a great view on the dock and watched a pod of dolphins that were right off shore entertaining us the entire dinner. We had she-crab soup (really great!), the stuffed hush puppies (also awesome) and I had the shrimp and grits (excellent). I would highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)
Katie B.
It was rainy today but I had to have my fried shrimp before I headed back to Jacksonville, NC with my husband. My brother and his girlfriend were here too. They have the best fried shrimp and atmosphere. Our waiter today though was slow and it took forever to just get our crab dip and side salads. But other than that I love this place.
(5)
Sarah F.
I went here with my family and it was absolutely amazing! Food was excellent, service was fantastic, and the view was perfect as my family is not from around here. We actually saw several Dolphins while we were enjoying our meals. I would definitely suggest Fleets to anyone whether you're just visiting or live in the area. It was also very reasonably priced.
(5)
C V.
Extremely Disappointed. We talked it up to our out-of-town friends and made reservations for NYE dinner, which was terrible. The appetizers were mediocre at best (crab dip and mussels). For dinner, I had the grilled Mahi, which was underdone on the inside and bland. The fingerling potatoes were small and tastesless, and the asparagus was overcooked. The whole thing was swimming in a tasteless pool of butter, with dried parsley sprinkled on top for garnish. I borrowed the lemon from my friend's water glass to add some flavor - who serves fish without lemon? I grew up in Charleston so I know what good seafood tastes like. My friend had the shrimp and grits, which had little dry shrimp and brown gravy on it that looked like it came from KFC. She only ate about 3 bites. The grits had a dry layer on top (skin) like it had been sitting for a while. I know it's hard to keep and serve grits fresh, but how hard is it really to boil water? The dinner prices were $20 to $25 per plate. I will gladly pay this for a great or even good meal, but this is WAY TOO MUCH to pay for sub-par food. Seriously guys, hire a chef. You are certainly charging for one. In the past we have had several great lunches there (salads with shrimp, etc) but I guess it would be hard to mess up lettuce and shrimp with a great view of the harbor. The wait staff was nice and pleasant and parking was a cinch. So if you are there for anything BUT a good dinner, then you are in luck. Otherwise you will be extremely disappointed and overcharged. I would not recommend Fleet Landing to friends (again) unfortunately.
(1)
Cynthia S.
What can I say that every one else isn't saying. This is one of my all time favorites. There isn't anything on their menu I wouldn't order again. My all time favorite is Shrimp and grits. If you want a table I recommend you make a reservation the day before otherwise you are sure to have a long wait. If your desperate skip the reservation and grab a seat at the bar.
(5)
Daniel D.
While vacationing in Charleston with my girlfriend, we were told by our hotel front desk that Fleet Landing was the place to go for seafood and it is the only restaurant on the waterfront. It was all we needed to hear for us to make a reservation at Fleet Landing. We went on a Sunday night at about 8:30 so unsurprisingly it wasn't that busy but there was a large party just finishing up. Our waiter was upbeat when reciting specials and took our order with diligence. He answered any questions we had and was tentative throughout the meal. Service was definitely an A+. We had fried green tomatoes with crab meat, oysters and hush puppies stuffed with shrimp and lobster (you didn't go to Charleston if you didn't try hush puppies). The hush puppies were phenomenal; deep fried but not greasy and the friend green tomatoes were much the same. As an entree I went with the lump crab cakes which were so fresh and thick, that I might go so far as to say they were the best I've ever had. Fleet Landing serves up some of the best quality seafood and they could definitely compete with some of the top seafood restaurants up here in NYC. If your in Charleston, go to Fleet Landing you will not regret.
(5)
Abby W.
Our server Justin was phenomenal! His service was the best! The food was delicious! We had fried seafood, crab soup, and the catch of the day. All 5 star! We sat outside and there were a few birds however Justin armed us with a water gun so it was all good. Plus he was easy on the eyes. We give Justin and Fleets Landing FIVE stars!
(5)
Sandi G.
Great waterfront dining, not too fancy not too casual, the food is amazing. Be sure and make a reservation or you will have a long wait. She crab soup and seafood pasta are a must try. Great waitstaff, service, location and food. A must try whenever in Charleston
(5)
Will P.
Wife loves their crab cake poached egg and grits, weekends only, special. She is a crab cake lover and she has eaten here twice (first time was several years ago) and loved the crab cake both times. If you're someone that likes "all crab" crab cakes, then you'll like this one.
(4)
Najula J.
Delicious! We had stopped by for quick appetizer. We had the fried BBQ oysters on creamy grits and a crab cake. The oysters were fresh and very well prepared. The crab cake was decent. I live in Atlanta and have eaten "the best of the best" :-). It was very well prepared but the crab meat wasn't lump or as fresh as it could be. I also had a watermelon martini! Perfectly prepared. I had to control myself and not order another. I will go back when I return to Charleston!
(4)
Benjamin R.
What a great experience! I've been to lots of seaside restaurants where you pay for the view and not so much the food. Fleet Landing was the best of both worlds. Sweeping views of the harbor and amazing food that was beautifully plated and prepared. Our waitress Sara was outgoing, friendly and made our experience that much better. A hotspot for both locals and tourists alike. This is one of those restaurants that you will be thrilled with for many more visits in the future.
(5)
Duncan O.
Amazing Seafood! Decided to pass up Bubba Gump for this. Bubba Gump is ok, but we wanted to try something different. I defiantly recommend getting a reservation, I did and it saved me from waiting 45 minutes. I got the fried seafood platter pick 2 (fried shrimp and fried flounder) and 2 sides for 18.99. A little pricey but delicious. The shrimp and grits did look good. Our server Nolan was very energetic and "excited" to serve us, but not too overly engaged. He was there when needed and not when we didn't. It was great to eat on the water and the view. For desert I got the Chocolate Pie which complemented the meal. I would definitely go!
(5)
Evan W.
With the best waterfront location in all of Charleston, Fleet Landing is a restaurant that has the potential to be truly world class. Unfortunately, every time I have eaten here the food has failed to live up to this potential. I have had numerous entrees on the menu, but everything has always ended up tasting pretty average. My favorite item on the menu is the Seafood Risotto. The first time I tried it I thought this may be the dish to finally change my opinion of Fleet Landing. However, I recently visited the restaurant again, but found preparation of the dish to be extremely poor: the risotto was dry and gummy, there was grit in the mussels, the shrimp was over done, and to top it off the dish came out luke warm. As it currently stands, Fleet Landing is a nice tourist destination with its panoramic views of Charleston Harbor. However, if you are looking for exquisitely prepared fresh seafood and a real taste of Charleston cuisine, then this is not your place. Charleston has much better options, especially for the price.
(3)
Marie A.
It is a Charleston staple! It is definitely a good mix of locals and tourists. I have been here at least 5 times and each time is awesome! Tonight I had the Fleet Landing Stuffed Hush Puppies that were filled with a Veloute of Lobster, Rock Shrimp, Leeks, & Corn over Creole Tomato Sauce. Delicious! Crab cakes for dinner with mashed potatoes and mixed veggies. Everything was cooked perfectly. We sat outside and it was a beautiful night and gorgeous view! I recommend this place to everyone I know.
(5)
Abby N.
One of the few spots on the water! It was so pretty and the food was great too! The fried oysters were great and the staff was friendly. We had a great experience here and it gets busy so go early!
(5)
Nancy N.
This was my first and ONLY stop for seafood in Charleston.. BLEH! Warning: the food looks NOTHING like the pictures you see here on yelp. The only good thing about this place was the service. I have to say that our waiter was very sweet, attentive and informative. Initially, we ordered the she-crab soup. After a few bites, I tasted some sort of powder in the texture. I suppose that makes the soup thicker, but I rather pass. For the entree, I ordered one of the specials. It was seared tuna, which came with two sides. I picked collard greens and coleslaw, both were pretty bland and the greens overcooked. There were a variety of sauces to choose from and I assumed that the tuna would be cooked in the sauce. Instead, the sauce was simply placed on the side. The presentation was not at all appetizing. Overall, my experience was not too horrible but why just one star you ask? About 15 minutes after leaving the restaurant, I immediately felt it in my stomach. I got food poisoning. Needless to say that the rest of the night was not at all pleasing.
(1)
Sarah W.
Amazing food! Our waiter, Lauren was amazing and very helpful with our questions. We had crab cake for an appetizer, I had the pan seared talapia and my boyfriend had the flounder special. I'm very picky with my food and don't really veer off of what I usually get but this time I did and I was so glad. Service and food was great! I will definitely eat here again when I visit next time.
(5)
Jen L.
The only place in town with waterfront views.. We didn't make reservations, and was just planning on having a drink or two, and going elsewhere for dinner (as we knew it would be a nightmare on a Saturday night to try and get in! -- it was going on an hour and a half wait!). It did take us a while to get seats at the bar (snagged them once someone got seated at a table). We were outside, at the bar, and the whole area was so crowded! Cool spot. We ended up splitting two appetizers (crab dip and scallops).. wow!!! The scallops were cooked perfectly! The taste was great, too! We didn't have any other food there, but what we sampled was perfect! If you do decide to go here for dinner - I suggest you make reservations! It was pretty loud inside, but not too bad. Definitely check it out, if you have a chance.
(4)
Kristin D.
From the gracious and friendly host to the engaging and knowledgeable server (Ryan), the experience was so much better than what I expected at what could totally be a tourist trap if it wanted to (awesome harbor-front location by the market). And then there's the yummy food! The triggerfish sandwich was moist and yummy. Eat here!
(5)
Claire S.
We have dined multiple times at Fleet Landing. The biggest advantage of the place is that it is on the water which surprisingly is a rarity in Charleston. We seem to be craving sunshine and warm weather each time we're in Charleston coming from the gray and cold North so outside dining is appealing. The food and service here are consistently good and the atmosphere can't be beat.
(4)
Gavin M.
Had a nice lunch at Fleet Landing. It was a busy Saturday, but my wife managed to snag a couple of seats at the bar. Great Bloody Mary there. Bar tenders were busy so we had to be a little pesky to get our orders in. They were receptive and cordial, once flagged down. Fried Green Tomato app was amazing. She had the quiche of the day and it was about the size of my head. I had the BBQ with biscuits and grits. Holy smokes, it was all delicious.
(4)
Shira S.
This review is truly only for happy hour. My family and a couple friends stopped in for a drink before dinner as we had some extra time. The group tried their stuffed hush puppies, which were a little too heavy for me, but that could also be as I was still full from lunch. Their happy hour menu is great, especially their martinis at half price. The flavor was good and I was happy they didn't use cheap liquor during happy hour. However, I do think they need to either get smaller martini glasses or fill the glasses they do have. It just never looks right when a bartender serves a half-full martini, even if it is half price. The service was fine and what I would expect at a bar. I'm hoping the size of the martini was a fluke and will probably return for another drink.
(3)
Lauren H.
Go for the view not the food. If you want great food in Charleston, don't go here. It's decent. But not great. Not a huge selection and really run of the mill preparation and flavors. If you want a great view and casual atmosphere this this is your bet! Good for kids. Fun dining experience and great for families.
(3)
Tania R.
Definitely a very popular place -- beautiful view on water. Food was excellent -- had grilled scallops and my bf had shrimp/grits of which I tasted, very good as well but very rich and little too strong sausage taste for my liking. Mojitos were spot-on !
(5)
K B.
Meh. There are better offerings in Charleston. If anything go for a cocktail and enjoy the water view but that is about it.
(2)
Jason A.
The food is worth the price. Very lively place. The waiter, Scott, was amazing. Very helpful and very polite. If you don't want to wait for a table make a reservation or get there early. Either way it's worth it
(5)
John H.
Charleston waterfront, great outdoor seating for nice weather. Great casual atmosphere with low country food.
(5)
Shannon G.
My first shrimp n grits experience. Best collard greens I've ever had. Everything was delish. I suggest a reservation on weekends. Dont forget the she-crab!!
(4)
Trent M.
Great seafood pasta. Very filling, which was great because we were starving. The crab cake appetizer was delicious but definitely not as big as we expected an appetizer to be... and for $11. We ate at the bar and bartender Wes was friendly and gave us great service. The pomegranate mojitos went down way too easy.
(5)
Chelsea B.
We came here twice during our stay in Charleston. You can't beat the views and ocean breeze on the deck! The drinks are great and the food is amazing. The hush puppies were by far the best we've ever had. Our server Luke was so nice and friendly and super knowledgable about the menu. Every suggestion he gave was right on point and he was attentive enough without smothering. We cannot rave enough how great he was. Fleet Landing was a highlight of our trip and we will definitely be back next time we are in Charleston!
(5)
Ryan K.
Male bartenders were a little too chatty with what appeared to be a group of their friends sitting at the bar. Food and drinks were great otherwise. Not top of the line seafood but better than average.
(4)
Chelle R.
I was first taken here when I was flown into Charleston for a job interview. It was love at first bite. I had the pan seared muscles and a salad and was totally happy. The food is very tasty; the atmosphere is good; and the prices are reasonable. One of my favorite places to eat in Charleston.
(4)
Linda P.
I think this is probably 3.5 stars. SO I did like this place. Very large place, great for groups and beautiful outdoor seating on the water, which is where we sat. I couldn't figure out if it was touristy, but whatever. SO the reason that this place isn't getting 4 stars is because they were out of EVERYTHING! I know it was a busy weekend (Memorial Day), but still, prepare for that. We got there a little early so went to the bar first. I had already had a few mojitos and when I saw on e on the menu I went with that... but they were out of mint. So I changed my order to the strawberry margarita. They had everything for that and it was good, but they were out of straws.... When we were seated (again outside, beautiful area on the water). We looked over the menu and wanted to start with calamari...they were out of it. So we each got our own started and main dish. The food was good. I got the scallops to start. They were a small portion, but fine for a starter. And I had shrimp and grits for my main meal. Also good, but not the best ever by any means. That being said, I would still recommend them and order them again. Everyone with me did enjoy their food and we were all very full after the meal. I would give this place another chance, but hopefully next time they will be fully stocked with what I want to order!
(3)
Jenni C.
The outside of the place was unassuming, once you come in you see a very nice place, great views. I have had calamari in many places, but this was hands down the best I've ever had! Great crab cakes and shrimp and grits.
(5)
R F.
The she crab soup was delicious. Service was excellent. Also had he crab dip. This was for a quick bite. But we would come back
(4)
Heidi T.
I came to Charleston for a visit and, while wandering around Market Street, asked around for lunch recommendations. Three of the four people I asked included Fleet Landing in their recommendations, so I gave it a shot. I'm glad I did! I came in on a Monday afternoon and asked to be seated outside, and got a beautiful view. (I got REALLY excited when a dolphin came swimming by - is that a common thing to see? Either way, really cool.) My waiter was kind and chatted with me for a bit about Charleston, since I had never been before and the restaurant wasn't terribly busy. He was so nice! I ended up ordering the seafood gumbo and fried flounder platter. The gumbo was different from what I'm used to in Texas, but I loved it all the same. I love that they're not stingy with the seafood! You can never have too much scallop in my opinion. :) The flounder platter was pretty good, but nothing too special. Overall I enjoyed my meal and LOVED the service I got.
(4)
Charters Of Charleston C.
This place has excellent food and a great view of the entire harbor! Everyone should visit at least once.
(5)
Erica C.
If you are just spending one day in downtown Charleston you must eat here for lunch! This restaurant is right on the water and has a beautiful view. The restaurant is airy and the service is great. However, I would recommend sitting away from the patio doors on a breezy day because it gets a bit chilly! My favorite item was the oyster po' boy - a delicious sandwich plated with a yummy side of fries. This place gets busy so make a reservation or be prepared to wait!
(4)
Jeana N.
This is an absolute must if you are visiting Charleston! Be prepared to wait if you don't make reservations! My husband and I called the night we wanted to dine here and were able to get a reservation for only an hour from when we called. There are many bars nearby to enjoy during you wait as well. During our dinner we enjoyed the seafood stuffed hush puppies! If you don't try these you're wasting your trip! I would drive 10 hours all over again just to have these! My husband ordered the shrimp and grits and they were literally the creamiest, lightest grits we have ever ordered. I had another night of oysters and they were delicious as well! The food was amazing but what really made this night the most special night of our trip was our waiter. I can't remember his name and I wish I could because he was the BEST! He made great selections for drink choices to go with our meal and introduced us to things we never thought we would enjoy! Oh and I forgot to mention we sat at an outdoor table on the deck that surrounds the pier the restaurant sits on! BEST dinner I have EVER HAD!
(5)
Kim N.
The food was alright; service was a bit off. Men MUST wear shirts with sleeves on or they won't let you eat here... We should have just left at this point. Besides the somewhat decent waterfront view, there's not much else worth mentioning about this place. There are way better options for dining in Charleston.
(2)
Brenda M.
It was just ok. Good location. I had the crab cakes. My husband had the seafood boil. Garlic mashed potatoes were good. Fresh biscuits and honey butter was the bread. That was nice. We came here on a recommendation. The location was the first thing he mentioned and was the best thing about it.
(3)
Michael F.
back again in October 2014...we had the shrimp & grits again.....still an excellent choice and our gold standard!
(5)
Norah M.
Perhaps a little hard to find, this place was worth it! Crab cake to die for and the freshest and tastiest raw oysters we had ever had. Service was great, the on-deck seating was special at sunset, and the indoor bar was friendly and welcoming. Our visit was mid-May and we wish this enthusiastic young staff a great summer..
(5)
Hannah J.
I was not impressed. It was a loud and busy Sunday evening of Labor Day weekend. My boyfriend ordered the grilled ahi filet. It was, by far, the most poorly cooked filet. It was grey and tough; clearly over-cooked. The manager gave us a replacement filet and it was better, but still not as expected. I ordered the house Malbec with my dinner. I had 2 sips. It tasted like the bottle had been opened a month ago and left in the sun: Undrinkable. However, it's family friendly.
(2)
Thomas W.
Parking is tuff. I found the menu to be somewhat limited, not many choices IMHO. The food was just Ok. Great atmosphere, we ate outside on the deck which was very nice and the service was good.
(3)
Ashley A.
Had a few different appetizers here (posted pictures) and all were delicious! The BBQ grits were amazing! Definitely cannot wait to be back in town again to enjoy some more delicious food!
(4)
Dan O.
Its a small step above Applebees... but its on the water. One of the stars is for the water views.
(3)
Randy K.
Very busy, had to wait about 45 mins. Getting a drink at the bar was tough with only two bar tenders for lots of customers. However, it was worth the wait. Gumbo and crab cake were very good, as were the biscuits and honey butter. My wife's grilled shrimp with key lime butter sauce were excellent. Our server, Natalie, was terrific. Prices fair. Location on the water. No frills, but good food trumps frills all the time.
(4)
Sarah B.
We enjoyed a very nice evening here recently reconnecting with a former co-worker of mine from 22 years ago. Yep, I'm old. Our visit was during Spring Break recently, and we had made reservations two weeks in advance for a 7 pm dinner on a Tuesday night. When we realized my former peer was available, we met her for drinks in the bar at 6:30 pm. When we arrived at 6 or so, we got the last parking space in the gravel-ish lot. Poor would-be parkers who venture in and don't find a space have to back up the length of the lot as there's no turn around at the end. The bar was crowded already, and there were folks waiting for tables already as well. We grabbed the last two bar stools to wait, and ordered drinks and an appetizer since we were so early. The Charleston Sunset was sweet and fruity, and the stuffed hush puppies were really good. After she arrived, we creatively grabbed another bar stool as things were really getting crowded, and again it's early on Tuesday - yikes. The bartender was attentive and quite good. After a nice visit, we did let the hostess know we were ready to be seated for dinner. Fleet Landing is loud and busy, so we asked to wait until a table on the glass window row was open. For dinner hubby ordered fish and chips (($20.99) that he said were very good, and I ordered the Low Country Boil (Shellfish over risotto on menu, $25.99) which was very messy but good. There's just no graceful way to break heads off shrimp in a savory broth, I don't care who you are. Our service was fine, not overly attentive but not neglected feeling, either. Folks were constantly in and out, and I never saw the group of waiting diners slack up even as we were leaving at almost 9 pm. The wait arriving at 7 pm was more than an hour, Charleston is a reservations town, folks! We like the fact that this restaurant is in a former Navy building, and if the weather was better, the views there are second to none. This small city has a town of dining options, so I can't say 100% that we would return on the next visit, but nothing bad to say to prevent someone from visiting.
(4)
B D.
Nice atmosphere sitting outside, though a bit of a wait for lunch. Swordfish special wasn't anything to write home about, but the crabcake was definitely one of the better I've had and the fried oyster with grits appetizer was pretty delicious.
(4)
Rachel M.
The service was great - friendly but efficient - his name was Eric. The view is phenomenal, plus the breeze outside feels so great. There was nothing wrong with the food, it was just totally ordinary. We had a triggerfish sandwich with fries and a Caesar salad. It was good, but nothing you couldn't get at a chain restaurant anywhere in the country.
(3)
Steve J.
We arrived for our 5:30 reservation on a Saturday early and were able to be seated prior to our time. This place was busy so make a reservation for sure (Open Table). We had the fried shrimp, Atlantic Salmon with the blackened season and swordfish (local) with pesto. The fried shrimp was good (lightly beaded) but not much different from other that I have had. The salmon was really good and I especially enjoyed with the blackened season. The swordfish was also very good, however I would not have it with the pesto. As for sides, mashed potatoes tasted fresh and homemade. Green beans cooked perfectly and cole slaw was good with a bit of pepper spice to it. Service was also rally good. If I find myself in Charleston again, I would not hesitate to go. Definitely recommend it.
(4)
Dean D.
This restaurant is right on the water. The clear view of the water compliments the beauty of historic Charleston. Service is very good as is their food. We had the fried calamari appetizer which is different than most places. They use just the body and the pieces are almost like french fries; very tender and perfectly cooked with two tasty sauces as accompaniments. I had their signature Crispy Whole Fried Southern Flounder with Apricot Glaze. Nice presentation and very unique. I definitely would have it again. The only tip I'd offer up to my fellow Yelper's is to request a side of that great apricot sauce. When you flip the fish over and start on the other side, more sauce would have made the dish perfect. Overall, a nice seafood restaurant with great views all around.
(4)
Greg G.
My colleagues and I arrived on Friday. The table was perfect and afforded my colleagues a perfect view of the harbor for their lunch. We had the hushpuppies for an appetizer and they were great. All raved about them. As a group we had the oyster Po' Boy, the crab cake sandwich, the shrimp and grits, and the freshly caught swordfish. I had the swordfish. All, again, raved about the food. My swordfish and fresh better beans were great. The red rice was equally remarkable! I have forgotten the name of our server, but he was awesome! He had a wonderful personality and was attentive enough while not smothering us with attention. The timing of the meal was excellent. After ordering, the appetizer arrived after a bit allowing us to have some conversation wile waiting. As this was a business lunch it was very port we not be rushed through like cattle. Thank you. Again, there was enough time between the appetizer and entrees so we felt we could conduct some business while not being rushed. Again, a job well done! All in all, it was a meal experience I have come to expect from previous engagements at Fleet Landing. Thank you for demonstrating to me my last dining experience was an anomaly! We will be back soon!
(4)
Rachael M.
If you can come here for their weekend brunch, I highly recommend it. I ordered the crab cake (which is high on crab, low on filler) over grits with two poached eggs. That may not sound like a good combo, but IT IS!! I would come back to Charleston just for brunch at Fleet Landing. It's right on the water so you get an amazing breeze while you're there. Plus, the wait staff is consistently good. Highly recommend!
(5)
Stephanie P.
Very friendly staff, great food, view is awesome even with a rainy day. Love the atmosphere of the restaurant. Will definitely go back.
(5)
Gary K.
After walking all morning through the nearby Market, my group was hungry for lunch... seafood lunch to be specific... After asking a few people, we were referred here as it was close, and right on the water... Once we got there, I definitely gave it an A+ for the cool factor... it's an old WWII Navy landing pier... restored into a very trendy seafood restaurant!! Lots of old historical pictures all over the waiting area. The hostess staff was very friendly!! Once we were seated, out server was 'Johnny on the spot' at greeting us and getting us our beverages right away!! After we told him is was our first time there, he made several recommendations in addition to all the daily fresh specials. I started with the Lump Crab Cake, which was pure crab meat... no bread crumb filling here!!! I think my eyes may have rolled back just a little... LOL For my lunch, I had the Carolina Shrimp and Grits. (see my pictures) Never had anything like this before... hence my decision to try it. It was some of the best grits I'd ever had... cheesy!!!! and tons of shrimp on top with slices of andoule sausage and most flavorful gravy. OH MY GOSH, I am hooked!!! It was SOOOOOOOOOOOO good!!! Granted I have no other places to compare it with, but it was an awesome first experience for a true Carolina entree experience!! All in all, everyone in my group was VERY pleased with their selections!! I know I sure was, and would love to go back before I leave the area....
(4)
rachel d.
Great restaurant with delicious seafood. The atmosphere is great. We sat outside, which was a little windy, and we both had the grilled triggerfish sandwich. Fresh fish and friendly quick service. We ended our meal with the bread pudding; great choice! Parking is tough at peak hours.
(5)
Mike And Tracy T.
Had lunch at the Fleet Landing today. We sat outside and had the She Crab Soup (reminded me of Lobster Bisque) and Gumbo which was very tasty. Also had The Fried Green Tomatoes which were extremely tasty! Our server, Cheryl, was very knowledgeable about the menu and gave us suggestions on what to do. We appreciated the information. We will definitely go back.
(4)
David S.
After seeing all of the great reviews, my wife and I decided to give Fleet Landing a second chance. We had been here once before a couple of years ago and had been disappointed. Except for the exceptional view, overall this was another disappointing experience. While our entrees were OK, our server was terrible. We would have been better off to have gone up to the bar and placed our order and had our name called to run pick it up when our order was ready. However, it appeared other servers were doing an excellent job, and we just happened to get the bad server. Nevertheless, there are too many great restaurants in Charleston to waste my money here.
(2)
Lindsey D.
For lunch, we decided to visit this historic Charleston spot that is located right on the water. Warning... the parking lot isn't large... so we had to circle the block a couple of times waiting on a spot. They were pretty busy, too, so there was a short wait for our table. The decor is pretty great. We were finally taken to our table, which was by a window... so we had a great view of the tide going out. There was water and then poof, there was rock and grass and the briny sea smell in the air. The waitress was friendly and brought me a glass of Southern sweet tea with a quickness and I was a happy girl. :-) I'll always remember this place because I took a bite of my friend's Blacktip Shark - the first and likely the last time I'll eat shark... but after watching Shark Week all these years... taking a bit out of a shark felt like sweet, sweet vindication. ;-P The dessert here was my favorite part - White Chocolate Bread Pudding! It was so pretty and tasty and I couldn't even finish it all. Highly recommended!
(4)
Whitney S.
We went here for dinner, and wanted to sit on the outside patio. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant for large groups, especially if you want to sit outside since the tables are quite small outside. However, I thought the food and drinks were decent. A little overpriced, due to being the only restaurant on the ocean in Charleston. I had the she-crab soup which was DELICIOUS and I loved the bread they served us.
(3)
Rochelle G.
Came here during lunch on vday, by recommendation at the Vendue Inn. They told us it was a nice waterfront restaurant. Upon arriving, it didnt look as pretty as I imagined, looked more like swampfront, but I still gave it a chance, and Im glad I did. The place had a very strong fish smell, but I got over that after awhile. We sat on the inside, because it didnt look too good outside. Since I was trying to get my full Charleston experience, I ordered the Charleston Shrimp & Grits. He ordered the special of the day, which was some type of fish but I dont remember. My dish was very flavorful, I dont really like grits, so I pretty much just ate the shrimp and sausage. By the waiter's recommendation, I got the Watermelon Martini, which was also really good. Our waiter was very nice and helpful. If only the view and smell of the place was better, than I probably would have gave it 5 stars.
(4)
Ted K.
We had reservations on a crowded evening and were seated right on time. I had the fried shrimp & scallops...very good. It was served with a remolade sauce that they called tartar sauce- excellent. and my wife had sea bass & grits that she thought was terrific. Nice view of Charleston harbor, classic atmosphere.I would go back again if I ever return to Charleston.
(5)
Tabitha J.
This place was great! I ordered the swordfish for the first time. It was amazing!!! They have several choices of sauces to have with your protein and I chose he pesto. It was light and fresh - definitely made in house. The complimentary biscuits were very good with the sweet butter served with them. The view being on the ocean was beautiful. Definitely a good place to go.
(5)
Elaina R.
I always said this was my favorite place to go in charleston, when I lived there 3 years. It is in some ways, but not in others. I loved it because its the only place where you can eat on a deck that is right in the bay. They have a rail outside as well for the bar. You can watch the cruise ships take off, which is right next door. I only gave it 3 stars because every time I sat at a table, the service was so bad. Also, the food was kinda meh. Calamari was hit or miss. I usually just stuck to drinks if I went, and was very happy. Th bartenders were awesome. Don't go and expect to immediately get a seat, unless its the offseason or its late. Def a tourist trap, but I do love the view. They have a gold mine of a restaurant, I just wish the food was better.
(3)
Alex B.
We stumbled across this place and were lucky enough to snag a spot at the bar right as it was filling up. The food was delish (veggie pasta, especially), beer selection is small but awesome, and you're right on the water. What's not to love? Well... the wait. If you want to go on a Saturday around lunchtime (the only time I can vouch for), definitely make a reservation.
(4)
Ron H.
While on vacation in Charleston last week, my wife and I ad lunch at Fleet Landing and it was excellent. We shared a bowl of She Crab, I had the Crab Lump sandwich and my wife had a chicken sandwich (both with fries). Delicious!! Our waitress was Jessica E. and she made the experience by being attentive, knowledgable, and delightfully friendly. All in all, 5 stars, start to finish! Thanks.
(5)
Phil T.
We have been to Fleet Landing about 4-5 times and it's always very good. Ate there last night for New Year's Eve. Got in quickly even though we didn't have a reservation. Service was good and food came out quickly and everyone enjoyed their meals. The gumbo soup was delicious. Four of us split two meals and it worked out well. Nice atmosphere too. It's obvious they provide a good experience since it is always crowded.
(4)
Stephen T.
Had dinner with a couple of colleagues on the recommendation of on of them due to the location. It was a great dinning experience. The food and service were exceptional. I would definitely recommend this restaurant!
(4)
Gordon B.
Casual, excellent food, great view of the Cooper River. Go for the weekend brunch, you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Red B.
First time there approx 3 months ago was a 3.5 star. Last Thursday I can only give them a 2.5 for the food. I will try again in the future as the setting and the bar deserve higher marks. Also of note both times the food runners knew who to serve the food too without asking. That dosent happen very often. Good management. Somehow I dont thing my 2s are grammatically correct but English is my 3rd language.
(3)
Chris W.
Great little place on the water! If you have the option, sit outside. Their porch has fans, misters, and a great breeze, so it's not hot. The staff was extremely attentive and very nice. Food was fantastic for the price. It is not a high end, super expensive restaurant, but more of a casual, sit, relax and enjoy yourself kind of place. I had the shrimp Po-Boy with a wedge salad. All delicious! My wife had the shrimp salad and didn't have one complaint!
(5)
Tyler R.
I've only eaten here a few times for lunch but each time it's been really good. The food is solid (especially the she-crab soup and shrimp & grits) and service isn't bad. Nice location on the water right next to the cruise ship terminal. *Update: As an additional testament to their good customer service. A manager wrote me a message thanking me for the review. Nice to see that there are still businesses where people care.
(4)
David G.
Fleet Landing offers incredible waterfront dining. While taking in the gorgeous views of Charleston Harbor, you'll dine on some of the tastiest food in town. I've been here for lunch and dinner, and I was equally impressed each time.
Unfortunately this place did not live up to our expectations from a food perspective. Despite their awesome location on the water, parking was horrible. With the exception of the she crab soup, the other menu items were not impressive. The pasta with vegetables was ordinary, the triggerfish sandwich had too much sauce and the fried chicken (although very moist) was served with Mac and cheese that did not seem fresh. I'm sure if you are in Charleston you can find better food.
(2)
Paul B.
On our first night in Charleston we stumbled into Fleet Landing. The decor was pretty artsy cool using the shell of an old harbor building, the views of Charleston Harbor were spectacular. Our waitress was a bit on the uninterested side but nice enough. The food was excellent: pan fried flounder w apricot glaze just rocked. The salmon and fish-n-chips were equally delicious. We were pretty full after dinner so we passed on deserts but the couple next to us said the pecan pie was heavenly. Prices were fair - $70 for three people before tip (no booze). Definitely worth a stop!
(5)
Susan V.
Great spot, best crispy fried flounder and grits in Charleston. Table service was good, but if you are a group of 4 women and not a couple, don't expect prime seating.
(4)
Lynne S.
We have only been in Charleston for 4 days and we have been to Fleet Landing 3 times (twice for dinner and another time for drinks and appetizers). It's our first time in Charleston and with the help of Yelp we found this restaurant. It's fabulous! The food was great and the service is excellent as well. We will be back again!
(5)
Ariel B.
On a weekend trip to Charleston, a friend and I decided to try out Fleet Landing since we were looking for good seafood and were very happy with our decision. I had a special, lionfish, and though I don't remember what my friend had as an entree, I know I poached several of his fingerling potatoes. Their biscuits were the most memorable part of the dinner since they were light and the perfect amount of buttery, but I was very happy with my fish and the stuffed hush puppies we got as an app were awesome too-- crisp on the outside, moist on the inside, and served with a very savory sauce. The atmosphere was relaxed and our waitress was attentive and friendly. I wish we could have sat outside since it's right on the water but the weather, cold and rainy, was not ideal.
(4)
Ben T.
We really enjoyed this place. The atmosphere is just as good as the food. We accidentally spilled our mixed drink (it was that good) and the waiter took care of everything. I had the shrimp and grits which were the best I have had in Chucktown so far. The gravy was unique and very tasty. We sat inside because it was cold but I can imagine the marsh smell would have not made it any more pleasant. Would def go back!
(4)
Greg S.
A classic local favorite, Fleet Landing, right on a dock facing the Ashley River, having had to make reservations 2 days ahead of time and settling for a late 7:00 slot. We sat outside to watch the sunset and sailboats. Unfortunately, this must be popular in the same way to the same set of people like Outback Steakhouse or something. We thought it was a 3 out of 5 and I didn't care for our server who was probably thinking he was coming off laid back casual, but was actually seeming uninterested and bored.
(3)
Ryan G.
Shrimp and grits were amazing!!!! Went for lunch but the portion was a bit small (even by lunch standards). Wife got the fried flounder basket. Cooked to perfection. Even though Charleston isn't in Key West the Key Lime pie was the best I've ever had!!!! Service was quick and accurate. Must try!!!
(5)
Michaela K.
Yes, great view! My husband and I came here on July 4th, so it was packed with a long wait. Understandable, considering the fireworks. Overpriced and not that good. We had shrimp and raw oysters. We got sick afterwords. That's why the review is so low. Maybe we'll give it another try someday.
(1)
Henrik C.
Went here for lunch on a Saturday based on a recommendation from a friend. We had to wait for seating, so we decided to try to the bar. Well, it is certainly a waiting area. Our bar service was very slow. They were not that busy just slow. So we were waiting for drinks while waiting for a table. They ended up messing up our table reservation, so we had to wait twice to finally get a table (it ended up being outside). There were several vacant tables, so hard to understand why assigning people to tables is taking so long. In January outside tables, are a bit chilly so come prepared. However we finally got a table. We ordered calamari for starters. They ended up being calamari fries, they were tasty, but not exactly calamari. The menu is general is basic, but there is a good selection for a good lunch. Ordered crabcakes. My partner ordered fried oyster po-boy. The crab cakes were great and adequate sides. The po-boy was tasty, but there was way too much bread. It might have been a simple miss, but there are plenty of options in Charleston, SC so it will take a while before we will try Fleets Landing again. Great food, but the service leaves a lot to be desired.
(2)
Yolanda M.
The food was pretty good and the staff was friendly. The food was tastier than thought it would be. Sit outside if the letter permits. Staff was super friendly!
(4)
James P.
After reading local YELP reviews for seafood restaurants in Charleston, we stopped in for lunch. Was not disappointed on our 1st visit for lunch. The wife and I ordered the local 1/2 dozen oysters on the half shell, which were large and very sweet in taste. We then both tried one of the lunch specials, grilled sword fish that was grilled nicely, not over cooked. The sword fish came with a side of beans that were rather tasty and rice which was mediocre in taste. We then shared a slice of key lime pie. We've been trying key lime pies over the years from Columbia, S.C., throughout the state of Florida to Key West. I would grade this key lime pie among the top 5 we've tried. With zero on the west coast breaking the top 10. We were so pleased with the quality of food and service, we had lunch here our 2nd day in Charleston. Again trying a 1/2 dozen local oysters on the half shell, not to be disappointed by being served sweet tasting large oyster once again. This time we tried the crusted cod, served with crisp properly cooked green beans and rice. For dessert we asked our waitress Allyson on a recommendation for dessert. She suggested the "Huguenot torte" a local Charleston favorite. Which is a bread pudding a la mode. Not being a big fan of bread puddings, but knowing my wife is, we ordered this dessert. To my surprise this was not anything like the other bread puddings I've tried over the years. It did not have the typical mushy texture I dislike of bread puddings. Instead had a firmer texture that included pecans, which was very pleasing in taste and topped with vanilla ice cream. A great way to top off our visit to Charleston. Thank you Allyson for the dessert suggestion and best of luck in Grad School.
(4)
Amber R.
What a fantastic restaurant for a Saturday brunch. We ate outside and the weather and temperature was perfect. Had a great view of the harbor and Waterfront Pier. My husband and I started off with the Chilled Blue Crab Dip with assorted crackers. It was a nice portion and the dip was chock full of crab meat. It was a great choice. I ordered the Chef's Fresh Fish Selection, the fish was hog-snapper with mango chutney on top. It was so flaky and flavorful - just melting in my mouth. The red rice and collards were a perfect pairing. My husband had the Fleet Landing Signature Burger and it was huge! He really enjoyed the pimento cheese on the burger. I was very happy with the choice to eat outside, it seemed much more relaxed and intimate. Inside it was quite loud and almost too many tables. It was packed though, so it really is a hot spot for locals, and tourists alike. Also, it is important to note that they do have their own parking lot, however it is quite small. There is a parking garage on Cumberland St. almost across the street (not the other one intersecting St. Philip St., which is where we parked and it's about 5 blocks). I would also recommend making reservations through the restaurant's website or on Open Table before arriving.
(5)
Jess M.
Go to Fleets Landing first for the ambiance and breathtaking ocean view. This restaurant gives you a sailors feel. Located right on the ocean so close that you can feel the ocean breeze. Great outdoor bar!!! The food was good. For appetizers we ordered the Mussels and Calamari. I would have to say (honestly) the Calamari was some of the BEST I have ever had. So FRESH and the sauces they pair with it literally made the dish. Mussels were fabulous too but lacked a bit of acidity... I was looking for a little white wine flavor. For an entree I ordered the Sea Scallops, Collard Greens, and the mashed potatoes. Scallops once again, I was looking for a little white wine flavor but overall flavored well. Needed a bit more salt though. Collard were spot on! The potatoes were average, nothing special. I would defiantly say go here if you are looking for a GOOD seafood place. It met all our desires and I would go back again.
(4)
Lisa C.
I ate here on my birthday August 5th. We were in town for a two day visit and it was walking distance from our hotel. We were seated immediately and got to sit outside where we watched dolphins swimming only a few feet away! Food was delicious and service was excellent. Wish I remember the young girls name! If I ever get to visit Charleston again I will eat here.
(5)
Melissa P.
Good location, great view, less than impressive food. Sit outside if the weather permits. People looked like they were having a lot of fun at the outside bar window. Will be trying some place new the next time I'm in Charleston--this place is for the tourists...and even though I am one, I have higher standards for my food.
(3)
Paul N.
Great fried shrimp, shrimp and grits, and fresh salmon. Reasonable prices...love the atmosphere and the service is top notch. Eat on the deck for great views of Charleston Harbor.
(5)
Cory B.
Two stars simply for the food quality. Ordered the hush puppies and had shrimp that wasn't deveined. The BLT was almost inedible and the trigger head fish sandwich was mediocre and the cheese on top of the fish was a weird combo. This is a good location and beautiful to sit on the porch, it's menu could use some help though.
(2)
Travis G.
Found this place on Yelp! And it was exactly what we were looking for. Quintessential southern seafood restaurant in an old U.S. Navy seaside building, windows on all sides. Between the six of us we got the fried flounder, the swordfish (fish of the day that day), black angus burger, and the Triggerfish sandwich. It was all DELICIOUS. The Triggerfish was likely our favorite, with the Avocado Aioli and Pepper Jack Cheese, it was perfect. Very nice service, super kind and full of southern hospitality. Next time I'm in Charleston, I'm definitely coming back here!
(5)
Melissa J.
I only spend money at establishments where breast feeding mothers are not humiliated to the point where the feel they need to leave. We have been here before but next time I visit family I will be sure to find someplace else to spend my money.
(1)
Katherine M.
We were visiting on a horribly busy holiday weekend so we could not get in until 10. It was good/OK. It has a lot of concrete inside, the interior, which was not exactly warm and welcoming in my opinion. The food was good and we paid a fair price. It just seemed more like a chain restaurant for some reason--and maybe everything was getting worn out at 10PM. Specks on the floor, etc.So I would give it a 3.5. The oysters were very good, and everyone was happy enough at the table. Our drinks were fine. Was it memorable? Not to us.....
(3)
Amber W.
Just finished an awesome lunch here. We started with the fried green tomatoes. Yum. The hub got the fried flounder. Neither of us have ever had fried flounder before and we both thought it was excellent. I enjoyed a Caesar salad with flank steak. The dressing was super-- not too tangy or creamy. It was the way Caesar dressing is meant to be. The view was a great compliment to the food! Our waitress, Allison, was top notch and even recommended another place to go later. We've been in Charleston for 3 days now and this was handsdown our favorite meal.
(5)
Alex G.
I came here on my first day visiting Charleston. Very crowded for lunch but sat at the bar right away and chatted with the bartender and a couple who frequent the restaurant regularly. I had she-crab soup which was spectacular. Views were amazing. Bonus, the restaurant had free parking!
(4)
Karen F.
The food is great. The atmosphere is laid back, relaxed and happy. A great experience but they stay very busy, so don't be in too big a rush.
(4)
J P.
In our hearts, Charleston and 'The Lowcountry, are reknown for it's hospitality, but in our experience at Fleet Landing ( fleetlanding.net )... what can we say except the Lunch Crowd must've worn the staff prior to our 2:30pm Thurs visit. Mr & Mrs N., we wish you the best, but hope you get a chance to learn from repetitive comments left about staff & portions. Otherwise... Well this review will become an increasingly sober reminder of things to come. The Host/Maître D was non responsive to our greeting her when entering. Although we thought there was a collared shirt requirement for the guys! seems to be unenforced, so there went 2 hours of 'no, leave your shirt on prior, while taking in Charleston Harbor. The 'Method of Madness is waiters take your order, enter you order into a w-fi station, then periodically check on you; meanwhile the kitchen staff will fulfill your order. _Hush Puppies. "Join us on the deck" and have some burnt round dough balls, prepared in (yes I'm certified SS in the food industry), four day old, unfiltered fryer oil. _She Crab Soup. Meh, if you haven't had before, by all means try it for the novelty. In our case, about ten spoonfuls at $6.99 (you do the math). It was enjoyable, but our family prides itself on visiting/spending on the small business establishments, even if it costs a bit more. Bottom line, our kitchen cabinet always has local She Crab soup (Here in Va.) for $2 less and a 15oz can is fairly 3 times the amount we were served. Look at some on the pictures folks have posted of their serving bowls, and expect ahead of time that a soup spoon won't be fully covered when dipping it in the first time. _Entree Fried Oyster Platter (here's the disconnect/why I explained the order/food handlers process beforehand). - :25 min later... our waiter realizes soup served, but no main course)... As a result, apologies by both waiter and Mgr on Duty (MOD)-ok, we get it, just finishing up a lunchtime crowd=no worries/it happens. - However, the waiter & MOD dropped the ball afterwards (30-40% occupancy, plenty of staff on hand, no inordinate amount of business going on...), & :10 min later the meals arrive (wait for It...). - Undercooked, Soggy, Pool of fryer oil (3 tbsp+) Oysters. Entire plate 'slapped together. Fryer oil in the coleslaw, same with the fries... _Waiter offers a redo & & he was concerned-kudos out to 'Rich but we politely decline since there's more to see & do & really, do we need more of this? _MOD offers dessert, and the Pecan Pie w/ Ice cream was excellent! Am pretty sure there was a double portion of pie served. So by all means include in your meal! So, soak up the view, expect a hurried kitchen staff, have somebody in you party play "hall monitor" to ensure accuracy & timeliness of your order. In our case, was disappointing experience, in fact the low point of the week... & thought you fellow yelpers could benefit/learn from ours... Caveat Emptor!
(2)
TK T.
Many locals recommended this place. However, I was not impressed neither with the food quality or freshness. All dishes lacked flavor and were pretty bland. Positive: drinks were strong and well made.
(3)
Eric B.
Excellent Food and Excellent service !! Went here twice while in Charleston. Oysters and scallops were to die for. Highly recommend this place !!! However the host (Morgan) was extremely unpleasant. She didn't say anything to us, didn't even smile, and left us behind while on the way to the table, dropped menus and walked off before we got to the table. However the food, server (Miranda), and bartenders totally made up for it !! High five Miranda! Thanks for the experience!
(5)
Susan W.
I must say I am a little surprised by all the mixed reviews. I've eaten here a few times, and the food has been excellent every time. We had reservations each time, so were seated right away. Very friendly wait staff, and the atmosphere is great. I recommend dining outdoors if not too hot. They also have covered outdoor seating on the side which is nice because you can still dine outside even in the rain. Their salads are wonderful, and dressings are on point. The crab cakes, pan seared shrimp (blackened), pasta w/ seasonal vegetables, and Monday's Blue Plate Special- Fried pork chops w/ green beans, mashed potatoes & mushroom gravy were all excellent. And the red velvet cake is out of this world!! (and I normally don't even like red velvet cake...) Parking space in their private lot is somewhat limited, but there's nearby metered parking too. Can't wait to eat here again!!
(4)
Stevie C.
Make sure you sit outside. The patio seats have great views of the surrounding islands around Charleston. They have a heater and mister which are great depending on your season. From our seats we saw a dolphin and that made my day. The bar also has seats on both the inside and outside. If you are eating and drinking take the outside. I will agree with many reviewers in that the service is "eh" and nothing to get excited about. Don't expect your waters refilled or your plates cleaned off in a timely manner. Not that the service is terrible. It's just kind of non-existent at times. The food is better than I expected considering it is what I would consider to be a "tourist trap" in Charleston. We had the crab dip and gumbo for an app and both were above average. Gumbo is very hearty and delicious. For our entrees we had the shrimp and grits and baked cod. Shrimp and Grits had a great sauce and the cod was ok, but the accompanying green beans were even better. I think we would go again-even with the glut of food in Charleston. But not going to lie...the patio view is getting this place at least one extra star. The place is usually very busy and the parking is even busier because it is a small and awkward lot that many leave their car in while they sightsee. Memo to everyone...walk there from the free trolley stops nearby.
(4)
Chloe E.
This is one of the few places in historic Charleston with a clear view of the water. The food is good...there is better but the prices are nice and the specials are fun. They also keep a good rotation of draft beer. Some good local beers too. This is a place I always stop by when visiting my favorite city. I have seen dolfins play and cruise ships leave from the outdoor seating. Staff is very nice and attentive. Does get busy with tourists but just as many locals stop by for a drink after work. Enjoy!
(4)
Ray B.
We've eaten here a few times on our visits to Charleston. Food is average, but view is great!
(3)
Tara B.
My husband and I celebrated our 21st anniversary here. We had made a reservation, and as soon as we walked in, we were greeted with a smile, handed a coaster for our wait, told "happy anniversary," and that our window table would be ready soon. (My husband had requested a window seat through Open Table, and they gladly accommodated.) We went to the full service bar to pass time during our wait. The bar tender quickly served us and told us that we had made happy hour by 10 minutes. (Happy hour ended at 7;00pm.) Literally as soon as our drinks were ready, our coaster was blinking indicating our table was ready. We had a very nice table over looking the harbor. We started our meal with an appetizer of blackened shrimp over pimento cheese grits. That was delicious. If it had been entree sized portion, I could have made an entire meal out of that!! Next, we had the fabulous she crab soup and a house salad. Both were scrumptious. Then we had our main course. My husband had the salmon with dill butter sauce, and I had the tuna with the honey ginger sauce. The tuna was listed as market price on the menu. Normally, I stray away from market price as it usually is very expensive. However, this surprisingly was $26 for the tuna. Quite reasonable. For sides, I had the creamy grits and green beans while my husband had the collard greens and creamy grits. We had a fabulous server, Scott. He was very attentive to our needs, friendly, and never let our glasses run empty. This was not our first time to Fleet Landing. They serve a fabulous Sunday brunch with various quiches that we have enjoyed a few times. We are Charleston locals, and we love this place. It's not the tourist trap kind of place like other well known names around the area are. It's a lovely location on the water with a view of Ft. Sumter off in the distance. You can eat indoors or outdoors and parking is free.
(5)
Laurie C.
We decided to have lunch here based on the location. It was nice to be sitting so close to the water. The stuffed hush puppies were very tasty. I had the fried shrimp and found them to be average and was surprised to only get six on my plate. I saw a nearby table had ordered the flounder and the fish of the day...both were substantial portions. We will try those on our next visit. Wait staff was very nice.
(4)
Dana C.
We loved this place! We are from Chicago and don't really have grits. We got the shrimp and grits and it was a delicious! Also their side dish of tomatoes and cucumbers is soooo good! Please give this a try if you love balsamic vinaigrette. The pecan pie with ice cream was absolutely delicious. And to top it all off there were dolphins playing in the harbor! The raw oysters were just ok we had already been to pearlz a few days earlier and their oysters were better and half the price. (only reason it got 4 stars)
(4)
Lorri A.
Nothing special about the food. Service was awful. We waited for twenty minutes to get water, then another twenty before we were visited again. The stuffed hush puppy appetizer was excellent. The fried fish was soggy and tasteless. You can do better.
(2)
Tricia H.
The hushpuppies stuffed with lobster and shrimp were to die for!! I could have just eaten those all day long!
(4)
Sarah H.
We wanted to like this place. After waiting 45 minutes we were seated at a table furthest from the water even though there were many open tables with better locations. Our server was nice, but didn't come to the table for probably 15 minutes. All of our food was below average except the biscuits they brought at the beginning which were great. We also waited probably 45 minutes for our food and when it got to us it seemed old and had obviously been under a heat lamp for quite some time. The waitress never did come back and I had to get up and get her, despite the fact that the restaurant was half full. Please save yourself some time and trouble and spend your hard earned money somewhere that actually wants your business, which this place did not.
(1)
Giselle C.
Our view was gorgeous,although the online pictures made us believe we'd have a full river view.port authority dock took away the left of our view. It was a bummer but it was still beautiful and romantic.Our waiters name was Scott,he helped us order their signature dishes.Fried green tomatoes excellent! red rice excellent! ANNNNND THE BISCUITS, ugh SO GOOD! Gumbo, bruschetta,fried seafood combo were all great,minus the side of grits.We've never had grits and it seemed like everywhere we went everything was served with grits. It's our last day,we'll have the grits."Ugh that's gross" "yeah no,I can't eat that" the table next to us saw our reaction and asked if we were "yanks" we said no we're phillies fans.They laughed,we laughed...yup,we're yanks.It was a fun experience, very affordable. Scott and manager were great. Very friendly, although sorry overall savannah ga wins on friendliest town.Charlestonians are a little too serious.Just mellow out a little and take a look around :) next year we're coming back for sure and hopefully Scott's still there!
(4)
Alexis G.
I made a reservation for 8pm on a Sunday night, but showed up early (7:30). Though there were lots of empty tables, we weren't sat for another 10-15 minutes (at an empty table that we stared at for the entire wait). The food seemed to be the typical Southern classics, but the waiter definitely made up for it. He was awesome and really helpful. We didn't sit outside, but it has some great views. The decor is very modern and you can tell that it was recently renovated. One of my party got the Pecan Pie and it was delicious.
(4)
Miki M.
Great food and service!! They get local oysters which were delicious in late December, she crab soup was great, fried flounder with apricot sauce came out a bit too hard for me, and vegetable pasta was ok. They have a small parking lot in front of the resto.
(4)
Aaron R.
Wow...10 open tables and a 30 minutes wait. It took them 30 minutes to seat two people. The food was great, the she crab soup was good and and the crab cake sandwich was great. Also our waiter was an older gentlemen who groped the underage hostess in front us three times against her will. What an atmosphere.
(2)
Annie L.
Flank stead salad was cooked pretty rare but not too my liking, My friends soup dishes tempted me to order that but negative on that part. the seafood soup that claimed they had okra was unappealing. maybe some other time, the view was beautiful!
(3)
Chris D.
Had good experiences In the past, but this time my fried shrimp and scallops were very soggy. They also forgot to make my friend's entree. Whoops. We got comped some she crab soup but overall the food was way off that night. I still like to come for drinks and apps on the patio though.
(2)
Alex Z.
Overall we were rather satisfied, but there's some room for improvement. I got the crabcake sandwich. The sauce was good, a bit of a gourmet touch rather than the typical tarter sauce or mayo, and the crabcake was mostly crabmeat, not lots of filler like at cheap restaurants. My only complaint was that it was a little too small for the bun. The Oyster Po'boy was similar: good but too much bun. They make their Bloody Mary with peppered vodka, which made it way too peppery. The server was quick and attentive. The restaurant itself is in a great location and almost all seats have a decent view. For a restaurant that's just one big room with high ceilings, the noise level was reasonable. I would recommend parking elsewhere though. Their lot is really tight. They use angle parking to fit more cars, but if it's full, you have to back out through a narrow parking lot into an intersection.
(3)
Meredith V.
I had high hopes for this place (primarily because of the awesome wine list, haha), but I don't think it really lived up to the hype. My husband and I came on a Thursday evening around 6 and despite the menu prices being high, we were surprised to see that it's really not that nice of a place. It's kind of an old crabshack where everyone (from the waiters to the diners) are dressed SUPER casual. I'm talking tennis shoes people. Some man even came in with a tank top on. If I'm paying $30 for a nice seafood dinner, I don't want to see your armpit hair. Take a shower and dress up. Thanks. We ordered a couple glasses of wine (I was pleased to see they had dry Riesling and Grenache by the glass) and the salmon & tuna tartare for an appetizer. The salmon on the wonton was amazing; I venture to say the highlight of our entire meal. The tuna on the cucumber, however, was lackluster and kind of amateur. For entrees, I ordered the swordfish and my husband ordered the seared scallops w/ the lemon thyme sauce and a side of Carolina red rice & okra and tomatoes. Both our swordfish and scallops were fine, nothing spectacular....but fine. Properly cooked, prepared, and seasoned well enough. With the exception of the polenta cake (which was actually really delicious), all of our sides left something to be desired. Bland, dull, and just not very appetizing. Our waitress was friendly enough, even offering us a taste of one of their new wines. Again, my problem with this place is that I'm paying out the nose but I feel like I'm eating at TGI Fridays. No sheik decor, no razzle, no happy hour specials, super casual attire....and that's fine, for what it is, but this is definitley not the place to bring a nice date or a cool spot to go with the girls after work. I'd suggest this place for families (who can afford it) with their kids or couples that want to have a laid back early dinner. I think the only thing Fleet Landing gets right is their seafood and there's definitley something to be said for that.
(3)
Jill S.
Great views and staff! Good food! Pricey for the portions. Old nautical decor and crappy outdoor tables lost a star.
(3)
JOSEPH A.
We had She Crab Soup and Grits and Shrimp... Waitress GREAT along with the FOOD, will come back..!!
(5)
Michael T.
The food is not that great. It is basically just bar food served in a great atmosphere. This is a great spot to grab a drink at their bar - the views of the harbor are amazing! Plus they open all the windows and doors when the weather is good so it is pretty awesome. Again, know in advance that the food is not so great.
(3)
Marvin G.
First off let me say that the place is very clean. Miranda is the best waitress in the world. She handled a party of 20 with a breeze and a smile. I had the best time. When I come back to Charleston, I will be visiting.
(5)
Harold J.
We had really great expierence. The staff from the hostess to the waiter were very attentive and courtious. The food quality and presentation met all of our expectations. We will defiantly be back!
(5)
Cristy T.
Very neat atmosphere. Must try the stuffed hush puppies. They are amazing. We ordered appetizers, salad and soup. The she crab soup is good, this was my first time trying it so I've nothing to compare it to. We waited about 25 minutes with no reservation. It seems like a busy place so I'd make reservations for dinner or go knowing you will have a small wait. The saturation sits on the water and has outdoor seating if you wish. There is a great pier next door with swings and tables. Caesar salad and scallops were good too!
(4)
Jeff S.
Excellent food and superb service from a venue that cannot be beaten!! A bit pricey but you do get what you pay for. What's not to like??
(4)
Jason G.
Above average at best. Ordered the scallops and they were mediocre. Grits were ok. Friend of mine ordered the pimento cheese crusted steak....disaster. Beautiful restaurant and good service but the food is extremely underwhelming.
(3)
Jay F.
Pros:Waitress and Bloody Mary were great Cons: Oysters were bland and over priced. Atmosphere feels like your on a ferry with a chain linked fence.
(3)
Isabelle G.
The food is really nothing out of this world however I will say that it's not all bad. I really loved my Crispy Whole Fried Southern Flounder with Apricot Glaze. However, I think I was the only one in our group that loved their dish and everyone agreed that mine was the best. We were a group of 9, out of towners and really liked the spot and the views but they really just need to work on their menu (keep the flounder!) but rework 90% of the rest of the food.
(3)
Jeremy R.
This place is as good as it gets. I'm not affiliated with the place, and I don't even know Charleston that well. I live in Charlotte, and because of the nice weather, my girl and I made the drive down for an extended weekend. We tried Fleet Landing just because it was on the water, to be honest. Boy, were we impressed. Had an awesome server, Meghan (or was it Rachel? Think it was Meghan. Not sure why I get those two names mixed up). She suggested items, she told us about the town, she directed us where to go for drinks after dinner... she was amazing. Not canned, not rehearsed... just real and like we had known her a long time. Service was amazing too. The manager, Marc, was outstanding. He took me to my table when we got there, and my girlfriend went straight to the restroom. When she got out, he recognized her and walked her to where I was sitting, without her asking. He even called his friend to make a dinner reservation for us at another restaurant.. a steakhouse that had no reservations available. But he made it happen! Then the bartender, Wes, made us great drinks. We started just telling him to "surprise us" with drinks - he was coming up with some good stuff. The food was great, the drinks were great, the atmosphere was great, the server was great, the hostesses were great, the manager was great, and the bartender was great. Can it get any better? We will most definitely be back, and it is already one of my 3 favorite restaurants there, if not THE favorite. Thank you Fleet!
(5)
Dan M.
Perfect place to stop for an afternoon snack - peel n' eat shrimp and a cold beer. The tables outside and the bar which has inside and outside seating is perfect. Don't wait for a table sit right at the bar. KNowledge barkeeps one and all; great recommendations on both what to eat and what to drink. A casual setting with southern charm and a beautiful breeze right off the ocean. People! This is why you come to vacation in the South...
(4)
Betsey C.
We had drinks at the bar while waiting for a great seat out on the patio for dinner. Bartenders were good and the drinks cold. The view from the patio was awesome and the food even better. Our server was attentive and sweet. The fish and chips was some of the best ever. The lion fish was superb. Can't wait to return!
(5)
Marty H.
The location and the view cannot be better. The food is good and reasonably priced, the staff is very friendly, and the service is good. I will be back.
(4)
Emily K.
This was one of the new places I tried during my vacation. We went for lunch on Friday and the place was hopping. We ended up waiting about 30 minutes for a table. By that point, I was about ready to chew off my own arm, so everything looked good. I settled on the she crab soup and the turkey sandwich. The she crab soup was as good as I've had. The turkey sandwich was like Thanksgiving between two slices of bread. It was roast turkey, candied pecans, brie, and cranberry sauce. It was also huge. I finished about two thirds of it. The location is really cool as well. It sits right on the water. The wait was even longer for a table outside. Maybe next time.
(4)
Emily M.
The positives: Awesome bloody marys! One of the best I've had. The make their own pepper infused vodka and they were delicious. I'd like it if they were a bit more spicy but still really good. The grits were very tasty. The best plain grits I've ever had (I don't eat them often so I may not be the absolute best judge overall). The outdoor seating was nice. When I was there it was just getting over rainy but the covered seating provided enough protection from the rain and still an excellent view. The fried green tomato appetizer was absolutely amazing! Fantastic! I'd order that every time I was there. Negative: It was a bit pricey. The food was good but I'm not sure it was totally worth the price. Overall, I'd go back. The food was good- I'd just try to be a little more thrifty while looking over the menu.
(4)
John H.
Try the Stuffed Hush Puppy AMAZING!! Thanks again John... good call. GREAT SERVICE!! Being from STL We wanted what the locals eat and this was it!
(5)
Paul M.
We were wandering along the Charleston Waterfront at dinner time, were attracted to Fleet Landing by its location and ocean views. Shortly after we were seated, we noticed very loud "background" music was just a small portion of other noises--more like a factory than a restaurant. Can't comment on the food because we left to escape the noise before seeing a menu.
(1)
Melissa S.
fantastic place for a business dinner with colleagues and definitely memorable dining experience for an outTowner!! I had the Fettuccini, with Shrimp, Scallops, Crawfish, Mussels, Andouille Sausage, Asparagus, Tomatoes & Creole Butter Sauce. wow. way to cheat on the paleo diet!!!
(5)
Janelle G.
I've made shrimp and grits before, and I was under the delusion that they were pretty good. Wrong. I never knew grits could be so rich and creamy. Try the shrimp and grits. I'll never attempt to make shrimp and grits again because they will never measure up to this dish. The she crab soup and the view are also noteworthy.
(5)
Betty C.
I had the shrimp platter. It was very tasty. Loved it. Our friends had the whole flounder and it was presented very nice and the were very pleased with the taste.
(4)
Patricia S.
Great outside waterfront tables or inside tables because of WWII hanger space. Great crab appetizers and Shrimp & Grits. Friendly, attentive staff.
(4)
Samuel J.
If at all possible try to sit on the back deck for a waterfront view with dinner. Had the calamari for an appetizer and the crab cakes for dinner. Very good and would highly recommend. Service was outstanding.
(5)
Candice R.
Enjoyed this great restaurant on our last night in Charleston. We had a large party and were able to get same day reservations, so great for big groups. We also had three kids with us the atmosphere was nice and still kid friendly. The food was fantastic: we had the fried green tomatos, seasood hush puppies and oysters for apps--all were delicious. The grits, she crab, cheesy grits, tilefish were all fantastic. Our service was so helpful and on top of things.
(5)
Blabby U.
I had a fried green tomato sandwich for lunch and it was good. The side of coleslaw was not. Iced tea was okay. Service was neither here nor there, but I think a woman dining alone is discriminated against everywhere, especially if they take up a table on the popular outdoor deck. The view is fine, but not spectacular.
(3)
Alex K.
We had oysters for our appetizer which were good and I personally had the cob salad which was so so. My husband had the catch of the day which was tiger fish. He loved it! We had red velvet cake for dessert which was pretty good. A little dry, but the icing was good.
(4)
Jenine F.
This was our first meal in Charleston and it was yummy! Our room at the Harbourview Inn wasn't ready yet, so we walked over to Fleet Landing nearby for lunch and our 1st taste of Charleston cuisine. Mister ordered the Grits with Mushrooms and Sausage while I settled on their Spinach salad with Chicken. I also enjoyed 2 Bellinis, which were delicious while Mister sucked down a Corona- hey, it's our anniversary, you know. We were stated after lunch, though not too stuffed. Fleet Landing offeres outdoor seating but we opted for indoors because the wait wasn't as long. I wasn't sure about sitting outdoors as thst section of the restaurant appeared to be overlooking marshland- and I'm not a bug-lover. Go and enjoy the fast service, cute waiters and Southern accents!
(4)
Deb J.
Being a Navy vet, the historic aspect of the building piqued my curiosity. It was also one of the closest restaurants with a view of the river. I had read the reviews and they were right... reservations are advisable as the crowds were gathering. We opted to sit at the bar and just have a drink and some appetizers. I tried their "Carolina Sunset" and it was wonderful! Paired that with some oysters on the halves and a fried green tomato stack and that was all we needed. If we had another day in Charleston I'm pretty sure we would have gone back for a full dinner. The staff was great, service was great, drinks weren't watery, and all the dishes we saw come out of the kitchen looked wonderful. Ambiance can't be beat.
(4)
Annie H.
We went to Fleet Landing while in Charleston to visit my daughter. There was a short wait for dinner so we sat at the bar - the bartender was engaging and personable, the drinks were good. We were seated on the back side of the patio, and had a waitress who was totally disinterested. She got our appetizers wrong but never apologized or even mentioned it. She never stopped back to refill water or offer another round of drinks. Our dinners were good - they were dropped off by a food runner and we rarely saw our waitress. It was like we were invisible. The restaurant was not very busy, so it couldn't be blamed on that. There are a lot of really good restaurants in Charleston, but I wouldn't return. Although the food was quite good, we left with a really bad feeling. Poor and indifferent service just don't cut it.
(2)
Matt R.
Recently took a road trip through the southeast to find good food, and good flyfishing. Luckily, despite being chased by rain for much of the trip, we found both. Out of the entire trip, which contained many, many foodie stops. This unplanned stop in Charleston (thank you Yelp! for coming through in a pinch once again) was in the top 2 meals. We had the fried green tomato stack with crab appetizer (amazing, simply amazing). Shrimp and grits (fluffiest, creamiest, grits ever). And crab cake sandwich (about as good a crab cake as I've had). Other highlights. OK, I have to fess up to my inner creep and say that the staff was pretty hot and I was wishing I had my married man mirrored sunglasses with me :P . But seriously, super nice folks. The GM came by and we ended up spending close to an hour with him, this guy loves his city! He went and looked stuff up on the web, and printed out suggestions of what to do and where to go for us (including finding a flyfishing guide in the area). Who does that? Dolphins swimming up into the cove by the restaurant by us wasn't bad either. A fabulous experience all around and I can't recommend it highly enough.
(5)
Fae W.
Food was good, it was a nice casual place. I'm definitely going to bring family anytime they are in town. Service was so-so, not too friendly.
one of my favorite restaurants to take people when we have out of town guests. the food is excellent - i don't know that i've ever had anything bad here. the fact that it has parking is also wonderful. the outdoor seats are fabulous unless it's july/august and the outdoor bar is really great for happy hour. my only complaint is the acoustics in the restaurant. although the old building is really neat, it can be really loud in there which makes it difficult to go with a large group.
(4)
Cathe M.
Our waitress was fantastic and looked like Julianne Hough! Tilapia was great and so was the shrimp and grits! Fresh biscuits and honey were delicious.
(4)
Carrie Neal W.
First, a history lesson about this water-front restaurant: the building was originally used to process American soldiers returning home from fighting overseas in WWII. A nifty little tidbit, I think! Today, the same building is Fleet Landing, a nautical-ish themed restaurant (think fishing nets separating sections of the wide open room, and decorative lifesavers) attired with sleek metal tables and modern-looking fixtures so the overall effect is welcoming, not cheesy. My family has vacationed at Wild Dunes for years and spent countless meals at Charleston's, Sullivan's Island's and Mt. Pleasant's plethora of good and great restaurants. It's a family sport of sorts to find the next "best" place we "have" to go, as well as to monitor which long-time favorites have stayed on top of their game, and my mother is generally considered the ace player in this family competition. So when I went to spend the 4th of July weekend with my parents, I was curious to see what new/old/remodeled/not-to-miss place(s) she had in mind. For Sunday Brunch, she suggested three places, out of which I picked Fleet Landing, thanks to her description, their website's menu, and Joel C.'s review. It was an excellent choice! First, none of us had a single complaint. None. About anything. From the pleasant bartender who made up a mimosa, diet coke and Bloody Mary while chatting with us about the just-finished duel between Roddick and Federer, to our delightful and knowledgeable waitress, the service was great. Our table right at the front window lent a perfect view of the water. We were all pleased with the many choices for noshing, from the small but well-selected brunch menu to the large and very "Charleston" (in the best way) lunch menu. We started with the calamari - theirs is done "steak cut," so it is thicker, tubular pieces, and served with both a delightful apricot glazy sauce and a red pepper hollandaise. I had the scrambled eggs with crab cakes (Joel C's right- no filler and yummy!) and stone-ground grits (delish!!); I got the hollandaise on the side. It was more food than I could finish; I'd get it again, though I was also tempted to try the BBQ pork with the fried eggs, biscuits and grits (how good does that sound?!). My dad went for the sandwich special of the day- a Black Forest ham panini with swiss, tomato and some kind of tasty dressing. Mom got the fish special, a very good and meaty piece of wreck fish with that same apricot glaze, served with collards that she said were some of the vey best she's ever had. In toto, they serve brunch till 3pm which is convenient for late-risers (or in this case, people like us who watched all of the Mens' Final!) and are smart enough to offer their regular lunch menu all day long to give you as much choice as possible, and meet everyone's taste and mood! Highly recommended.
(4)
Trevor T.
We had a great dinner at Fleet Landing Restaurant! It was recommended by the tour guide from the Old Exchange. I asked her what was the best Seafood Restaurant in the City and she immediately said Fleet. It is off the main strip at the of Cumberland St. I had the Lobster special and it was delicious. The service was great. The atmosphere was okay, It would have been better if we had a table with a view of the river. I will definitely eat here again on my return visit to Charleston area.
(4)
Ryan C.
This place is pretty exceptional They have great food and great drinks. If you are looking for a place with great seafood, and an amazing view, check out the Fleet Landing. If you want a place with good views and great seafood, I would highly recommend going here, and you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Scott P.
Great Restaurant on the water. Blackened Swordfish was delicious and the Coast beer on tap was refreshing. My wife had the key lime pie and loved it. Our waiter John was awesome. He made great recommendations and greeted us with two waters in hand. John is hard working and very attentive. We will go back for lunch every time we're in Charleston.
(4)
Nazia A.
Recently came to South Carolina with my boyfriend and we were looking for some good seafood with a sea view; came across fleet landing. This great restaurant is close to downtown but sits in front of the water and has really good vibe and food. The waiter we had was great and they were nice enough to change our meals and give us new portions when my boyfriends entree had pork in it (we don't eat pork)! Overall had a great experience here and had to yelp and share it! Def check this place out when your in the area. This is coming from a first timer yelper that really wants to share this place!! Won't regret it.
(5)
Gretchen S.
Can't believe I forgot to review Fleet! Prompted by a coupon for free drinks provided by our B&B (Vendue Suites), hubby and I decided to get our drink on here our first night in Charleston. The atmosphere was great- fun, casual & stylish in a not stuffy way. The bartender was really friendly and we enjoyed our seat at the bar so much we decided to look over the menu- lots of great fresh seafood and other choices. The food flying by us looked tempting so we decided to forgo our aspirations of a fancy shmancy dinner at one of the acclaimed dining options in town and eat at the Fleet. We were both really glad we did. Everything was fresh, light and tasty. Flash forward months later when I finally got around to drafting this review. The one meal we ate in Charleston that I enjoyed the most? Yup- the Fleet. I hope we can come back here soon. Enjoy!
(4)
Michael T.
One our favorites for lunch. Avoid the Bloody Mary's.
(3)
Karen C.
We had a great time at Fleet Landing. They honored our reservation with prompt seating in a full restaurant. The place was lively, fun, and family-friendly. The food was good and the view was wonderful. The price was good too. This is the kind of place you will go to on a vacation and go back to during the week because it was so pleasant and easy!
(4)
N S.
For a place that's all about the seafood - it was a huge disappointment. First - location, the place is ideally situated on the water with its own parking lot, which is nice. The inside is large and roomy, with tables on the deck, which has excellent views. The service was good, with constant refills on our drinks. Now, the food... the crabcakes and the crispy steak calamari were very good. We had an order of the raw oyster, 1 of which tasted funny, not fresh at all. As for their selections of fresh fish, which we'd ordered a variety of grilled, were ALL overcooked, leaving the fish (which weren't cheap) tough, chewy, and with little flavor. Perhaps it's best to stick to the fried stuff. It's a nice place, but not worth the price.
(3)
Lee Ann D.
We got here pretty late and they still were on a 50minute wait, so we headed to the bar and noticed the outside bar had 2 chairs open and headed out there. We were able to get served dinner there so it was a lot better than the 50 minutes. We started with the Stuffed Hush Puppies- they were pretty dry because they had soo much breading otherwise they would've been really good! I had the Crab Cake appetizer for my dinner and that was good and my BF had the Whole Flounder which was really good and he couldn't even finish it! All in all we had a good meal nothing was a huge standout just good.
(3)
Roger G.
Great place....Just a shame everyone else knows this too. Ambiance - Old Navy building that is built on the water overlooking the harbor. Excellent view! There is something about a good view that makes things better! Food - My wife had the shrimp and grits and she LOVED them....and that's is saying something as she has become quite the shrimp and grit connoisseur as of late. I instead opted for the grilled swordfish. I found it to be very tasty. Wait Staff - Our waitress was very professional and helpful. She was as good as they get. My recommendation would be to get a reservation. We went on a Wednesday night and the wait for a seat was still about an hour. Very enjoyable establishment!!!
(5)
Christina M.
This is the third time I've been here and probably the best. We came for my parents 25th anniversary. My sister wanted to surprise them with a dessert from us kids that said "Happy Anniversary from the kids". With the help of Kelsey my sister was able to order the desert request a card and make sure it matched up with the reservations. Kelsey was a huge help! I arrived to the restaurant with my parents and Lindsey greets us saying happy anniversary to my parents, the fact they were so on top of it made all the difference. They seat us outside in a great corner were the view of the water and mosh area was. Our server Abbey was phenomenal! She was extremely friendly chatting with us and dealing with our complicated orders. We shared the spinach artichoke dip which was so delicious. My dad and I both got the salmon, pan seared is the way to go, with the ginger honey glaze, my mouth waters as I type. My mom got the seafood pasta without the sausage although she did find one or two pieces in there, luckily she's not pescetarianism like me. I checked with the hostess Lindsey to make sure the surprise dessert was in order and it was! Abbey brought it out and they had nicely put a card together reading exactly what we had asked! Talk about amazing service, it's the little things. The manager came over asking how our meal was and we raved about it, all was excellent and it will not be the last.
(5)
Kevin H.
Great downtown, casual, stylish restaurant. Really enjoyed our meal. Food was terrific, southern classics with a flair. Lots of great seafood choices. A standout for me was the grits as one of my sides. We started with the calamari which when first presented did not look like anything I had seen before but one bite in, we were all "hooked" The location is awesome, if you are lucky enough to eat outside on a nice night take it. Very nice views of the harbor. Only drawback was that we were told they ran out of hot tea... how does a restaurant that is a few blocks from a grocery store not have even Lipton for hot tea?
(4)
Jerry H.
If the south Rises again I hope this is the Fleet to invade NY because it's delicious and we'd have an abundance of sweet tea. There was a lot of thought put into the layout and the atmosphere. It's deceptively simple. This place stays on your mind after you leave. As far as we can tell it's the only place to dine on the water. My intentions were Grits and Shrimp from Hominy Grill. My esteemed constituent understood the Man Vs Food factor but advised me of Fleet's added Andouille Sausage to the Grits and Shrimp. We weren't disappointed. The fried green tomatoes with crab salad were tangy and had the right kind of crisp to cool salad flavor without the briny taste. The calamari was the most unique I ever had. The Calamari was thick it was like a meaty mozzarella stick. The main course was the Grits and Shrimp. I'm not a fan of Grits but these were good. Creamy grits and brown gravy along with the shrimp and sausage made a meal and flavors like I never had. The Shrimp was plump and fresh. The creaminess of the grits and the saltiness of the gravy was a hit. It would seem like parking would be a pain. We did some walking prior to getting there so it wasn't an issue. The surrounding park is a nice way to walk off the meal. The service was friendly and quick.
(4)
Bryan B.
Went by Fleet Landing for dinner last night. Had the stuffed hush puppies to start. They were amazing - large, hollowed out hush puppies stuffed with shrimp and lobster. Awesome. Dinner was large, fried shrimp with grits and rice. It was good, not great. Dessert was pecan pie with vanilla ice cream. Fantastic. Service was great - very personable and efficient. The hush puppies stole the show - best item we had.
(4)
John E.
Great view, good pricing, decent food.
(3)
Norm A.
Food was very good but a little pricey even by Charleston standards. Really attentive wait staff, couldn't do enough for us. Highly recommend reservations, especially on weekends when city events are scheduled. The staff will work to seat you as quickly as possible but may not be what you really desire. Parking is a premium....welcome to downtown Charleston.
(3)
Maureen F.
Try the she crab soup, yummy. Service was great and goog food and a nice view.
(4)
Roger S.
Loved the atmosphere with the large windows giving a panoramic water view. Did not like the shrimp & grits, mainly because the shrimp were way undercooked. Would give another shot just for the relaxing view & try something else.
(3)
G A.
I absolutely live this place! I tried to think of a reason why I should try a new restaurant during my trip keep getting drawn back here. Great food and service!
(5)
Amy G.
I feel like I've only written negative reviews lately. So, I dug back into my memory to think of a place that's really wow'ed me, and this came to mind! We found out about Fleet Landing on our last day during a visit to Charleston. We took one of the nautical tours, and I asked the tour guide to suggest the best seafood spot in Charleston. And wow am I glad I asked. (note to self: always ask locals for best secret spots!) We strode over from the docks for a last lunch. We decided to wait out a short wait at the bar, where we grabbed a few coronas and checked the place out. The decor is nothing I expected in a city known for it's oldness. It's totally modern, fresh, and breath-of-fresh-air-y. Loved it! The open design was perfect for the large crowd, and there were plenty of places to sit out and check out the "Cupper" River and beyond. Just gorgeous! We were promptly seated and our order was taken in a timely manner. Great first impression! I had the peel-and-eat shrimp with she crab soup. Both were delish! The boyfriend had the grits, bbq, and biscuit special. I got a sample and was pretty bummed I didn't go for that myself. Everything was cooked so perfectly and presented so well. Just an awesome experience all around. Definitely check them out if you're able.
(5)
Sean M.
It was a busy night so we ate our meal at the bar. Turned out to be a good move cause the bartender was cool and the people around us we in a good mood and chatty. It was a fun night. Great Food! I had the Mahi Mahi. Yum. Atmosphere check, old building on the water. Nice. Cool place, I'd go again. It was a little on the pricey side.
(4)
Gussy H.
A small group of friends & I went here for lunch one day when we were out and about in Charleston and wanted some seafood. We were trying to steer clear of some of the more touristy places when one of the girls mentioned Fleet Landing and that they had heard good things. The service was very poor (even by Charleston standards) and the food was pretty uncreative. Although the crab stuffed mushroom (?) appetizer we had was really good, the best part of the meal.
(2)
Sandra T.
I had the pan roasted crab cake for brunch and enjoyed it thoroughly. Everything went together well. The red pepper hollandaise was a perfect touch. The crab was fresh, tender, just marvelous. Even the bread was toasted appropriately and the right proportion for the sandwich. Lovely place. It is a recycled building which gets me so excited. The building is a retired 1940's navel structure. The interior was very clean, I could say spotless. Who wants to eat in a dirty restaurant? I was thinking that U.S. Navel Officers might make daily inspections regarding cleanliness regulations. The view of the Atlantic Ocean is breathtaking. You can see this view from every seat in the place. Now, my complaints. I really wanted to get shrimp. Guess what? The shrimp is imported from Asia! The server said local shrimp is too expensive. I am sorry, that's bullshit. Charge customers a couple of bucks more for local shrimp and advertise that fact. Also, my son-in-law specifically wanted to have Sunday brunch here for a bellini. We were so disappointed when the server said they were out of the peach puree. I received a personal email from the chef of Fleet Landing. He informed me that only 1/3 of his shrimp is imported from Asia. Better, but still bothers me.
(3)
Johnny V.
Great place for seafood and wonderful service! We read about this place and wanted to try a seafood place that was within walking distance from the hotel we were staying. Great location right on the water and ample parking out front. We walked and glad we did because when we were leaving the typical summer thunderstorm came in and the parking lot was just that, cars could not get in or out and it was getting flooded. The wait was about 20-30 minutes which was typical for a Saturday night with no reservations. I ordered the filet flounder with red rice and string beans and my wife ordered the crab soup and salad. She loved the soup and salad combo. A manager came by after a few minutes and told me they were out of my dish and if I wanted another. I substituted for the flounder finger pieces because I was set on trying the fried fish. I am glad I did because it tasted great. Our toddler son liked it also, as well as the crackers the waitress put on our table. The waitress, her name escapes me but she wore her hair in two braids and was dark blonde almost brunette was very friendly and accommodating. She always checked in to see if we needed our glasses filled and how we liked the food. It was busy night with lots of large groups around us and I appreciated her ability to keep tabs on us.
(5)
Jim D.
Whoa!! The water around Fleet Landing reeks!! Am I the only one to notice the putrid stench?! If you can figure a way to mentally block the unpleasant smell from the outside, the view from the deck is really wonderful. It was a hot evening and they had the windows open to allow the harbor breezes to come in (which it barely did). Needless to say, it was quite balmy inside the restaurant. Speaking of which, the inside is bustling full of patrons and workers. This has to be one of the busiest places in Charleston. The food was all right. Nothing great but nothing disappointing either. The crab soup was very good if not a bit too creamy. My partner's chicken Casear salad was standard. My seafood pasta was quite good with adequate amounts of seafood but there was way too much pasta. Menu items were fairly priced as were the drinks*. Service at the bar was friendly and efficient but could have been better had our bartender not been such a Lakers fan. ;-) *I discovered that South Carolina state law requires a nasty 14.5% tax on liquor beverages. Hmm, that might explain why it feels like happy hour at every restaurant I've been to in Charleston!
(3)
Lady M.
My friend and I had lunch here on a recent trip to Charleston and I would definitely recommend it. After a long, hot morning on a walking tour, we were dying to rest our feet, get out of the sun, and get some nourishment. Although they are crowded at lunchtime on a weekday, we only had to wait a few minutes for a table inside the restaurant (they also offer outdoor seating). The decor is casual but clean and everything seemed to be running smoothly. We had a nice view of the water from our table. Our waitress was very helpful in recommending dishes that we would enjoy. I had the fried flounder sandwich, which was unique, fresh, and crispy, although the coleslaw on the side was underdressed and underwhelming for my taste. My friend had the mahi mahi special which she also enjoyed very much. Overall our meal was delicious, relaxing, and the prices were reasonable. It's a nice location on the water to stop for a break from shopping or tourist activities. I'd visit again if I am in Charleston.
(5)
Nene K.
I came to Fleet Landing to meet a friend for lunch. It was my first time being by the coast. I simply love this restaurant's location, how it's right by the water and looks out to all of the boats coming in from wherever they're coming from. My friend had one of the sandwiches, while I had the special which was a grouper dish with greens. The food was delish and well-proportioned, I didn't feel stuffed as is apt to happen at most restaurants. I will say that my friend's sandwhich was HUGE which means you can definitely have leftovers with some of these dishes! Service was very friendly, prompt and personable. Parking is also easy since they have a private lot right out in front. I plan to come back out here again whenever I'm next in Charleston. Verdict: If you're looking for an easy place to grab lunch or dinner in a beautiful setting with tasty food, you could do no better than Fleet Landing, imo.
(4)
sarah s.
I don't get some of the high reviews for this place. It's a great location, right on the water. But that's about all I can say for it. Utterly average food. Weak drinks. Would not go back.
(2)
Melissa T.
This was our first time eating here and we are Charleston regulars as our daughter goes to CofC. We all agreed it was one of the best places we have been to! We were seated right on our reservation time at a table outside to enjoy the harbor view. Service was attentive and friendly. We had oysters and fried green tomatoes as an appetizer. Yum!!!!! And our meals were whole flounders and one of us had crab cakes that were perfection! Fleet will absolutely become one of our regular spots now! Make a reservation and go!
(5)
Carrie N.
Amazing view AND amazing food! I feel like you usually don't get both! The wait staff was good, too.
(5)
Hula B.
great out door eating on the water - it doesn't get any better. the atmosphere and food are very casual. food is fresh and well prepared. prices are very fair. decent wine and beer selection.
(4)
Cheryl P.
Average fare. Nice location on the water.
(3)
Jarrod S.
Started out great but has gone down hill food wise. The best part about it is the location.
(3)
Ruth H.
Giving five stars based on the crab cakes that were all fresh crab, lightly pan fried, no filler and perfectly seasoned. Best we've ever had. Best water view in Charleston too!
(5)
Lars Elling L.
Notary publics serve a variety of valuable services in Charleston; in my particular case, directing my sisters & I to this awesome seafood house on the waterfront across from the US Customs house. What a stellar find, complete with some parking and (breezy) outdoor dining. Attentive & friendly service, stellar "steak" calamari, lady crab bisque, mahi mahi, shrimp po boy and (I'm told...) sinful Bloody Marys. I'm betting, based on the crowds we seemed to have JUST avoided post lunch rush, this place gets packed on the weekends/holidays, so perhaps you may want to call ahead in these times. Considering how much delicious food & drinks we ordered, in generous portions, to walk away at $100 for the 3 of us, we felt like gluttonous thieves. Happy, lumbering, gluttonous thieves.
(5)
Laura T.
Very rarely can we escape in the middle of the work day to a place that takes us on vacation for an hour. Outdoor patios on the water can do this though. Feel the sun at your back, the gentle breeze through your hair, and hear the water gently ripple as it moves by the pier. A quick 60 minute lunch at Fleet Landing was enough to refresh me for the rest of the long work day ahead. Feeling like a light lunch, I enjoyed a grilled shrimp salad with a light peach vinaigrette dressing. Perfectly portioned, plenty of sweetness, crunch and flavorful tastes to satisfy my afternoon hunger. Now only if I could just hang out here a bit longer....
(4)
Sue G.
Had a great dinner with family. Glad we had an early reservation because there was a line when we left. I liked the pasta someone else complained about, maybe it was better with our added chicken. Everyone loved their dinners and drinks.
(4)
Charles C.
Great atmosphere...right on the water. Very low key. Restaurant looks like a dive on the outside, but is very nice inside. Seafood gumbo was very good. Iceberg wedge was so so. Chicken piccata was very good.
(4)
Matt T.
Been here on several occasions without any problems. Food is always prepared well although maybe a little overpriced on some items. This has to be one of the best water views in downtown Charleston!
(5)
Lauren C.
Great location with great views. Nothing beats having a drink on the harbor watching porposise swin by. The drinks were a good price and the service was really nice, but the food wasn't all there. They need to pay a little more attention in the kitchen, the portions are way too big. They could save a lot of money by cutting their portion sizes in half. I would recommend this place for a casual drink/lunch, but not dinner.
(3)
Matt M.
Unfortunately we came here the day after going to AJ's Dockside on Tybee Island, where the seafood is without a doubt fresh. We were craving the same thing and found Fleet Landing on Yelp. The view is great and the service was decent, but the food was really disappointing. When we asked our server what was fresh, he got a funny look on his face as he tried to come up with an excuse. He told us some of it was and some of it wasn't... they do 450 plates a day for lunch... there's no way they could have fresh shrimp every day.... Ok. So he said the peel and eat shrimp was fresh, so we got that as an app. We're from Denver so we know exactly what frozen shrimp tastes like, and that's what we got at Fleet Landing. The oyster po boy and crab cake sandwich were also uninspired and disappointing. The fries (which we were excited about as other Yelpers said were fresh cut) tasted like Sysco frozen fries. Oh well, you can't win them all. But we won't be going there again. You shouldn't either.
(1)
Mickey Z.
The bartenders are mighty rude and ignore people. We sat at bar and quickly changed mind and sat. Wait staff is much better. Food was OK, they are packed probably because of location more.
(3)
Daniel R.
The shrimp and grits for lunch with a pint really hit the spot. I'm not native to SC, so I don't get a lot of shrimp and grits. However, this is the best rendition I have ever eaten. We actually took in the Blue Angels practice over the harbor as we ate our lunch. A truly enjoyable experience.
(4)
James H.
Stopped in for lunch with friends that happened to be in town at the same time. I had wanted to try it, so I'm glad they suggested going there. The view is great. The place has ambiance. I like that they let the natural look of the historic building shine through as much as possible. The service was polite and prompt. The food was quality without being pretentious. The price was appropriate. Everyone at the table was satisfied with their meal. I would recommend this to my friends without hesitation.
(4)
Leslie P.
Okay - I will start by saying this was my very first meal on my very first trip to Charleston, so I have nothing to compare it to .... I CANNOT STOP THINKING ABOUT THE SHRIMP AND GRITS!! It was the most delicious meal I've had in a long time. I went with a friend who is a local and she insisted we go try their Crispy Flounder with Apricot glaze. We found a seat at the bar but we got there too early for the dinner menu so we ordered a drink and some appetizers. The Sweet Tea Vodka and Peach nectar martini was a bit bitter - almost thought it was apricot nectar -but I managed to drink it all :) My second drink was Sweet Tea Vodka with lemonade and it was yummy. We ordered Fried Green Tomatoes and Crab Cakes and they did not disappoint. Then we waited until the dinner menu was up and I ordered Shrimp and Grits since I'd been reading about the dish in my travel books. My friend ordered the Flounder. My order was so flavorful that I kept eating in spite of being ready to burst. The flounder was out of this world as well. I am determined to learn to make this dish now that I'm home in California, but I know it will never be as good. So I will return to Charleston just to order the shrimp and grits at Fleet Landing.
(5)
Nina P.
Great Casual Food in Charleston! Perfect Lunching! Went for lunch and had good crab bisque and salad. Highlights include calamari steak appetizer and fried green tomatoes. Great views of the pier too.
(3)
Tom D.
A fantastic place to sit outside at the bar, or eat outside as well. Fantastic menu with something for everyone. Follow them on Twitter too! They're very responsive and appreciative! It's always packed, and parking is impossible at the restaurant lot, so plan on walking or paying in the lot next door. They always have great bartenders who are very friendly no matter how busy they are (and they're always busy!)!!
(5)
Joseph L.
Both my girlfriend and I got a horrible stomacache after eating lunch here. We had 1/4 lb shrimp, 1/2 dozen chilled oysters, 1/2 dozen fried oysters. Food quality was below average, but the ocean view was good so we were okay at the moment. However, we both were terribly sick for a couple of hours. If you are going to sell seafood, you must know how to treat seafood properly. You could kill somebody. Never going back there.
(1)
Ron N.
Take away that it is on the water then this becomes an unexceptional seafood restaurant. Shrimp and Grits was disappointing. Andouille sausage tasted more like kielbasa, Shrimp were small and bland, tasso ham in the sauce was nonexistent. Meal lacked any real flavor. In a town where every restaurant serves shrimp and grits this was near the bottom. Go there for drinks on the deck and appetizers.
(2)
K C.
Love the atmosphere at this place. We went here one night while on my bachelorette party and all the girls had a blast. The crab cakes are delicious as well as the fried flounder. I definitely hit this place up everytime in Charleston!
(4)
Hana M.
Came here for drinks during their appetizers hour, around 4 or 5. Our appetizers were so good we decided to stay for dinner. Sitting outside (post rain, kinda cool) was very pleasant and we saw a dolphin swim up!! The atmosphere is very nice. The spicey bloody marys are delicious though I will have to avoid salt for the next year after that. I LOVED the grits and scallops. My dinner of swordfish was really gross. Maybe it was the swordfish and I don't think I'll ever have swordfish again... it's fishy and has a chicken texture. It came with a strong tomato sauce, and polenta I didn't like them either :/ I think it was just the wrong dinner choice, it won't stop me from trying them again though, my family really enjoyed it. (if next time's dinner is better I'll add another star?)
(3)
Johnny C.
i dont know what ppl are talkin about ! its a great place to go for lunch! (i dont know about dinner), it has nice views of the waterside but the medium size oysters are excellent! and the crab cakes are excellent! no fillers!! the shrimp po boy was pretty good, okay, but its still fried, i dont like too much fried foods, but there wasnt much other options..
(4)
Sheehan T.
Incredible atmosphere outside over the water. Great service. Good, fresh, fried seafood. Nothing incredible, but how good can fried shrimp get? Great she carb soup. Great bloody mary's. The lunch menu prices are extremely reasonable as compared to dinner prices.
(5)
jeffrey d.
Great location which relies far too much on a great location, This could be an awesome venue but it is mediocre because it wants to be. The crab cake which is more like a timbale is excellent, Very little binder, It was served as a brunch dish with two microwaved (or baked in muffin cups) poached eggs, which were awful. It was also sided up with the BEST grits I've tasted in the 11 months I've lived here, The red pepper "hollandaise" was a very tasty dribble. But just a dribble. My guests had French fry baskets with 6 measly, but tasty, shrimp. To call them shrimp baskets would be embarrassing. Crossing the Ravenel bridge should have been the plan. Shem Creek can produce the same basket with a dozen shrimp for $5 less. Service is nondescript. AWESOME BLOODY MARYS!!!!! Won't be back. For such a historical venue things should be better. Some seriously good items but too many misses,
(2)
Step R.
Shrimp and grits were great. Definitely the #1 choice. Seafood pasta was good but very rich sauce. Stuffed hush puppies were good but not worth $13 for 3. Would eat here again.
(4)
Hank M.
You hear a lot of people say that Fleet Landing is pretty hit or miss, but I have yet to have a "miss" when I've been there. The shrimp and grits are amazing - order them and feel safe that you aren't going to taste another dish of them the same way anywhere else in Charleston. They prepare them with a special cream or milk that makes them taste amazing. I have taken a few out of town guests there when the question "Where do YOU want to go to eat?" comes my way. And none of them have been disappointed either. Seafood is pretty hard to screw up most of the time, and Fleet does a good job of not screwing up. My father came to town once and ordered something off menu (combination of seared tuna and one of their giant salads). The chef came out to see how he liked it and commented on the interesting pairing my father had selected. The next time he came to town 6 months later he ordered it again and the chef came out and approached him by name. That was just a little touch of class that made the experience even better.
(4)
mis h.
It's on the water which is nice. It was too cold to sit outside when we went however. We went for brunch one Saturday morning. We had the fried green tomatoes to start which were pretty good. The crab cakes and grits were the smallest thing of my life and not that good. The Boy had the oyster po boy which is about the same as any other one in town. I wasn't very impressed with the service either. We had a gift card which is the only reason we even went.
(3)
dan d.
You know what's really funny. The manager of this place sent me a message on Yelp apologizing for the bad experience but didn't bother to change the name from the one she sent to Richard M. Here's the note in all of it's glory (Hey, isn't offering a gift certificate against Yelp's terms of service?): Begin Quote - I'm sorry to hear that you had a bad experience at Fleet Landing. I appreciate you taking the time to give us feedback so that we can address the problem. I'm terribly embarassed to hear that you had bad food , as we hold our front and back of the house staffs to a very high level of quality and customer service. I hope that you will give us another chance and we can make this up to you. That being said, I would like to personally invite you back for lunch on us, and would be happy to mail you a gift certificate for your trouble. I do apologize, again, for your experience. I'm sure you were expecting much better, and we clearly fell short of the mark. I hope that you will allow me to make this right with you. Please let me know what I can do. Thank you, Sarah M Nielsen Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar 843.722.8100 - End Quote And here's my original review for my Burger Snob list: A burger fit only for consumption by tourists and others who don't know better. The bun was from McDonald's and the meat was from the freezer. Do yourself a favor, take the $12 that this flavorless bacon-cheeseburger will cost you, walk 100 feet down to Moe's Downtown Tavern, order the BLT Burger with fries and still have money left over for two happy hour PBR's. The burger alone would have netted two stars, but my mom got food poisoning there a while back...stay away.
(1)
Reed W.
Not all it was built up to be. It was OK, but not something special. The seafood dishes were similar to what one can get in a chain restaurant.
(3)
Stephanie J.
Really rather disappointing when you realize there are a host of other places to eat over on East Bay Street. The view is nice but the food is rather bland. It seems to be a good family place and the service is earnest but do not go expecting a unique meal that will dazzle your senses. The biscuits are good, the crab cakes were bland and the sweet tea was leaning on the bad side of brewing (too old/fermented for my tastes). Good place to dine if you're wanting something fried and casual but not if you're wanting a culinary experience to leave you with fond memories of Charleston's restaurant repitoire.
(2)
Julia T.
The food was great, awesome location...however...this is quite possibly the most poorly managed restaurant I have ever been to. We walked in at one on a Tuesday...there were about 15 open tables, but people standing around waiting ALL over. Then, they have a huge bar, totally filled (since they couldn't figure out how to take waiting people to tables they were all trying to eat at the bar)...with ONE bartender, serving lunch to 20+ people and drinks for the entire restaurant. The owner should be embarrassed at the poor management of this establishment.
(2)
Christina O.
Great place.. im form California. and this was an awesome experience.. love it.
(5)
Adrienne B.
Visited Fleet Landing for lunch on the recommendation of our hotel concierge. If I could award half stars, I might give this place a 2.5, but that fact that I was on vacation (aka in a very good mood) when I ate here and its location are reason enough for me to round up. The building is very cool and in a beautiful location. The hostesses were a bit slow in seating us, but whatever. It was too hot to sit outside, but we did have a lovely table by the window. We started out with some appetizers. I got the fried green tomatoes, which were very good. My dad got oysters, which were fresh and delicious, and my mom got the she crab soup - very good but very rich, as it should be I guess. After the appetizers is when the experience started to go downhill for me. We waited at least 30 to 40 minutes for our entrees to arrive, which I think is an excessive amount of time. Our waitress was scarce and not very prompt with drink refills, etc. I got a steak salad and the best way to describe it would be...mehh....not the best steak salad I've ever had, but not terrible. The consensus around the table was that our food was adequate, nothing to rave about. If you are looking for somewhere relaxed with a beautiful view, this is a great place. Just don't expect any culinary masterpieces and be prepared to wait awhile for food.
(3)
Alex B.
Great service and awesome food, don't miss it if in the area
(5)
Susan W.
The shrimp and grits were amazing and so were the stuffed hush puppies! Will certainly come back here next time I visit Charleston!
(5)
A W.
The food here is amazing. The appetizers are great, the best salads in town, and amazing seafood; however, they could do better with their side dishes. Hostesses were average in my visits, but wait staff is great.
(4)
Elizabeth L.
Great outdoor seating, views of the forts and the cruise ships coming in and out of the river. Had a good looking server today. Beer menu changed--beware! Just because it's on the menu doesn't mean they have it. But they did have my beer served at my table after he said wait we don't have that any more let me check....so just a little bit of forewarning that a situation like that might happen. I ordered the oyster po' boy sandwich and my husband ordered the flounder sandwich. I wanted a healthy side dish (cucumber salad) and my husband ordered the fries. Lo and behold when the order came out, they switched the side items. Food was okay, a little on the greasy side but the oyster po boy was bland. It needed a healthy dose of hot sauce. Overall, the view is great but don't expect much. Make a reservation if you can for lunch. When I walked in (I had my reservations in place) a woman was walking out in disgust saying 30 minutes for a reservation arrrrgh.
(3)
Tamar L.
Took my sister here for her Birthday and was pleaseantly surprised! We did make a reservation as requested, but got there an hour early and they still seated us. Service was great, Lucas was on top of it and very genuine in his ways. I had teh swordfish, while it was bit dry, the rest was really good. My nephew had Surf and Turf and really enjoyed it as well. My sister had balckend Mahi Mahi and was very pleased with it. They complimented her dessert and she was able to choose from the dessert menu what she wanted. She ordered the White Choclate Bread pudding and OH MY! Was it ever good!! I highly reccomend you do make a reservation, unless you get there at 5:00 (our reservation was for 6) and when we left an hour or so later, te wait was out the door!
(5)
John R.
This was my first visit to Charleston and I have heard good things about this place. Understandably the wait was long (just under 1 hour) due to the Memorial Day weekend. The service was pretty good for the appetizer but we waited another 20 minutes for the main course. I had the broiled Tilapia and it was hot but mostly bland. My wife had the charbroiled scallops and she was underwhelmed as well. Don't think we would go back as there are TONS of other restaurants to try. Another warning... I had a draft beer and my wife had a mixed drink... way overpriced.
(2)
Dixi S.
Awesome restaurant! I had grilled fresh fish (I think it was mahi mahi). It was great. My friend had the shrimp and grits, and that was even better! I'd definitely go back.
(4)
Hugh H.
I had the she crab soup and shrimp & grits. The soup had just enough cream and crab. Wife had the crab cake appetizer (crab cake, very thin onion rings, fresh corn salad, and remoulade). Very good. The shrimp and grits were fine but could have done without the overload of sausage.
(5)
Deb B.
A waterfront restaurant! What an idea! Good food, Great views. The crab cakes rock. Whenever we have family in town, this is the restaurant to go to. If you feel you're getting bad service, let the manager know before you get too pissed and they correct the problem asap. They great crazy busy at brunch and you can't be in a hurry, but that's every Charleston restaurant.
(4)
Whit R.
Great view. Great deck right on the water and decent seating inside, too. Otherwise, I found Fleet Landing to be fairly lackluster. The food is good, but a bit uninspired and not what I expected. Pretty run of the mill, really. The parking lot here if pretty much a clusterf@%k, too. The price is right, though. Oh, and the bar runs all the way around, so you can sit inside OR outside. Pretty cool...
(3)
Nathan W.
Delicious food, great view with the outside seating.
(5)
Kevin M.
I've been to Charleston Twice and sampled almost all the food in a one block mile of the "old slave market" area (Cyprus, SNOBs, Hanks, etc) Fleet Landing is far and above all the others in food quality, quantity, and taste. I was able to review the menu and even set reservations from Yelp too. David was our waiter, and provided top rate service to equal the outstanding meal. Ask for David if possible and rest assured that you will be well served. My family loved the first meal so much that we returned the next night to sample even more Delicious dishes. Appetizers: Calamari stake strips are superior to any calamari I've ever had, The Stuffed Hush Puppies are a MUST! (see pic) The Shrimp are on Par if not better than most in the area. Scallops are some of the best, oyster are small but very flavorful compared to the oversize off flavor oysters from the Ms Gulf cost area. My wife had just the plan "Grits" (highly recommend at least as a side), grilled shrimp with BBQ sauce, and made her own BBQ Shrimp and Grits. Outstanding combo! The main highlight of both our dinners was on the second night when my wife ordered the "FLOUNDER". (locally caught) Besides the Stuffed Hush Puppies, the Flounder is a MUST HAVE. The Key Lime Pie was the perfect ending to a wonderful meal. You will truly walk away feeling full, and rewarded for your investment in money, Taste, and Time.
(5)
Louie G.
For the life of me I can't see where all the negative reviews are coming from in regards to Fleet Landing. Charleston has been my weekend escape spot of choice for years, and Fleet Landing is the only restaurant that I feel like I can't leave Charleston without visiting. I have been up and down the South Carolina Lowcountry, and have yet to find better Shrimp and Grits anywhere. I've drug every single one of my very picky friends to Fleet Landing, and have never heard a complaint from any of them regarding food quality. For Charleston, prices are very moderate, especially considering the quality of what you get for your dollar. And given the touristy nature of the locale and clientele, the staff remains largely very attentive, patient, and helpful. I absolutely love the decor of the restaurant too. It is retro modern and definitely coastal, without being hokey. The light fixtures are funky and always conversation pieces, the large historical photographic murals behind the Host stand are fascinating. The restaurant is also the only one on the Charleston peninsula on the waterfront, and has unparalleled views of the entire harbor out to Fort Sumpter and beyond. Depending on the tides, dolphins can swim right beneath the outside tables, and large tanker ships regularly cruise by. I can't imagine a neater setting for a restaurant. Agreed, you can always find better food in ANY given city. But I feel that Fleet Landing offers a tremendous value given it's food quality, central location in the historic district, waterfront views, and generally amiable and responsive staff.
(4)
Matthew L.
"I'm sorry honey, but even though I have refrained from drinking in front of you at restaurants while you're pregnant, I'm going to have to start again. That is the only way I'm going to be able to stand places like Fleet Landing with a smile..." Fleet Landing did not live up to the expectations set forth by the other reviews and certainly didn't hit 4 stars on my 5 star rating scale like other reviewers gave this restaurant: 5 stars - I will make up a reason to start talking about this restaurant with you. 4 stars - Planning a return trip to this restaurant, post-haste 3 stars - Not planning a return trip for now, but if we end up there I won't throw a tempertantrum. 2 stars - Disappointed. 1 star - Not only do I wish I could get my money back, but I want that hour of my life back. Yelping can help with the therapy but not always. Let's hit the positives first. - view is outstanding. You're literally on the Charleston harbor and I don't think any other restaurants can boast of this. This would be a great spot for after dinner snacks or drinks - or kegs & eggs if anyone else besides me thought it was a great way to spend a Saturday morning. - place was very clean - even though it is a very casual dining experience, it had nice little touches like damp napkins for your P&E shrimp. And now for why it got those 2 stars... The anchor weighing down fleet landing on my review scale was the food was mediocre at best from start to finish. Killer Yelp reviewers like Whit r. touched on similar points. The (lunch) menu is uninspired. Charleston is so competitive, most restaurants can't get away with "boring" unless they have some signature dishes everyone orders... or they sit on the harbor. Appetizer - we ordered chilled peel and eat shrimp, which is hard to screw up... but apparently not impossible. Our P&E was spongy, which is a big "no-no" in a town where anyone can literally stop 3 places on the side of the road on the trip home from work and get shrimp that practically crackles in your mouth it's so fresh. Entrees - besides screwing up my wife's salad (list that later)... my meal was awful. I had the brunch crab cakes over grits & poached eggs w/ some kind of red pepper sauce. - crab cakes were (no kidding) each the size of a person's eyeball. For about $10 I'm not expecting much but definitely on the low-end of the value chain, and the crab/other stuff ratio wasn't that much higher to counteract the need for a larger portion size or at least a better presentation/plating. - sauce had no flavor - grits were pretty good - I'll give them that. probably some of the best I've had in town She crab soup was like sipping flour and cream with a dash of sarcastic "Yum". Of course, even if the kitchen is off, the staff can make up for it. Since you already know my score we'll skip the games - front-of-the-house dropped the ball, too. My disappointment with the staff started at the door, with a scowl from the host. Host(esses) typically don't have any skin in the game when it comes to tips so from my 8 yrs in the biz, it's girls who are not old enough to serve alcohol but hope to move up and make the real money, or girls with no motivation. Our hostess must have been suffering from the latter. Though our server was cordial enough, I'm guessing she was inexperienced rather than indifferent or incompetent because she had no clue what bbq sauce the special was using and was surprised when I asked her to check. Normally not a big deal but in S. Carolina you have several starkly contrasting types of sauce - would make a completely different dish. Granted this is a seafood joint, but servers need to know the specials when they're prominently featured on a table-tent. She botched my wife's order to not have Gorgonzola because it isn't safe for pregnant chicks - salad was littered with it. I noticed she didn't greet the table next to us for 10-15 minutes, either and blew their order as well. No communication between the staff on mistakes and efforts to fix mistakes, and I didn't hear an apology from anyone to either table about anything. Any one or even two of (service, host, kitchen) can drop the ball on a given day. Heck, all 3 can on a busy night when everyone freaks out and I understand from experience. But it wasn't busy that day... and the food wasn't poorly prepared like it was cold or late. It was just flavorless and mediocre. Based on location alone or that it seems to be a good place to grab lunch or a drink, it will stick around. My guess is all these 5 star reviews weighted the view and cool bar setup more heavily. If I was knocking back a few during my meal I would have probably given it a 3 due to slightly impaired judgement and increased sensitivity/nostalgia. :) I'll try Fleet Landing again, but will definitely make rounds to the other bazillion restaurants Charleston has to offer before coming back
(2)
Rodell N.
Mmm Mmm Mmm. It was crowded and im glad we made reservations for lunch . We started out with gumbo and she crab soup. It was hot and delicious. We had the oyster po boy and shrimp bascket. They were both delicious. Our waiter Lucas was very knowledgeable and attentive. I loved the view and ambiance.
(4)
Dustin C.
We were looking for a good, casual, relaxing place for an early dinner. After speaking to multiple folks...ok my mom....we decided to head over and give it a try. The building is in a great location and has a cool back story. The views are nice, as long as a very large obnoxious cruise ship is not parked next door. Luckily, it had left by the time we arrived. The atmosphere is, just as we wanted, very casual. The staff was very attentive as well. As for the food, The menu is similar to many other seafood places around with a few variants. We had a great appetizer of large hush puppies hollowed and filled with a bisque consisting of shrimp and corn. Three came to a serving and they were excellent. For our entree, we went very standard, one fried platter (shrimp and flounder) for me, one broiled platter (shrimp) for the wife. The broiled platter allows you to choose which sauce you would like your choice drizzled with, which was nice. The shrimp were good, as far as fried shrimp go. The flounder was OK, but needed a little something else to bring out the flavor. The broiled platter was excellent and the fresh veggies were an excellent side choice. Overall, I would prefer to give about 3 and 1/2 stars as I think you can get better for the price, but the setting and staff was too good for me to round down. Just remember, this is not a white table cloth place. There are plenty of those to chose from in the area. But, if you just want to relax and enjoy a casual meal, you could do worse....
(4)
Theresa J.
Ate lunch at bar. Not just seafood -- pork chops are incredible, flank steak salad was great! Outstanding view! Great service! Will visit again after dark.
(4)
Jennifer D.
So the restaurant is on the water......pretty view of the harbor while eating outside...... Theme: very nautical.....life vests cover one of the walls..... The service was outstanding.....peppy southern cheerleader-type girl who never failed to refill my sweet tea once it hit the mid-point of my glass. She must've taken the same food service class I took years ago.... The she crab soup: if you're into eating a straight stick of butter with crab seasoning, then you would LOVE it.....I on the other hand, did NOT. My arteries thanked me for not finishing the bowl (and I do hate wasting food). The peel and eat shrimp......expected more than what was given.....but did not have my scale with me so couldn't confirm that it didn't meet the half pound mark. good, but not terribly exciting. wish there was more seasoning. Fried oysters/fries: big fat oysters......pretty yum.....fries were crisp, unseasoned (remedied that with their delish house honey mustard). Ho hum soup (that has the potential to give someone an acute MI) and shrimp gives this place 3 stars---3.5 stars really.
(3)
S K.
Ambiance is OK. Food is above average. DON'T try the Quiche. It is the most horrible dish I have ever tried. The Crabcakes are good.
(3)
Lisa R.
Some locals recommended this restaurant to my dad as a good place to celebrate my birthday and they were right. The restaurant is so cool inside, with very neat decorations and lots of windows to enjoy the view of the water and marshes. They do offer outside seating, but we sat inside--Charleston in August means bring on the AC! The server was cheerful and recommended a lovely sauvignon blanc, which went very well with the housemade biscuits and honey butter--lordy, I love the south! The she- crab soup was good, though it could have used a bit more crab. My dad and I each ordered the shrimp and grits. The dish had a good flavor, but the shrimp tasted as if they were frozen not fresh (hence the 4 stars). We did not order dessert because we had our extra calories before dinner (we asked for more biscuits, bless our hearts!). They offered fresh caught fish, which is something I'll probably try when I visit the next time.
(4)
Joe C.
Great place RIGHT on the water. Seafood is really good - I had the Yellowfin tuna rare and my girlfriend had a vegetarian dish. When we went it was PACKED, but it was on a holiday weekend. Try to get a reservation here because it's a loooong wait if you don't. Very good food and reasonably priced - I'd go there again on another trip to Charleston.
(4)
Susan M.
Wonderful view from this restaurant on an old Navy pier. Enjoyed the lunch. Salad was fine, no complaints. I liked that they served the She Crab soup with a side bottle of sherry to season to taste (which we also used to snap up the crab spread appetizer!).
(3)
Rina C.
ocean view on the patio. it's a hot day but it's breezy out on the patio. crab cake is really good, you can taste the crab meat with southern twist by adding green fried tomato. Gumbo is ok. there's also free parking right outside the restaurant.
(3)
Jurgen C.
Great seafood and a very cool atmosphere.
(4)
Megan T.
We were vacationing in Edisto SC and wanted to go into Charleston for some sight-seeing and shopping on Market St. One of the locals had recommended this place so we decided to stop by here for lunch. All I can say is that the food was fantastic and delicious! Fresh ingredients and very well prepared. We ordered the shrimp and grits platter, the Wednesday fried chicken special, fried battered fish, crab bisque soup, and vegetables pasta. Definitely going back when we visit Charleston again!
(5)
Nathan C.
The whole feel of this place is great. We did not get to sit outside, waterfront but inside was nice. I had a salad to start out with. The vinegarette was awesome. But my friend said the raspberry vinegarette wasn't his taste. I was here in June 2012 so I don't remember what else we got but I do remember it was good. On my next trip to Charleston I will do my reviews more quicker so I can put detail. But for a great meal and view, choose Fleet Landing.
(5)
Joel C.
I wish we had found this place sooner! I discovered this place only after standing at one of the docks and wondering what this large white building was. When we were deciding what to eat for brunch, I suggested we find out what was in this building. Thankfully it was a restaurant and a darn good one! The building both outside and inside is beautiful! We opted to sit outside next to the water and enjoy the cool breeze. I ordered off the brunch menu and got the Crab Cakes with Poached Eggs. Maria ordered the Fleet Landing Burger and David got the Fried Flounder Basket. The crab cakes were to die for...all crab meat with no fillers. Maria enjoyed her burger and said the pimento cheese on it really hit the spot. David loved his fried flounder so much, he wouldn't share! This is definitely a place we will visit again on our next trip to Charleston!
(5)
Joel C.
I have been to Fleet Landing for brunch a few times. On my last visit I had an oyster Po' Boy and it was good but not great. The prices are a little too expensive for the quality. The location right on Charleston Harbor is nice although it can be a pain to find parking at times.
(3)
Sharon M.
We showed up without reservations, and wanted to eat outside.But we only had to wait a few minutes for an outside table. The scored, fried flounder was a new one for me, but it was really delicious. Grouper was good. But the outstanding service from an engaging, friendly young man who described the preparation of our dishes and made recommendations for side dishes made out visit wonderful. (Sorry, I can't remember his name.)
(3)
J G.
I love Fleet Landing! Friends and I were on Kiawah Island for a week so we only got into Charleston once. If we had hit this restaurant earlier in the week I definitely would have gone back. The atmosphere was relaxed and the service was great. The food was delicious. We were a large group so we had quite a few appetizers and entrees off the menu. I was pleasantly surprised that everything across the board tasted great. Even better the prices were lower than what I expected. The next time I'min SC I'll definitely be going there again.
(5)
TD S.
Fantastic, Traveling through area. No family to recommend a place and didn't want to end up at chain. Looked up rest in area and had dinner here. Salmon was wonderful and my husband truly enjoyed the crab cakes. Had to fight off the family trying to steel my grits!!!! We ever make our way back we will return here. Make a reservation as the secret is out.
(5)
John K.
Came here for lunch and was promptly seated. The service and food were AMAZING. I ordered the blackened triggerfish sandwich. It was better than any other blackened fish sandwich that I've ever had. The flavors complemented each other so well! My compliments to the chef. The waitress was friendly and prompt to provide refills and anything else we needed.
(5)
Mark B.
Yay! Super place. Very good feel to it, loads of windows looking over the water, neat decor, good service from Lucas, and best of all, the food made everyone in our party happy. Had the seafood of the day and liked it, only about 10 bucks (lunch).
(4)
Amy H.
Love: location Downsides: food, ridiculous parking layout, indifferent service I want to like this place, the location is great. But starting from the lousy parking layout (it's like the diner motel, you can get in, but you can't get out), it just disappoints all around. The menu oversells the preparations and everything I've tried is boring at best. The alcohol is fine, so maybe drinking heavily is the answer. I'm looking forward to someone buying this restaurant and making it as special as the waterfront setting. In the meantime, I probably wouldn't bother going again even if someone else was paying. There are so many great restaurants in town that there's really no reason to waste time, money and calories here. The only reason I give it more than one star is that I do know a few people who say they like it. In short, if you were blind-folded and told you were in Applebee's, I'm pretty sure you would believe it.
(2)
Gary P.
We had drinks here the night before and decided to return for dinner. Loved everything about the place. Our waiter, Lucas, was excellent and very helpful with recommendations. The food was prepared well, served promptly and was very tasty. I had the swordfish which was outstanding. My wife loved the crab cakes. The hush puppy appetizer was terrific but get it to share because it is a large portion.
(5)
Chris F.
One of our favorite restaurants for taking friends and family when they are in town. Close to Battery Park with the famous pineapple fountain and on the water for that true Charleston feel. Drew, the Executive Chef, and Sam the manager are great! Everything is so good, and if you are not satisfied, let them know and they will make it right!
(5)
Erin T.
This restaurant epitomizes true Southern cooking. You can judge the quality of any Southern restaurant by how divine its Shrimp and Grits dish is. Well, Fleet Landind definitely doesn't disappoint. The dish comes with a mound of creamy stonemill grits covered in a special gravy with plenty of shrimp and Andouille sausage for each bite. I normally don't finish all the grits when I order Shrimp and Grits but this time I had to lick the bowl clean (not literally, I do have some class). For those who aren't into food with gritty textures, the restaurant has other seafood staples like crab cakes, Tilapia, and surf and turf fare. Really, there's something for everyone since they also offer pasta and burgers. The cool thing about the restaurant is that it's housed in an old abandoned Navy fleet landing building (hence the name). Apparently these building near the docks were where Sailors would be dropped off for some R&R. They would get rations of cigarettes, maybe some booze and girls would be there waiting to have some fun with them. I love the view of the Atlantic ocean from the large windows, and they even have a bar that not only serves patrons inside, but also serves patrons on the outside deck since the bar doesn't have a back wall. The service is wonderful and even though I was with a large group (30+) we all got our food in a timely manner and our servers made very few mistakes.
(5)
jane s.
Visiting Charleston has recently become visiting Fleet Landing. I've only been a few times now, but each time has been a great experience. The service is great, the outside eating has a gorgeous view - birds will scavenge though, so look out (; I recommend coming at lunch rather than for dinner for a cheaper meal. We went for an early dinner and wished we'd gotten there earlier. The she crab soup with blue crab roe and sherry was amazing, and the scallops are great too. The other review was right about parking though. It's impossible to get out of once you're ready to leave. I usually park in the public garage anyway since I like to walk downtown anyway. Check their website for menus for lunch or dinner, reservations and history. fleetlanding.net
(4)
Frank C.
I've been to Fleet Landing on several different occasions in the past few month. The food has always been consistently good and the waitstaff friendly and helpful. The only down side is how busy they always seem to be. Waiting on a table has taken anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour no matter what day of the week we have gone so make reservation if you are going.
(4)
Traci C.
During the Christmas holiday, my husband and I travelled to SC to visit my family. As always, it is tough to choose where to dine because of the vast amount of establishments. We came upon Fleet Landing for lunch one day and walked away with very fond memories. To start, my husband and stepfather enjoyed a bucket of locally steamed oysters. They came in little clusters, and I even enjoyed sampling a few (and I am not an oyster girl). My mother and I shared a plate of fried green tomatoes and a bowl of she-crab soup. Both were excellent. For lunch, two of our party had crab cake sanwiches, one had the shrimp po-boy, and another had a seafood scallop platter. We each had a great time sampling a taste of each dish. The food was absolutely marvelous and served hot and fresh. The actual restaurant has a sea-like charm to it, and the ambience goes along great with the water view and Charleston Southern hospitality. After a nice meal, we walked back to our car in a parking deck about 1 block down. There is no parking at the restaurant, but with the beautiful Charleston weather and the large portions you receive, the walk will do you good! Cannot wait to return for our summer visit. Give it a try!
(4)
Jen L.
Fleet had a great water view which for Charleston is somewhat rare in restaurants. Definately family friendly. Be sure to make a reservation! Used the open table ap through Yelp which was super easy! Free parking here too...another rare find in Charleston!
(4)
Devin B.
The "Stuffed" Hush Puppies are the bomb!!
(4)
Leon B.
My wife and I had our first meal in Charleston at Fleet Landing and talked about the Shrimp & Grits for the rest of stay. They raise a simple local dish to gourmet. The grits were perfect but the sauce was what made it amazing - some sort of shrimp reduction. We had lots of Shrimp & Grits in other restaurants but none came even close. Service was great and the view rounded it all out.
(4)
Leah S.
We tried this restaurant despite of the locals hems and haws about the food. Our first night we wanted to eat on the water and enjoy Charlston. Just to lose ourselves in the food and waterfront. This did NOT happen. I ordered the surf and turf and he ordered the salmon. The definition of bland would have been an improvement to these meals. These weren't even seasoned with salt and pepper. The mashed potatoes were like SOUP!! the steak was just existing and the shrimp were not even cooked all the way through, how do you screw up shrimp? The service was just as bad! We ate grey, tasteless matter for dinner that night. Nothing more. The drinks were ok if they didn't take 1/2 hour to deliver. When we were done and ready to go we waited 30 minutes for our waitress then had to go FIND her. Only to find her shooting the breeze with a fellow bar tender. I will never go back and I hope that they don't get much business and shut down and someone with vision and good business sense comes and takes that beautiful spot over. Oh the soup was ok. Disappointment doesn't begin to describe our experience. Stay away. Listen to the locals! Not worth the 150+ that we spent.
(1)
Joseph R.
Great venue. The shrimp and grits were fabulous and would highly recommend the stuffed hush puppies the wait staff were knowledgable and friendly. A great dining experience
(4)
Jamie M.
This was my favorite restaurant that we went to in downtown Charleston. It wasn't even on our original list of to-dos but after reading that it was the only "waterfront" restaurant we decided to give it a try. We ordered the artichoke dip and scallops for an appetizer, both were good, although I still think Blossom has the best artichoke dip in the world. I was seriously in love with my tilapia...everytime I think of it I start salivating...I would make the 8 hour drive to Charleston in a heartbeat to have that tilapia again...sigh. I forget what my boyfriend ordered, I was too busy devouring my tilapia, but he enjoyed his dish as well. The building itself is kind of neat, starting out as an old ferry building, then turning into a navy facility, all of which is explained out on your menu. They had a nice deck, which the bar opened out into. The happy hour crowd was pretty strong that evening thanks to the yacht club, but our waitress said it wasn't normally that busy and apologized for the noise. Speaking of the service (Morgan?), she was awesome and a big reason they get a fifth star - very attentive and friendly. My boyfriend was laughing at me because I told him after we left that she was so cool I wish she could have sat down and ate with us. The parking lot did look insane, so we just parked in the garage across the street (it was only a few dollars). Overall fantastic food, ambiance, and service, we'll be back!
(5)
Steve O.
Parking is terrible and it's a very noisy atmosphere, but who cares the seafood and view is awesome.
(4)
Brent S.
I am having a hard time writing this because I used to love Fleet Landing; last few times it has gone downhill. I ordered the sword fish steak dinner and the fish came out undercooked, almost gelatinous. However, the waiter never came back to check on us so I ate the sides. Everyone else thought the food was just ok, nothing spectacular. The manager was making rounds and I flagged him over to see if he could find our waiter to fill our empty beverages and pointed out my fish. He commented that's the way the kitchen prepares it. Really? He didn't seem to care one bit. With all of the great restaurants in Charleston, I beg you to skip this place. It's been hit or miss lately, which is sad because I used to love to bring friends here, very sad.
(2)
Natalie P.
Great place!!!! Loved the fried green tomatoes and crab cakes. Also the mahi mahi and green beans were amazing. Best part though was the bread pudding. You must try it!!! Loved the location of this place. Definitely will return.
Ok view but overpriced low quality food. Don't get the calamari, it's horrible
(2)
Meg C.
Excellent food & waterfront views!
(4)
Melody C.
Amazing. That's all there is to it. We were a group of 8 with two kids and a vegan. The waitress was super helpful and knew her food. For someone who doesn't eat fish (unless someone else is paying!) I was super impressed. For appetizers we had fried green tomatoes with a crab stuffing- can you say yummy?! The tomatoes were fantastic and the crab stuffing, I don't even know how to describe it! It was perfect paired with the tomatoe, not fishy tasting at all. We also had the stuffed hushed puppies. As a true southerner, hush puppies are a staple. These were loaded with lobster, shrimp, and a corn chowder. Oh.my .god. I didn't think you could improve on a hush puppy, but boy did these guys!! I even tried a bite of gumbo. Now I don't know what gumbo tastes like anywhere else, but this stuff was super. For my meal I had the smoked turkey sandwich with candied pecans and cranberry sauce- I will probably be trying to recreate it somehow- it was so good. On top of that the view while your eating is fantastic. I would definitely want to come back if we make it to Charleston again!
(5)
Mark C.
The food was okay considering the cost, the location is great but the noise level is so bad you can't hear your table companions speak without shouting.
(3)
Meg D.
My best friend's dad came in from Montana and she wanted to take him to a good local restaurant with reasonable prices, good seafood and great views. Fleet Landing did not disappoint. I got seafood pasta, which may sound boring but my friend's dad called it seafood surprise. It had mussels, scallops, crawfish and shrimp along with an amazing sauce and sausage. I was so excited to get crawfish in my pasta! We ordered delicious fried green tomatoes for an appetizer. My friend had shrimp and grits, her husband had a shrimp ceasar salad, her dad had a fried seafood platter and her son a kids chicken finger basket. All of the meals were great. The view was fantastic and there was available parking (a relief in Charleston), but get there early. The place really started filling up as we left. The prices were a little high but the portions were huge and the quality was great. The prices are a bout what you'd pay at the Crabhouse or a similar seafood restaurant and good by Charleston standards. It was a little warm in the restaurant for early May and a little noisy but relaxed and a great atmosphere.
(4)
Jenna C.
Awesome find from reviews on this site! The only draw back is difficult parking as mentioned in other reviews, just go to the parking deck across the street first thing. This was exactly what I was looking for! Comfortable, outdoor, great seafood restaurant. My co-worker ate all his oysters before I could snag one, I attacked my tuna ap like I hadn't eaten in weeks. The rolls and butter were my planned after meal enjoyment. The crabcakes entree was one of the best my co-worker has ever had, more crab than cake and finished in under 5 minutes. The mahi mahi was not as impressive. Overall a pleasant surprise in our dinner outting.
(5)
Von B.
Good food. Good price. Parking a bit of a problem. It also close to other things to do. The surf and turf very nice.
(4)
Tom M.
Took my wife once on our 20th anniversary and took a friend from out of town a couple months ago. It's a nice place with a casual atmosphere on the waterfront, and I don't have any major complaints - just two things I'd like to point out: First, if you dine inside, the noise level is very high, not uncommon with restaurants in Charleston. So, If you expect that before you arrive, you shouldn't be disappointed. Second, the portions, in some cases, could be larger. The staff are friendly and the service is good. There is outside dining, but be careful because you don't want to be dining in the sun, and you don't want to be outside during sunset, because of the mosquitoes. The food is definitely very good.
(3)
Caroline M.
Fleet Landing doesn't try to be anything it's not and I love that about a restaurant. The people and atmosphere seem to maintain a very casual sophistication. The interior has a simple warehouse feel to it. There is a nice bar which opens up to the patio, so you can sit outside or inside and enjoy a John Daly or beer. Lots of windows make the place feel like it is engulfed by the sight of the glimmering ocean. This is a great atmosphere for a nice family lunch or casual cocktail. The shrimp and grits were some of the best I've had in South Carolina. Fried Green tomatoes served with some crab meat are pretty delectable too. There was even a former national news anchor dining here with her family!
(4)
Kirk W.
Might be my new favorite restaurant in Charleston. Ok, so I have only been in Charleston a couple times but I really liked this place. Service was excellent. Waiter was always around refilling drinks and worked with us to make sure we got exactly what we wanted. The menu is just a starting point, I'm one of those picky people that changes as much as I can and it worked out perfectly. My food came out wrong but it took no time to fix. Hushpuppies aren't on the regular menu (there is some $12 hushpuppy appetizer, no thanks), but the waiter made it happen and we got a nice basket of them anyway. Had swordfish for the the first time and it was great, would recommend getting it blackened instead of the dish that's on the menu. A friend got the scallops and must've had about 20 of them, very impressed with the portions. Green beans were pretty much the best green beans I've ever had in my life. Lastly, got a great view of the water outside and although it had just rained, the managers agreed to open up the screen and let the breeze in.
(5)
John D.
Not a place for families. My grandson said it was for 21 year olds getting their 1st beer. That's the atmosphere. We had to wait an hour although we were told 45 minutes. Not a serious crime except there were empty tables? As for food - the nine year old had buttered pasta that was awful - who heard of not salting the pasta water? I had she crab soup which was a crab bisque - good but nothing special and no roe as advertised. The vanilla ice cream had melted and refrozen more than once- grainy, with ice chunks in it. Our hotel raved about this place, but I wish I had followed my instincts and gone to Hyman's, touristy or not. For reference, most of the food raved about were appetizers. This restaurant is getting a 3 star because it had incredibly good oysters on the half shell - wish I'd made that my dinner.
(3)
Valerie H.
After living here for 4 years, my boyfriend and I finally tried Fleet Landing a couple of months ago. Since then we have brought every guest that we have had here in Charleston including my mom and brother to eat there. The bartender we had last night was awesome and very friendly. We ordered the blue crab dip which I must say is my favorite thing that I have had there! It is creamy and rich and everything a blue crab dip should be! My favorite entrees are the shrimp and grits (the best I have ever had) and the mahi sandwich with coconut aioli which I get everytime we go there and their fries are delicious, as I consider myself somewhat of a "french fry aficionado". My boyfriend always gets the crab cakes and they are always delicious! Since trying Fleet Landing we have YET to have anything mediocre foodwise but both of us agree the restaurant could us a little facelift. I would highly recommend Fleet Landing!
(5)
Regina S.
I have a crush on one of the servers here so I thought I'd give it a shot. Great location. Worst Mojito. Seriously. The 'steraunt is right on the water. Perfect setting for a crisp Mojito, not a crap Moji-don't. Went around 4:00pm on a Sunday and I was given some lame excuse for them not having oysters in December. Hello? It's a month that ends in "er" and it's a fish restaurant in Charleston, SC. Three stars for the hottie server and location (mostly the location).
(3)
Serena S.
This place is definitely good, but I definitely wouldn't say it was spectacular. The location is, however. It's right on the water next to a cruise port. There's parking available in front of the restaurant, but not very many spaces available. So be prepared to find some street parking because the parking garages around there are ridiculously overpriced. Reservations are definitely recommended on weekends. There's indoor and outdoor seating. Don't be scared if you're shafted outside in during fall or winter because they have heating lamps! Since I had to wait 45 minutes to get a table, I got to do a little food watching, drooling over every plate that came out of the kitchen. Everything looked pretty good. Maybe it's because I was starving. My significant other and I ordered the calamari appetizer, yellowfin tuna with dirty rice and mashed potatoes and the fried scallop/shrimp combo with collared greens. The tuna was well cooked and they have several different sauces you can choose from to go with it. However, the tuna could have been more fresh. I chose the miso sauce, which was sweeter than I would have liked. The mashed potatoes were bland, but were at least made out of real potatoes and not potato flakes. The collard greens were well cooked and seasoned, but the dirty rice was sub par with some sad looking pieces of sausage in it. The calamari appetizer was excellent and really well cooked. Not chewy at all! I have to say that their sweet tea is also really good! I know, I know. How hard could it be to make sweet tea? But their sweet tea was that good. They also have a large wine and beer selection. It's a great place to come with your family or with a date.
(3)
Becky A.
A friend recommended this restaurant - otherwise we probably would not have known about it - as it's not one of the more highly advertised restaurants. Thanks to my friend for this great recommendation - - we ate lunch here and loved it - - -great atmosphere - very creatively decorated - and fantastic seafood - a "must" for your Charleston visit!
(5)
Richard M.
Hey, this place only gets two stars because of location. The service was poor and the food was worse than grade school cafeteria stuff. I had shrimp and fries. The shrimp was mushy and the fries were greasy. The tea was tasteless. Sams sells better frozen food.
(2)
Clode C.
Didn't know we could get quality food in what looks like a tourist trap. Well it actually does exist. Great food and service!
(4)
Ethan S.
The view from the outdoor seating was nice. The gumbo and the shrimp and grits were also pretty good. What will be most memorable, however, will be when one of the umbrellas blew out of its table in a strong wind, and the metal pipe crashed straight into my skull. Two staff members witnessed the event. Neither seemed to care.
(2)
Aaron S.
I ate here after picking out an engagement ring with my then-gf* at an antique jewelry stall, on an absolutely gorgeous summer day. Forgive me if the food wasn't tops on my list of memories. Love the view though. *yeah we're still married! I just didn't know how to write that.
(5)
Andrew H.
If you're in Charleston, looking for good seafood with a moderately-priced menu, then Fleet Landing should be a top consideration. I've been several times and have not ever been disappointed. I haven't been there to try the brunch menu, but have been for Lunch and Dinner. While the lunch menu is pretty standard, the great advantage about going to lunch (and I believe this can be said for a lot of restaurants in Charleston, especially the "pricey" ones) is that you have the opportunity to have great food and a great price. I had the grouper sandwich with the pasta salad as a side, a solid choice in my opinion. If you go for dinner and you don't order the hush puppies, then you're missing out on a delicious treat. Fleet landing takes advantage of the great seafood in Charleston to offer a rather unique version of a standard appetizer you see in the south. Overall, the combination of great location, great food, and fair prices, allows for a great dining experience at a great value.
(4)
Matt R.
The stuffed hush puppies were phenomenal, and the swordfish was very good. Others at my table were disappointed with their meals, although they all ordered something boring (I forget what). I had one of the best meals I've had in a long time, in a unique building with a beautiful view.
(4)
Chris M.
This was our first meal while visiting Charleston for our first time and it was wonderful. We got there early and were immediately seated. We sat out on the deck and watched the clouds and sky turn pink/purple as the sun set and got to watch a container ship head out of port. We had the Lump Crab Bruschetta for an appetizer and the Shrimp and Grits and the Pan Seared Tilapia for our entrees. Everything we had was spectacular. Probably the best seafood meal I've ever had. Price was reasonable and the staff were awesome. By the time we left the place was packed. Make reservations or come early. Highly recommend this as a must place to go while visiting Charleston.
(5)
David H.
For years I wanted that property for a restaurant, I'm thrilled that someone has done it. Wonderful, casual, place. We went for lunch. My shrimp po boy was great. I particularly like it on a nice warm day when I can sit outside and drink a cold beer while looking over the harbor.
(4)
Brian B.
Great atmosphere, particularly if you sit outside. Prices are very reasonable. Food is tasty, well executed, simple seafood.
(4)
Gillian F.
Pimento cheese is great! Also, these are the best shrimp and grits I had in town!
(4)
David L.
If you like Red Lobster, you will like Fleet Landing. Nice location. Ok for a drink and some shrimp, but there are many better for a top rate meal.
(2)
Keith C.
I finally went to Fleet Landing on my recent trip to Charleston. The place looks cool from the outside. They sat us outside on the side. Terrible view. All we could see was Marsh. The chairs were those horrible cheap plastic things like you put on your deck if you are on a limited income. Very uncomfortable. The waitress took forever to come to our table. Once she did, she was very nice. I ordered. Bloody Mary. It was bloody bad. So dont order that. Then I order the blue cheese wedge salad. The wedge itself was fresh but the blue cheese dressing was average at best. The bacon appeared to be a bacon substitute. Very bad. I could only eat half before I gave up, because it just wasn't good. Ordered shrimp and oyster combo for dinner. Not bad - but very average. This appears to be a tourist trap. Plenty of good places in Charleston. Go there and avoid here.
(3)
Michael H.
So we asked for a seat outside on the water and were told it would be a 45 minute wait. Since we were starving we decided to eat inside and were told it would be 5-10 minutes. While waiting we decided to check out the view of the water and noticed about six table with no one seated and it stayed about the same the whole time we were there. Guess you have to pay somebody off to sit outside. We get seated and our server (we'll call him Skippy) arrives. He's young and enthusiastic, definitely new to waiting tables, and a bit in over his head. I mean come on, who doesn't know how to open a bottle of wine or pour it? Food was mediocre to fair. I ordered the scallops with honey ginger sauce (on Skippy's recommendation) and she had the crab cakes. We also split a bowl of she crab soup. The soup was decent but was lacking in actual crab. Scallops were tiny and the sauce overwhelmed whatever flavor the scallops might have had. The crab cakes had lots of breading but weren't bad. All in all, this place appears to be hit or miss. I f you can get seated outside it might be worth it depending on what you order.
(3)
juli a.
Tonight was the second time trying Fleet Landing. The first time, food was outstanding and service was okay. This time, the food was good but not great and the service was fair at best. We ordered the pimento cheese appetizer-okay. fried shrimp, grits and green beans-flavorless. grilled chicken sandwich-tasted like something out of a bad sports bar. We went for an early dinner-late lunch and left very disappointed. The server was less than friendly and very unavailable. Wish we would not have wasted one of our nights at Fleet Landing, so many other great restaurants in Charleston! Will not be back!!
(2)
Barbara R.
My favorite place for shrimp and grits. Also tried the Fried Green Tomato Stack layered with crab, delicious. And the Iceberg Wedge Salad was loaded with chunks of bleu cheese and crispy bacon. Brought my husband and son with me this time and now they are hooked as well. Friendly service and great food.
(5)
Sarah J.
When ever I have friends in town or am showing someone around Charleston, I always recommend Fleet Landing. It is the only place in town that has waterfront dining. It's great for lunch- imagine sitting outside in the sunshine with a bucket of oysters and one of their "special" bloody marys made with pepper infused vodka-- if it's cold out, the porch is covered and heated. The inside is fresh- classically nautical-themed with cozy booths and great views. Their community high top tables are perfect for larger parties and the outdoor bar is a lot of fun if you're into more of a social scene. Wines are more than reasonably priced and you can almost never go wrong with the soup/catch of the day. The food fits the"classic Carolina sea fare" category with really great shrimp & grits, fresh/local oysters (stick to late fall/winter), and if you happen to be in on a Thursday for lunch, I reccommend the blue plate special: shrimp pot pie. The crabcake sandwhich is pretty good. Lots of lump meat and no filler- ask for it with a side of tarter sauce and skip the red pepper sauce that comes with it... they're some of the best I've had in Charleston (and I'm from Maryland)
(3)
Jeremy F.
Definitey surprsied I'm leaving this rating after checking out a lot of the other Yelpers here... Atmosphere is obviously the saving grace at the Fleet, but you gotta have some decent food to bring people back. We ordered the Stacked Fried Green Tomato appetizer & the Calamari. Nice batter on the tomatoes but the tomatoes were kinda of tough and pretty sour, crabmeat was good & clear, but bland. The calamari came out as "steak fries" style, not the typical rings we expected, and a couple tasty sauces, a spicy remoulade & a tangy apricot based sauce. Unfortunately, the Calamari was quite awful and had the consistency of imitation crab meat... I ordered the Fried Flounder sandwich with pepper Jack which looked great when it came out, but was also extremely bland. Overall, the service from Clay was great & the sweet tea was very good, but the food was bland, boring, and disappointing. Maybe I should have tried the Shrimp & Grits.... Oh well, live & learn. "Bland Landing" gets 2 stars.
(2)
Lesley D.
My husband and I have been twice. Once was two years ago on our last day in charleston. We decided charleston for our one year anniversary trip. We picked up where we left off.... Fleet landing. It doesn't matter if there is a wait for a table b/c they have a fabulous bar. Shrimp n grits are really off the charts! Great views, great location, great service! Definitely will always visit fleet landing when in charleston!
(4)
Peter M.
Excellent restaurant, great views and food. Had Shrimp and Grits - almost made me want to move to the south. Parking not a problem as we walked there in the cool weather.
(4)
Mary D.
I lived in SC for a year but I am originally from and back in Massachusetts. This place was beautiful. I went here on a Thursday night so it was a younger crowd, extremely busy and the bar was non-stop. It was still nice though, the hustle and bustle added to the entire night. We had crab cakes that were unparrallel to and i've had before or since then, they were amazing. The company and feeling in the restaurant was charming, a mix between casual southern nights and busy city. I would go here everyday if I didn't live 900 miles away!
(5)
Bill M.
Fantastic view, great food, and a good wine list. Service is good, and the prices are very good (including some of the wines...) You may have to walk a little, as parking can be a problem at peak hours... 7 days, 11a-4p lunch, 4p-10p dinner (11p F&S.) Brunch on weekends.
(5)
Remi L.
Don't be put off by the exterior. Definitely stop by if you're hungry in Chucktown. Waiter (Clay) was very helpful in suggesting what NOT to get in food and wine. The shrimp and grits are actually Louisiana style, not SC, but yummy none the less. Nice relaxed vibe. Fried green tomatoes were best of 3 we tried in one weekend.
(4)
B R.
Well, it took about 4 years of continuous travel to Charleston to actually have a bad meal but Fleet Landing managed to deliver. Which is really sad because this is one of our favorite Charleston spots. We've had great lunches here over the last couple of years and have sent a lot of friends there. So we were excited about the prospect of an early New Year's Eve dinner there this year. Utter failure. There were four of us. I got the Mahi Mahi with Pesto which was bland tasting and the pesto was almost certainly out of a jar. The fish was OK but everything including the pesto was tasteless. I had to salt it vigorously. My wife had Mahi Mahi as well with lemon and capers. Except no capers. They ran out of capers. Her's was equally bland. Another friend got the shrimp and grits and ate about 1/4 of it. It was AWFUL. Just awful. Like it had been made two days before and re-heated. Which might make sense b/c the food came out really quickly. I am so disappointed because we have been talking this place up from previous visits and it just utterly failed us. Not only did it not live up it was just plain BAD. It was like telling someone about how cool and funny and great a friend of yours is who lives in another city. You go visit this friend and not only does he turn out to to not be funny, cool or great but gets drunk, vomits on your other friend and goes into a racist tirade. It's as if you've never actually met this 'other' person. That's how I now feel about Fleets Landing. Completely different restaurant than the one we've been going to lo these last few years. You know, we eat shrimp and grits all the time - make it ourselves and order it, all over the country. The best shrimp and grits I've ever tasted has been in Charleston. The fleets landing S&G were the WORST shrimp and grits I've ever tasted. Strong words, I know but this is the level of my disappointment and disillusionment. Oh, and almost forgot - but the appetizers were sh*%%y too. I got the crab dip which was a cold ice cream scoop ball of hard packed crab and mayonnaise. Tasted like old deli chicken salad. . Huh???? Ridiculous. Will NOT go back to this place - at least for dinner.
(1)
elizabeth l.
with its picturesque view of the harbor and menu rife with southern delicacies, this restaurant is an excellent choice for a charleston experience. extensive wine selection, good food, and competent service. fleet landing is a great place dine or drink al fresco on a beautiful day.
(4)
Ashley T.
This place was recommended by a local, so we decided to try it out. It's right on the water and is real nice inside. Portions are nice, but the Shrimp and Grits are over-rated. Try the Mahi-Mahi Sandwich with Coconut Aoli.... so good!
(4)
David C.
I ate here Sunday night with my girlfriend and we were definitely impressed. We kept hearing about this "she-crab soup" so we decided to try some. WOW; it was delicious! My girlfriend had the swordfish and I had the shrimp in a ginger honey glaze. Both were cooked extremely well and the server (France) was great! We thought we were too full for dessert, but when we heard the words "white chocolate bread pudding covered with strawberries," we just HAD to make room. Boy are we glad we did! It was a little foggy that evening, but the view and breeze off the water was spectacular. Try to get an outside table, situated on the right side of the restaurant...not so windy and you get candles, which makes it a little more romantic. If you like great food, views, and atmosphere you HAVE to try Fleet Landing. Appetizer, 2 entrees, 2 glasses of wine, and dessert will run you about $100 with tip.
(5)
Michelle C.
Very nice little restaurant. Good bar/grill/seafood restaurant. I had the grilled chicken Caesar salad, because I'm not much of a seafood fan, but my husband is. I wish I had tried their fried flounder, as his seafood really looked fresh and good. I'd definitely go back there when visiting downtown area again. My brother eats there all the time when he has meetings there, and I'm glad he shared one of his favorite haunts with us!
(3)
Lauren S.
My friend just came in from The Bay Area and we wanted to take her to our favorite restaurant, Fleet Landing. We were seated right away outside on their deck. It was perfect weather. Our waitress Stephanie was wonderful and even suggested drinks and appetizers for us. My husband and I had the John Daly and my friend had a Bloody Mary, both were perfection! We had the friend green tomato stack and the salmon and tuna tartare for appetizers, and they were excellent. The shrimp and grits are my husbands favorite and I had the grilled chicken sandwich. My friend had a wonderful time and even suggested to come back the next day for brunch! My husband and I consistently eat here and always have a great experience. This is a great place to take friends and family for really good local dishes and a beautiful view of the harbor. Thanks Adam and Stephanie for outstanding customer service.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Accepts Bitcoin : No Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Mon, Tue, Wed Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Amanda B.
Fleet Landing came highly recommended from other friends that have frequented Charleston as well as some locals. We are very glad they did because this restaurant was amazing. The parking is not amazing however ... to save yourself from frustrations, just find parking on the street or in the public parking next door. Once you walk up to the restaurant, you notice the charm of the old building. Then you walk inside and it continues. I love a good nostalgic setting. The exposed concrete and nautical theme set the right feel. We were greeted and sat immediately inside. I was kind of upset that we didn't wait for the outside seating due to the view of the harbor and experience, but I loved inside as well. Our server was extremely friendly and attentive. My drink was never empty, which I appreciate! We viewed the menu online so we somewhat knew what we wanted. It was Charleston's restaurant week, so it worked out perfectly as one of the entrees I wanted was on it. So I ordered the crab dip, shrimp and grits and chocolate torte. My husband ordered the She Crab soup and the Low Country Boil. Each course came out in perfect time and everything was so so good! We are from the north, so we loved all of the southern specialties we ordered! Needless to say, we will highly recommend this restaurant and be back in the future!
(4)Matt N.
Had She Crab soup and Shrinp n Grits. The soup was really good and the grits were decent BUT I did get food poisoning :/ It wasnt the soup because 3 other people in my group ordered it and are fine. My first food poising experience ever...not a pretty sight
(1)Bertie D.
Years ago a gal gathering @ 6 pm required us to go back the next evening @ 5 pm because they were out of apricot flash fried flounder. Our native gal said there is nothing better, and she was right. I've never had anything to compare. Tonight, we thawed out flounder. I could not find anything in my cookbooks. So I went to google. Low and behold - here it is!
(5)Kayley N.
I'm a fan solely based off the few scallops that I ate. Yes, three scallops later and bam, four star review. Makes perfect sense. But really, the scallops were perfection. If I had to choose a meal to gorge on before I die, these scallops would be a contender. And the Rosemary Moscow Mule that I sipped on might be in the running as well. I deducted a star because it was jammed packed at 11:30 in the morning with people waiting outside and all over the bar for a place to sit. I was lucky enough to be eating here as part of a food passport tour thingy but man, it would be lousy to wait in such crammed quarters like so many were. Plus it's loud, really loud. Then again, who needs to talk when you can eat the best scallops of your life.
(4)Mike C.
DISCLAIMER: This review is based solely on my experience at the bar, as I did not eat anything during my one and only visit. Therefore, my 4 star review is for the bar and the views of the water. I had the occasion to visit Fleet Landing Restaurant after a 3 day conference in Charleston and the purpose of our visit was simply to have a few drinks before having dinner at another location. The restaurant/bar is located behind the U.S. Customs House on Concord Avenue and is right on the water overlooking Charleston Harbor. The building itself is no engineering marvel, and it screams "old school" as it was built in the 1940's for the U.S. Navy and sat vacant for years. In the 1980's, it was renovated and rendered "hurricane proof", if there is truly such a thing. The restaurant was packed upon our arrival, and even if we wanted to eat, there was a pretty long wait for a table; especially since we had a group of 10 or so people. There is seating for approximately 175 people inside and another 100 or so on the humongous outdoor wrap-around patio. There was probably another 50-75 people just hanging out at the bar and socializing. This was a huge bar and could probably sustain this business without even having to serve any food at all. I took my drink and went outside to the back patio and enjoyed a stellar view of Charleston Harbor. The view of Fort Sumter in the distance kicked my nostalgia meter into overdrive. Maybe the alcohol had something to do with it too, but I digress. I wished we would have chosen to eat here, because I was in no hurry to leave. There was free parking for 30 or so cars, which is not nearly enough for this place, but there are plenty of parking lots nearby. All in all it was a great social experience and one I hope to repeat on any future trips to Charleston.
(4)Paul A.
So good the wife and I went here twice during 1 vacation. One of the only places you can get food while sitting out on the water in Charleston. The Hush Puppies are a must and unique to this place as far as I can tell. The food and wine is good, staff is helpful and sit near the water if you can. Locals come here as well so you know it's good. Parking is difficult but this place is worth the wait/effort. You won't be sorry.
(4)Alison B.
Food yummy. Very nice, competent, efficient and attentive staff. (We were splitting dishes so they gave extra plates with each course. They were careful about a food allergy, etc) At 9pm on a Wed there was still a bit of a wait, and we had a reservation! So, be patient. At least they have those buzzer things so you can walk around. You can also go to the bar. Biscuits: piping hot--- yes please!!! So good. Soft. Good floury taste. Butter with touch of honey. Fried green tomatoes: smaller than I anticipated. Very tasty crab salad stacked between them. She Crab soup: very creamy. A little kick of spicy (just a tad). Very good tho not amazing. Shrimp and grits: this is my first time trying it. Yum! The plate tho looked so bland. Made me think of "plop" scoop of whatever with gravy on top ala cafeterias. But maybe they always look this plain (after all what else would you add for color?). It was damn yummy. Hubby and I split all of the above and it was the perfect amount! It was dark so we can't comment on the view. The decor inside was cool (all nautical, down to the separations between the tables, maps on the tables). I like the cloth napkins. I don't like that you have to use your same silverware with each course.
(5)Vicky T.
This place came highly recommended but it was awful. I have hada better experience at Red Lobster and money better spent! Not only that but the parking sucks! You pull in and the only way out is to back out. Meanwhile people have pulled in behind you. Even our waitress had the charm of a rock. It's a thumbs down!
(2)Jessalin L.
A local cabbie recommended this place while I was visiting Charleston with a friend. We loved it and had a feast of oysters with a beautiful view of the water. Great service, view, food! Besides the oysters, we also ordered the she-crab soup and a Charleston sunset drink. Both were equally amazing! I'd highly recommend and will return when I'm back to charleston.
(4)Andrea R.
Dined here on a Friday night, Memorial Day weekend. Upon arriving there was a mix-up with our reservation and we were first told the wait would be 50 minutes, then the hostess changed her mind and said she would get us in as soon as possible, I still didn't feel too confident, however we did only wait 25 minutes. When I went to the front desk she was completely nice about it and apologized for the confusion (which she failed to do at first), so I'm not sure what was going on when we arrived. We were able to snag seats at the indoor bar. There is a small outdoor area with a little bar but it was packed with people. This place is right on the water so I can understand its popularity. We were sat at a table on the deck outside next to the large window. We ordered the stuffed hush puppies to start with; they were very big and stuffed with shrimp, lobster and corn. Overall they were just okay, the actual hush puppy was extremely dry and the sauce was ok. A big pet peeve of mine is shrimp that isn't deveined or cleaned properly, so I could not enjoy the stuffing as the shrimp was not clean. My husband didn't care for the dish either. For dinner I ordered the special, the mahi mahi, blackened, with green beans and mashed potatoes. My husband ordered the shrimp and grits. My mahi mahi was SO salty; unfortunately it took over the entire dish and made it really hard to eat. On the upside the mahi mahi was clearly very fresh and juicy, the flavor was just bad. The green beans were good and crispy and the mashed potatoes were great. When the shrimp and grits arrived it honestly looked like gumbo, there was so much sauce on the plate you barely see the grits or shrimp! However the flavor was really good, some of the shrimp were clean so I ate some of them and the Andouille sausage was good. All in all it was an okay meal, we were glad to try this place but won't be back when we visit again.
(3)Mark O.
It is a busy place and now we know why. People next to us had fried flounder and nothing but bones were left lol. I had the steak. It was also good. Great atmosphere over the water and not a tourist trap. This is one of the many places in Charleston that deserves a 2nd visit.
(5)Kat T.
This venue is actually an old "fleet landing" for ships unloading cargo so it sits directly on the harbor with fantastic views in all directions. It's convenient to the market, waterfront park, the "pineapple", and many other must-see sites while in Charleston. The outside seating is on picnic benches, but there are umbrellas to keep out the beating sun and birds flying over. There are also side porches, one of which has an access directly to the bar without going back inside. It can get a little loud inside with all of the exposed cement throughout the building, but seating might be more comfortable if you prefer a booth or standard table. There are tvs in the bar area if you need to catch up on a game, and they can be seen from quite a few of the indoor tables. Food-wise, they have daily lunch specials which are all delicious, but I find myself leaning towards the ceasar salad with crab cakes almost every time. The crab cakes appear small upon arrival, but don't let that fool ya! They are packed with nothing but sweet lump crab meat and lightly dusted on the outside, just enough to barely hold them together. Another suggestion is the fried green tomato tower! Can't even describe it! They usually have some infused liquors to choose from if you're looking for some "home-made" libations. They have a pretty good "beers on tap" selection, but the liquor options seem to be better IMO. Either way, I am sure you will find something to your liking. The bartenders are there to satisfy your needs.
(4)brad h.
Great seafood and a great location. They are on the water. We sat outside and enjoyed the breeze and the view of ships passing by as the sun set on Charleston. The building is rugged and appears to be built to stand some storms. It's heavy concrete so I got the feeling that I was in a real authentic location. It's nicely decorated inside... Seafood restaurants are sometimes overdone with fish on the walls, etc., but this seems to be open, airy, and pleasant. We started with the stuffed hush puppies which are filled with shrimp lobster and corn, covered with a delicious sauce. They were unique. I thought they added a really nice touch to the meal and were fitting given the fusion of Southern cooking and seafood. Our waiter added an extra to the normal complement of three so that we each could enjoy our own puppy... I had the triggerfish with pimento cheese grits and asparagus. The fish was perfectly cooked. The grits were as good as you would imagine, savory, and perfectly seasoned. Grits can be a disaster. These were not. The asparagus were just right. Our waiter gave us just the right attention, present when needed but not noticed when we were talking to our friends. Not an inexpensive meal... Not quite fine dining... But regardless, I think it was a great seafood experience. I would recommend it and I would come back.
(4)Alayne H.
Fleet Landing was highly recommended to us by our hotel shuttle driver as we were looking for a lunch spot. Upon entering this nautical themed restaurant, there was a considerable wait for inside seating so we opted to sit out on the heated patio. There was plenty of seating out there as it was a cool day. The view of the waterfront was pleasant but I wondered where the heat was. lol I ordered the blue plate special which was pan fried shrimp cakes with Charleston red rice, broccoli casserole, & roasted red pepper sauce. I was disappointed as the food was served lukewarm. The most flavorful part of the meal was the broccoli casserole. I wasn't impressed but, maybe I ordered wrong. The service was great and the menu prices reasonable. Give it a go!
(3)Austin K.
My wife and I went there while we were visiting Charleston, we had a great time there! We didn't have a reservation so waited about an hour, which I would definitely recommend to make a reservation before you go. The server is pretty awesome! Drinks came quick and so as the food! I didn't need to wait much after we got sat down! They first serve the biscuit which is not bad. We order a crab cake and a whole fried flounder for our dinner. The crab cake is decent, wouldn't recommend because I think it's a little over-priced. The whole flounder is awesome! Great flavor, big portion, fair price! Sauce is kinda sweet with a little sour flavor in it, didn't over-cooked the fish, it's just perfect! The only thing that I would really pick on would be the sweet tea...for being a great southern place... That tea is not sweet enough with a little bitter taste in it.
(5)Mike B.
The food was awesome! We sat at the bar, as there was an hour wait for a table. The service was good and friendly. We shared a few appetizers. The oysters were awesome, the stuffed hush puppies were so good we got another order, the calamari was great and the shrimp and grits were rich and wonderful. I would definitely go there again.
(5)Charlie P.
Fleet Landing is worthy of a visit for the view alone, being one of the only restaurants in Charleston situated right on the water. The food isn't anything special, but isn't horrible either. Simple seafood staples is the focus of the huge menu, which also offers burgers, salads and sandwiches. I like Fleet Landing best for weekend brunch, sitting outside in the sunshine on their patio. Must-order items: Brunch Buttermilk Biscuits w. eggs Crème Brulee French Toast Fried Shrimp Po-Boy She Crab Soup
(3)Edward P.
Another great meal at Fleet! My wife and I always seem to find our way back here whenever we are near Charleston. Great seafood at great prices. Never once been disappointed by the Oysters the serve. If you want your taste buds blown of, get a crab cake; but be careful if you are thinking of splitting it with someone.
(4)Timothy A.
The food is great, the location on the water is excellent, but the parking lot leaves a little bit to be desired. I won't dock them (pun intended) for that though, because it's what's on the inside that counts. Anyone that comes to visit me gets a trip to Fleet Landing for either a lunch or a dinner.
(4)Michelle M.
Colton is wonderful. He suggested amazing dishes that we LOVEE. Here is what we had: Crab dip -OMG NOM . Amazing amazing. It's literally all crab. It's a good portion for an app. Light, cold, and fresh. Shrimp and Grits: I'm from the north so we knew we had to give it a go. I have been converted!! So incredibly delicious. I'm hesitant to try it anywhere else because the taste was mouth watering. Crab sandwich: it is literally all crab and no crap. The sauce has a nice tang and everything was perfectly seasoned. Basil lemonade drink: cool, fresh, perfect for a hot day. Curious traveler Shandy: put away your blue moon. This drink can turn a wine girl into a beer lover. A good choice for a hot day! FIVE STARS! It's a MUST GO if you're downtown.
(5)Melissa F.
This restaurant was recommended to me by a friend who had traveled to Charleston. It did not disappoint! We'd made a reservation for 7:30pm, however we were driving in from Maryland and hit a lot of traffic. We called around 3pm and the only reservation for 2 left was for 9:30pm. We happily took it! The restaurant was packed at 9pm on a Friday night! We started with the stuffed hush puppies. They were AMAZING! Very crispy and tasty, the hush puppies were cut in half and stuffed with lobster, shrimp, leeks and corn. They were served over a Creole tomato sauce. Need I say more?? The Caesar salad had a bit of a kick to it, but other than that was pretty average. My mom had the small plate portion of the Carolina lump crab cakes. They were served with pickled corn relish, red pepper sauce and crispy fried onions - they were very good. I had the pan-seared, blackened triggerfish served with pimento cheese grits and grilled asparagus. The fish was cooked perfectly and the grits were outstanding! I definitely recommend this restaurant and dish! The service was also excellent!
(4)Cat L.
My friends & I ate at this location for our first dinner in Charleston while visiting for the Hootie & the Blowfish concert. We wanted a nice place on the water and that is exactly what we got at this place. The :20 wait was pleasant and the table on the deck was perfect. We had a beautiful view of the pier and the weather made the dinner great. We started the meal with calamari as recommended by the waitress. And unfortunately wasn't as great as expected. We also tried the lobster stuffed hushpuppies. As an entree I tried the cod fish & chips which was delicious. The batter on the cod was flavorful & tasty. The crab cakes were also very good. They were a little heavier than I like and the veggie of the day were peas that were not spectacular. The mashed potatoes were smooth and complemented the crab cakes nicely. The flounder was cut uniquely and allowed the fish to be cooked and seasoned evenly. The last fish dish we had was delicately constructed. The final thoughtful touch by our waitress was for forfeiting our calamari order. The experience was pleasant & the food was memorable.
(4)Carolyn L.
What pushes this place into the category of possible return while in the C-ston, is the view. Can't beat the atmosphere and it made for a memorable meal. Unfortunately, the quality of the food wasn't quite as unanimously great. For drinks, I chose some selections off the beer list, while everyone else got dark and stormys. Perfect place and weather for such a beverage, although I crave a bit more of a ginger kick from my dark and stormys. For apps, we ordered a shrimp platter, which was very good although only had 5 scrimps, whayt?? We paired that with some calamari, which were super disappointing. I am a self proclaimed calamari enthusiast and to label these as disappointing is an understatement. They had a mealy texture that was quite off putting. The pals also enjoyed the lobstah stuffed hush puppies, which were quite tasty. Even with our robust line up of apps, we did some damage on our mains as well. Mine, the triggerfish sandwich was forgettable and the husband's fish tacos were borderline inedible, but our friends raved about the shrimp and grits and Mahi Mahi fish special so I think we might have drawn the short end of the ordering stick. Because we needed dessert to fill in the cracks, we ordered the chocolate pie for desert, which definitely did not disappoint!
(3)Cody Y.
A very popular touristy restaurant with good food and long wait times if you don't make a reservation. Thank you yelp for giving me a heads up about reservations at Fleet Landing Restaurant. My group was driving into Charleston at 2:30 pm on a Saturday and made reservations a few hours before. The restaurant has a claustrophobic parking lot that will probably be full unless you luck out like we did. We walked past the line of waiting people (I overheard the wait was 45-60 minutes) and sat outside. We ordered the Fleet Landing Stuffed Hush Puppies ($10), two large overstuffed hush puppies filled with lobster, shrimp, leeks, and creole tomato sauce. They were excellent - crispy outside with a warm seafood filling. For our lunch entrees, I ordered the Golden Fried Oyster Po-Boy ($10) and my girlfriend ordered the Fried Green Tomato BLT ($9). The po boy was interesting - the oysters were fantastic and served hot, but the addition of asiago cheese and blue cheese dressing was confusing for a po boy. The Fried Green Tomato BLT also had some interesting flavors - the Gouda, arugula, and red pepper remoulade were nice additions, but I think the sandwich would be better with whole pieces of bacon instead of chipped. This is really nit-picky of me for both dishes, which is why I'm rounding up to four stars. Overall, I'm not sure this is the place to eat if you want to eat like a local - the clientele seems to be tourists. If you want good seafood with a view and don't mind the wait, Fleet Landing Restaurant will satisfy.
(4)Jon B.
I came here with a group per my Charleston friend's reference. We were not disappointed in anything. We came here on one of the busiest weekends of the year (during the Cooper River Bridge Run) and waited about 45 minutes for a table. While waiting, we sat at the bar and ordered cocktails ... all of which were perfect. We were seated outside on the deck for dinner, and it was an awesome view. Our waitress was super helpful. She even recommended that I tried getting my scallops blackened (which was not shown anywhere on the menu) and they were probably my favorite thing. The biscuits and butter were awesome, everyone's food was incredible. I would highly recommend getting the scallops seared & blackened ... or trying the low country seafood pasta (that sauce in this dish was outstanding). I think the pricing is awesome for the quantity & quality of the food you're getting! Cannot wait to come back to Charleston and hit this place up again. I'll make sure to leave some room for the she crab soup, though.
(5)Ju J.
The buttermilk biscuits are to die and the key lime pie melts in your mouth...I will definitely come back just doe the buttermilk biscuits.
(5)Kristi T.
Always good food, the wait was extreme on this most recent visit, over an hour!!! We were sat outside, so that was a plus. Our waiter was great, food was great, as always. I would recommend this to visitors if they are looking for waterfront dining.
(5)June G.
A local recommended this place. Nothing fancy outside, but an hour wait at 9:00 on a Friday night speaks volumes. We had the crab dip and crackers for an appetizer. It was average at best. The she crab soup was excellent. It's comparable to crab soups you would find in Maryland. My friend had the shrimp and grits and they were very tasty. I had the triggerfish and it was a little overlooked. The pimento cheese grits were tasty. The service was top-notch. Ashley did an excellent job, even though it was late.
(4)Justin H.
tldr; Safe place for a good meal. But don't expect anything spectacular. Meh. The locale is great- Right on the water, and it has a parking lot. The food was good. However, the food didn't blow me away. I did have the swordfish, which was fresh and good, but again nothing mind-blowing. The other food was good, the seafood I didn't think was great. And overall, I felt it was more money than what it was worth.
(3)Leah F.
Whoever said this was a religious experience was right. We started with the stuffed hush puppies - they were to die for. I ordered the shrimp and grits - amazing. My husband had the flounder sandwich - adequate. The sweet tea was delicious as well, and the service was out of this world. Not to mention the views! Sit outside if you can!
(5)Jennifer R.
Parking lot is horrible server was very sweet but the food took forever so long was not even hungry anymore and not good enough to take so long food wasn't even hot took 30 min for them to put dessert that came with the meal in a box that was ordered at time dinner was ordered seriously it took 10 min to get out of the parking lot it was set up so bad
(1)Kiaira B.
LOCATION IS AWESOME!!! Waterfront! Parking on the other hand sucks, also waterfront. Lol The food is pretty good, We went for my Boyfriend's Graduation from Boot Camp. I had the salmon, most of the others at the table had the Shrimp and Grits which was savory and tasty. Overall great experience. The fried green tomatoes were really good with crab meat between the stacks, so tasty!
(4)Lauren T.
This review is for dinner: Ambiance: So glad to find some beautiful waterfront dining. Sitting outside is a must. The view is great. I will say that we were sitting right next to the speaker, so the music was a little loud. The outside looks like an old warehouse. Don't be fooled because the inside is nice. Service: Our waiter was not feeling it that day. One word grunts was all we got out of him. Other waiters and waitresses serving though did not appear as disgruntled as this guy. Food: The Shrimp and Grits were great. They also had a yummy Andouille Sausage that was tasty. I had a Cobb Salad that was more than enough food and very good. It had a balsamic vinaigrette which was a good, but new take for me and a Cobb Salad. Portion sizes are sizable with fair prices. Overall: Go if you are in Charleston. A bonus is they have their own parking lot. Granted, it is small, but if you get a spot, it is very close and free!
(4)Roselle W.
My husband and I shared soup, seafood pot pie and the lobster hush puppies. The hush puppies were the best part! The kids loved the French fries, but they weren't so happy with the grilled cheese. It was a little too greasy, which we are not used to eating. The beat part was the nautical decor and the view of the ship.This kept the kids interested.
(4)Susanna F.
The service we received from Ryan, combined with the awesome outdoor patio views earned this spot 4 stars. Don't come for the food; definitely not their strong point. It's not awful, just average and what I would expect from a touristy hotspot. If you're lucky enough to sit outside, keep an eye on the water to spot dolphins!
(4)Aisha V.
Fleets Landing is pretty ok. Its one of the places that everyone recommends to visitors. For the view and the breeze, I'll go along with that, but ONLY because the food is pretty decent. Went here for dinner when the bridge was closed, and 3/4th of the restaurant was filled with people waiting to get back to Mount P. Had a really pleasant waiter. Cant remember dudes name, but he was really nice, no overkill, smiled, not rushing, and didnt come to the table ever 2 minutes; thumbs up there. Started with their famous tennis ball sized hush puppies. Loved the sauce, great texture, really delicious, but I would not order them again. $12 for hush puppies? Pass. I ordered the whole flounder with the apricot glaze. The glaze kind of overshadowed the fish, so if I were to go there in the future, Id probably put the glaze on the side, or just try the flounder filets. Idk, it is a seafood restaurant, yet outside of shrimp, flounder, or some combination of the two...there really arent many options. And there main dishes arent 'wows', so I may chalk Fleets Landing up as a done it, and move on. Overall I like Fleets Landing, but man, is it overpriced. Average should be a little more affordable.
(3)Meghan C.
I've been here a couple of times and it has been a pleasant experience. The reasons I think so, are because we had reservations - I have seen the masses waiting for a table and that is just not the Meg C. way. The first time, the service was excellent - second time, it was meh with a few server changes but the food was again, very good. Anyway, some things are pricey, or you can get a burger for like $10 - for the location and caliber of food you get :::Samuel voice::: that is a tasty burger.
(4)Tom H.
The Triggerfish tripped my trigger and the sheepshead special were great. The charleston rice was similar to a Spanish rice- dirty rice combo and I ate it all - it was bueno The Holy City stout was quite good as well
(4)Thomas A.
Had a great meal from start to finish. Service was fast and server Lucas payed attention to detail. He made some great suggestions on the menu and he was spot on, if back in town will visit again. I had shrimp and grits yum!!
(5)Ali T.
Good atmosphere but not the greatest service. Arrived on a Thursday night with 7:30 reservations. Nice views and ok food. Good tourist trap .
(3)Karen M.
We went here because we wanted to sit on the water on a beautiful day and it fit the bill perfectly. It was a great view. Service was good and they were able to accommodate me by modifying a pasta and vegetables dish to make it vegan and I got an excellent house salad. Also had some local beers on tap which was fun.
(4)Brittany H.
The wait was long but it was really busy so we understood however when we were seated they didnt put us where we had asked. So i had to go and request another table. The food was ok but not really anything incredible! Cannot really say that we would go for a second try!
(2)Karen Y.
Very good meal - glad we had reservations! Our server was friendly but had a large party (10) at the same time. She was still reasonably attentive. Will be back the next time we're in town.
(4)Niki U.
Came with a very large group and they were able to accommodate us all by splitting up tables. Food and service was excellent. Atmosphere and location great but the place does get busy. Very kid friendly.
(5)Joel B.
Great spot for our first stop in Charleston. Cool atmosphere, great service. Hush puppies were great, oysters were as well. The Flounder Sandwich was A+ and the Fried Green Club was great as well (stole a few bites from the wife). I recommend the John Daly for a drink. Very good.
(4)Allison G.
It has plenty of seafood options to choose from. I went with an entree that I honestly hated the flavor profiles to. I guess it was a luck of the draw. I went with a non-seafood choice and it just didn't work out. I got fried okra which was delicious and a basic wedge salad to replace the sweet potato gnocchi. Not too special. The servers were very nice and the place was really busy. It was really warm, close to being hot there. After a long day in the sun, the air was pretty dense. Next time, I'll try another entree.
(3)Elizabeth R.
Loved the setting as much as the food! The view of the river and harbor was amazing as the sun set tonight. Our waitress was attentive and friendly, food served promptly. The biscuits with honey butter were warm, melt in your mouth good. The fried green tomato stack: nice portion of tomato to crab. The blue cheese salad wedge was perfectly seasoned and crisp. The main dishes were fresh and tender: scallops with the mashed potatoes to die for. The seafood pasta had tons of fresh scallops, shrimp, crawfish and lobster. A delicious meal with reasonable prices in a fabulous setting!
(5)Quan N.
Service is good. They carry A TON of wine! Most ive seen from a place with pricing like this. Shrimp platter comes with 7-8 shrimps. Theyre whatever sized. Not small but not like prawn size. Decent. Crab cake sandwich was delicious! Good amount of crab. Nice aioli spread with arugula. Im happy that they carry angry orchard hard cider. The other places ive been around here jn SC dont have a good selection of beers. Woulda been a 3 stars cuz honestly things were good but not great or special. Service and pricing gave it a four.
(4)Jeff C.
Fantastic experience. Great location with a very unique decor and history. Very attentive service, excellent food and reasonably priced.
(5)Amy H.
Very impressed!!! We walked in no reservation and sat right away!! Started with the spinach salad, classic with good fresh ingredients!! I had the seared flounder which was out of this world!!! Fried perfectly and loved the apricot sauce!! You didn't feel gross after eating!! Cannot beat the view!!
(4)Anna B.
Great food. Food took a long time to come out - especially for a salad and a roasted turkey sandwich! Dining partner also had the hush puppies which she said were super good.
(4)M Allen P.
You can't argue with the view - it's a beautiful waterfront dining experience. The restaurant has a great atmosphere with an industrial, vintage maritime theme. The price is reasonable but the food just isn't very good. In a town known for it's delicious food, I would rather spend my money at one of the nearby establishments - Amen Street, Blossom, Hanks. My wife had a house salad (small and underwhelming) and the shrimp and grits. The shrimp and grits were definitely the best thing we had; very creamy and a little on the saucy side. I had mahi mahi, blackened with red rice and Lima beans. The fish was over-seasoned and overcooked. I can do that at home! The red rice and Lima beans will soon be forgotten.
(3)Emily W.
My husband and I took a 3-day weekend to visit Savannah and Charleston (spending 2 of those days in Savannah), and I have to say that this was the best meal we had on our entire trip. We split the stuffed hush puppies and each ordered the shrimp and grits. MY OH MY. I am determined to learn how to make shrimp and grits for myself now. They were so delicious, and very filling. My only wish is that we had room for the key lime pie at the end, but a full belly was worth it. The hush puppies weren't what I was expecting. You get two big hush puppies stuffed with full shrimp, but they were so good! Definitely something out of the ordinary. Service was great, we got to sit outside in the sun and enjoy the breeze. I'm so glad I went here on a recommendation from a friend. I will make sure to come back if we visit Charleston in the future!
(5)Ted S.
Great location that needs a face lift!!! Local oyster small and tasteless Stuffed hush puppies awful Fried green tomatoes just fair. Much better restaurants in the neighborhoods
(1)Gerard H.
Many people recommended this place to us but I was less than impressed. Great views -yes. But sitting outside on a hot day with low tide (smelly) was not ideal. Food was just okay. Pasta with seafood for me and shrimp salad for wife were just okay, calamari was just not right. Too many restaurants in Charleston to come here again. But maybe if you sat inside it would be better.
(3)Paul R.
We were pleased with everything. The low country pasta was great as were the crab cakes, the fried green tomatoes, the biscuits and the salad. If you are in the area come on in for a meal. Make a reservation because they are busy.
(5)Chadwick C.
Fresh local seafood. Had the whole fried flounder a couple of times..excellent. Fried green tomato and crab tower is delicious also. Best fried calamari that I've ever had also. Jam up martinis.
(4)Tyler C.
My rating isn't based on eating there - we just stopped in for drinks. Cool place with nice indoor/outdoor bar. Friendly servers. The upside and downside ... the outside seating is a must. Views of the water from most of the inside seating are slim. Even the outdoor seating at the bar has limited views of the nicer part of the water. Plus side is great views if you sit on the back deck.
(4)Matt S.
Great food, great view and Liz our server was amazing. My wife and I had lunch here on a Thursday and all I can say is get there early or call ahead it gets packed and for good reason!
(5)Bo F.
Well, the one place I wanted to go on my vacation from the world and my constant fitness diet, was Fleet. I wanted the famous shrimp and grits from there that I had heard sooooooo much about for so long. First, it was a Friday night so we expected to wait a bit. We had an hour and 20 min wait. Not that bad for Friday night in a foodie tourist mecca. They have a great bar and awesome bar staff that can make a hell of a drink. Seating is great roomy tables and the wait staff is phenomenal! We never wanted for anything, never had to ask for refills, nothing. The shrimp and grits they said was a staple at all restaurants here so I was a little scared that it would just be some bland mass produced dish. I say no sir! That was the biggest and best plate of S&G that I have tasted. My word people. I loved it . The rest of our party had different things so I was able to taste a few different things. Everything that we had was good. Salmon was absolutely cooked to perfection. This place would have gotten five stars except for the noise. It was so loud in there, probably because of the building itself but it was hard to hear conversation. Thankfully, I was more interested in eating that talking. Well worth the money.
(4)Stephanie J.
Loved it! We got there right at 5 with no reservations. We were seated within 20 minutes . I had the shrimp and grits and loved it ! The grits were creamy and delicious . Shrimp was wonderful. I was happy with the amount of shrimp on the platter! The view is great too! Watching the harbor is so fun and beautiful. My family and i loved it !
(5)Diane C.
Delicious seafood gumbo and she crab soup but could have had more crabmeat. Crab bruschetta appetizer good and burger was delicious. The view of Charleston Harbor is wonderful.
(4)Adrian S.
Great place!! Sit by the water!! Food awesome! Location is great!! Try the crab dip or calamari!!
(5)Jarrett O.
This place is great if you're searching for mediocre seafood. I would recommend the lobster bruschetta. The she crab soup had a rich base, and lots of sherry, but lacked depth. As for the seared tuna "special catch", I was served a tail piece with lots of sinew... poor form for a market price of $24+. The fried shrimp and sea scallops my wife got were decent. Would like to see better choices for sides.
(2)Bartek K.
It's odd that this seems to be the only restaurant with water views given you're on a peninsula. Must be why it's extremely popular. Highly suggest reservations! If not, the bar proved to be a great place to sit and eat as it's really just a part of the same restaurant. Also the bar actually circles around and has more seating outside which seemed to be a secret only known by a few. Staff was perfectly attentive and the food was delicious as well. Don't forget about those reservations!
(4)Melissa N.
We walked by and didn't realize that it was a restaurant at first...what an unexpected surprise that they converted the old navy processing center into a place to grab a bite to eat while visiting and touring Charleston!! Food and service OUTSTANDING! We usually don't do repeats when visiting somewhere because there are so many places to experience, but we made an exception to the rule, we probably would have eaten here every day to try out everything on the menu.
(4)Tim A.
Very cool spot right on the water. Fried green tomato stack and calamari are money. Nice spot for dinner or a couple drinks and apps as a pregame
(4)Tara J.
Fantastic location, menu, ambiance, and service! Traveled here with 3 co-workers while on business. We were searching for a non-chain, local spot for dinner, so we trusted Yelp. Fleet Landing was recommended based on the type of food we were looking for, in the right price range. Located right at the port, a Carnival ship was in port and getting ready to leave as we arrived for dinner. We arrived a few minutes early for our 5pm reservation and the place was PACKED with people who did not make reservations. The restaurant itself is filled with old nautical symbols and icons here and there, but one thing that I loved the most (besides the food) was how open, light and airy it felt. To top it off, our server was fun and friendly, and appeared to really like her job. After dinner we walked around downtown historical Charleston and made the most of our time down there. If you're in the area, head over to the water and enjoy a meal here -- but make reservations and ask for a window seat if it's too hot to sit outside!
(5)Purvi R.
We're from out of town and we were recommended this place by the hotel. Atmosphere was good but if you don't have a reservation the wait was long! Everyone keeps raving about the views but unfortunately it was already dark when we got there and couldn't enjoy them. We started with the hush puppies and they were huge! Between the two of us it already started to fill us up but we really enjoyed them. I then had the pan seared salmon and my husband had the crab cakes. Both were average at best and we've had better. The sides of coleslaw, mashed potatoes and collard greens were also average. I must give credit to the staff. Everyone was smiling and super friendly. Unfortunately this place is overrated and probably so popular because of its location on the water.
(3)Kathy S.
Fleet Landing is a pretty cool restaurant, located right on the water with a great view! (except when a gigantic cruise ship is blocking everything, which is likely often) I'm guessing this place gets a ton of traffic from the ships, but we were incredibly lucky to get out on the patio without a wait, AND during prime lunch time! The She-Crab Soup was creamy and delicious, and the Herb Crusted Cod was a good, light lunch to balance out all of the rich foods Kenzie K. and I had been eating earlier. On another day, I would have tried oysters or shrimp & grits, which sound lovely from all of the other reviews! Next time... It'd be cool to be inside and see/learn a bit more about the history - it sounds like Fleet Landing has a great story!
(4)Gino T.
As everyone will tell you, this is the only restaurant in Charleston on the water, so it gets one star for being on the water. As for the food, my wife ordered plain hushpuppies (not the stuffed ones), and said she'd have preferred more onions in them. The She-Crab soup was truly outstanding--spicy, with a broth-like consistency and several chunks of crab in it. The fried oyster platter and fried shrimp platter were not as good as what we get in Galveston, and the portion sizes of the shellfish were nowhere as large (although the french fries were excellent and plentiful). If you're going here, do yourself a favor--make reservations. We tried dropping in at 3:00 PM on a Friday, and were told we'd have a 30-minute wait. We then asked the hostess for a Saturday reservation at 12:30 PM on the deck, and had no problem getting the reservation (which was honored, by the way).
(3)Jenna L.
My family and I went to Fleet landing for dinner tonight and had to wait an hour(they were SO busy which I guess is a good sign)... needless to say it was so worth it! The view outside was incredible. It was over 100° and they had fans and a light mist going over head. It was a great way to beat the heat! The food along with the service was top notch... we'll definitely go back every time we're in town!
(5)Ellen S.
Three of us enjoyed a pleasant lunch here on a cool December day. Sat outdoors on the heated patio (plenty warm enough), overlooking the marshes and harbor, where I saw a dolphin breach several times. I had the Tuesday blue plate special, featuring shrimp cakes and red rice. My dining companions tried the she-crab soup and the shrimp with grits and gravy. All of these items were rated as very nicely created examples of their genres. I especially liked my tastes of the she-crab soup. Service was fine (no complaints), and we were all happy with the locally brewed draft beers we chose. I'd gladly go back to Fleet Landing!
(4)Valery M.
Omg! The best jackpot ever! We ordered flounder, snapper, swordfish, and triggerfish....party of 4...lol The triggerfish and flounder was the best....just order the flounder...with a side of grits instead of beans..you WONT regret it....
(5)Jordan D.
If you're in the mood for a great meal with an awesome view I would recommend Fleet Landing. The building is historic and the atmosphere is very energetic. I would recommend the oysters or the shrimp and grits. I would say they have the second best shrimp and grits in town. There is a full bar with service inside and out. The staff is always really friendly. If the weather is nice try and sit outside. The location is right on the water and even if it's a little cold they have heaters.
(4)Bill S.
After visiting The Fleet Landing about 10 times in 2 years and being from Florida, I can honestly say this is the best seafood resteraunt in the South. I cant say enough good things about it and other than parking I couldnt find anything they could improve.
(5)Sparkle L.
Excellent food the salmon is wonderful my husband had the ribeye it was so flavorful. The mashed potatoes are delicious and creamy comes with gravy better without it. Key lime pie is excellent.
(5)Sara W.
I was visiting Charleston for the weekend and wanted to take in the warm weather and seafood to make it a real escape from NYC. I'm really glad to have come to fleet landing, it was a great experience! I was in a party of 4 and we sat outside after waiting at the bar for a little (we arrived early for our reservation). We decided to share all appetizers and entrees to get a real feel for the menu and I'm glad we did! We started with the oysters, hush puppies and she crab soup. The oysters were really fresh and clean. The hush puppies, while they were stuffed with shrimp and lobster were just ok. The soup had great flavor but is very rich. Next we had the iceberg salad, shrimp and grits and the boil. Really liked all of these. The shrimp and grits was definitely heavy and saucy. The boil had a lot of food but the broth was light so it was perfect! We rolled out of here with major food babies! I'm sure there are better seafood restaurants in this area but you can't beat the outdoor seating and view, good service and decent prices.
(4)Frank G.
This place never disappoints. Been here many times. Great place for outside dining near the water. Food is excellent, drinks are great. Good place to hang out and enjoy the area. Since I live here, it's one of my standard places. Make it yours. FrankG
(5)Pekepoo M.
Today we had lunch at fleet landing and it was excellent. There was no wait; it was a cool day in Charleston but we were able to sit out on the heated patio. We started off with the steak calamari they were exceptional, perfectly seasoned. Both dipping sauces complimented the calamari. My husband and I split the lunch portion shrimp and grits, simply, fantastic! Perfectly seasoned the flavors were outstanding I think I enjoyed the creamy grits even more than the flavorful gravy and shrimp. Our server was very attentive and personable. Whenever I'm in Charleston I'll visit fleet landing! A MUST WHEN IN THE CITY.
(5)Hilary R.
I visited on a cold, rainy day in April, after schlepping around Charleston, seeing all of the touristy things that it has to offer. I was traveling with a friend and we were in town visiting with her family, who live outside of downtown Charleston. They suggested Fleet's Landing as a great spot...although we did not get to enjoy the true water views since it was very cold and rainy. We did sit on the "deck" around the perimeter of the restaurant and it was covered with plastic sheeting being that it was out of season. They also had heaters going so they obviously maximize their outdoor space year round. The inside of the restaurant is really big and open and a nice large bar is in the middle of the room. Definitely seemed like a great summer happy hour or dinner place. I tried the she-crab soup (first time) as one of my companions ordered it and we all shared her bowl. For my meal, I had the fried green tomato BLT (applewood smoked bacon, smoked gouda, arugula & roasted red pepper remoulade on a toasted roll), which was another first for me...it was delicious and I now love fried green tomatoes! Too bad they are not easier to find in the northeast :-( All in all, a nice spot to grab a bite or drink and maybe next time I'll be back in the summer and enjoy those views.
(4)Sherry K.
I've eaten at Fleet Landing a number of times and always focused on the seafood. Let me add, I've never been disappointed going that route! I had family in town over the weekend and they wanted to go to Fleet Landing to get their shrimp and grits fix. We found ourselves embarrassingly staring at other diners delicious brunch choices. The quiche of the day was lobster and smoked Gouda, with arugula over creamy cheese grits and hollandaise sauce. Three out of five at our table ended up ordering this. The portion was incredible, the flavors amazing! Our server, Tyler, put the 5th star on our experience! She was always there when you needed something and didn't hover or rush us even though the growing line waiting for tables was out the door. Tyler's charming genuine and humorous personality will have me going back to Fleet Landing and requesting her again and again!
(5)Yvonne R.
Dined here today. I was here 6 months ago and had the mussels, they where amazing. Came back tonight, waited 45 minutes to be seated to find they were out of mussels. Ordered the crab bruschetta, it was bland. Ordered the calamari, same bland flavor. Last but not least ordered the whole flounder that so many of my fellow yelpers bragged about. Bland, too crunchy, not good. On a positive, the biscuits where delicious. Not happy and disappointed. I won't be back.
(2)Rene S.
Had good lunch with family here. The hush puppies were good, but don't expect the traditional ones. I liked my fish sandwich and the rest of my family was happy too. very busy place and due to its location overrun with tourists. They love to sit outside and smell "the beach". Will be back and try more dishes.
(4)David M.
Had the trigger fish, excellent. Also had the gumbo, also very good. Sat at the bar, bartenders very friendly and good.
(4)Vince V.
3.5 stars ... interesting location but not unobstructed views of the harbor ... they are impeded by warehouses and other buildings. food is good quality, and has a number of unique offerings (BLT green tomato sandwich) but the sides are standard and the crabcakes were heavier on bread than a premium cake would be. prices not bad for the location and the quantity of food. service very solid ... much appreciated!
(3)Katie W.
Cute place with decent food. The oysters were great and the staff very friendly. The view was a little bit of a let down and the scallops were just OK.
(3)Lacey H.
Brought my mom here on a Tuesday! We didn't have reservations but were able to find a seat at the bar. The service there was outstanding. We ordered mussels, a Caesar salad, and she crab soup. The mussels were amazing! My mom loved her Caesar salad. Once I asked the bartender for Sherry, which he gladly gave me, my she crab soup was the best I've ever had
(5)Vinetta F.
After reading some of the reviews, I wasn't sure if I would enjoy the food, as I am a picky eater. However, to my surprise it was the best dinner I had over the three nights that I stayed in Charleston. The view and breeze from the outside dinning was so relaxing. The atmosphere and the food made for a memorable meal. The server was friendly and attentive without being in the way. Everything was super fresh, tasted, and lightly seasoned. The fried green tomatoes were absolutely delicious. For my entree I had the fried shrimp, which were not overly battered nor greasy. The chocolate torte was also very good - not overly sweet.
(4)Lauren T.
Let me just say... This restaurant has an AMAZINGLY refreshing drink that I am now obsessed with (thank you very much). Two words: Pomegranate Mojito. Order one now. You won't regret it. Not to mention, this is the best view you're going to get (by the water) at a Charleston restaurant. Very laid-back, beachy feel. Good times to be had. And tasty pomegranate mojitos for all. What more could you ask for?
(4)John P.
Sunny deck overlooking the harbor. Quick seating, fast friendly service delicious food, excellent prices. Sharing Key Lime Pie for desert yum-yum, will try the bread pudding next time. Bee liked my White Allagash beer, no problem, free replacement, beer not the bee.
(5)Erik A.
Great food, not for the cheap pockets but very good oysters and fast service(at the bar). Good atmosphere and nice view. Make sure you have a reservation as this place gets busy!
(5)Alaina-Maria B.
OMG YUM! Went for my birthday dinner. For apps we had the fried green tomato stack. They were super crispy and the crab between was delicious. We also had the crab dip. It is chock full of actual crab and comes with a variety of crackers. Also delicious. I had the jumbo shrimp with the lemon shallot butter. (Perfectly cooked) garlic mashed potatoes (perfect)! And southern slaw (standard). My companions had the whole flounder also terrific and the fried shrimp and flounder also delicious. We had reservations and were seated right away outside which is heated and had a fantastic view of the water complete with dolphin sightings. Our server was very friendly and helpful. I can not wait to go back!!!
(4)Bernadette M.
WE had reservations for 9 pm. Got there at 8:45 and had a glass of wine at the bar. Good wine list. We were seated at 9 and had Morgan for server. SHE was knowledgeable and very friendly but not intrusive. The hushpuppies are an outstanding large appetizer with great sauce. We ordered the surf and turf and the grilled salmon with honey Ginger glaze. The filet was butter tender and a big Alaska crab leg was delicious. The salmon was moist and the grits were the best in Charleston. We had a great bottle of wine and and excellent service. Highly recommend this restaurant with great view.
(4)Stephanie O.
it was awesome , I had the shrimp and grits with andouille sausage mixed in...I really didn't care for the sausage but those grits were soooooo creamy with cream cheese! i loved it!
(4)Alyssa S.
Amazing. Had the lionfish blackened- very tasty!! Vegetables had just the right amount of fresh garlic on them. Peach tea martini was spectacular. My husband had the shrimp and grits- said they were the best grits he's ever had. View was breathtaking!!! Definitely need to come to this restaurant!!!
(5)Meg S.
The food was so bad here. We saved this restaurant for our last night in town hoping to have a nice seafood meal on the water. After some DELICIOUS food at other restaurants this place was horrible. The crab soup was more like cheese soup with maybe two bits of crab in there. So many other places had wonderful crab soup. The fish was literally inedible. There was so much seasoning you couldn't even taste he fish. I had the triggerfish and it was soaking in oil. Anyone who has had fish knows you shouldn't see globs of oil underneath, nor taste the texture of the inch thick layer of spices on top of the fish. We paid $80 for a meal that we thought was worse than a chain restaurant. And the water views are just not that amazing. Sit on the pier with a glass of wine... It will be a much better experience. Save the time and money- head to the countless other delicious restaurants in charleston.
(1)Allen R.
We got 2 appetizers to split (fried tomatoes and hush puppies), and 3 entrees. Everything was incredible, especially the shrimp pot pie and hush puppies.
(5)Jared K.
This place has great bloody Mary's and is a lot of fun during the lunchtime hour. However dinner time, I feel the food is extremely overpriced. I had the shrimp and grits which were good, but not over $20 good. Great view and they obviously have the advantage of being right on the water. I will go back next visit. But only for drinks and an appetizer to split. Outdoor seating is key at this place. Chilled Oysters on the half shell tasted very fresh.
(3)Katherine D.
We were steered here by our friendly airport taxi driver. We asked "what's the best place for seafood?" and he answered without hesitation. The location and atmosphere were great. It's right on the bay, and offers outdoor seating. It was our first time in Charleston, and the view was great. So was the decor - very nautical. We got the hush puppies for an appetizer, which were okay. I liked the cornbread the best. The sauce and the seafood were kind of bland. My husband had the shrimp and grits, and reports "it was pretty good - I liked it. Good gravy, good grits." I tasted the grits and they were nice and creamy. I had the grouper tacos, and they were meh. The tortillas were a bit too big for the amount of food inside. The mango salsa was nice but it just wasn't as put-together as some other fish tacos I've had (I'm thinking of that food truck in Key West). Overall, it was a nice experience with pretty good food.
(4)Chris B.
Can't beat the atmosphere. On water, great bar, inside and out dining. Waitress forgot our appetizer and then still charged us for it, very disappointing. Other than that, and the hour wait (expected) it was a great evening.
(4)Britney B.
Atmosphere was really good! Old Navy loading dock. Biscuits were amazing! I had the ribeye with pimento cheese croquet. It was cook perfectly and the flavors were very well in balance. I had a Red Rock Merlot and a Aligash White beer. Made me happy! My husband had the surf and turf. The menu doesn't specify that it is a filet. It was also cooked perfectly and the crab cakes were full of fresh crab. He paired this with a few Fat Tire brewskis. The biscuits..... Like I said before are amazing! So perfectly crispy on the outside and super soft on the inside. With sweet butter. Mmmmmm.... Will def return!!!
(5)Auriel J.
Favorite place in Charleston :) used to work here for a summer & still come back every time I'm in town! AMAZING VIEWS! it's on the water.. The vibe is great .. But the food is what seals the deal. Everything I've ate here makes me keep coming back for more.
(5)Lauren C.
Love this place! Cool view of harbor. Fried flounder with apricot glaze is delicious!!! Great drinks! Defiantly make a reservation for dinner on weekends
(5)Stephanie M.
5 stars for the She Crab Soup. One of the best soups I've ever tasted, bar none. The waiter also recommended an AMAZING IPA to go with my food. I think it was called Westbrook or something. It's local, we definitely don't have it up in New Jersey. Had the crab cake appetizer also. It was okay but not amazing. I would come back a million times just for that soup.
(5)Kyle S.
I don't really understand this place. They overcharge for all of their food, provide poor service and in general feel super gimmicky. They seem to believe they can charge obscene amounts of money for rather mediocre options just because they're on the water. Sure the view may be nice, but i can get the same view for free at Waterfront park and I'd rather go to one of the amazing Charleston restaurants in the middle of downtown and enjoy much better food.
(2)Michael D.
The Fleet Landing Restaurant serves Southern cuisine that emphasizes seafood. It is located in the French Quarter and occupies a renovated naval building constructed in 1942 that juts into Charleston Harbor. The dining area is composed of a large dining room with a bar and an outdoor deck. It is smartly appointed with a maritime look and with its oversized windows allows very nice waterfront views. The ambiance is relaxed and comfortable. As a result of a recommendation by our hotel concierge, my wife and I stopped in for a light lunch. We were very pleased by the attractive location, décor, and menu selections. We started our meal by splitting the baby spinach salad that included tomatoes, shitake mushrooms, and goat cheese dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette. Following that, we shared the fried green tomato "BLT" sandwich that was comprised of smoked bacon, Gouda cheese and a roasted red pepper remoulade on a toasted roll. Our food was fresh, well prepared, and very tasty as well as being reasonably priced. The service was courteous and efficient. Also, parking is free in an adjacent lot. Based on our one-time visit, I give Fleet Landing an overall rating of a solid four stars.
(4)Mark G.
Excellent place in charleston... The view is great and food is delicious!!! Always fresh, hidden little gem in Chucktown!!!
(5)Ketan S.
Very good location - Very close to downtown and the market. if you are visiting charleston, I would recommend it since it is a nice place by the water. Food is good too! Very good service and plenty of room and lots of tables for a large group and also they can accomodate a decent crowd. They have their own parking space too which is nice. We went there for lunch and had a great time.
(4)Larry J.
The food here was masterful. Hush puppies stuffed with lobster, shrimp mhhmmm. I had the trigger fish. Oooo my. So tender and flaky. My wife had the seared scallops were okay not much to write home about in comparsion to the hush puppies.
(5)Mary L.
I went there last night and took a guest. The service was awful. It took forever for the waiter to initially come to the table and took a long time to get a drink and coffee. I ordered the crab cakes and it was cold....not warm.....cold. Cold mashed potatoes and cold crab cakes....yuck. My guest had a pasta dish and it was tepid. Obviously the crab cakes were frozen and they didn't bother to microwave it long enough. This is not an inexpensive place...I would not recommend it.
(1)George T.
It doesn't deserve its high rating. Location is great as was service. Not so the food. Cobb salad and tuna were ok, but tile fish and calamari were like rubber, and calamari had cooled when it was served. Oysters were small, limp, and one of the servings had a peculiar tate. Won't be back.
(2)Rob G.
Best night (of three) in Charleston. Excellent food. Cheese grits are a must. Flounder was good. Service and outdoor atmosphere was great.
(5)Terry G.
One of the best meals we had in Charleston.
(5)Tre M.
Went for lunch and immediately was impressed with the decor. It is really open and the water view is refreshing. The service was good but the food was basic. I got the crab cake sandwhich with the pasta salad, very underwhelming. Compared to the rest of the great food in Charleston, I doubt I would go back.
(3)Renee O.
Great atmosphere, its right on the water and inside is really nice as well. Food is amazing! Stuffed hush puppies or artichoke dip are terrific starters. The fried shrimp po boys are the best I've had so far! The jumbo shrimp are delicious, the swordfish is amazing, and even the kids menu is tasty! They literally have THE BEST margaritas out of all the restaurants I have ever tried, they aren't made with some green mix like other places, I watch the bartender squeeze those limes and oranges lol they are strong, but not like you only taste tequila! They have really good mixed drinks as well!
(5)Pres P.
Come for the view and stay because of the view. Admittedly, Fleet Landing has the best view of any restaurant on the Peninsula. Scenic views of the Charleston Harbor and Ravenel Bridge are hard to find at any Charleston restaurants. I was not impressed with the food however. We started off with the Fleet Landing Stuffed Hush Puppies. They were good but insanely overpriced for the portion. $10 for two stuffed hush puppies! I had the Blackened Triggerfish Sandwich and it was okay. It was kind of bland. My side of Southern Slaw might have been some of the worst slaw I've ever had. It had no taste whatsoever. The theme of the entree could have been Bland. After my experience, I would recommend Fleet Landing for drinks or maybe drinks and an appetizer but I just did not enjoy my entree or my side. The view is top-notch and nothing can take away from that.
(3)Carole E.
Was amazing! Is right on the water, has huge windows for looking out on the water, tables are not over crowded that you cant get around. Love that. I had the Seafood pasta and could not stop eating it! So good! Others in my group had the crab cakes and a grilled shrimp plate. We all didn't talk through dinner we were so busy eating. Highly recommend!! This place also has some history too, on Veterans day we had to read up on the Naval part of it.
(4)Samantha S.
I'm a grit snob. So know that theirs are really great! I got the salmon pan seared with grits and collards. I won the cleanest plate club. Only restaurant on the water. Must try!
(4)Sierra D.
We ate at Fleet Landing on a Wednesday evening, with a 7:00 reservation. Long story short: the hostess was less than pleasant, the waiter was excellent, and the bartender was good. The appetizers were excellent, (including both soup options, the spinach dip, and the biscuits with honey butter) however the entrees weren't the best. (Burgers, tilapia, scallops) Just bland and average, and some overcooked. Some people in our group were searching for flavor and spice, it was lacking for them. But others enjoyed the simple flavor. The environment was lively, great for families.
(3)Helen L.
I made a reservation for 1pm on a Saturday and arrived at 12:45pm. I was seated right away and had a nice view outside, though it was a bit chilly. I ordered the hush puppies and shrimp and grits. Both were delicious! My server (Robert??) was really attentive and checked in with me every now and then to make sure everything was okay. There were supposed to be dolphins but unfortunately, I didn't get to see any. This is definitely the place to go for a great meal. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time or be prepared to wait ~40 minutes on the weekends for a table.
(5)Abe D.
Great hush puppies. They handled our oversize group of 14 very well. Trigger Fish was wonderfully flavorful, if quite salty in its preparation. Very very noisy place.
(4)Tim E.
Really good!! The calamari was the best I ever had. Flounder and shrimp was excellent. A companion got salmon and was very disappointed. My suggestion is stay with local fare.
(5)Katie V.
I've been to Fleet Landing several times in the past with good experiences. So when my Bachelorette party needed some recommendations, I was quick to suggest this spot. This visit was definitely quite different than any of my previous. We were a large party of 12 with reservations and were seated right away. The service was decent up until our food came out. While we were all eating, one of my friends found a giant mothlike bug in her salad!! Grossed out pretty much everyone at our table. We were quick to tell staff and very agreeable with the servers. When who we can only assume was the manager came out, she did not even apologize. She simply told my friend the salad would be comped. NO APOLOGY! Then when the same friend got her bill, they charged her for a $3.99 side of grits. If there was a giant bug in my salad, I wouldn't expect to pay anything. Ridiculous. As a former server and a current retail manager, I can't imagine the lack of care over such a major issue. I'd like to say I'll be back next time I visit, but after this experience, I may branch out to new places.
(2)Jessica W.
We wanted to eat by the water during our trip to Charleston, so we chose Fleet's Landing. The outdoor seating was right on the water, and it was quite lovely. We ordered the shrimp and grits, as well as the blackened shrimp and crab cake appetizers. Everything was quite good, and the portions were very large. The only thing was that it all felt rather heavy, but then it's southern cooking. We were stuffed after dinner!
(4)Zachary H.
Appetizers: stuffed hush puppies, blackened seared shrimp Entrees: fresh catch salmon, red snapper, grouper Waiter: Harrison Amazing appetizers and entrees, great flavors, prepared perfectly, with a friendly staff. Harrison made some great recommendations that will we definitely come back for again.
(5)Julia P.
This place was great. I had a fish special - snapper - which is not normally on the menu. We sat at the bar and the bartenders recommended it, which was nice they knew so much about the menus including the daily specials. I had the grits as a side. Holy moly...amazing. This place nows how to do grits and how to do snapper.
(5)Juan T.
Good food but not great for the price. Tried the Shrimp and Grits but was not impressed, had better in another Charleston rest. The location and the ambience is really nice though. Had a nice time over all.
(3)Jane S.
Severely disappointing. One word to describe = gimmicky. Service - 1 star Had to stand waiting 25 minutes at the bar to order 1 beer. Wasn't even that busy. Getting served a second was impossible. Gave up, tabbed out. Food - 2-3stars Had the artichoke dip, not too bad. Saw a shrimp sampler that looked delish. Price - 0.5 star $11 for the shrimp appetizer that had 4 shrimp on it? WAY overpriced. This place relies very heavily on its view. Doesn't really give allot of care to their service and charges an exuberant amount for mediocre food due to it being "on the water." Pay the same price a block over on East Bay and get an extremely different experience with 1st class food and service.
(1)Steve B.
Stopped by on a Tuesday for dinner. That's a 12:00 meal. We had a crab dip appetizer that was just plain ole good. For the meal my wife had shrimp cakes that were a pleasant suprise. I had shrimp and oysters that were just right. We really like the atmosphere. It was like, welcome Come in sit down and eat with us, take your time, enjoy your time with us. Our waitress was very pleasant, kept our glasses full, and helped make for an enjoyable meal. Overall was very pleased with the food and the dinning experience. Will be back for more.
(4)Roger C.
I wanted to eat there because I'm retired Navy, but was very disappointed with the food. While the food was just okay for the same price I could be at the Lowcountry bistro. I think people would be better off to pass this on by.
(2)Li Y.
Fleet Landing, at the recommendation of an out of town colleague was easy enough to find. The first obstacle was finding parking. Granted the first evening we went we arrived at the very peak dinner hour on a Friday evening. The restaurant parking was not so big, definitely not large enough to accommodate even half the restaurant. Luckily there was a public parking lot close by...but be warned, don't go on a water event day...then there is no parking their either ! First obstacle down. Now, trying to get in and to a table. We were told it would be about a 90 minute wait. Half the group went to go walking around. The other half decided to hangout at the bar. So happy we discovered that not only was the bar abundant with seats, inside and out...it was also a full service bar. We ended ordering appetizers and drinks and took them outside for a silightly chilly but otherwise beautiful evening! We promptly contacted the rest of the group to get back and get to order their food. Ninety plus minutes later and there was still no table ready for us. By then we didn't care because we had a wonderful three course meal and outside dining. As there was a just about even mix of locals to tourists (aka:us), there was a nice group collecting on the outside deck. Even included discussions about the other seafood restaurants in town and my favorite...Bowen's Island...but that is another story =') Food was delicious. HINT: When in South Caroline go for the fresh oysters! Oysters on the half shell, fried oysters, more oysters...served with a delicious cheese grits. The prices though not so nice. Found the prices here a bit steep, especially for the casual and noisy atmosphere. Couldn't have been that bad though as we ended coming back here for dinner...just a week later!
(4)Ann R.
Do get the shrimp and grits here. Savor each bite: creamy grits, spicy sausage, flavorful gravy and tender sweet shrimp.
(4)Brian M.
Charleston is quite famous for its eats. This is one of those places that make it so. It's right on the water, great view. It's an old old US Navy depot. Pretty cool concrete building. But aside from the ambiance and setting, the food is excellent. The calamari app is pretty phenomenal. The steaks are great as well, although this is really primarily a seafood place. Eaten here a couple times and have had an exceptional experience every time. Really recommend this place if you are ever in downtown charleston.
(5)Tammy H.
What a miss in Charleston. So much for southern hospitality. Walk in to have drinks & apps at the bar. It's 2pm. Restaurant is empty. Notice tables outside in the sun. Go back to hostess & ask to sit outside. She says if we are just having drinks they can't seat us out there. 5 empty tables, but can't seat us? Really??? Great business minds...2pm, empty tables, wants appetizers. I guess they must have a great business not to accommodate. Went to tbonz after, spent $100. Tbonz wants to thank you for your poor customer service. Great job!!!
(1)M P.
It's a beautiful spot on the water, but the superlatives stop there. The food is two notches below average, and the service was that of a cheap chicken joint. It's a bit of a tourist trap, as it's the only place to eat on the water, but at the price you pay you really don't get a good value in my opinion.
(1)Sam B.
This is such a great spot, I have been here on quite a few occasions and have never been disappointed! Sitting outside from 40* to 90* is worth the wait, heat in the winter and fans/cool bay breeze in the summer.
(5)Michael P.
This was the second of three places recommended by a local, on our connecting flight to Charleston from Atlanta. This place was packed and reservations are a must. We called the afternoon we'd arrived and were fitted in with a 7:30 time slot. We arrived early and left late, with folks arriving for their reservations throughout. They run a good operation, as you're seated right on time. The food is excellent, and the prices are good. We thought the she-crab soup to be the best in town. I had shrimp and grits, so rich it was hard to finish. There's always room for collard greens, which were fine. My wife had seafood pasta; ditto, so there was no room for dessert. The service was friendly and prompt, but perhaps a bit too frequent in checking-in. This is a former U.S. Navy embarkation building built out of concrete - walls, floor, and ceiling. It's loud, despite some acoustical panels on the ceiling and top of walls. On the other hand, it's on a pier in the Cooper River, so the view, from inside or outside, is fantastic. The bar, like many in Charleston, has roll-up garage doors, so it can serve the inside guests on one side, and the outdoor guests on the other - that's cool.
(4)Kathy S.
This is a decent restaurant and, if it weren't in Charleston, I'd give it 4 stars. It's just we have so many great restaurants here. What Fleet Landing has to offer is decent food with a GREAT view. We don't have a lot of restaurants with views here, so if you're visiting Charleston, this is a perfectly fine place to come for shrimp and grits or the whole flounder with apricot sauce.
(3)Katie C.
Delicious! Great view! Had the sheepshead. I'd never tried that type of fish and was glad to have. Excellent. Would return.
(4)Keith J.
This place was great for lunch. The shrimp and grits we fabulous and the service was excellent. This is the place for great food and the bread pudding was jus as good. We had to wait 45 minutes but worth the wait.
(5)Michelle S.
Great view, our server took care of us, the hush puppies are beyond amazing, I would skip the calamari, though! As a local, I try to go for brunch only and go early since it gets a bit touristy. Make a reservation otherwise you may have to wait a while.
(3)Bernd L.
Not sure what all the hoopla is all about and why the high ratings. Overpriced and very divey. The seafood boil was very average, the tuna/salmon tartare tiny and the she crab soup was very starchy with low grade ingredients.
(2)Pete S.
Oh my gosh! I rarely give 5 stars. This is the place. We got there about 4:30. We had reservations at 5:00 pm. They don't start serving dinner until 5, so we sat at the bar & joined in on happy hour. It's from 4 to 7. We did get to see a cruise ship depart. How fun. We were promptly seated at 5pm by the window. What a great view. We were promptly greeted by our server, Kayla. Wow! She was really personable. She explained all the specials and took our drink orders and explained a few things on the menu. After she came back with our drinks she took our order. I had a pan seared trigger fish with pimento grits and asparagus. The whole meal was fantastic. The fish was cooked perfectly. Not over cooked. Wife had sea scallops with Carolina red rice and spotted Lima beans. Again, the meal was perfect, the scallops were not over cooked. Our friends both had seafood pasta. Shrimp, scallops, mussels, crawfish and andouille sausage. It was, again delicious. Everything prepared perfectly. For dessert I had the bread pudding, a little different but delicious. Wife had pecan pie with ice cream. Really good. Not to sweet. Friends had red velvet cake. Also great. This place was just amazing. We will return when we're back in the area.
(5)Bill R.
Being from Iowa I never get the chance to get fresh fish so this was a real treat for us. I am so glad we picked this place to go to. The service is great, very friendly and helpful with suggestions. We sat outside and that made the experience even better. That night they had Swordfish as one of their fresh catch choices and it was amazing along with the southern slaw and collard greens it was a great meal. My son had the Salmon and it was also amazing. If you decide to go here go early and sit outside. We had reservations at 5 and got right in but by the time we left it was full and people were steadily coming through the door. The only knock is the parking kinda sucks but getting there early will help with that.
(5)Erv C.
Many great reviews but Fleet Landing didn't live up to our expectations. The she crab soup was outstanding as was the gumbo. Generous servings! Oysters on the half shell were fresh and salty. Now for the negative, we ordered the seafood platter and requested grilled shrimp & scallops, no grill marks and seasoning was barely noticeable The fried seafood platter of fried shrimp and fried fish was good but no more tasty than your neighborhood fast food. Sides were good, cheese grits very creamy. All in all satisfying but the accolades on yelp exceed our dining experience.
(3)Kevin S.
I've been to two seafood places in this area and Fleet Landing is better than the other by about 800%. I had a cold shrimp appetizer (phenomenal flavor) and a lowcountry boil. The boil wasn't my favorite but I did sample some of the things my compatriots had ordered and it was all quite good. You're going to pay a little bit (it's at the upper end of the two-dollar-sign range on Yelp) but if you absolutely must sample some seafood in downtown, I'd have no problem if you wanted to check this place out.
(4)Kelly B.
Great view, great drinks, great food. Although this place can get very busy because it's quite the tourist attraction, they have a great menu bursting with seafood that people want when visiting Charleston. They also have an extensive drink and dessert menus. I highly recommend the Key Lime Pie. This place is the only restaurant on the water in downtown Charleston, which makes for a great view, especially if seated outside on the patio. I love the chunky crab cakes and she crab soup. It's a great spot to take visitors and located next to gorgeous Waterfront Park.
(4)David L.
I would say it has an upscale feel to it but no need to dress up. Wait service is great, they know their menu and have their recommendations. Ordered crab cake and it was awesome - all crab meat. Ordered seafood pasta - lots of large shrimps, crawfish, clams and oysters. Little salty for my palate nonetheless packed with flavor. Also ordered salmon with ginger sauce - a bit sweet and well cooked and seared. The prime rib was awesome - especially the fat dipped in the au jus provided with the steak. It's is pricey but definitely worth it. Walkins accepted but better make reservations. Parking is limited to about 30 cars but come little early and find a spot for you car. If you can't find a parking spot will need to park at a meter or garage. When visiting Charleston, SC this is one restaurant you and family need to try. Enjoy!!!
(5)Lauren P.
Been here 100 times, and it never disappoints. I've probably had everything off the menu, but my favorites include the blue crab dip (served cold), the she crab soup (this is my comfort food), and the shrimp and grits. These are all pretty much staples of the South, but they have a little of the "Gullah" cuisine added in to make them perfect. I enjoy sitting outside and enjoying the view, unless there is a cruise ship in port, which is the only thing I'm discontent with. However it is not the restaurants fault, and they still have some of the best food!!
(5)Stacie B.
Went to Fleet landing because all my friends said it was very good. My husband and I went here on a date night. The wait was crazy and we arrived right when they opened. My recommendation is to make a reservation, but if not waiting it okay too since it is right on the water with beautiful views. We just enjoyed sitting around looking at the scenery. When we did get in I ordered their flounder and my husband ordered the salmon and we both enjoyed our food very much. I would go back again.
(5)Greg J.
Great restaurant! Our server Colton Johnson helped us out to the fullest. Recommended 3 things that we tried for the first time and he hit the nail on the head each time. Great stuff, shrimp in grits were delicious. Definitely give this place a try!
(5)Carl H.
Not too bad of a place. Went here with wife and sister. We had no reservations, but did have a play to see that night. Arrived about 6PM on Saturday, was told 30 minutes for first table or 45-50 minutes for inside. We decided to put our names down for "inside" and said we would be back in 45 and wandered over to the Waterfront Park, as a touristy thing to do with my sister from TX. While at the pier, we determined that it was breezy and cool enough in the shade to eat outside (we could see the restaurants outside seating and saw everybody was in the shade), and we did not want to rush, so headed back to restaurant to tell them we would take first available. However, when we walked in, they recognized us and said our inside table was ready. We ordered their Fried Green tomato stack, which was 3 slices of tomatoes Layered with Tarragon Crab Salad & Creamy Shellfish Sauce. This was small to share with three, but was flavorful. We also had their fried calamari steaks. This is regular calamari, but instead of slicing the squid into rings and frying, the squid was sliced length wise. I will say this was EXCELLENT. Two of us also had their She Crab soup. I love a crabby thick soup. This soup was thick, excellent flavor, but mine had very little crab, about half a teaspoon "lump" in a big soup bowl. For entree's, my sister had a Caesar salad and their tuna and salmon tartare appetizer. She liked both. I had their Pan seared blackened Trigger Fish with pimento cheese grits and asparagus. This was OK, the grits did taste strongly of pimento cheese (I probably would have appreciated a more subtle flavor), fish was well cooked, but only OK on flavor, the asparagus was the large variety so only received about 3 stalks, and was overcooked, or maybe I just prefer the small thin stalks that are less cooked and greener.
(3)kate j.
this restaurant looks like a tourist trap but the food is delicious. I was turned off by the whole navy theme of the restaurant because it was a little overdone but overall it's a pretty cool spot in a good location. we sat outside which was great with the exception of about 100 seagulls squawking right by the deck the entire time we were eating; however, that's to be expected of a restaurant right on the water like fleet landing is. our group split the hush puppies (two thumbs up and a unique twist on the snack) and fried oysters with soco bbq sauce. my boyfriend ordered a steak and everyone else in our group ordered seafood, which I would recommend doing to any first timers here because it's good and it's what they're known for. my brother ordered the low country boil (similar to a bouillabaisse but more simple) and it was very good. I had the blackened triggerfish, which I'd never heard of before our visit to fleet landing, and it was awesome. their decent drink menu and good location makes this place even better!
(4)Kim H.
I hate oysters. Fleet Landing makes me love oysters- so much so that I order dozen after dozen. Best selection of local oysters. SO GOOD. Great peel and eat shrimp too! Great wine list, happy with the selection and bottle we ordered! Entrées were exceptional. HAD TO LEAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT. And I did. BREAD PUDDING. Yum. Amazing. That is all. Will be back!
(5)Vadim O.
While in Charleston, SC, I looked for an authentic culinary experience...Fleet Landing Restaurant exceeded all expectations!!! The restaurant/bar is located behind the U.S. Customs House on Concord Avenue and is right on the water overlooking Charleston Harbor. It is a central point for walking the Charleston Waterfront Park, Meeting Street, and King's street (some of the best sightseeing and shopping in the city). The restaurant was packed upon our arrival (good sign), which was about lunch time. A few words about the ambiance and, then, off to food review...The inside is casual; the space is plenty; the bar is very opened; the views are spectacular. The crowd was 50/50 tourists and local business people coming in for lunch. We got Bloody Marries, 1/4 lbs of Peel N' Eat Shrimp, Low country Seafood Gumbo, and Blackened Triggerfish Sandwich. Here is a break down of each dish: Bloody Marries - excellent presentation and great Bloody Marry mixer. The drink was delicious Peel N' Eat Shrimp - also excellent. The shrimp was served with served chilled with Old Bay Seasoning. There is a big difference between previously frozen shrimp and fresh shrimp. Needless to say, this shrimp was as fresh as it could be. It was a great small appetizer Low country Seafood Gumbo - have not had Gumbo before, so this dish blew my mind. In addition to seafood, the gumbo also had Andouille Sausage, Okra, & Rice in it. Blackened Triggerfish Sandwich - not crazy about sandwiches, but really wanted to try the Triggerfish. The Triggerfish was buttered, fried, presented with Avocado Aioli, Pepper Jack Cheese, Shredded Lettuce, & Tomato on Toasted Roll. We ate at the bar hence it was a little warm outside. However, the views of the Charleston harbor were pretty spectacular even from the inside. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone either living in Charleston or travelling to this wonderful city
(5)Brett H.
This place is a great option for a quick place to eat with some above average unique seafood dishes. It's also on the water and an easy walking destination if you're parked and strolling around downtown on foot. Stuffed hushpuppies-- Yes. Shrimp cakes-- Double yes. (Only on Tuesdays) Key Lime Pie-- Yes, if you dare. Staff is very friendly and accommodating. They will go out of their way to make sure you have a good experience.
(4)Princy D.
Mediocre at best. We ate here on the recommendation of the hotel and Yelp reviews. We've had better seafood for less further inland. Oysters were rubbery. Mussels needed more spices.
(2)Kelly C.
The location and decor really shine at this waterside restaurant with beachy feel. Great views out over the water make it a great spot at lunch. I ordered the fish tacos (a Friday blue plate special) which didn't have a lot of flavor, so I would skip the next time around. My husband ordered a burger which he enjoyed. Overall, great place for the location and view, and just okay for the food quality.
(3)Christina G.
I have been to a good amount of restaurants in Charleston and would say that there are better places than that one for the money you pay. The green tomatoes are good but nothing special. I also had a salad with shrimp and it was just ok. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere though and special flair due to its location. Still I would prefer other places over this one.
(3)Kelly M.
I came here a few years ago and had a spectacular hand muddled pomegranate mojito. I craved that drink a few times over the past couple years, and was happy to return for that mojito. During my recent visit, I had two pomegranate mojitos-- one was hand muddled and one was not. The hand muddling makes a difference and I would encourage the bartender not to skip that step when busy. With all that said, the food is good too! We started with an appetizer of the stuffed hush puppies (also saw someone order that a few years ago). It was delicious and big enough to split between three people. I ordered the tuna steak for my entree, the tuna was high quality but it was not seared as I hoped. I am not sure if that was my fault in the ordering process. The server also let me substitute a side that was not an option with my meal. The server, Lucas, was on his game and quite attentive. The atmosphere is touristy, perhaps, but the view is pretty. We were in the enclosed, heated porch. I was concerned because it was cool and windy, but we were comfortable throughout our meal. The outside options are worth a small wait. When I come back to Charleston, I will return to Fleet's landing for a pomegranate mojito and stuffed hush puppies. Until then, I can only dream of the perfect mojito. P.s. FL is busy, so reservations will help. We called same day and it was too late to get in at a decent time.
(4)Anna H.
Had lunch here today. I asked for their gluten free menu and basically got their sandwich section of their regular menu but this time it said NO BREAD next to each selection. I ordered their burger but asked for one big lettuce piece instead of shredded lettuce so I could wrap my burger with it. When the burger came it came with 2 mini lettuces that I could only use as a topping. I basically ate a burger salad. Quite disappointing. They did cook it to my preference but nothing special. The service was not the best. It seemed that he was pretty overwhelmed because we thought at one point he forgot our drink order. When we finished eating we had to ask another server to get our checks since we couldn't get our servers attention.
(3)Erin C.
We sat outside one gorgeous Friday night and couldn't have had a better experience. Our waiter, David, was amazing. The perfect combination of attentive and allowing for private time. We each ordered one of the two catches of the day, blackened. They were both perfect - moist, well seasoned and fresh. We also had sides of grits and mashed potatoes. I liked my grits better, but the husband's potatoes were well made. Just a bit of skin and incredibly smooth. The alcohol selection was average, but the scenic views, excellent service and food made up for it. I almost forgot the biscuits. Melt in your mouth excellence. All in all, highly recommended.
(4)Kris L.
Had a solid lunch with a gorgeous view at Fleet Landing. We started with the seafood gumbo which was full of seafood flavorful and perfect! It reminded me of a heartier maryland crab soup. We also tried the Carolina barbecue brunch special which was Carolina BBQ pulled pork, 2 biscuits, grits, and a fried egg. The pork was perfectly tender and meaty with a lot of smoke. The flounder sandwich was also delish! The view was unbeatable. The service was friendly but not very on their game...but the food and view made up for it! Tip: make reservations on open table as you can wait an hour on weekends for lunch!
(4)Kara A.
Had a truly enjoyable lunch with a wonderful view of Charleston Harbor. The table location was even more magical as we were able to have a front row seat to the summer storm while enjoying some delicious food.
(5)Ashley S.
I've been here twice now and really like this place. My favorite part is the patio that overlooks the water. Sadly, the last time I came it was too cold to go out there, but at least I still got some delicious seafood. For starters, we shared the lobster and shrimp hush puppies, the spinach dip, and the calamari. All of the apps were great. My favorite was the hush puppies because they were stuffed to the brim with delicious seafood. For an entree, I had the yellowfin tuna. I chose cheese grits and asparagus as my sides. The cheese grits were a little bland and not my favorite, but the fish and asparagus were very good. We had dessert trays with a couple options. I loved the key lime pie. There was also a red velvet cake which was ok and I think some sort of rich chocolate brownie or cake. I was here for a private party on this last visit, and the restaurant did a good job hosting us. They gave us two large tables by the bar and kept all of our drink and dinner orders straight and brought out our food at the same time, which I appreciated. My only complaint is that they actually overcharged me for my drink, only by 50 cents, but it was still annoying.
(4)Jan A.
Best fish taco I have ever had and I am from Florida ! The beans and rice were delish also. Daughter had shrimp and grits and loved them as well!
(5)Deb W.
Finally made it to Fleet Landing after many years of not feeling the hype could live up to a 2 hour wait. I really had low expectations with it being such a HUGE part of the tourist scene but I was pleasantly surprised. The She crab soup was great, the seafood pasta was excellent (even better the next day:) my husbands fried seafood was very fresh and only slightly battered and the scenery/location is awesome. There was nothing unique enough that I'll be craving it - when I HAVE to get back to a place because I can't stop craving a specific dish - that's a 5 star to me. But any time anyone else wants to go, I'll definitely be happy to join them.
(4)Stephen W.
This has turned out to be one of our favorite places. Great views, great service, great food. We still think the southern bbq oyster and grit appetizer is just to die for.
(5)Tiger L.
Had dinner here... be careful you don't arrive before the shift change or you will wait. It filled up fast and people were waiting.. but.. hmmm.. I only counted 4 black people in the place, 1 barkeep and 3 guests. This tells me a lot: either there is a better place to go, or they are not welcome here. Food was delicious, but the amount of meat in my oysters was disappointing, I ordered a second 1/2 doz and one shell was empty. Wife had the amazing Crispy Whole Fried Southern Flounder with Apricot Glaze, ..wish I had that instead of the Oscar. 5 of us with drinks= $164.00
(3)Aaron P.
**Overall Rank 4.5/5** Our third time here, and nothing has changed. I wanted to order the crispy flounder, but I couldn't bring myself to do get away from the Shrimp and Grits. This is the one restaurant that my wife and I have brought all of our visiting family to, and they all say they can't wait to come back to eat at Fleet Landing. If it is your first time there.....Shrimp and Grits and Pecan Pie with vanilla ice cream. If you have a chance to return, then you can explore the menu. **Food - Portion size 4/5** Lunch is the best time to go. The portion size is "slightly" smaller than the dinner entree, but half the price. Either way, the quality meets the price. **Food - Taste 5/5** The Shrimp and Grits are inexplicable. Okay, not really, but they are SOOO creamy and delicious. The Shrimp are big and cooked perfectly. The andouille sausage and tasso ham gravy add a rich flavor that reminds me of great food back in Louisiana. Bottom Line: You MUST try the Shrimp and Grits and for dessert, get the pecan pie with ice cream. **Location 5/5** Great location downtown, just a block away from the slave market and from Waterfront Park. **Parking 4/5** If you drive to Fleet Landing and don't walk, the parking can be VERY frustrating. They have a tiny lot with only one direction, so getting out can be tricky. There is a large parking lot for the port next door that is permit only, don't try that. If you go down Cumberland Street, you will see the restaurant directly in front of you. Just before you get to the stop sign on Concord, there is a parking garage to the right. Save yourself some time and park there. You can walk to the restaurant, up/down Meeting Street, to the slave market, to Waterfront park. It is $1 for every 1/2 hour. **Cleanliness 4/5** The only downside, which is out of their control, is the harbor during low tide. There is a strong muddy smell if you sit outside. Other than that, nothing to complain about. **Originality 4/5** Nothing too original, southern feel good, but they do it better than most. **Service 5/5** Service is always good. Wait staff are polite and chatty. Our waiter gave me a hard time for looking at my Yelp while ordering. He thought I was reading reviews, but I had some personal recommendations I was looking up. He laughed about it. **Price 4/5** Considering the service and atmosphere, the price is too high. Throw in location and it makes sense. **Wait 5/5** As busy as they were, we (table of 5) were sat immediately. Food comes quick. In and out for lunch in about 45 minutes. **Atmosphere 5/5** Right on the water. We like to sit outside so our daughter can watch the boats, planes, wildlife, etc. This experience was awesome because there was a thunderstorm out over the water that made for a cool view.
(5)Megan F.
Love the atmosphere and the outdoor seating options. Great views of the water. We have eaten here twice on vacation and loved it both times. It's on our list of places to eat when we visit Charleston.
(4)David O.
This is always a staple stop while in Charleston. Great seafood on the harbor with good views and fantastic food. Reasonably priced and good for kids. Parking on site but is always full and will take some maneuvering to claim your spot. Excellent service. Salmon was fantastic.
(5)Megan K.
Wow. One of the best meals I've had in a while. We dipped into Fleet Landing on a whim on a recent trip to Charleston. We weren't entirely sure of what to expect, but we were soon wildly impressed with our choice. For starters, the restaurant is in an old, renovated Navy building, right on the water. We went for dinner, so we couldn't really see any of the shore, but on the contrary, there was a lightning storm occurring right as we entered the restaurant, so as odd as it may sound, it was a really cool experience to be seated outdoors (covered patio, tented walls, ample heating) and to take in the weather--almost as if we were old sailors ourselves. :) We started with She Crab Soup--which was just incredible. Maybe the best I've ever had. Very thick and flavorful. Perfect temperature. Boyfriend's iceberg wedge salad was crisp and cold and very beautifully constructed--tasted amazing as well. I had the crab cake dinner, which was equally amazing--perfect balance of fried-ness with the lump crab meat. Boyfriend had the seafood pasta, which was UNREAL. Lots of fresh seafood with a great sauce and the pasta was perfectly cooked. Service was just wonderful--I can't wait to return on our next trip to Charleston! I would recommend this place to anyone--we saw lots of groups, families, couples on dates... really great atmosphere and impeccable menu and service.
(5)Cassie L.
We eat here for girls night! Everything we got was great! I am scared to eat seafood! I'm always scared that it is going to be to fishy or I will get sick.. But everything was GREAT! I would eat here again!
(4)Sandra C.
Fleets Landing was one of the restaurants I have been waiting to go to since my first visit to Charleston. However after finding out, it would be a 45minutes to an hour wait, we decided to go somewhere else! This time around for Memorial Day weekend, I made sure we got reservations for 4 to sit outside! It was a breezy night and the hospitality of the waiter was very nice! I ordered the crispy flounder with the fried green tomato appetizers. The flounder was crispy and a bit dry, I had to ask for more apricot glaze! But the whole concept of the fish was very unique! We also ordered the salmon on a bed of rice and vegetables. The salmon was a small piece of fish, but was cooked to perfection where it was a little bit raw in the inside. The old country boil was not worth it for it's price, it came with 5 pieces of shrimp with 3 small ears of corn and a few sausages. All in all it was a delightful time dining here, and will return again for their brunch menu!
(4)Mary M.
The atmosphere and décore is really neat. This restaurant is right along the water. Ask for an outside table ...especially early evening; you can watch the sun go down. I was in Charleston for two weeks on business and ate here three times. One night I ordered the shrimp and grits. It was very tasty; the grits very buttery, and the gravy was laced with Andouille sausage. I also tried the low country boil, but I thought it was a little bland - as though it hadn't been seasoned. Our group went to celebrate the end of a job we were working on, and the FL really was a good place to go for a celebration. .
(4)Clare S.
Fleet Landing is the only waterfront seafood restaurant on the peninsula/downtown. I've been stopped on the street numerous times, or asked by visiting friends and family, "Where can we eat seafood on the water that's within walking distance?" Fleet Landing fits the bill; they serve seafood of all kinds, all preparations, and the views are fantastic. Personal food recommendations: Shrimp & Lobster-Stuffed Hushpuppies (DO IT), Mixed Greens Salad with Spiced/Candied Pecans & Shrimp, Shrimp & Grits (some of the best in town if you like sausage in yours), anything "pan-roasted" from the Fresh Catch section of the menu. Experience: Call (way) ahead for reservations, ask for outdoor seating if at all possible, and avoid peak weekend nights during peak hours. I've seen Fleet Landing wait times estimated as up to 2 hours. Take note: parking can be massively painful here when the restaurant is busy. Walk there if at all possible. Why Fleet Landing: I recommend Fleet Landing to family, friends, and in my own writing because they are a platinum member of the Charleston Sustainable Seafood Initiative: scaquarium.org/ssi .
(4)Jessica K.
Came here for lunch on our honeymoon. Food was good. Great view. Staff was friendly and helpful. Place filled up quickly!
(4)Michelle T.
Family of 8 and the service was outstanding and so was the food. Location is awesome.
(5)Marilyn C.
Great food and service. Make reservations using Open Table to save a long wait. They have a parking lot but it's small--after 6 pm find a meter which is free then or pay $5 in the lot next door (only in the spots listed on the sign). Try the stuffed hush puppies appetizer -- yummy! Shrimp & grits, fried shrimp, fried fish and Charleston red rice also good. We loved this place.
(5)Steven J.
I find myself in Charleston every few years for training at a local base. Every visit, I make a point to stop at Fleet Landing. The touristy downtown restaurants can be hit or miss when it comes to food, but Fleet is a homerun every time. It's a perfect combination of scenic views, cool building, and excellent food. I usually go with a large group and, despite their popularity, they have found us a table within 30-40 minutes. The wait is never an issue, as you can grab a drink and stand on the waterfront patio. If you go, you must get the stuffed hushpuppies...a magical combination of shrimp, lobster, green onions, stuffed in a hushpuppy and covered in a creole tomato sauce. I would also recommend the mint julep, which was strong, well-made, and only $5.75.
(5)Kaoru S.
Welcomed like family. Ordered a fried platter but nothing was over cooked! Since we we touristing alls fair. We enjoyed.
(4)Dave M.
Great atmosphere with gorgeous views of the harbor. Difficult parking situation but worth the experience. Good food and bar.
(4)Christi G.
Best shrimp and grits in Charleston!! The calamari is fantastic too. Really great drinks and it's right on the water!
(5)Marilyn B.
Ambiance is PLUS factor on the Charleston Harbor. You can make reservations but could still be a wait. You have choice of indoors or outside. The history of the building is so cool. Read about it. Very Nautical theme and it fit the location. Fried Green Tomatoe is very good...thank goodness no goat cheese like other places in Charleston tend to serve. Lump Crab Bruschetta is very tasty. Well worth the Fresh Chefs Fish of Day...Had waiter recommend the Trigger fish. Never had but OMG was it good. We also had the pan-seared Tilapia...very good...not dried out but very tasty. Seasoning on both items was good. the 3rd person in the group had the LowCountry Seafood Pasta...Very plentiful on all seafoods (shrimp, scallops, crawfish, mussels) I had them hold the Andouille Sausage and that was not a problem.
(4)t f.
We lack great restaurants on the water in Charleston. So this is about as good as it gets. Good. Not great. But really you are here for the views.
(3)Kevin S.
Honestly, this is probably the best (or at least in the top 3) restaurants in Charleston. I had the She Crab Soup and the Shrimp and Grits.., which was heavenly!!! Next visit to Charleston, you better believe I'll be dining there again!
(5)John E.
One of the few water-view restaurants that are reasonably priced in Charleston. Good views inside or outside. The local shrimp dishes are done well and the service is satisfactory.
(4)Michelle N.
The view and location is Great!! The food not so much!!! Our waiter was too rushed and it was a slow day.....probably won't be back
(3)Kelly S.
Got the crab cakes and they were great! It was a long wait but worth it. Maybe try to make a reservation if you can.
(5)Tony F.
Fleet Landing Low country dinner tonight was so rich and tasty that finishing only half the meal and the rest to go. Now I lead you down our journey of exploding tastebuds. Sitting on the Charleston Bay waterfront in the historic area of Charleston. You enter boring warehouse looking street front building into a three glass walled Resturant. Sittings inside or outside over looking the water. The friendly staff seats your party down Followed by waiter ready to serve you. A bar if you wish. Wine of course. The appetizer was three huge shrimp and crab hush puppies hollowed and filled with lobster bisque in and out. OMG! Hard ball size! The next was Grits, Shrimp and Andouille sausage. Covered on a rich onion brown sauce/gravy. Again OMG OMG. The other dinner was two 85 percent crab cakes to die for. Smashed potatoes and butter beans. OMG again. How does anyone finish these over the top dishes in one sitting. I will be coming back here for lunch to have deserts. Not tonight. Come here for awesome seafood.
(5)Jon G.
I had crab cake sandwich it was good but the really the bread to crab ratio was bad. Also had hush puppies that were just okay. Great views of the water, I'd probably go back and get something else.
(3)Debra L.
Excellent food I had the most delicious baby spinach salad topped with grilled salmon. It's on the river beautiful scenery and the service was fabulous at the outside bar. And since I am cycling my way through Charleston I really appreciated the fact that the hostess let me bring my bicycle inside with me to the patio area.
(5)Cecile B.
All our entrees were very good, seasoning was just right. Don't be fooled by the so-so (even tacky) facade, the inside ambience was much better. We were seated at the outdoor (heated) patio overlooking the harbor. I ordered the fried oyster baby spinach salad ($12.99) which was outstanding and surprisingly very filling. My hubby had the crab cakes ($24.99), which was above average - very little extenders, almost all crab! My 8 year old had calamari ($9.99), which she also liked (she's a normal kid - very picky) Service was excellent, our server was very attentive, and we were greeted by the manager & other employees also asked if we needed anything In the end, my husband exclaimed "that was so good" which doesn't normally happen when we eat out.
(4)Robyn T.
Fleet Landing is a great place. For one, you simply cannot beat the view. I was fortunate enough to visit this restaurant during a trip to Charleston and came here with a large group of 15. I'm not going to lie, we are a loud bunch and that can be intimidating to a server trying to wrangle us all together and keep things organized. Hanna showed up at our table and quickly got our water glasses filled and our wine poured. Within a few more minutes she was explaining the menu and taking our orders. It was restaurant week and I ordered the Lump Crap Bruschetta, the Fish and Chips, and Key Lime Pie. I'm going to say without a doubt the bruschetta was the highlight of the meal. The crab meat and all of it's accompanying players (goat cheese, balsamic tomatoes, basil pesto, and balsamic glaze) blended together to create a perfect first impression of the food here. I could have ordered seconds and just made that my meal. The fish and chips, although good, was definitely not the best I've had. I prefer the batter to be a little more crispy and this wasn't. The fish didn't have a ton of flavor either. Now, the fried okra with comeback sauce is another favorite. We ended up dipping just about everything in the comeback sauce. There were a few others who also weren't blown away by their meals, including the gnocci, and steak. They said it was good, just not great. There were others who said their meals were fantastic. So I suppose the chefs excel in some areas and not in others. Normally I would give 3 stars to an overall review like this but I've got to give some props to our girl Hanna. She really stole the show. She was so attentive to everyone's needs, had our wine glasses continually refilled, was extremely knowledgeable of the wine and dinner menu, and was so incredibly pleasant to be around that we felt she enhanced our dining experience. Great job! I would without a doubt come back to Fleet Landing. The atmosphere is great, you can't beat the location, the food is tasty, and the service is top notch.
(4)Stacy L.
We came to town and had a craving for seafood. There were 2 other places that were pretty packed and had a wait. So we came here, no wait. The food was ok, probably thought it was better than it was because we were hungry. The service was horrendous. I would have went to another restaurant with better reviews had we not of been so hungry. They don't have a very great selection. Which sucked. We were limited on what we could order, which was frustrating especially given the fact that they're on the water! We wouldn't return. Go to one of the other ones on bay st
(2)Jeff T.
Fantastic venue, with an interesting history. The service is very friendly. Excellent wine list. And, most importantly, the food was outstanding. I came most recently with a party of 8, and prior visits were with large groups as well, and not one member of my group has ever had a bad experience or poorly-prepared meal! To me, that says a lot. If you're only visiting Charleston for a day or 2, you should really make time to have lunch or dinner at Fleet Landing!
(5)Ashley K.
We had the hush puppies fried shrimp and shrimp po boy. The hushpuppies were awesome and grits were amazing! Otherwise the food was just good. The service was definitely lacking. Probably wouldn't go back.
(3)Olivia M.
Came here twice while in Charleston. Had drinks outside on the deck over looking the water. The food was great! I would come back here again for sure!
(5)Tessa M.
To start off - I love this restaurant. I've been here numerous times since moving to Charleston a few months ago and it's one of my top 5 favorite places to eat, hands down. The last time I went with a friend of mine, we both split the Stuffed Hush Puppies - they were amazing. Cooked to a perfect consistency (the hush puppies were not too hard or too soft) the lobster and shrimp that came along with it was amazing, and needless to say my friend and I ate every bite! I also got the she crab soup and it was the best I've had in Charleston so far as well. The perfect sherry to soup ratio. If the weather is nice and you're able to sit outside, definitely go for it. The outdoor seating overlooks the water and it's great when going to grab lunch or an early dinner.
(5)Erika R.
Fantastic grits!!!!!!! Really all the food was good but the grits were super awesome. Lucas our server was a real pro and took excellent care of us.
(5)Marla D.
Sad to downgrade BUT today, I brought the family and tried two new items and was disappointed. I love shrimp and grits but after trying them at quite a few places - I was disappointed that this restaurant included sausage and a brown gravy. I would not expect this at a seafood restaurant. The sausage is slightly spicy and it makes it a more heavy flavor instead of light and refreshing that seafood usually inspires. We also ordered the lump crab cake sandwich. Boring. No flavor. The arugala was wilted and the onions didn't even have flavor. I also noticed that for a seafood restaurant, there are not many seafood items - on the lunch menu at least. Our server was super nice though.
(3)Allison S.
My eyes were way bigger than my stomach but it was well worth stuffing myself. Everything was super fresh, tasted amazing, and was well crafted. Our server was sweet and very attentive. Very pleased that my first "fresh seafood" experience was a good one!!!!
(5)Judi H.
We came upon Fleets Landing while walking the waterfront. We had the best raw oysters while in Charleston and we ate a lot of oysters. We also ordered fried shrimp which were good. Wished we were more hungry so we could order more. The restaurant looked like many seafood restaurants but the view outside was beautiful. It was just too hit and humid to sit outside. The service was wonderful and prompt. Looked like a great place for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
(4)leah f.
I had been looking forward to eating here because the reviews seem to be pretty good. Today I went there for lunch and it was not what I was expecting. We started with the calamari steak and crab cake. Calamari was bit tough but decent and the crab cake was amazing but that was the only highlight of this meal. My boyfriend got the chefs fish special, Mahi Mahi cheeks, which was alright but some were over cooked. I had the seared salmon. It was alright but seasoning was off, way to salting on one half and the other needed more salt. Even the green beans were hardly cooked. It was not worth the money we spent. However, the service was friendly but I won't be going back.
(1)Shelby B.
I was severely unimpressed by this restaurant. All their fish options were run-of-the-mill, fried, and resembled something you would find in a non-coastal city. If you have a seafood restaurant in Charleston, you should serve respectable fish.
(2)Jack L.
While this place was completely booked up on our first night in Charleston, we were able to get a table after about a twenty minute wait on a different day. The view from the outdoor patio was great and definitely something different than the other downtown options. Our server was friendly without being in the way. We ended up ordering the Flank Steak Salad, Chilled Peel-n-Eat Prawns, Fish-n-Chips, and the Veggie Pasta with Chicken. All of the items were tasty, especially the shrimp. None of the food was exceptional, but it was well-executed and traditional in a good way. Unlike others, I thought the pricing was reasonable considering the food and the view. Overall, the food was probably worth three stars but the ambiance, view, and service brought up the experience to four stars.
(4)James F.
The shrimp and grits were delicious! The best I have had to date! You must come to Fleet Landing when coming to Charleston, SC.
(5)Larry S.
Do you have any idea how difficult it is to get reservations for 16 people on short-notice? Fleet Landing was very accommodating, and we had a great time there. Our waiter and waitress played tag-team to keep every one of us happy. And as others have noted, the view is awesome! We passed around a number of appetizers. They were all good, but my favorite was the stuffed hush puppies. They were wonderful. I didn't keep track of what everyone ordered, but between us, we covered most of the menu, and nobody left unhappy. But I came to Charleston knowing I wanted a lowcountry shrimp boil, and this was definitely the place to get it. The red potatoes and corn-on-the-cob had absorbed the flavors from the shrimp, sausage, and whatever that magical seasoning was. I left with my lips tingling and my tummy happy.
(4)D B.
We came with the same group. Experience was excellent again. We would give it 99 stars again! Well worth going out of your way for. Creative menu, very well presented. Consistent quality. You cannot go wrong here. Be certain to make a reservation.
(5)Amanda R.
Today's fish special was Flounder Cheeks! It was delicious. The view was beautiful. And there was actually parking at the location. The servers were knowledgable and friendly. 2 thumbs up from this Gluten Free mamma!
(5)Madeline S.
As an update - I want to let everyone know that the management did respond about my previous post and they brought their concerns to their staff. I'll definitely give them a second chance next time I'm in Charleston.
(3)Selphyne B.
Extremely underwhelming experience over all. The wait time with a call ahead was close to an hour for a party of 2. The silverware, drink cups, and appetizer plates still had food residue on them. The appetizer we ordered were fried green tomatoes and it came with 3 pieces that were very small and incredibly greasy and devoid of flavor. My husband ordered a bacon fried green tomato BLT and I asked for the fried shrimp platter (there was no fresh grilled fish options and their fish tacos were apparently unavailable even after only 2 hours of them being open!). The best either of us left being able to say was that their French fries were perfect. The fried shrimp was ok at best, and the bacon BLT was again missing flavor entirely which seems so odd to us considering the ingredients listed on the menu description. Was over priced for what we received. We would never suggest this place to anyone. We give 2 stars for the fries alone. Wish we could say better for the only restaurant on the water.
(2)Mary Ann Keogh K.
Shrimp and grits we're awesome. Stuffed hush puppies were ok. Ryan was a wonderful server. We really appreciated the casual ambbiece
(5)Julia W.
I have to say the seafood here is well worth the wait. Everything is fresh and prepared well. I recommend the oysters, peeling shrimp and crab bisque for appetizers. The fish dishes were a table favorite, though the low country boil can use a little bit more flavor, it is still pretty good. All 8 of us had great things to say. A must for me next time I am in town.
(4)Eric G.
Hush puppies were average, but shrimp and grits were outstanding. Great views and above average for a touristy place.
(4)Jeni N.
What an awesome experience! My friends and I enjoyed lunch here on a beautiful Charleston day. Luckily, we were able to snag a table right beside the water and even saw some dolphins! We had a great time. Seeing the other yelpers reviews on the shrimp and grits and stuffed hush puppies, we decided to give it a try too! The hush puppies were okay in my opinion. However, the shrimp and grits are a different topic! It was delicious and very filling! It could be a shared dish, I was only able to finish half! Our server, Sharon, was so sweet and very knowledgable about the menu. She gave us great recommendations on drinks. She was the cherry on top of our experience! If it's a beautiful Charlestown day, take advantage of the outside seating at Fleet Landing!! You will not be disappointed. :)
(5)Stephen J.
We've visited 5 or so bars/restaurants on a weekend stay in Charleston. Including some of the hot spots like grill225, wet willies, magnolias etc, and fleet was by far our favorite spot. We skipped the wait in line and went straight for the outdoor bar, imagine that, several available stools. We ordered a couple rounds of drinks and the catch of the day, food was excellent. ALL was excellent. The drinks especially from a Bloody Mary (merry) to a vodka tonic to a whiskey sour, the only "bad" drink was a new belgium rampant that was beyond its prime.
(5)Ashlynn B.
Seriously this has to be my go-to place for great food, in a casual atmosphere, at a decent cost. I was born and raised in Charleston, and I've never had one bad dish here. They know how to make Charleston food like the oldies do at home, and the way grandmothers teach their grandchildren. The other great thing is the view and the atmosphere. The staff is also great.
(5)Jason H.
My party was welcomed at the front door. Reservations were made and we were seated immediately. The bar was packed so it look longer than normal to receive our libations. Appetizers were ordered and received within a timely manner. The main course was served next and it was on par. I ordered the fried shrimp & oysters with red rice & collard greens. The batter was perfect on the seafood. The rice and collards were cooked to the correct consistency. If you are looking for Lowcountry food with a great view this us the place in downtown Charleston.
(4)Chloe L.
Perfect location! Delicious food and cocktails! Will definitely be back when in Charleston!
(5)Obi O.
Excellent service with a touch of southern hospitality. Our meal here was my first experience of shrimp and grits. It was incredibly delicious although quite rich as most southern food is. The waitstaff were friendly and helpful but not intrusive. We actually came back for dessert on our last day of vacation for their creme brûlée. Delicious. Also enjoyed their crab cakes which was more crab than cake. Yum. Do note, that this is one place with a humble outward appearance but with super offerings on food and service. Highly recommended!
(5)Mohammad S.
Great Seafood in Charleston.
(5)Annie R.
Food is average, but the view is great! Only downtown restaurant with a view of the water, and the drinks are delicious. We went for a long brunch and had a great time. Like I said, food is pretty good, but go for the view!
(3)Mike C.
Fairly average restaurant, but a pretty good value. I am surprised that Charleston doesn't have much waterfront dining downtown. I suppose it stems from the limitation to build and preserve the historical district architecture. Fleet Landing definitely has a competitive advantage in that regard. Seating is available both indoors and outdoors directly over the water. Even though this is a fairly touristy establishment, its reasonable prices allow it to be a decent option. Brunch specials seemed to all be under $10. There are much better restaurants in the area such as on East Bay St, but Fleet has a nice casual atmosphere. The decor is fairly minimal. Tall ceilings tables with nautical like maps of Charleston. Service is pretty fast and polite. The quality of food itself varies a bit. I think this is an excellent place to sample she crab soup, a Low Country staple. Its thick and creamy here. For out of towners, it's reminiscent of New England clam chowder with cajun salt spices and replacing the clams with crab. I do not think they add crab roe to theirs. Its in a big enough bowl to share here. I enjoyed the fact that they give you sherry to add yourself. Its the light fino kind and provided in a vinegar bottle. The crab cake is great. Like most places in Charleston, it is done fairly simple with limited or no fillers. The grits have cheese in them, which I'm not a fan of. I prefer gravy or a saucy dish to accompany. The chicken BLT is pretty average. The poached eggs are mediocre here. The egg whites are not completely cooked here. Only the yolks should be runny. Either its the style here or the chefs are pretty bad. Timing in boiling water should lead to consistent eggs. I'd advise taking a look around the restaurant to see how good some of the dishes look. I also found a hair in my food. Overall, I'd recommend stopping in for the soup and maybe grab a drink. Part of the bar is outdoors on the pier patio.
(3)Nichole M.
Some of the most amazing seafood. I was so excited when we stopped here on our road trip to Isle of Palms, SC. Not only a beautiful view and really cool looking restaurant, but good food too! Woot. I had the chilled oysters to myself and boy was a happy gal, fresh and delicious. The she crab soup was amazing and my mouth is watering just thinking about it. The stuffed hush puppies were also really good, but so filling so be careful. I thought we tried something else but cannot remember. I was so full of seafood and so happy when I lift. Can't wait to come back next year. The service was also good, even though it was quite a few young people just goofing around over by the bar area.
(5)Christie E.
I recently traveled to charleston sc to spend sometime with family and friends for my 40th birthday i very special friend of mine invited me out to dinner and this is where we ended up it was amazing we started off with a shrimp and scallop stuffed hush puppy and a lump crap with balsamic sauce drizzled over bruschetta after tasting this little bit of heaven i decided on shrimp and grits with spicy andouille sausage usually i never order grits at any restaurants because they tend to be grainny but this wasnt the grits were as creamy as butter the sauce was perfect the sausage added the greatest hint of spiciness to this dish i couldnt find anything wrong with this dish and the same went for every dish at the table that i sample this is my new favorite spot in charleston thank you for taking me here my birthday was great
(5)heather y.
Maybe the best she crab soup of my life....and pimento cheese grits!!!! I need some more of those in my life. We had a group of 12 of us here and everyone left very happy and full! Not one person was disappointed with their meal which is an impressive statement with this group. The service was wonderful, no drinks were left empty, suggestions were made to those having trouble deciding and he even offered to bring the 2 year olds food out early with the appetizers For dessert we had the key lime pie and pecan pie and people were licking the plates. We will definitely return here the next time we are in charleston
(5)Sarah C.
Eat outside, even if it's December. The space is heated to just the right temperature and you can look out over the water. The food was excellent. We had the spinach and artichoke dip, the fish of the day (swordfish) and the crab cakes, and if I had to eat that meal every day for the rest of my life I would be a happy camper. As someone who is not from the south, I never truly understood the appeal of grits until I ate here, but now it makes perfect sense.
(5)Melissa M.
nice view, decent food
(4)TaÃsa N.
Location is a little weird and the outside is not really that inviting at first. Decor is querky but fun and most importantly: the food was really good. I tried the blue crab dip and the gumbo and loved it. I would definitely recommend this place.
(5)Kaitlin W.
Fleet Landing may be one of the best water-view meals I've ever had. We had an early dinner on a Saturday night, about 5pm and no problems being seated immediately. They offered us seats on the heated enclosed balcony which we gladly accepted. Our server, Lucas, was wonderful. He recommend a perfect wine and was so kind, but not overly imposing. We had the hush puppies which I would definitely recommend. My boyfriend had the seafood pasta which was delicious but incredibly rich and I had the salmon, pan roasted with lemon dill shallot butter with grits and slaw as my sides. The grits were killer and so was the salmon, though I should have ordered it medium rare (my own fault). It has a bit of a chainy feel, but the food and service completely surpass that.
(4)John C.
We made reservations thru Yelp (Open Table) and was glad we did. There was a wait of about 45 minutes when we arrived and figured we would have to wait even with a reservation. That was not the case and were seated ourside on the deck with a the best view of any restaurant in Charleston. It was a wonderful evening I had the iceberg wedge & chrispy flounder (cooked perfectly). My wife had a salad the the peel & eat shrimp which were great - she can't wait to go back and try an entree. It was a great evening.
(4)Kelsey M.
We made a reservation and we're seated as soon as we got there. The views are beautiful and they have an awesome deck that you can sit on. I got seared scallops and they were absolutely fantastic. Definitely a great place to check out.
(5)Matthew C.
These guys were pretty fantastic. I set a reservation for Valentine's Day and then called ahead 5 hours early to change the reservation to be later--which they handled with ease. Overall service couldn't have been better. The food was exactly what I expected. We ordered the hush puppies and the surf & turf (8 oz. tenderloin and 2 crab cakes with asparagus and finger potatoes) along with a couple drinks. All were cooked as ordered, hot, excellent flavor, and served promptly. Again, everything was exactly as expected and right on the button for cost, atmosphere, etc. Last thing, my wife's birthday is Valentine's Day. I made the reservation via OpenTable and included a note that it would be nice for them to know because in past experience, restaurants and servers don't really care about my wife's birthday because they're too preoccupied with simply churning through tables on v-day. Even though they cancelled and rebooked my reservation they remembered her birthday. The hostess discretely wished her a happy birthday, the waiter dropped by to confirm and congratulate us when my wife stepped away from the table to the restroom, then the manager dropped by to personally wish her a happy birthday and they brought us a piece of red velvet cake with a candle in it. Again, we didn't ask for any of this, just wanted them to know/care that we were there for more than a holiday and they came through in spades. I fully recommend.
(5)Maggie S.
PHENOMENAL! I had a delicious lunch here. After wandering into the US Customs House and out the back, we noticed Fleet Landing on the water with outside seating so we stopped for lunch. The patio was so pleasant on a sunny day because of the breeze off the harbor. I ordered oysters on the half shell, which were in that morning from Virginia and were tasty, then the Blackened Triggerfish Sandwich. WOW. I have never heard of Triggerfish, and it was delicious. It was topped with lettuce, tomato, and an avocado aioli that was a great flavor. So delicious! Jeff, our server, was friendly and efficient. I highly recommend Fleet Landing for a relaxing lunch on the water!
(5)Jessica S.
My husband and I sat outside since the weather was pleasant. The view was good, but it was windy and a fan was blowing on us on top of everything. Our waitress was friendly, and the food was good, but the prices were a little too high. I do not recommend trying to park in the parking lot, it's impossible to turn around, you have to back out into the street and hope someone doesn't try to pull in and cause a back-up. You're better off parking in a parking deck and walking around for a bit after dinner.
(3)Jonna P.
Food was delicious and the view is impeccable. Our server was a little inattentive but overall we had a great dinner.
(4)Shane M.
As you drive up, you may be reconsidering your dining choice, do not do that. The outside seating is great and the waiter was top notch. I had the Blue Crab cake sandwich and my co-worker had the Triggerfish. Both couldn't have been better. Reasonable prices and excellent causal dinning.
(5)Amber D.
I can't believe how reasonably this place is priced for lunch/brunch! It's the only (from what I can recall; I could be wrong) waterfront restaurant on the Battery side of Charleston Harbor, and boy, you can't beat the views! The nicest part about the atmosphere is that the views aren't just available on the patio; since it gets so blazing hot in Charleston, it's a relief to be able to sit and eat inside and still be able to look out of FL's huge windows out to the Yorktown, Charleston pier, and Castle Pinckney (it's also right next to the cruise terminal, so maybe we were lucky that there wasn't a boat docked that day). BRACE YOURSELF IF YOU ARE GOING TO ANY RESTAURANT IN DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON DURING A SUMMER WEEKEND. My husband, two friends of ours, and I went there on a Saturday for lunch. Now, mind you, we all prepared ourselves for walking in and walking right back out again, as the wait time for a table during high season can get overwhelming. So, we went early (got there around 11) and were pleased to be given a 25-minute wait. We sat at the bar, and the bartenders were very friendly and attentive, even with a full bar, and even though we all made the cardinal sin of ordering non-alcoholic drinks while taking up two chairs. Thanks, bartenders, for taking one for the team. =) So, we sat, and our server was available immediately. She was great, truly; it's a shame that I can't remember her name. With a waiting, hungry crowd building up as quickly as it does at FL, it's easy for any staff member to grow short on patience. Our server was pleasant and got everything right. She gets her star. On to the food, and yes, as I mentioned before, the incredibly reasonable prices for this place! Our friends ordered the spinach/artichoke dip appetizer for the table. Now, another tip: APPETIZERS AND ALCOHOL ARE ALWAYS EXPENSIVE, NO MATTER WHERE YOU GO. IT'S NATURE. The dip was $9. We all enjoyed it and could have made it at home. Hey, it's spinach/artichoke dip. I would recommend the FGT/Crab stack instead. As far as the entrees go, I had the crab cake benedict with red pepper hollandaise, poached eggs, and creamy grits. 'Nother tip: DON'T LEAVE CHARLESTON WITHOUT TRYING SOME SORT OF CREAMY GRIT/SEAFOOD/SAUCE CONCOCTION. EVEN IF YOU THINK IT'S WEIRD. It's not weird. It's magical. This particular mash-up was one of the best I've had, and the $11.95 price tag made it that much more special. Seriously, where can you get something this good in an area where folks are spending double the amount for the same thing across the street? With no water view? My husband had the burger, which he loved, and I believe ran under $10. Our friends had the fried green tomato BLT, also around the same price. These are simple sandwiches, but they were great, and the price just can't be beat. Our bill was $26!!! Theirs was $35 with the appetizer!! That's just craziness in the most positive way. We will definitely be back again.
(5)Adam T.
Awesome salads. The shrimp apps were great too. The pimento cheese tasting grits were new.
(5)ester k.
it's a cute restaurant right on the water. service was subpar, but the reason they are getting 3 stars is because their food was just decent... but the "platter" was the smallest thing we had ever seen. I got more in my just OK shrimp po'boy than my bf did on his shrimp platter. it was really sad actually. I would go again for lunch.... maybe. it may have been because they were turning over from lunch to dinner in the next hour, but still...provide a standard of service.
(3)Laura G.
We travel a lot and try to find a good local hangout. This place is it for Charleston. We've now visited four days in a row. Here's what I report: - Good bartenders. Pour a nice drink and are attentive and they hustle! Happy hour from 4-7 pm can't be beat. One day had the Cona Sur wine and another day tried martinis. The bloody Mary's are made from pepper-infused vodka they make themselves and they are really good. - The she-crab soup is excellent. Better than the three other places in town we tried. For dinner, you can sop up the soup with warm rolls. No rolls at lunch but you can still enjoy it. - The shrimp and grits is also better than at other places we tried. The slices of andouille sausage add spice and the grits are not soggy. Really tasty dish. - Hubby loved the oyster po boy. One of the best he's had. Meaty oysters, good amount of sauce, nice bun. - The grilled shrimp for dinner are ok, just ordinary. Nice if you are seeking lighter fare. - The side dish of collard greens was surprisingly delish. It's busy but they seem to turn the tables quickly. Staff is very nice and the diverse crowd adds to the enjoyment. It's a keeper!
(5)B H.
Perfect location. Not many restaurants in Charleston are on the water. The hostess was so friendly and welcoming. My parents first trip to Charleston. We sat inside at the front with amazing views of the water! I ordered the baby spinach salad with grilled salmon and it was delicious. Usually restaurants skimp on the amount of fish/meat they add to the salad but my salmon was 5 inches long! My parents ordered fried shrimp and fish which they said was good, though not amazing(the reason this is 4 stars). The hush puppies as appetizers are incredible. Huge! With shrimp and crab inside! Will definitely return!!
(4)ChefCindyms M.
To the point, my scallops where the worst I ever had ever had, sent them back twice over swimming in oil. The waitstaff was very accommodating but I lost my appetite at the second round. The poor quality of seafood, many seafood restaurants are not gong to bat on FRESH seafood, past few years from my experience in fine dinning All in all the place was nice from waitstaff to views, food well you be the judge.
(2)Sarah Beth B.
A big group of my family and I stopped in for a late dinner recently when we were in town for a wedding. From start to finish, Fleet Landing provided great service and delicious food. Our party of 12 was quickly seated, and the wait staff was super friendly. We started with some delicious (though very small) oysters, yummy biscuits and lots of booze and sweet tea. Thanks to a great suggestion from a regular, many of our party ordered the delicious, delicious flounder with apricot sauce. It was delicious, and bc it was a whole flounder, it was a lot of fun to eat. I had a wedge salad and she-crab soup-- great together as a whole meal, but of course would be great starters. The salad had great details: the tomatoes seemed vinegary, and the blue cheese dressing was sunk deep in the wedge layers (as opposed to all over the plate.) Very yum! We finished off the meal with key lime pie and pecan pie, which was basically to die for. The pecan pie (the only one I tried) was served with a praline sauce and ice cream, which added great flavor to an old standbye. I took one star off only bc it just wasn't perfect-- one of our entrees came out super late, one of the flounders was way overcooked, it was pretty loud, etc. But still! it was a great, fun place to eat and I'd definitely return, with a big group OR a date (there were plenty of both while we were there!)
(4)N F.
Excellent choice for seafood and views on the water in Charleston!! Yes, a bit more expensive, but all the food was excellent and the portions were decent. I was really impressed with the pimento cheese grits -- very good! Excellent service, ambiance, and food. A winner all around!
(5)John L.
Have been to Fleet Landing several times, but as of now they have lost a customer. We were taking some friends around the area and everyone was hungry. We walked over from the market to Fleet Landing. I was a bit ahead of our group, so I went in to get a table. It was around 4:30pm but had gotten pretty dark (and cold) out. I asked the hostess if I could get a table and was curtly told that they weren't serving until 5:00p. That was the end of the conversation. I wasn't offered a spot to come in out of the cold or even a seat at the bar, which we couldn't have done since we had a couple of small children in our group. We would have waited the 30 minutes if the hostess would have provided that as an option instead of just telling me that they weren't serving. Instead we walked up the block to another restaurant, got seated immediately and had a fine meal. Sorry Fleet Landing, your service or lack there of cost you a customer.
(1)Joshua T.
Might be personal bias or preference from someone who doesn't like fish eggs much less a signature soup with fish eggs (She Crab with Roe). I don't really like fried food either, but for southern sake I got the fried flounder (bone in) with apricot glaze. I found it lacking flavor and seasoning. Low quality dish indeed. Service was fine.
(2)David D.
If I could choose my dying words, it would be to order the shrimp and grits. I almost ordered the southern flounder with apricot glaze, but the shrimp and grits was a religious experience. Also almost went to Hyman's Seafood, glad I didn't.
(5)V H.
My family ate here for dinner tonight, June 25. We called and made reservations earlier in the day... which to guarantee a seat, you need to do. When we arrived there was already a steady crowd of people coming into the restaurant--our reservation was for 5 PM, but we were about 10-15 minutes early. We walked in and there were two ladies in front of us. One asked for a reservation for a party of 10 for later tonight and the next available for that size group was 9 PM. The next lady asked if a party of 9 could be seated right then because the "crowd" was already there parking. The hostess was able to seat them, but said they needed to be finished by 6 PM to accommodate another party that already had reservations. Another (hostess?/waitress?) then came up to the hostess station and was informed of this group's arrival. She looked at my husband and I and said dismissively/almost snarky "have a seat over there and we'll get the table ready." The lady with the large party said "they're not with us" and the new hostess/waitress changed her tune and became friendly and apologetic to us. Personally, I think they should have not necessarily accommodated this family because shortly after their arrival the restaurant filled up quickly and it wasn't fair to that family, the wait staff or the kitchen staff to have to "rush" a groups order out. The food: we ordered calamari as our appetizer, along with shrimp and grits and the whole filet of flounder with mashed potatoes and collard greens as our entrees. The calamari came out fairly quickly and the pieces were larger than any other calamari app we've ever ordered. They were in "steak fry" size pieces. They were served with two sauces, which we didn't care for. The waitress also brought out complimentary biscuits for us and they were tasty, flaky and came with a nice tasting whipped butter. My husband didn't really care for his shrimp and grits... it had a brown "gravy" over it and he said it overpowered the dish. I tasted a bite and thought it was ok, but the gravy tasted like prepackaged taco seasoning or chili mix. My meal was HUGE... the flounder truly was a whole filet.. bone and all. It was covered with an apricot sauce, which was a little much... it would have been better if it were on the side or had a little less of it on the plate--to me, it covered the natural flavor of the flounder, which I find delicious. The collard greens and mashed potatoes were delicious. Our waitress was attentive... she told us the specials for the evening, she was polite and gave us time to look at the menu. She didn't hover, but made sure we had what we needed when we asked or she saw we needed something. The bill: comparable to what we've paid all week for our dinner in Charleston; however, this was the ONLY meal that even came close to being worth the price. It was still a little high, but the quality of food almost made it worth it! If we vacation in Charleston again, we would eat at Fleet Landing again. ***Make reservations, the parking lot is cramped, dress nicely (but not overboard), men's shirts must have sleeves, the restaurant is on the water in an old warehouse type of building.
(4)Holly J.
Excellent food (the seafood pasta is awesome), nice bar, great service. Our favorite place in Charleston!
(5)Don H.
While out touring the Charleston, we stopped in and made dinner reservations for later in the evening. We noticed a note stating the AC was not working so we opted to sit outside (temperatures were in the 90s but we hoped there would be a breeze off the water). Arriving 30 minutes earlier than expected, we asked if we could be seated early, after about 6-8 minutes we were seated outside. We knew we wanted to start with the Stuffed Hush Puppies and were thoroughly pleased that we did! Our server (Lucas) was very well versed (and very much the professional) in what to suggest and what each special had to offer in the dining experience! I was unsure what I would order (the typical pick 2 or 3 seafood platter) but Lucas suggested the Whole Fired Flounder with Apricot Glaze. My wife ordered Blackened Shrimp Appetizer with a Bowl of She Crab Soup as her meal. I will tell you that we were both very pleasantly surprised at the flavors, presentation and the portions for the prices! All in all this was a very good dining experience, the atmosphere, service, food quality, all make this a sure fire stop whenever in Charleston!
(4)Brenda G.
Hush puppies stuffed with shrimp and crab were fabulous and the biscuits were yummy. Not the place to eat if you can't have carbs! View was nice, a little loud and staff was very nice.
(4)Gary T.
This is a great place to go if you want to eat on the water. I got the impression that the wait could get pretty long to get a table around dinner time, so definitely plan accordingly. I had the special which was lion fish with a lemon shallot butter and a side off red rice and lady peas...it was very good, but borderline forgettable. The waiter we had was attentive and the views of the water front were great.
(4)Caitlin H.
Our family came here for a casual lunch - the food and service were great!! The shrimp and grits were especially tasty. We sat outside for the harbor view, which would have been fantastic except for the giant cruise ship docked right in front of us. My only criticism would be that the food was a little pricey. I would recommend it to anyone visiting Charleston!!
(4)Tom G.
Nice place, nicely priced. Small menu buts lots of variety. We sat outdoors which was nice on a good weather night. The service was very good but not oppressive. I just had a burger with slaw as I had a big lunch. My wife had the special "seafood boil" and both were very good. Nice selection of wine and beer on tap. $85 for 2 of us with a good tip.
(4)Stevan J.
Like the food! I'll be back.
(4)Branch D.
Waiter...Harrison...did a great job. Really enjoyed his recommendations! Go Big Red
(5)Laura H.
We stopped by this restaurant twice during our stay in Charleston. The food was pretty good - I enjoyed the shrimp and grits with the tomato/cucumber salad. My husband really liked the chunky crab dip. We really enjoyed sitting outside on the dock and relaxing. The wait staff was friendly and attentive.
(4)Amanda F.
This was my second visit to Fleet Landing and it was just as good as I remembered. Both times for lunch, and I can't be positive, but I think I had the same thing both times! There was a 20 minute wait, not too bad. But the place is busy! Our waitress was very attentive and kept refilling our drinks as soon as they were getting a little low. I had the triggerfish sandwich, the piece of fish wasn't very big but it filled me up. My table also had the shrimp po-boy, chicken cobb salad and the turkey/brie sandwich. We were all happy and full! Nice view if you score a table on the patio area! They have a small parking lot, but it's usually full--luckily there was a garage across the street that wasn't terribly expensive.
(4)Ron D.
No reason not to give 5 stars to this place unless you want fine dining. Service excellent and the shrimp and grits are the best we have had. Will probably return before we leave Charleston.
(5)Carla C.
amazing place with a very nice view! we read all of them tips from here and definetely the food did not dissapoint! it was super packed! so for sure make a reservation otherwise you will wait hours. Portions are decent size and filling, the stuffed hus puppies were amazing! never had them so good before. Also we got a couple of different sauces with the fried seafood we ordered and they were great as well. I would go back in a heart beat :)
(4)Lilly Y.
This place was a pleasant change from our disappointing trip to Hyman's the day before. Our local friends and family were urging us to eat here instead, and I can see why. They have a nice patio overlooking the water and a cool environment inside. We chose to be outside, mostly because it wasn't scorching hot that day and we were about to make a 6-hour trek back to Atlanta. We started with the yummy stuffed hush puppies. It's something I'd never thought of, but really enjoyed it. The lobster and shrimp paired well with the sweet cornbread. I ordered their special: shrimp salad sliders on croissants with a side of cole slaw. The shrimp were fresh (rock shrimp from Florida, according to the server), and didn't taste frozen. The cole slaw wasn't memorable, though. My boyfriend got the triggerfish sandwich, which was really good. It was a thick piece of meat and was seasoned well. It had a really flavorful sauce paired with it, also. He ordered the fries, which weren't anything special, but were good nonetheless (fries are one of my favorite foods, but I'd had enough fried food after Hyman's). The customer service was okay... Our server didn't seem very personable or friendly. I felt like she just did her job versus engaging with us. But she never let our glasses get empty. The manager stopped by our table, but he came across as incredibly awkward. We got the impression that he didn't like talking to people and only did it for his job. I wouldn't hold the rest of the staff to that standard though. As we were leaving, another employee cheerfully thanked us for stopping by. Also, be forewarned about their parking lot. It's a gravel lot without specified spaces. When we were leaving, all the spots were full and everyone had pulled in at an angle. So the only way we could get out was to back into the street. Thankfully, people on the street cooperated with us leaving. It still made me nervous and made me wish I'd walked there instead.
(4)Brantley D.
Got the signature burger and fries. It was pretty good. Other people in my party said there food was good not great. Parking is a nightmare here. As other people have stated they did appear to stay busy so so call ahead for a reservation. There appeared to be tables held for people but we were waiting for around 30 minutes and the tables had not been filled. The service was good.
(4)Greg S.
The food was great would have given them a 5 but it's a little pricey. It looks like lunchtime prices are better so come for lunch and get your money's worth.
(4)Curt R.
The service was amazing had to be the best service we have ever had at any restaurant we had the she crap soup was so good and the shrimp and grits were great would definitely recommend trying this place they use local seafood will be back again
(5)Adam S.
Nice place but not amazing from what we got. Raw oysters were great and the she crab soup however I was not impressed by the crab cake, hush puppies, and pan seared snapper.
(3)Seb G.
my first time in Charleston and wanted to dine on the water, have some drinks, eat and talk. Fleet Landing allowed us to do al of this in a comfortable, casual atmosphere. The staff was very professional, accommodating and friendly, even though the restaurant was full. We sat outside where it was heated and were very comfortable. Our waitstaff was knowledgable and gave great recommendation for wine and entrées. The fish was fresh was well prepared and delicious. Our waitstaff let us talk and enjoy the evening without constantly asking if everything was good. She was nearby in case we needed her. The view was spectacular and a beautiful three masted ship under full sail came by almost on cue. The well schooled, and personal staff, the food, and the view made for a wonderful evening.
(5)Ashley H.
The fiance and I had a great experience here. The service was spot on, the food was delicious, and the scenery can't be beat. They have windows all around the restaurant, so you're able to view the water while you eat. Their fried shrimp was great. My fiance also liked their oysters. Worth a try if you're in the area!
(5)Meghann C.
I have never had a bad experience at this place. The food and location are perfect. Though the dinner menu is a little higher and seems to have a small selection, its a great date or nice dinner out kind of place. We take the whole family and also have gone with a group for a birthday. Their bread pudding is to die for. The flounder is fabulous, as well.
(5)Jonathan W.
OK, in my last review, I promised that if Fleet Landing got a bit more fish (meaning not shellfish) on their menu I would give them a Fifth Star. Well, here it is. The staff here worked for that star too. Believe it or not y'all, the staff at Fleet Landing actually READ your reviews here on Yelp. After my last review, I was contacted by Stephanie, and Sous Chef Bryan and they told me that they read my review, and they hope to have more fish choices the next time I come. Bryan also invited me to Facebook them if I am coming to dine with them and they will try to clue us in on the current catch they are purchasing. THAT my fellow yelprotagonists, is service! So, Fleet Landing here is your Fifth Star, y'all earned it!
(5)Tykie F.
May 28 2014 We had lunch and the food was GREAT. John was our waiter and he was suburb.
(5)Bob J.
I felt the bar service was rude while waiting to be seated. I even watched the girl cut the liquor on the margarita and no way served an oz of tequila. the food was very good and the waitress, Rosanna, was exceptional. the parking problem and the bar staff is enough to keep you away but the servers are enough to out way this. I'd still recommend going.
(3)Jess M.
Seafood? Love it! Get a load of this place - They love it when you treat wildlife as if it were important. Feed the birds, the gators and the turtles with your leftover fries, chicken & fish. They have a deck dedicated to the tourists that they use to help the indigenous wildlife feed on deep fried food. In case YOU want to dine here, you should understand that they have excellent food and tasty Bloody Mary's. Get a cocktail or three. Have a tray full of shellfish and enjoy every chicken wing and each minute that you spend in Charleston! Whatever you don't use - feed to the fish! Four stars for this one. I love Fleets Landing and I like the way they treat the animals (and the liquor drinks).
(4)Cameron B.
Holy moly, this is a cool place for a restaurant! We stumbled on this place while still hungover, and at the recommendation of a stranger we asked for directions to another overcrowded touristy restaurant. This place is a cool little spot that is in an old Navy building on the river, and has unbeatable views and atmosphere. The coolest detail of the restaurant, to me, was the anchor chain foot rests at the bar. Speaking of the bar, it is a 360 degree bar, half inside, half outside. Cool setup!There's a very cool piece of history on the wall here, as you walk in, there is a vintage picture that has been blown up and muralized on the wall. It ties the original intent of the depot with the current day use, and it also helps you appreciate how far our fleet has come over the years. I'd love to hole up here for a fun day drinking adventure, as it is close to a lot of happening stuff in Charleston. I had the shrimp and grits, and they were delicious. However, the Low Country is known for giving you a whopping portion.. This was not the case here. That was ok, since I had the stuffed hushpuppies for an appetizer, and a couple of drinks before we sat down. I'll definitely be back, and I hope to sit outside on the remnant of the dock and drink and eat myself into pure bliss here.
(5)James S.
This is officially our best restaurant we eat at in Charleston. Between the food, service, price, and atmosphere, it might be the best value in Charleston. We eat here frequently. Atmosphere: The building is located right on the river. The inside is nice, but doesn't hold a candle to sitting on the deck. There you can take in the beautiful view of the water and Fort Sumter off in the distance. They have fans that spray a light mist to keep you cool on the hot summer evenings. The only downside is that if you are seated looking away from Fort Sumter, you have a view of a pretty drab building. Food: For our first meal here... As an appetizer we had the hush puppies filled with shrimp and lobster. Loved them. Didn't feel like you were just eating fried breading. Well worth the calories. For the main course I had the shrimp and grits, my wife had the seafood pasta, her parents had scallops and the catch of the day (Pogie?). Each dish was terrific. I liked the scallops with pesto sauce and the shrimp and grits the best. Delicious. Service. We always have very good service here. Everyone is always nice and attentive. Overall: Fleet Landing is always on the short list of places to eat when we are trying to decide. So glad we found it.
(5)Jamie G.
Nice location, fast service. We had lunch on Sunday and we were disappointed. The food was not seasoned at all. If you like bland food, this would be the place for you. I would like to try dinner but I am afraid to return.
(1)Elizabeth B.
While at Edisto Beach for a family reunion, ten of my family members and I made the day trip to Charleston. At the recommendation of our extended family from South Carolina, we decided to get lunch at Fleet Landing. We had a great experience at Fleet Landing. Even though we didn't have a reservation, we only had to wait about 10-15 minutes to be seated. My husband and I started with the Crispy Steak Calamari. The calamari was tasty, but the home run for me was the Apricot Glaze dipping sauce. Wow! After ordering my Shrimp Seafood Platter, I kept reaching across the table to dip my tasty shrimp into the delicious glaze. Though we did order two alcoholic beverages which drove out total cost up, my husband's and my appetizer and two entrees were under $30. Not a bad price for delicious food with a great view!
(4)Rene T.
Call ahead and make a reservation so you can sit outdoors, the view is a large part of what makes this dining experience memorable. Our waiter (Scott) was awesome. We ordered soup to start: She Crab and Gumbo, both delicious and hearty. Then we split peel and eat shrimp (messy, but also yummy) and the corn fritters (deep fried deliciousness but not a huge serving). This meal was our lightest of the day, but the menu had a lot of heavier options for sure. I recommend walking, as parking was very limited.
(5)Stephanie J.
Right on the water! They are primarily a seafood restaurant but do have few vegetarian options. The sweet potato gnocchi was amazing.
(4)Edward U.
My experience at Fleet Landing started out rough. It seemed the hostesses were in the weeds. They explained that there were tables open that needed to be cleaned, even though there were tables set in plain view. We waited about ten minutes, not bad. In the meantime though, an elderly gentleman and his wife had legitimately parked in a handicapped zone. The floor manager told him he had to move his car because it was in a loading zone despite being clearly marked as a handicapped spot. Nobody delivers on Sunday, and this was about 3:00 P.M. They were busy, and I could tell it might be a rough ride. I mentioned to my fellow diners that perhaps our server could turn the situation around. He delivered. He was a rockstar. Despite how busy they were, he talked to us and made good conversation, took our drink order and returned promptly. When we ordered our food I expected it to take at least 20-30 minutes based on how busy it was. I was floored when the food came out in about 12-15 minutes. Everything was on point. I had their house burger with pimento cheese, fried onions and bacon, which was excellent. Other dishes were the fried flounder sandwich, fried shrimp platter, and another shrimp platter with collards substituted for fries. The collards and slaw were great. It stuck out to me that the french fries were hot and crispy. I have to say that Fleet Landing knocked it out of the park. The food was way better than I expected. Our server made all the difference. He mentioned that he also worked in a restaurant in Beaufort that I had a great experience at. I'll return and recommend both. Also, you just can't beat the views. 4.9/5.
(4)Brittany C.
We ate at Fleet Landing on our first night in Charleston. There were only 2 of us and we had to wait almost an hour for a first available table on a Monday night around 8 pm. They have an amazing view right on the water, so we ordered some drinks and sat out on the porch. First, our server Allyson was AWESOME and we couldn't have asked for better service. She was very knowledgeable and attentive and gave us great suggestions for the menu. We started with a dozen oysters, which are pricey because they're out of season in the Carolinas but were good. I ordered the Lion Fish, which Allyson explained had been speared by divers that morning just a few miles off the coast. She also talked to us about the Lion Fish, which was featured on Shark Tank. My husband ordered the fried shrimp. My fish was cooked well and tasted ok but nothing to write home about especially at nearly $30 for the entree. The grits that I ordered as a side were amazingly creamy and some of the best I've ever had. Husband said the shrimp were good. We also had the apple dessert, which Allyson described as a cross between bread pudding and apple pie. We expected it to come out warm but it was just room temp. It tasted fine but wasn't very impressive. Our bill was $125 for our meal, a beer and rum and coke, and a very generous tip. It's good food with one of the best views in town, but compared to other places we ate at later in the week, this wasn't the highlight of our dining experiences.
(3)Hannah B.
I always love fleet landing food. Love the spinach dip and I got a great Cobb salad. Really really good food! And the ocean view is awesome.
(5)Melissa G.
Even good for vegetarians! Went here with a group. It was very crowded, but we got to sit outside, which was nice. Any hotter and it wouldn't have been, though! Our waitress was very friendly and attentive, even when one member of our party was a bit difficult. She split our check for us 5 ways with no problem! I really wanted to try the sweet potato gnocchi, but they were out, which was disappointing. I got the pasta with vegetables instead which was a surprisingly tasty mix of seasonal grilled vegetables, pasta and pesto.
(4)Donna M.
Fleet Landing is a very lively spot. Food is fine. Nothing out of the ordinary. The biscuits are delicious. Service is very fast and friendly. It is an extraordinarily live venue. Seems like the idea is to get diners in and out rapidly as it is a very popular spot. Atmosphere is loud and jumpy.
(3)Julia S.
This place is the coolest. We went here for dessert back in April and sat on the deck during sunset. The view was phenomenal and the place was very tastefully decorated.
(4)MaryBeth W.
AWESOME shrimp and grits!!!
(5)Josh S.
All in all a great place to have drinks and a meal with a great view. I live the turkey and cranberry sandwich!
(4)Sam J.
Great service. Very friendly waitress. Food good at reasonable prices. Wonderful views. A little loud.
(3)Scott W.
Great spot in downtown Charleston sitting on the Charleston Harbor. We sat out on the back deck overlooking the Harbor within eye shot of Fort Sumter. Tons of seating in and out, lots of people waiting which I think is pretty typical. I had a drink at the bar while my party waited for a table which only took about 20 minutes. We had crispy steak calamari for an appetizer. This was calamari cut like a steak fry instead of the typical round fried calamari shape. Delicious and it was served with a sweet apricot glaze and a spicy, peppery sauce. I had the pan seared triggerfish with pimento cheese grits and asparagus. The fish was cooked perfectly and seasoned with a blackened flavored spice. Very light and meaty fish and there were quite a few small filets. The cheese grits were very flavorful as well. Prices were all that bad for being downtown and on the water. The drinks were good and the wait and host staff was fast and friendly. Nice spot although I'm sure downtown Charleston is loaded with lots of great spots to eat. Fleet was very good all around.
(4)C.A. J.
Great service and amazing food! The local oysters on the half shell hit the spot!
(5)Stephen S.
Visited for lunch. Sat outside with view of Fort Sumter. Great atmosphere. Good food lunch prices from $10 and up. Stuffed hush puppies are really good. Service was friendly and helpful.
(4)Ryan P.
An awesome place to have an amazing lunch. Worth the 30 minute wait since we didn't have reservations. Fried calamari was fresh and of high quality, the crab dip was amazing, and I got to have she crab soup for the first time. Trigger fish sandwich was really good and something I had never had before. Waitress was amazing, kept my drink full, and she wrote us a list of places around town that she would try for foodie experiences. My wife really enjoyed the restaurant and writes. Much more colorful review of her experience, but for me it comes down to this:I would eat here again!
(5)Mark K.
Great meal with family and friends. Food was excellent and view was fantastic. Recommend the hush puppies, sword fish, soft shell crab sandwich, trigger fish sandwich, and more. Prices were good for downtown area. We usually dont go to the same places when in Charleston but this will warrant further trips especially with out of town friends. Staff was great too !
(5)David S.
Our trip to this restaurant was everything I had expected. According to a chef that we know in the area the food and service is only good on certain shifts. Luckily, we got the right shift. The service was quick and helpful. The food was amazing. The only downside was that the inside was packed and the majority of the customers were sloppily dressed. It really brought down the atmosphere. Luckily we waited for a seat outside. And had a great time.
(5)Phoenix B.
I ate with a party of 3 for brunch. The Fried Green Tomato BLT looked amazing! I had the fried oyster platter. Increase the portion size and it's a winner!
(4)Carmen P.
after the hubs and i's great disappointment in our friday lunch at amen grill, we were weary to trust other (charleston) yelp reviews. but then, then! i saw that it!--a fellow nashville yelper friend gave this place 4 stars, and i trusted that! therefore, we eagerly headed through side roads and what seemed to be alley ways to come here, a narrow gravel parking lot. and a pretty low-key, laid back looking white shack of a restaurant. in other words, it looked pretty awesome. when they told us there was a 30 minute wait, at 2:00, we knew we were in the right place--i mean, people would not be still packing this place if it wasn't tasty, right?! we giddily waited for a table, and as we were finally seated we salivated over the menu. bemoaning my tiny, but mighty, stomach, we ordered our appetizers: fried calamari steaks and blue crab dip (two separate appetizers, i realize my lack of a comma would make it seem that they were part of the same culinary creation, but they are in-fact, separate.) i normally don't care for calamari when it's large pieces (preferring more popcorn style), but this was amazing! my normal caring, "no you have the last piece honey" good-wife persona went out the window as i snatched up the last few pieces, holding them in my hands to ensure the least amount of sharing. :sigh: my mom raised me better than that, but i don't care when it comes to tasty food. my main meal was shrimp and grits. they too were glorious. creamy, not grainy, grits, fresh shrimp, sliced pieces of andouille sausage, tasso ham gravy (whatever that is, but it was oh-so-divine). all my surroundings faded, even my dear husband, seated across from me, faded, and all that was left was me and my shrimp and grits. i don't even remembered if i prayed and thanked God for them before i devoted them, but if i didn't, let me thank Him now--thank you God for giving us delicious shrimp, tasty pigs that become andouille sausage, and masterful minds that create dishes combining such things. and our server, she was the tops. the cats meow. the bee's knees. we lamented to her regarding our sub-par experience at amen street grill, and she offered to make a list of legit restaurants for us to check out. she came back with a list organized by fare type, street/area, and notoriety. if you are in charleston, this is a must.
(5)Terri S.
Amazing! Came here on the recommendation of the people at the Harbor Boat Tour and so glad we went! The service was wonderful and our food was delicous. I am not a seafood fan, so ordered the sweet potato gnocci with goat cheese and balsamic glaze (i asked them to not include the okra). it was INCREDIBLE! I highly recommend this place. Only one thing... parking AT the restaurant is horrible...only about 20 spots if that...so be prepared to park elsewhere.
(4)Aaron C.
This place has a beautiful view and pretty good food. The oysters were particularly good. This is a great place to relax after walking around Charleston.
(4)Marissa B.
We really enjoyed our experience here. The calamari was excellent; large, steak like pieces with a tasty duo of sauces. Our seafood platter was also enjoyable. We finished with a piece of key lime pie-- just fantastic. We were able to sit on the deck which was beautiful and relaxing. Our waitress was charming and attentive. The restaurant was clean and well organized. I would definitely recommend it to anyone and I will be going back.
(4)Richard R.
Another restaurant I had high hopes for failed to live up to the hype. Seems that I am having a major difference of opinion with some of my most trusted Yelp buddies. Fleet Landing was good, but not great. We had a party of 7 and ordered a variety of items on the menu which included: * Crispy Steak Calamari (starter) - average, but really liked the sweet pepper jelly (3) * Baked Spinach & Artichoke Dip (starter) - I disagreed with my wife on this one. She thought it was the best ever and I didn't think it had enough flavor. I also prefer mine creamier and this one had large chunks of artichoke in it. (3.5) * Signature burger - AMAZING (5) * Grilled Mahi Mahi sandwich - didn't have much flavor (2) * Fried Flounder sandwich - a little better than the Mahi Mahi (2.5) * Fried Green Tomato "BLT" - not very good (2) * Charleston Shrimp & Grits - Good, but I thought Page's Okra Grill was better (3.5) * French Fries - very good (4) My dish was the Shrimp and Grits. What I didn't like was the sour flavor of the grits, which was probably a direct result of the cheese they use. I'm figuring it was Bleu Cheese, which I don't really like unless it's on a burger. As the elder person at our table (and the one paying the bill) I got to sample everyone's meal. The ratings came from my family themselves and I would have to agree with all except the Artichoke dip. My wife who is semi-vegetarian thought it was truly amazing. She really liked the large chunks of artichoke and the milder flavor of the sauce. I'm just the opposite. The Signature Burger was fantastic and gave me a serious case of order envy. It was nicely cooked, flavored and very tender. A winner for sure!!! Parking is strange and spaces are difficult to get when they are busy. If you have the patience to wait... you will likely get a space within 10 minutes because someone is always leaving soon. The view is nice, however a Carnival ship was in port and blocked most of the view from our vantage point. Overall it's a good restaurant to visit, but I was looking for outstanding!!!
(3)Scott H.
Went here with me wife and a another couple. We had a great time. Fantastic service and atmosphere. We got the stuffed hush puppies as an appetizer... Delicious. I got the shrimp and grits for an entree... Fantastic.
(5)Gwendolyn F.
The food was fresh and tasted great. The staff was friendly. However, service was slow to say the least. I'm pretty sure they were under staffed. We ordered the Shrimp Cakes, Flounder, and Shrimp and Grits. Everything tasted great. We sat outside and had a great view of Fort Sumter. We even saw some dolphins. The parking was awful!!! No where to turn around, meaning you have to back out of the parking lot. Don't get stuck; if you are close enough... WALK!!!
(4)Russ K.
If I could marry this restaurant, this is what I'd say.... Yes...I'm in love with you. Please marry me and then I can have you all to myself. This place can get over-run when the weather is good, so either make reservations or go on off times and days. But, make no mistake, Fleet Landing is one of a kind and worthy of the adulation.
(5)Allan B.
I have been coming to fleet landing for years . The food is wonderful and the service has always been top notch. When ever I go the staff makes me feel like a king. They employees care about your dining experience and I thank them :)
(5)Helen S.
My fiancé and I made a reservation for dinner at 7:30pm on a Thursday night. We arrived at 7:25pm and were seated promptly at 7:30pm. I was glad we made a reservation because it was busy. The waitstaff was very friendly. We ordered a bottle of Arca Nova Vinho Verde on recommendation from our waitress. It was delicious and crisp and went perfectly with our meal. We both ordered the special, red snapper. My fiancé had the fish with blackened seasoning, while I tried the ginger honey glaze. Both were amazing! The waitress was attentive and noticed we were celebrating a special occasion so we received a desert on the house. We ordered the creme brûlée which was a little undercooked (hence the 4 stars). We had a very enjoyable evening at Fleet Landing and hope to visit again soon!
(4)Philip A.
All of our seafood feast was great. I loved the deck, right on the water. We had a view of the fort.
(4)Julie Ann C.
I had blackened swordfish which was one of the specials and it was excellent. The She Crab soup was to die for as well as the shrimp & grits my husband had. The only reason I did not give them 5 stars is because it was so hot inside, it made the meal quite uncomfortable. I'm not sure if it was because we were sitting by the windows but Charleston in August is no fun without AC! Great dolphin watching too.
(4)Chris M.
Came with a large group of 10, including kids. Nice pier setting with pretty views while we waited. I had the veggie pasta with chicken (just good) and my husband had seafood pasta (enjoyed but not raved about). Service was good, place was clean.
(4)Kimber C.
I loved the view, the drinks, and the food. It's pricey, but I think worth the price. I think the best time to go is during happy hour when the sun is just going down. I didn't have a full meal, mostly just appetizers and drinks.
(5)S H.
Went for lunch. Ok view...it sits right on the water. Had an oyster po'boy, which came on a thick, tasteless "hoagie" style roll. The oysters were very nicely fried, but there were not very many of them. Prices are decent, however. Go for the view, not for the food.
(2)Shane R.
This place can certainly serve the purpose but I've definitely had better. Stopping in for a quick drink at the bar while touring Charleston, I had less than stellar service. Perhaps the bartender was put off by the fact that my group had no interest in food. To be fair, my rating doesn't reflect the quality of the food as I didn't eat. However, the drinks and service left a lot to be desired. The exterior also came off as dirty and offered some industrial surroundings. Positioned next to the Carnival Cruise ship dock, this place also has a tourist like feel. Parking, although not difficult, seemed to prove confusing for other patrons. I'd be curious to go back just to try the food that other Yelpsters seem to rave over but outside of mere curiosity and a desire for seafood, I don't think I'd return.
(2)Kathy B.
We had a wonderful low country lunch at the Landing. Shrimp and grits/gumbo/and the best hushpuppies! Harrison was a superior server. We would definitely make another stop here. And, even though the place was crowded, parking was available-free- and the wait was minimal. Yes, this is a definite place to visit.
(5)Brett O.
Cool place, great port experience. Its a casual place downtown for when you don't need a Halls Chophouse kind of lunch. Really great staff, nice location, cool deck on the water, and the history of the building is a plus. The food is pretty meh, its okay, not bad, just not great. In a culinary town sort of a misfire for me. That said, definitely have bloody mary's here on a sunny morning. A dinky bruch place, for a brunch centered on food there are better options. Again, amazing staff.
(2)Jennifer N.
I was told by two different locals to go to Fleets Landing. Not much to look at from the outside but the interior is very sheik. You can eat outside on the water too. The shrimp and grits were awesome. My husband still talks about the pimento grits and seared scallops he had 3 days ago! The seafood prices seemed the most reasonable in town. Would def go back!
(4)Susan D.
Fantastic lunch! If you like shrimp and grits...this is the place to go! Great spicy flavor....creamy and just DELISH!
(5)Katie S.
Wonderful meal and our waiter made the experience so much fun! Ryan was just great! Definitely the best waiter I have ever had! He made us laugh the whole time and was very helpful choosing our meals! Such a great restaurant in Charleston.
(5)Ronald Y.
Food was exceptional. I had the swordfish; my wife had the Chicken Piccata. Our server, John, was very personable and helpful. It was a meal to remember.
(5)Lisa C.
I loved this restaurant -- we had a great view on the dock and watched a pod of dolphins that were right off shore entertaining us the entire dinner. We had she-crab soup (really great!), the stuffed hush puppies (also awesome) and I had the shrimp and grits (excellent). I would highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)Katie B.
It was rainy today but I had to have my fried shrimp before I headed back to Jacksonville, NC with my husband. My brother and his girlfriend were here too. They have the best fried shrimp and atmosphere. Our waiter today though was slow and it took forever to just get our crab dip and side salads. But other than that I love this place.
(5)Sarah F.
I went here with my family and it was absolutely amazing! Food was excellent, service was fantastic, and the view was perfect as my family is not from around here. We actually saw several Dolphins while we were enjoying our meals. I would definitely suggest Fleets to anyone whether you're just visiting or live in the area. It was also very reasonably priced.
(5)C V.
Extremely Disappointed. We talked it up to our out-of-town friends and made reservations for NYE dinner, which was terrible. The appetizers were mediocre at best (crab dip and mussels). For dinner, I had the grilled Mahi, which was underdone on the inside and bland. The fingerling potatoes were small and tastesless, and the asparagus was overcooked. The whole thing was swimming in a tasteless pool of butter, with dried parsley sprinkled on top for garnish. I borrowed the lemon from my friend's water glass to add some flavor - who serves fish without lemon? I grew up in Charleston so I know what good seafood tastes like. My friend had the shrimp and grits, which had little dry shrimp and brown gravy on it that looked like it came from KFC. She only ate about 3 bites. The grits had a dry layer on top (skin) like it had been sitting for a while. I know it's hard to keep and serve grits fresh, but how hard is it really to boil water? The dinner prices were $20 to $25 per plate. I will gladly pay this for a great or even good meal, but this is WAY TOO MUCH to pay for sub-par food. Seriously guys, hire a chef. You are certainly charging for one. In the past we have had several great lunches there (salads with shrimp, etc) but I guess it would be hard to mess up lettuce and shrimp with a great view of the harbor. The wait staff was nice and pleasant and parking was a cinch. So if you are there for anything BUT a good dinner, then you are in luck. Otherwise you will be extremely disappointed and overcharged. I would not recommend Fleet Landing to friends (again) unfortunately.
(1)Cynthia S.
What can I say that every one else isn't saying. This is one of my all time favorites. There isn't anything on their menu I wouldn't order again. My all time favorite is Shrimp and grits. If you want a table I recommend you make a reservation the day before otherwise you are sure to have a long wait. If your desperate skip the reservation and grab a seat at the bar.
(5)Daniel D.
While vacationing in Charleston with my girlfriend, we were told by our hotel front desk that Fleet Landing was the place to go for seafood and it is the only restaurant on the waterfront. It was all we needed to hear for us to make a reservation at Fleet Landing. We went on a Sunday night at about 8:30 so unsurprisingly it wasn't that busy but there was a large party just finishing up. Our waiter was upbeat when reciting specials and took our order with diligence. He answered any questions we had and was tentative throughout the meal. Service was definitely an A+. We had fried green tomatoes with crab meat, oysters and hush puppies stuffed with shrimp and lobster (you didn't go to Charleston if you didn't try hush puppies). The hush puppies were phenomenal; deep fried but not greasy and the friend green tomatoes were much the same. As an entree I went with the lump crab cakes which were so fresh and thick, that I might go so far as to say they were the best I've ever had. Fleet Landing serves up some of the best quality seafood and they could definitely compete with some of the top seafood restaurants up here in NYC. If your in Charleston, go to Fleet Landing you will not regret.
(5)Abby W.
Our server Justin was phenomenal! His service was the best! The food was delicious! We had fried seafood, crab soup, and the catch of the day. All 5 star! We sat outside and there were a few birds however Justin armed us with a water gun so it was all good. Plus he was easy on the eyes. We give Justin and Fleets Landing FIVE stars!
(5)Sandi G.
Great waterfront dining, not too fancy not too casual, the food is amazing. Be sure and make a reservation or you will have a long wait. She crab soup and seafood pasta are a must try. Great waitstaff, service, location and food. A must try whenever in Charleston
(5)Will P.
Wife loves their crab cake poached egg and grits, weekends only, special. She is a crab cake lover and she has eaten here twice (first time was several years ago) and loved the crab cake both times. If you're someone that likes "all crab" crab cakes, then you'll like this one.
(4)Najula J.
Delicious! We had stopped by for quick appetizer. We had the fried BBQ oysters on creamy grits and a crab cake. The oysters were fresh and very well prepared. The crab cake was decent. I live in Atlanta and have eaten "the best of the best" :-). It was very well prepared but the crab meat wasn't lump or as fresh as it could be. I also had a watermelon martini! Perfectly prepared. I had to control myself and not order another. I will go back when I return to Charleston!
(4)Benjamin R.
What a great experience! I've been to lots of seaside restaurants where you pay for the view and not so much the food. Fleet Landing was the best of both worlds. Sweeping views of the harbor and amazing food that was beautifully plated and prepared. Our waitress Sara was outgoing, friendly and made our experience that much better. A hotspot for both locals and tourists alike. This is one of those restaurants that you will be thrilled with for many more visits in the future.
(5)Duncan O.
Amazing Seafood! Decided to pass up Bubba Gump for this. Bubba Gump is ok, but we wanted to try something different. I defiantly recommend getting a reservation, I did and it saved me from waiting 45 minutes. I got the fried seafood platter pick 2 (fried shrimp and fried flounder) and 2 sides for 18.99. A little pricey but delicious. The shrimp and grits did look good. Our server Nolan was very energetic and "excited" to serve us, but not too overly engaged. He was there when needed and not when we didn't. It was great to eat on the water and the view. For desert I got the Chocolate Pie which complemented the meal. I would definitely go!
(5)Evan W.
With the best waterfront location in all of Charleston, Fleet Landing is a restaurant that has the potential to be truly world class. Unfortunately, every time I have eaten here the food has failed to live up to this potential. I have had numerous entrees on the menu, but everything has always ended up tasting pretty average. My favorite item on the menu is the Seafood Risotto. The first time I tried it I thought this may be the dish to finally change my opinion of Fleet Landing. However, I recently visited the restaurant again, but found preparation of the dish to be extremely poor: the risotto was dry and gummy, there was grit in the mussels, the shrimp was over done, and to top it off the dish came out luke warm. As it currently stands, Fleet Landing is a nice tourist destination with its panoramic views of Charleston Harbor. However, if you are looking for exquisitely prepared fresh seafood and a real taste of Charleston cuisine, then this is not your place. Charleston has much better options, especially for the price.
(3)Marie A.
It is a Charleston staple! It is definitely a good mix of locals and tourists. I have been here at least 5 times and each time is awesome! Tonight I had the Fleet Landing Stuffed Hush Puppies that were filled with a Veloute of Lobster, Rock Shrimp, Leeks, & Corn over Creole Tomato Sauce. Delicious! Crab cakes for dinner with mashed potatoes and mixed veggies. Everything was cooked perfectly. We sat outside and it was a beautiful night and gorgeous view! I recommend this place to everyone I know.
(5)Abby N.
One of the few spots on the water! It was so pretty and the food was great too! The fried oysters were great and the staff was friendly. We had a great experience here and it gets busy so go early!
(5)Nancy N.
This was my first and ONLY stop for seafood in Charleston.. BLEH! Warning: the food looks NOTHING like the pictures you see here on yelp. The only good thing about this place was the service. I have to say that our waiter was very sweet, attentive and informative. Initially, we ordered the she-crab soup. After a few bites, I tasted some sort of powder in the texture. I suppose that makes the soup thicker, but I rather pass. For the entree, I ordered one of the specials. It was seared tuna, which came with two sides. I picked collard greens and coleslaw, both were pretty bland and the greens overcooked. There were a variety of sauces to choose from and I assumed that the tuna would be cooked in the sauce. Instead, the sauce was simply placed on the side. The presentation was not at all appetizing. Overall, my experience was not too horrible but why just one star you ask? About 15 minutes after leaving the restaurant, I immediately felt it in my stomach. I got food poisoning. Needless to say that the rest of the night was not at all pleasing.
(1)Sarah W.
Amazing food! Our waiter, Lauren was amazing and very helpful with our questions. We had crab cake for an appetizer, I had the pan seared talapia and my boyfriend had the flounder special. I'm very picky with my food and don't really veer off of what I usually get but this time I did and I was so glad. Service and food was great! I will definitely eat here again when I visit next time.
(5)Jen L.
The only place in town with waterfront views.. We didn't make reservations, and was just planning on having a drink or two, and going elsewhere for dinner (as we knew it would be a nightmare on a Saturday night to try and get in! -- it was going on an hour and a half wait!). It did take us a while to get seats at the bar (snagged them once someone got seated at a table). We were outside, at the bar, and the whole area was so crowded! Cool spot. We ended up splitting two appetizers (crab dip and scallops).. wow!!! The scallops were cooked perfectly! The taste was great, too! We didn't have any other food there, but what we sampled was perfect! If you do decide to go here for dinner - I suggest you make reservations! It was pretty loud inside, but not too bad. Definitely check it out, if you have a chance.
(4)Kristin D.
From the gracious and friendly host to the engaging and knowledgeable server (Ryan), the experience was so much better than what I expected at what could totally be a tourist trap if it wanted to (awesome harbor-front location by the market). And then there's the yummy food! The triggerfish sandwich was moist and yummy. Eat here!
(5)Claire S.
We have dined multiple times at Fleet Landing. The biggest advantage of the place is that it is on the water which surprisingly is a rarity in Charleston. We seem to be craving sunshine and warm weather each time we're in Charleston coming from the gray and cold North so outside dining is appealing. The food and service here are consistently good and the atmosphere can't be beat.
(4)Gavin M.
Had a nice lunch at Fleet Landing. It was a busy Saturday, but my wife managed to snag a couple of seats at the bar. Great Bloody Mary there. Bar tenders were busy so we had to be a little pesky to get our orders in. They were receptive and cordial, once flagged down. Fried Green Tomato app was amazing. She had the quiche of the day and it was about the size of my head. I had the BBQ with biscuits and grits. Holy smokes, it was all delicious.
(4)Shira S.
This review is truly only for happy hour. My family and a couple friends stopped in for a drink before dinner as we had some extra time. The group tried their stuffed hush puppies, which were a little too heavy for me, but that could also be as I was still full from lunch. Their happy hour menu is great, especially their martinis at half price. The flavor was good and I was happy they didn't use cheap liquor during happy hour. However, I do think they need to either get smaller martini glasses or fill the glasses they do have. It just never looks right when a bartender serves a half-full martini, even if it is half price. The service was fine and what I would expect at a bar. I'm hoping the size of the martini was a fluke and will probably return for another drink.
(3)Lauren H.
Go for the view not the food. If you want great food in Charleston, don't go here. It's decent. But not great. Not a huge selection and really run of the mill preparation and flavors. If you want a great view and casual atmosphere this this is your bet! Good for kids. Fun dining experience and great for families.
(3)Tania R.
Definitely a very popular place -- beautiful view on water. Food was excellent -- had grilled scallops and my bf had shrimp/grits of which I tasted, very good as well but very rich and little too strong sausage taste for my liking. Mojitos were spot-on !
(5)K B.
Meh. There are better offerings in Charleston. If anything go for a cocktail and enjoy the water view but that is about it.
(2)Jason A.
The food is worth the price. Very lively place. The waiter, Scott, was amazing. Very helpful and very polite. If you don't want to wait for a table make a reservation or get there early. Either way it's worth it
(5)John H.
Charleston waterfront, great outdoor seating for nice weather. Great casual atmosphere with low country food.
(5)Shannon G.
My first shrimp n grits experience. Best collard greens I've ever had. Everything was delish. I suggest a reservation on weekends. Dont forget the she-crab!!
(4)Trent M.
Great seafood pasta. Very filling, which was great because we were starving. The crab cake appetizer was delicious but definitely not as big as we expected an appetizer to be... and for $11. We ate at the bar and bartender Wes was friendly and gave us great service. The pomegranate mojitos went down way too easy.
(5)Chelsea B.
We came here twice during our stay in Charleston. You can't beat the views and ocean breeze on the deck! The drinks are great and the food is amazing. The hush puppies were by far the best we've ever had. Our server Luke was so nice and friendly and super knowledgable about the menu. Every suggestion he gave was right on point and he was attentive enough without smothering. We cannot rave enough how great he was. Fleet Landing was a highlight of our trip and we will definitely be back next time we are in Charleston!
(5)Ryan K.
Male bartenders were a little too chatty with what appeared to be a group of their friends sitting at the bar. Food and drinks were great otherwise. Not top of the line seafood but better than average.
(4)Chelle R.
I was first taken here when I was flown into Charleston for a job interview. It was love at first bite. I had the pan seared muscles and a salad and was totally happy. The food is very tasty; the atmosphere is good; and the prices are reasonable. One of my favorite places to eat in Charleston.
(4)Linda P.
I think this is probably 3.5 stars. SO I did like this place. Very large place, great for groups and beautiful outdoor seating on the water, which is where we sat. I couldn't figure out if it was touristy, but whatever. SO the reason that this place isn't getting 4 stars is because they were out of EVERYTHING! I know it was a busy weekend (Memorial Day), but still, prepare for that. We got there a little early so went to the bar first. I had already had a few mojitos and when I saw on e on the menu I went with that... but they were out of mint. So I changed my order to the strawberry margarita. They had everything for that and it was good, but they were out of straws.... When we were seated (again outside, beautiful area on the water). We looked over the menu and wanted to start with calamari...they were out of it. So we each got our own started and main dish. The food was good. I got the scallops to start. They were a small portion, but fine for a starter. And I had shrimp and grits for my main meal. Also good, but not the best ever by any means. That being said, I would still recommend them and order them again. Everyone with me did enjoy their food and we were all very full after the meal. I would give this place another chance, but hopefully next time they will be fully stocked with what I want to order!
(3)Jenni C.
The outside of the place was unassuming, once you come in you see a very nice place, great views. I have had calamari in many places, but this was hands down the best I've ever had! Great crab cakes and shrimp and grits.
(5)R F.
The she crab soup was delicious. Service was excellent. Also had he crab dip. This was for a quick bite. But we would come back
(4)Heidi T.
I came to Charleston for a visit and, while wandering around Market Street, asked around for lunch recommendations. Three of the four people I asked included Fleet Landing in their recommendations, so I gave it a shot. I'm glad I did! I came in on a Monday afternoon and asked to be seated outside, and got a beautiful view. (I got REALLY excited when a dolphin came swimming by - is that a common thing to see? Either way, really cool.) My waiter was kind and chatted with me for a bit about Charleston, since I had never been before and the restaurant wasn't terribly busy. He was so nice! I ended up ordering the seafood gumbo and fried flounder platter. The gumbo was different from what I'm used to in Texas, but I loved it all the same. I love that they're not stingy with the seafood! You can never have too much scallop in my opinion. :) The flounder platter was pretty good, but nothing too special. Overall I enjoyed my meal and LOVED the service I got.
(4)Charters Of Charleston C.
This place has excellent food and a great view of the entire harbor! Everyone should visit at least once.
(5)Erica C.
If you are just spending one day in downtown Charleston you must eat here for lunch! This restaurant is right on the water and has a beautiful view. The restaurant is airy and the service is great. However, I would recommend sitting away from the patio doors on a breezy day because it gets a bit chilly! My favorite item was the oyster po' boy - a delicious sandwich plated with a yummy side of fries. This place gets busy so make a reservation or be prepared to wait!
(4)Jeana N.
This is an absolute must if you are visiting Charleston! Be prepared to wait if you don't make reservations! My husband and I called the night we wanted to dine here and were able to get a reservation for only an hour from when we called. There are many bars nearby to enjoy during you wait as well. During our dinner we enjoyed the seafood stuffed hush puppies! If you don't try these you're wasting your trip! I would drive 10 hours all over again just to have these! My husband ordered the shrimp and grits and they were literally the creamiest, lightest grits we have ever ordered. I had another night of oysters and they were delicious as well! The food was amazing but what really made this night the most special night of our trip was our waiter. I can't remember his name and I wish I could because he was the BEST! He made great selections for drink choices to go with our meal and introduced us to things we never thought we would enjoy! Oh and I forgot to mention we sat at an outdoor table on the deck that surrounds the pier the restaurant sits on! BEST dinner I have EVER HAD!
(5)Kim N.
The food was alright; service was a bit off. Men MUST wear shirts with sleeves on or they won't let you eat here... We should have just left at this point. Besides the somewhat decent waterfront view, there's not much else worth mentioning about this place. There are way better options for dining in Charleston.
(2)Brenda M.
It was just ok. Good location. I had the crab cakes. My husband had the seafood boil. Garlic mashed potatoes were good. Fresh biscuits and honey butter was the bread. That was nice. We came here on a recommendation. The location was the first thing he mentioned and was the best thing about it.
(3)Michael F.
back again in October 2014...we had the shrimp & grits again.....still an excellent choice and our gold standard!
(5)Norah M.
Perhaps a little hard to find, this place was worth it! Crab cake to die for and the freshest and tastiest raw oysters we had ever had. Service was great, the on-deck seating was special at sunset, and the indoor bar was friendly and welcoming. Our visit was mid-May and we wish this enthusiastic young staff a great summer..
(5)Hannah J.
I was not impressed. It was a loud and busy Sunday evening of Labor Day weekend. My boyfriend ordered the grilled ahi filet. It was, by far, the most poorly cooked filet. It was grey and tough; clearly over-cooked. The manager gave us a replacement filet and it was better, but still not as expected. I ordered the house Malbec with my dinner. I had 2 sips. It tasted like the bottle had been opened a month ago and left in the sun: Undrinkable. However, it's family friendly.
(2)Thomas W.
Parking is tuff. I found the menu to be somewhat limited, not many choices IMHO. The food was just Ok. Great atmosphere, we ate outside on the deck which was very nice and the service was good.
(3)Ashley A.
Had a few different appetizers here (posted pictures) and all were delicious! The BBQ grits were amazing! Definitely cannot wait to be back in town again to enjoy some more delicious food!
(4)Dan O.
Its a small step above Applebees... but its on the water. One of the stars is for the water views.
(3)Randy K.
Very busy, had to wait about 45 mins. Getting a drink at the bar was tough with only two bar tenders for lots of customers. However, it was worth the wait. Gumbo and crab cake were very good, as were the biscuits and honey butter. My wife's grilled shrimp with key lime butter sauce were excellent. Our server, Natalie, was terrific. Prices fair. Location on the water. No frills, but good food trumps frills all the time.
(4)Sarah B.
We enjoyed a very nice evening here recently reconnecting with a former co-worker of mine from 22 years ago. Yep, I'm old. Our visit was during Spring Break recently, and we had made reservations two weeks in advance for a 7 pm dinner on a Tuesday night. When we realized my former peer was available, we met her for drinks in the bar at 6:30 pm. When we arrived at 6 or so, we got the last parking space in the gravel-ish lot. Poor would-be parkers who venture in and don't find a space have to back up the length of the lot as there's no turn around at the end. The bar was crowded already, and there were folks waiting for tables already as well. We grabbed the last two bar stools to wait, and ordered drinks and an appetizer since we were so early. The Charleston Sunset was sweet and fruity, and the stuffed hush puppies were really good. After she arrived, we creatively grabbed another bar stool as things were really getting crowded, and again it's early on Tuesday - yikes. The bartender was attentive and quite good. After a nice visit, we did let the hostess know we were ready to be seated for dinner. Fleet Landing is loud and busy, so we asked to wait until a table on the glass window row was open. For dinner hubby ordered fish and chips (($20.99) that he said were very good, and I ordered the Low Country Boil (Shellfish over risotto on menu, $25.99) which was very messy but good. There's just no graceful way to break heads off shrimp in a savory broth, I don't care who you are. Our service was fine, not overly attentive but not neglected feeling, either. Folks were constantly in and out, and I never saw the group of waiting diners slack up even as we were leaving at almost 9 pm. The wait arriving at 7 pm was more than an hour, Charleston is a reservations town, folks! We like the fact that this restaurant is in a former Navy building, and if the weather was better, the views there are second to none. This small city has a town of dining options, so I can't say 100% that we would return on the next visit, but nothing bad to say to prevent someone from visiting.
(4)B D.
Nice atmosphere sitting outside, though a bit of a wait for lunch. Swordfish special wasn't anything to write home about, but the crabcake was definitely one of the better I've had and the fried oyster with grits appetizer was pretty delicious.
(4)Rachel M.
The service was great - friendly but efficient - his name was Eric. The view is phenomenal, plus the breeze outside feels so great. There was nothing wrong with the food, it was just totally ordinary. We had a triggerfish sandwich with fries and a Caesar salad. It was good, but nothing you couldn't get at a chain restaurant anywhere in the country.
(3)Steve J.
We arrived for our 5:30 reservation on a Saturday early and were able to be seated prior to our time. This place was busy so make a reservation for sure (Open Table). We had the fried shrimp, Atlantic Salmon with the blackened season and swordfish (local) with pesto. The fried shrimp was good (lightly beaded) but not much different from other that I have had. The salmon was really good and I especially enjoyed with the blackened season. The swordfish was also very good, however I would not have it with the pesto. As for sides, mashed potatoes tasted fresh and homemade. Green beans cooked perfectly and cole slaw was good with a bit of pepper spice to it. Service was also rally good. If I find myself in Charleston again, I would not hesitate to go. Definitely recommend it.
(4)Dean D.
This restaurant is right on the water. The clear view of the water compliments the beauty of historic Charleston. Service is very good as is their food. We had the fried calamari appetizer which is different than most places. They use just the body and the pieces are almost like french fries; very tender and perfectly cooked with two tasty sauces as accompaniments. I had their signature Crispy Whole Fried Southern Flounder with Apricot Glaze. Nice presentation and very unique. I definitely would have it again. The only tip I'd offer up to my fellow Yelper's is to request a side of that great apricot sauce. When you flip the fish over and start on the other side, more sauce would have made the dish perfect. Overall, a nice seafood restaurant with great views all around.
(4)Greg G.
My colleagues and I arrived on Friday. The table was perfect and afforded my colleagues a perfect view of the harbor for their lunch. We had the hushpuppies for an appetizer and they were great. All raved about them. As a group we had the oyster Po' Boy, the crab cake sandwich, the shrimp and grits, and the freshly caught swordfish. I had the swordfish. All, again, raved about the food. My swordfish and fresh better beans were great. The red rice was equally remarkable! I have forgotten the name of our server, but he was awesome! He had a wonderful personality and was attentive enough while not smothering us with attention. The timing of the meal was excellent. After ordering, the appetizer arrived after a bit allowing us to have some conversation wile waiting. As this was a business lunch it was very port we not be rushed through like cattle. Thank you. Again, there was enough time between the appetizer and entrees so we felt we could conduct some business while not being rushed. Again, a job well done! All in all, it was a meal experience I have come to expect from previous engagements at Fleet Landing. Thank you for demonstrating to me my last dining experience was an anomaly! We will be back soon!
(4)Rachael M.
If you can come here for their weekend brunch, I highly recommend it. I ordered the crab cake (which is high on crab, low on filler) over grits with two poached eggs. That may not sound like a good combo, but IT IS!! I would come back to Charleston just for brunch at Fleet Landing. It's right on the water so you get an amazing breeze while you're there. Plus, the wait staff is consistently good. Highly recommend!
(5)Stephanie P.
Very friendly staff, great food, view is awesome even with a rainy day. Love the atmosphere of the restaurant. Will definitely go back.
(5)Gary K.
After walking all morning through the nearby Market, my group was hungry for lunch... seafood lunch to be specific... After asking a few people, we were referred here as it was close, and right on the water... Once we got there, I definitely gave it an A+ for the cool factor... it's an old WWII Navy landing pier... restored into a very trendy seafood restaurant!! Lots of old historical pictures all over the waiting area. The hostess staff was very friendly!! Once we were seated, out server was 'Johnny on the spot' at greeting us and getting us our beverages right away!! After we told him is was our first time there, he made several recommendations in addition to all the daily fresh specials. I started with the Lump Crab Cake, which was pure crab meat... no bread crumb filling here!!! I think my eyes may have rolled back just a little... LOL For my lunch, I had the Carolina Shrimp and Grits. (see my pictures) Never had anything like this before... hence my decision to try it. It was some of the best grits I'd ever had... cheesy!!!! and tons of shrimp on top with slices of andoule sausage and most flavorful gravy. OH MY GOSH, I am hooked!!! It was SOOOOOOOOOOOO good!!! Granted I have no other places to compare it with, but it was an awesome first experience for a true Carolina entree experience!! All in all, everyone in my group was VERY pleased with their selections!! I know I sure was, and would love to go back before I leave the area....
(4)rachel d.
Great restaurant with delicious seafood. The atmosphere is great. We sat outside, which was a little windy, and we both had the grilled triggerfish sandwich. Fresh fish and friendly quick service. We ended our meal with the bread pudding; great choice! Parking is tough at peak hours.
(5)Mike And Tracy T.
Had lunch at the Fleet Landing today. We sat outside and had the She Crab Soup (reminded me of Lobster Bisque) and Gumbo which was very tasty. Also had The Fried Green Tomatoes which were extremely tasty! Our server, Cheryl, was very knowledgeable about the menu and gave us suggestions on what to do. We appreciated the information. We will definitely go back.
(4)David S.
After seeing all of the great reviews, my wife and I decided to give Fleet Landing a second chance. We had been here once before a couple of years ago and had been disappointed. Except for the exceptional view, overall this was another disappointing experience. While our entrees were OK, our server was terrible. We would have been better off to have gone up to the bar and placed our order and had our name called to run pick it up when our order was ready. However, it appeared other servers were doing an excellent job, and we just happened to get the bad server. Nevertheless, there are too many great restaurants in Charleston to waste my money here.
(2)Lindsey D.
For lunch, we decided to visit this historic Charleston spot that is located right on the water. Warning... the parking lot isn't large... so we had to circle the block a couple of times waiting on a spot. They were pretty busy, too, so there was a short wait for our table. The decor is pretty great. We were finally taken to our table, which was by a window... so we had a great view of the tide going out. There was water and then poof, there was rock and grass and the briny sea smell in the air. The waitress was friendly and brought me a glass of Southern sweet tea with a quickness and I was a happy girl. :-) I'll always remember this place because I took a bite of my friend's Blacktip Shark - the first and likely the last time I'll eat shark... but after watching Shark Week all these years... taking a bit out of a shark felt like sweet, sweet vindication. ;-P The dessert here was my favorite part - White Chocolate Bread Pudding! It was so pretty and tasty and I couldn't even finish it all. Highly recommended!
(4)Whitney S.
We went here for dinner, and wanted to sit on the outside patio. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant for large groups, especially if you want to sit outside since the tables are quite small outside. However, I thought the food and drinks were decent. A little overpriced, due to being the only restaurant on the ocean in Charleston. I had the she-crab soup which was DELICIOUS and I loved the bread they served us.
(3)Rochelle G.
Came here during lunch on vday, by recommendation at the Vendue Inn. They told us it was a nice waterfront restaurant. Upon arriving, it didnt look as pretty as I imagined, looked more like swampfront, but I still gave it a chance, and Im glad I did. The place had a very strong fish smell, but I got over that after awhile. We sat on the inside, because it didnt look too good outside. Since I was trying to get my full Charleston experience, I ordered the Charleston Shrimp & Grits. He ordered the special of the day, which was some type of fish but I dont remember. My dish was very flavorful, I dont really like grits, so I pretty much just ate the shrimp and sausage. By the waiter's recommendation, I got the Watermelon Martini, which was also really good. Our waiter was very nice and helpful. If only the view and smell of the place was better, than I probably would have gave it 5 stars.
(4)Ted K.
We had reservations on a crowded evening and were seated right on time. I had the fried shrimp & scallops...very good. It was served with a remolade sauce that they called tartar sauce- excellent. and my wife had sea bass & grits that she thought was terrific. Nice view of Charleston harbor, classic atmosphere.I would go back again if I ever return to Charleston.
(5)Tabitha J.
This place was great! I ordered the swordfish for the first time. It was amazing!!! They have several choices of sauces to have with your protein and I chose he pesto. It was light and fresh - definitely made in house. The complimentary biscuits were very good with the sweet butter served with them. The view being on the ocean was beautiful. Definitely a good place to go.
(5)Elaina R.
I always said this was my favorite place to go in charleston, when I lived there 3 years. It is in some ways, but not in others. I loved it because its the only place where you can eat on a deck that is right in the bay. They have a rail outside as well for the bar. You can watch the cruise ships take off, which is right next door. I only gave it 3 stars because every time I sat at a table, the service was so bad. Also, the food was kinda meh. Calamari was hit or miss. I usually just stuck to drinks if I went, and was very happy. Th bartenders were awesome. Don't go and expect to immediately get a seat, unless its the offseason or its late. Def a tourist trap, but I do love the view. They have a gold mine of a restaurant, I just wish the food was better.
(3)Alex B.
We stumbled across this place and were lucky enough to snag a spot at the bar right as it was filling up. The food was delish (veggie pasta, especially), beer selection is small but awesome, and you're right on the water. What's not to love? Well... the wait. If you want to go on a Saturday around lunchtime (the only time I can vouch for), definitely make a reservation.
(4)Ron H.
While on vacation in Charleston last week, my wife and I ad lunch at Fleet Landing and it was excellent. We shared a bowl of She Crab, I had the Crab Lump sandwich and my wife had a chicken sandwich (both with fries). Delicious!! Our waitress was Jessica E. and she made the experience by being attentive, knowledgable, and delightfully friendly. All in all, 5 stars, start to finish! Thanks.
(5)Phil T.
We have been to Fleet Landing about 4-5 times and it's always very good. Ate there last night for New Year's Eve. Got in quickly even though we didn't have a reservation. Service was good and food came out quickly and everyone enjoyed their meals. The gumbo soup was delicious. Four of us split two meals and it worked out well. Nice atmosphere too. It's obvious they provide a good experience since it is always crowded.
(4)Stephen T.
Had dinner with a couple of colleagues on the recommendation of on of them due to the location. It was a great dinning experience. The food and service were exceptional. I would definitely recommend this restaurant!
(4)Gordon B.
Casual, excellent food, great view of the Cooper River. Go for the weekend brunch, you will not be disappointed.
(5)Red B.
First time there approx 3 months ago was a 3.5 star. Last Thursday I can only give them a 2.5 for the food. I will try again in the future as the setting and the bar deserve higher marks. Also of note both times the food runners knew who to serve the food too without asking. That dosent happen very often. Good management. Somehow I dont thing my 2s are grammatically correct but English is my 3rd language.
(3)Chris W.
Great little place on the water! If you have the option, sit outside. Their porch has fans, misters, and a great breeze, so it's not hot. The staff was extremely attentive and very nice. Food was fantastic for the price. It is not a high end, super expensive restaurant, but more of a casual, sit, relax and enjoy yourself kind of place. I had the shrimp Po-Boy with a wedge salad. All delicious! My wife had the shrimp salad and didn't have one complaint!
(5)Tyler R.
I've only eaten here a few times for lunch but each time it's been really good. The food is solid (especially the she-crab soup and shrimp & grits) and service isn't bad. Nice location on the water right next to the cruise ship terminal. *Update: As an additional testament to their good customer service. A manager wrote me a message thanking me for the review. Nice to see that there are still businesses where people care.
(4)David G.
Fleet Landing offers incredible waterfront dining. While taking in the gorgeous views of Charleston Harbor, you'll dine on some of the tastiest food in town. I've been here for lunch and dinner, and I was equally impressed each time.
(5)Sarah P.
OOTW...I'm from the west Coast and my cab driver recommended this restaurant for great sea food. What was AH-MA-ZING was the grits and creme brûlée. To die for. Great service and was immediately seated because we made reservations. A must eat place.
(4)Katherine K.
Service here was very attentive, even on a busy Sunday afternoon. I honestly expected more seafood on the menu, but ended up a little disappointed by the selection. Ended up with the fried shrimp basket (served on a plate?) with fries, slaw & 1 hushpuppy. The shock was the lone hushpuppy on the plate -- it was good enough that I wanted a few more. If we return, we'll have to get an order on the side. The hubby ordered one of their Sunday brunch specials -- the creme brûlée french toast. Delicious! Sweet, but not overwhelmingly so, great with the added side of bacon. If I'd gotten more hushpuppies, my meal might have been 4 stars. The amount of food on the plate was underwhelming. The deck would be a nice place to sit in the fall, far too humid right now.
(3)Ellen L.
Unfortunately this place did not live up to our expectations from a food perspective. Despite their awesome location on the water, parking was horrible. With the exception of the she crab soup, the other menu items were not impressive. The pasta with vegetables was ordinary, the triggerfish sandwich had too much sauce and the fried chicken (although very moist) was served with Mac and cheese that did not seem fresh. I'm sure if you are in Charleston you can find better food.
(2)Paul B.
On our first night in Charleston we stumbled into Fleet Landing. The decor was pretty artsy cool using the shell of an old harbor building, the views of Charleston Harbor were spectacular. Our waitress was a bit on the uninterested side but nice enough. The food was excellent: pan fried flounder w apricot glaze just rocked. The salmon and fish-n-chips were equally delicious. We were pretty full after dinner so we passed on deserts but the couple next to us said the pecan pie was heavenly. Prices were fair - $70 for three people before tip (no booze). Definitely worth a stop!
(5)Susan V.
Great spot, best crispy fried flounder and grits in Charleston. Table service was good, but if you are a group of 4 women and not a couple, don't expect prime seating.
(4)Lynne S.
We have only been in Charleston for 4 days and we have been to Fleet Landing 3 times (twice for dinner and another time for drinks and appetizers). It's our first time in Charleston and with the help of Yelp we found this restaurant. It's fabulous! The food was great and the service is excellent as well. We will be back again!
(5)Ariel B.
On a weekend trip to Charleston, a friend and I decided to try out Fleet Landing since we were looking for good seafood and were very happy with our decision. I had a special, lionfish, and though I don't remember what my friend had as an entree, I know I poached several of his fingerling potatoes. Their biscuits were the most memorable part of the dinner since they were light and the perfect amount of buttery, but I was very happy with my fish and the stuffed hush puppies we got as an app were awesome too-- crisp on the outside, moist on the inside, and served with a very savory sauce. The atmosphere was relaxed and our waitress was attentive and friendly. I wish we could have sat outside since it's right on the water but the weather, cold and rainy, was not ideal.
(4)Ben T.
We really enjoyed this place. The atmosphere is just as good as the food. We accidentally spilled our mixed drink (it was that good) and the waiter took care of everything. I had the shrimp and grits which were the best I have had in Chucktown so far. The gravy was unique and very tasty. We sat inside because it was cold but I can imagine the marsh smell would have not made it any more pleasant. Would def go back!
(4)Greg S.
A classic local favorite, Fleet Landing, right on a dock facing the Ashley River, having had to make reservations 2 days ahead of time and settling for a late 7:00 slot. We sat outside to watch the sunset and sailboats. Unfortunately, this must be popular in the same way to the same set of people like Outback Steakhouse or something. We thought it was a 3 out of 5 and I didn't care for our server who was probably thinking he was coming off laid back casual, but was actually seeming uninterested and bored.
(3)Ryan G.
Shrimp and grits were amazing!!!! Went for lunch but the portion was a bit small (even by lunch standards). Wife got the fried flounder basket. Cooked to perfection. Even though Charleston isn't in Key West the Key Lime pie was the best I've ever had!!!! Service was quick and accurate. Must try!!!
(5)Michaela K.
Yes, great view! My husband and I came here on July 4th, so it was packed with a long wait. Understandable, considering the fireworks. Overpriced and not that good. We had shrimp and raw oysters. We got sick afterwords. That's why the review is so low. Maybe we'll give it another try someday.
(1)Henrik C.
Went here for lunch on a Saturday based on a recommendation from a friend. We had to wait for seating, so we decided to try to the bar. Well, it is certainly a waiting area. Our bar service was very slow. They were not that busy just slow. So we were waiting for drinks while waiting for a table. They ended up messing up our table reservation, so we had to wait twice to finally get a table (it ended up being outside). There were several vacant tables, so hard to understand why assigning people to tables is taking so long. In January outside tables, are a bit chilly so come prepared. However we finally got a table. We ordered calamari for starters. They ended up being calamari fries, they were tasty, but not exactly calamari. The menu is general is basic, but there is a good selection for a good lunch. Ordered crabcakes. My partner ordered fried oyster po-boy. The crab cakes were great and adequate sides. The po-boy was tasty, but there was way too much bread. It might have been a simple miss, but there are plenty of options in Charleston, SC so it will take a while before we will try Fleets Landing again. Great food, but the service leaves a lot to be desired.
(2)Yolanda M.
The food was pretty good and the staff was friendly. The food was tastier than thought it would be. Sit outside if the letter permits. Staff was super friendly!
(4)James P.
After reading local YELP reviews for seafood restaurants in Charleston, we stopped in for lunch. Was not disappointed on our 1st visit for lunch. The wife and I ordered the local 1/2 dozen oysters on the half shell, which were large and very sweet in taste. We then both tried one of the lunch specials, grilled sword fish that was grilled nicely, not over cooked. The sword fish came with a side of beans that were rather tasty and rice which was mediocre in taste. We then shared a slice of key lime pie. We've been trying key lime pies over the years from Columbia, S.C., throughout the state of Florida to Key West. I would grade this key lime pie among the top 5 we've tried. With zero on the west coast breaking the top 10. We were so pleased with the quality of food and service, we had lunch here our 2nd day in Charleston. Again trying a 1/2 dozen local oysters on the half shell, not to be disappointed by being served sweet tasting large oyster once again. This time we tried the crusted cod, served with crisp properly cooked green beans and rice. For dessert we asked our waitress Allyson on a recommendation for dessert. She suggested the "Huguenot torte" a local Charleston favorite. Which is a bread pudding a la mode. Not being a big fan of bread puddings, but knowing my wife is, we ordered this dessert. To my surprise this was not anything like the other bread puddings I've tried over the years. It did not have the typical mushy texture I dislike of bread puddings. Instead had a firmer texture that included pecans, which was very pleasing in taste and topped with vanilla ice cream. A great way to top off our visit to Charleston. Thank you Allyson for the dessert suggestion and best of luck in Grad School.
(4)Amber R.
What a fantastic restaurant for a Saturday brunch. We ate outside and the weather and temperature was perfect. Had a great view of the harbor and Waterfront Pier. My husband and I started off with the Chilled Blue Crab Dip with assorted crackers. It was a nice portion and the dip was chock full of crab meat. It was a great choice. I ordered the Chef's Fresh Fish Selection, the fish was hog-snapper with mango chutney on top. It was so flaky and flavorful - just melting in my mouth. The red rice and collards were a perfect pairing. My husband had the Fleet Landing Signature Burger and it was huge! He really enjoyed the pimento cheese on the burger. I was very happy with the choice to eat outside, it seemed much more relaxed and intimate. Inside it was quite loud and almost too many tables. It was packed though, so it really is a hot spot for locals, and tourists alike. Also, it is important to note that they do have their own parking lot, however it is quite small. There is a parking garage on Cumberland St. almost across the street (not the other one intersecting St. Philip St., which is where we parked and it's about 5 blocks). I would also recommend making reservations through the restaurant's website or on Open Table before arriving.
(5)Jess M.
Go to Fleets Landing first for the ambiance and breathtaking ocean view. This restaurant gives you a sailors feel. Located right on the ocean so close that you can feel the ocean breeze. Great outdoor bar!!! The food was good. For appetizers we ordered the Mussels and Calamari. I would have to say (honestly) the Calamari was some of the BEST I have ever had. So FRESH and the sauces they pair with it literally made the dish. Mussels were fabulous too but lacked a bit of acidity... I was looking for a little white wine flavor. For an entree I ordered the Sea Scallops, Collard Greens, and the mashed potatoes. Scallops once again, I was looking for a little white wine flavor but overall flavored well. Needed a bit more salt though. Collard were spot on! The potatoes were average, nothing special. I would defiantly say go here if you are looking for a GOOD seafood place. It met all our desires and I would go back again.
(4)Lisa C.
I ate here on my birthday August 5th. We were in town for a two day visit and it was walking distance from our hotel. We were seated immediately and got to sit outside where we watched dolphins swimming only a few feet away! Food was delicious and service was excellent. Wish I remember the young girls name! If I ever get to visit Charleston again I will eat here.
(5)Melissa P.
Good location, great view, less than impressive food. Sit outside if the weather permits. People looked like they were having a lot of fun at the outside bar window. Will be trying some place new the next time I'm in Charleston--this place is for the tourists...and even though I am one, I have higher standards for my food.
(3)Paul N.
Great fried shrimp, shrimp and grits, and fresh salmon. Reasonable prices...love the atmosphere and the service is top notch. Eat on the deck for great views of Charleston Harbor.
(5)Cory B.
Two stars simply for the food quality. Ordered the hush puppies and had shrimp that wasn't deveined. The BLT was almost inedible and the trigger head fish sandwich was mediocre and the cheese on top of the fish was a weird combo. This is a good location and beautiful to sit on the porch, it's menu could use some help though.
(2)Travis G.
Found this place on Yelp! And it was exactly what we were looking for. Quintessential southern seafood restaurant in an old U.S. Navy seaside building, windows on all sides. Between the six of us we got the fried flounder, the swordfish (fish of the day that day), black angus burger, and the Triggerfish sandwich. It was all DELICIOUS. The Triggerfish was likely our favorite, with the Avocado Aioli and Pepper Jack Cheese, it was perfect. Very nice service, super kind and full of southern hospitality. Next time I'm in Charleston, I'm definitely coming back here!
(5)Melissa J.
I only spend money at establishments where breast feeding mothers are not humiliated to the point where the feel they need to leave. We have been here before but next time I visit family I will be sure to find someplace else to spend my money.
(1)Katherine M.
We were visiting on a horribly busy holiday weekend so we could not get in until 10. It was good/OK. It has a lot of concrete inside, the interior, which was not exactly warm and welcoming in my opinion. The food was good and we paid a fair price. It just seemed more like a chain restaurant for some reason--and maybe everything was getting worn out at 10PM. Specks on the floor, etc.So I would give it a 3.5. The oysters were very good, and everyone was happy enough at the table. Our drinks were fine. Was it memorable? Not to us.....
(3)Amber W.
Just finished an awesome lunch here. We started with the fried green tomatoes. Yum. The hub got the fried flounder. Neither of us have ever had fried flounder before and we both thought it was excellent. I enjoyed a Caesar salad with flank steak. The dressing was super-- not too tangy or creamy. It was the way Caesar dressing is meant to be. The view was a great compliment to the food! Our waitress, Allison, was top notch and even recommended another place to go later. We've been in Charleston for 3 days now and this was handsdown our favorite meal.
(5)Alex G.
I came here on my first day visiting Charleston. Very crowded for lunch but sat at the bar right away and chatted with the bartender and a couple who frequent the restaurant regularly. I had she-crab soup which was spectacular. Views were amazing. Bonus, the restaurant had free parking!
(4)Karen F.
The food is great. The atmosphere is laid back, relaxed and happy. A great experience but they stay very busy, so don't be in too big a rush.
(4)J P.
In our hearts, Charleston and 'The Lowcountry, are reknown for it's hospitality, but in our experience at Fleet Landing ( fleetlanding.net )... what can we say except the Lunch Crowd must've worn the staff prior to our 2:30pm Thurs visit. Mr & Mrs N., we wish you the best, but hope you get a chance to learn from repetitive comments left about staff & portions. Otherwise... Well this review will become an increasingly sober reminder of things to come. The Host/Maître D was non responsive to our greeting her when entering. Although we thought there was a collared shirt requirement for the guys! seems to be unenforced, so there went 2 hours of 'no, leave your shirt on prior, while taking in Charleston Harbor. The 'Method of Madness is waiters take your order, enter you order into a w-fi station, then periodically check on you; meanwhile the kitchen staff will fulfill your order. _Hush Puppies. "Join us on the deck" and have some burnt round dough balls, prepared in (yes I'm certified SS in the food industry), four day old, unfiltered fryer oil. _She Crab Soup. Meh, if you haven't had before, by all means try it for the novelty. In our case, about ten spoonfuls at $6.99 (you do the math). It was enjoyable, but our family prides itself on visiting/spending on the small business establishments, even if it costs a bit more. Bottom line, our kitchen cabinet always has local She Crab soup (Here in Va.) for $2 less and a 15oz can is fairly 3 times the amount we were served. Look at some on the pictures folks have posted of their serving bowls, and expect ahead of time that a soup spoon won't be fully covered when dipping it in the first time. _Entree Fried Oyster Platter (here's the disconnect/why I explained the order/food handlers process beforehand). - :25 min later... our waiter realizes soup served, but no main course)... As a result, apologies by both waiter and Mgr on Duty (MOD)-ok, we get it, just finishing up a lunchtime crowd=no worries/it happens. - However, the waiter & MOD dropped the ball afterwards (30-40% occupancy, plenty of staff on hand, no inordinate amount of business going on...), & :10 min later the meals arrive (wait for It...). - Undercooked, Soggy, Pool of fryer oil (3 tbsp+) Oysters. Entire plate 'slapped together. Fryer oil in the coleslaw, same with the fries... _Waiter offers a redo & & he was concerned-kudos out to 'Rich but we politely decline since there's more to see & do & really, do we need more of this? _MOD offers dessert, and the Pecan Pie w/ Ice cream was excellent! Am pretty sure there was a double portion of pie served. So by all means include in your meal! So, soak up the view, expect a hurried kitchen staff, have somebody in you party play "hall monitor" to ensure accuracy & timeliness of your order. In our case, was disappointing experience, in fact the low point of the week... & thought you fellow yelpers could benefit/learn from ours... Caveat Emptor!
(2)TK T.
Many locals recommended this place. However, I was not impressed neither with the food quality or freshness. All dishes lacked flavor and were pretty bland. Positive: drinks were strong and well made.
(3)Eric B.
Excellent Food and Excellent service !! Went here twice while in Charleston. Oysters and scallops were to die for. Highly recommend this place !!! However the host (Morgan) was extremely unpleasant. She didn't say anything to us, didn't even smile, and left us behind while on the way to the table, dropped menus and walked off before we got to the table. However the food, server (Miranda), and bartenders totally made up for it !! High five Miranda! Thanks for the experience!
(5)Susan W.
I must say I am a little surprised by all the mixed reviews. I've eaten here a few times, and the food has been excellent every time. We had reservations each time, so were seated right away. Very friendly wait staff, and the atmosphere is great. I recommend dining outdoors if not too hot. They also have covered outdoor seating on the side which is nice because you can still dine outside even in the rain. Their salads are wonderful, and dressings are on point. The crab cakes, pan seared shrimp (blackened), pasta w/ seasonal vegetables, and Monday's Blue Plate Special- Fried pork chops w/ green beans, mashed potatoes & mushroom gravy were all excellent. And the red velvet cake is out of this world!! (and I normally don't even like red velvet cake...) Parking space in their private lot is somewhat limited, but there's nearby metered parking too. Can't wait to eat here again!!
(4)Stevie C.
Make sure you sit outside. The patio seats have great views of the surrounding islands around Charleston. They have a heater and mister which are great depending on your season. From our seats we saw a dolphin and that made my day. The bar also has seats on both the inside and outside. If you are eating and drinking take the outside. I will agree with many reviewers in that the service is "eh" and nothing to get excited about. Don't expect your waters refilled or your plates cleaned off in a timely manner. Not that the service is terrible. It's just kind of non-existent at times. The food is better than I expected considering it is what I would consider to be a "tourist trap" in Charleston. We had the crab dip and gumbo for an app and both were above average. Gumbo is very hearty and delicious. For our entrees we had the shrimp and grits and baked cod. Shrimp and Grits had a great sauce and the cod was ok, but the accompanying green beans were even better. I think we would go again-even with the glut of food in Charleston. But not going to lie...the patio view is getting this place at least one extra star. The place is usually very busy and the parking is even busier because it is a small and awkward lot that many leave their car in while they sightsee. Memo to everyone...walk there from the free trolley stops nearby.
(4)Chloe E.
This is one of the few places in historic Charleston with a clear view of the water. The food is good...there is better but the prices are nice and the specials are fun. They also keep a good rotation of draft beer. Some good local beers too. This is a place I always stop by when visiting my favorite city. I have seen dolfins play and cruise ships leave from the outdoor seating. Staff is very nice and attentive. Does get busy with tourists but just as many locals stop by for a drink after work. Enjoy!
(4)Ray B.
We've eaten here a few times on our visits to Charleston. Food is average, but view is great!
(3)Tara B.
My husband and I celebrated our 21st anniversary here. We had made a reservation, and as soon as we walked in, we were greeted with a smile, handed a coaster for our wait, told "happy anniversary," and that our window table would be ready soon. (My husband had requested a window seat through Open Table, and they gladly accommodated.) We went to the full service bar to pass time during our wait. The bar tender quickly served us and told us that we had made happy hour by 10 minutes. (Happy hour ended at 7;00pm.) Literally as soon as our drinks were ready, our coaster was blinking indicating our table was ready. We had a very nice table over looking the harbor. We started our meal with an appetizer of blackened shrimp over pimento cheese grits. That was delicious. If it had been entree sized portion, I could have made an entire meal out of that!! Next, we had the fabulous she crab soup and a house salad. Both were scrumptious. Then we had our main course. My husband had the salmon with dill butter sauce, and I had the tuna with the honey ginger sauce. The tuna was listed as market price on the menu. Normally, I stray away from market price as it usually is very expensive. However, this surprisingly was $26 for the tuna. Quite reasonable. For sides, I had the creamy grits and green beans while my husband had the collard greens and creamy grits. We had a fabulous server, Scott. He was very attentive to our needs, friendly, and never let our glasses run empty. This was not our first time to Fleet Landing. They serve a fabulous Sunday brunch with various quiches that we have enjoyed a few times. We are Charleston locals, and we love this place. It's not the tourist trap kind of place like other well known names around the area are. It's a lovely location on the water with a view of Ft. Sumter off in the distance. You can eat indoors or outdoors and parking is free.
(5)Laurie C.
We decided to have lunch here based on the location. It was nice to be sitting so close to the water. The stuffed hush puppies were very tasty. I had the fried shrimp and found them to be average and was surprised to only get six on my plate. I saw a nearby table had ordered the flounder and the fish of the day...both were substantial portions. We will try those on our next visit. Wait staff was very nice.
(4)Dana C.
We loved this place! We are from Chicago and don't really have grits. We got the shrimp and grits and it was a delicious! Also their side dish of tomatoes and cucumbers is soooo good! Please give this a try if you love balsamic vinaigrette. The pecan pie with ice cream was absolutely delicious. And to top it all off there were dolphins playing in the harbor! The raw oysters were just ok we had already been to pearlz a few days earlier and their oysters were better and half the price. (only reason it got 4 stars)
(4)Lorri A.
Nothing special about the food. Service was awful. We waited for twenty minutes to get water, then another twenty before we were visited again. The stuffed hush puppy appetizer was excellent. The fried fish was soggy and tasteless. You can do better.
(2)Tricia H.
The hushpuppies stuffed with lobster and shrimp were to die for!! I could have just eaten those all day long!
(4)Sarah H.
We wanted to like this place. After waiting 45 minutes we were seated at a table furthest from the water even though there were many open tables with better locations. Our server was nice, but didn't come to the table for probably 15 minutes. All of our food was below average except the biscuits they brought at the beginning which were great. We also waited probably 45 minutes for our food and when it got to us it seemed old and had obviously been under a heat lamp for quite some time. The waitress never did come back and I had to get up and get her, despite the fact that the restaurant was half full. Please save yourself some time and trouble and spend your hard earned money somewhere that actually wants your business, which this place did not.
(1)Giselle C.
Our view was gorgeous,although the online pictures made us believe we'd have a full river view.port authority dock took away the left of our view. It was a bummer but it was still beautiful and romantic.Our waiters name was Scott,he helped us order their signature dishes.Fried green tomatoes excellent! red rice excellent! ANNNNND THE BISCUITS, ugh SO GOOD! Gumbo, bruschetta,fried seafood combo were all great,minus the side of grits.We've never had grits and it seemed like everywhere we went everything was served with grits. It's our last day,we'll have the grits."Ugh that's gross" "yeah no,I can't eat that" the table next to us saw our reaction and asked if we were "yanks" we said no we're phillies fans.They laughed,we laughed...yup,we're yanks.It was a fun experience, very affordable. Scott and manager were great. Very friendly, although sorry overall savannah ga wins on friendliest town.Charlestonians are a little too serious.Just mellow out a little and take a look around :) next year we're coming back for sure and hopefully Scott's still there!
(4)Alexis G.
I made a reservation for 8pm on a Sunday night, but showed up early (7:30). Though there were lots of empty tables, we weren't sat for another 10-15 minutes (at an empty table that we stared at for the entire wait). The food seemed to be the typical Southern classics, but the waiter definitely made up for it. He was awesome and really helpful. We didn't sit outside, but it has some great views. The decor is very modern and you can tell that it was recently renovated. One of my party got the Pecan Pie and it was delicious.
(4)Miki M.
Great food and service!! They get local oysters which were delicious in late December, she crab soup was great, fried flounder with apricot sauce came out a bit too hard for me, and vegetable pasta was ok. They have a small parking lot in front of the resto.
(4)Aaron R.
Wow...10 open tables and a 30 minutes wait. It took them 30 minutes to seat two people. The food was great, the she crab soup was good and and the crab cake sandwich was great. Also our waiter was an older gentlemen who groped the underage hostess in front us three times against her will. What an atmosphere.
(2)Annie L.
Flank stead salad was cooked pretty rare but not too my liking, My friends soup dishes tempted me to order that but negative on that part. the seafood soup that claimed they had okra was unappealing. maybe some other time, the view was beautiful!
(3)Chris D.
Had good experiences In the past, but this time my fried shrimp and scallops were very soggy. They also forgot to make my friend's entree. Whoops. We got comped some she crab soup but overall the food was way off that night. I still like to come for drinks and apps on the patio though.
(2)Alex Z.
Overall we were rather satisfied, but there's some room for improvement. I got the crabcake sandwich. The sauce was good, a bit of a gourmet touch rather than the typical tarter sauce or mayo, and the crabcake was mostly crabmeat, not lots of filler like at cheap restaurants. My only complaint was that it was a little too small for the bun. The Oyster Po'boy was similar: good but too much bun. They make their Bloody Mary with peppered vodka, which made it way too peppery. The server was quick and attentive. The restaurant itself is in a great location and almost all seats have a decent view. For a restaurant that's just one big room with high ceilings, the noise level was reasonable. I would recommend parking elsewhere though. Their lot is really tight. They use angle parking to fit more cars, but if it's full, you have to back out through a narrow parking lot into an intersection.
(3)Meredith V.
I had high hopes for this place (primarily because of the awesome wine list, haha), but I don't think it really lived up to the hype. My husband and I came on a Thursday evening around 6 and despite the menu prices being high, we were surprised to see that it's really not that nice of a place. It's kind of an old crabshack where everyone (from the waiters to the diners) are dressed SUPER casual. I'm talking tennis shoes people. Some man even came in with a tank top on. If I'm paying $30 for a nice seafood dinner, I don't want to see your armpit hair. Take a shower and dress up. Thanks. We ordered a couple glasses of wine (I was pleased to see they had dry Riesling and Grenache by the glass) and the salmon & tuna tartare for an appetizer. The salmon on the wonton was amazing; I venture to say the highlight of our entire meal. The tuna on the cucumber, however, was lackluster and kind of amateur. For entrees, I ordered the swordfish and my husband ordered the seared scallops w/ the lemon thyme sauce and a side of Carolina red rice & okra and tomatoes. Both our swordfish and scallops were fine, nothing spectacular....but fine. Properly cooked, prepared, and seasoned well enough. With the exception of the polenta cake (which was actually really delicious), all of our sides left something to be desired. Bland, dull, and just not very appetizing. Our waitress was friendly enough, even offering us a taste of one of their new wines. Again, my problem with this place is that I'm paying out the nose but I feel like I'm eating at TGI Fridays. No sheik decor, no razzle, no happy hour specials, super casual attire....and that's fine, for what it is, but this is definitley not the place to bring a nice date or a cool spot to go with the girls after work. I'd suggest this place for families (who can afford it) with their kids or couples that want to have a laid back early dinner. I think the only thing Fleet Landing gets right is their seafood and there's definitley something to be said for that.
(3)Jill S.
Great views and staff! Good food! Pricey for the portions. Old nautical decor and crappy outdoor tables lost a star.
(3)JOSEPH A.
We had She Crab Soup and Grits and Shrimp... Waitress GREAT along with the FOOD, will come back..!!
(5)Michael T.
The food is not that great. It is basically just bar food served in a great atmosphere. This is a great spot to grab a drink at their bar - the views of the harbor are amazing! Plus they open all the windows and doors when the weather is good so it is pretty awesome. Again, know in advance that the food is not so great.
(3)Marvin G.
First off let me say that the place is very clean. Miranda is the best waitress in the world. She handled a party of 20 with a breeze and a smile. I had the best time. When I come back to Charleston, I will be visiting.
(5)Harold J.
We had really great expierence. The staff from the hostess to the waiter were very attentive and courtious. The food quality and presentation met all of our expectations. We will defiantly be back!
(5)Cristy T.
Very neat atmosphere. Must try the stuffed hush puppies. They are amazing. We ordered appetizers, salad and soup. The she crab soup is good, this was my first time trying it so I've nothing to compare it to. We waited about 25 minutes with no reservation. It seems like a busy place so I'd make reservations for dinner or go knowing you will have a small wait. The saturation sits on the water and has outdoor seating if you wish. There is a great pier next door with swings and tables. Caesar salad and scallops were good too!
(4)Jeff S.
Excellent food and superb service from a venue that cannot be beaten!! A bit pricey but you do get what you pay for. What's not to like??
(4)Jason G.
Above average at best. Ordered the scallops and they were mediocre. Grits were ok. Friend of mine ordered the pimento cheese crusted steak....disaster. Beautiful restaurant and good service but the food is extremely underwhelming.
(3)Jay F.
Pros:Waitress and Bloody Mary were great Cons: Oysters were bland and over priced. Atmosphere feels like your on a ferry with a chain linked fence.
(3)Isabelle G.
The food is really nothing out of this world however I will say that it's not all bad. I really loved my Crispy Whole Fried Southern Flounder with Apricot Glaze. However, I think I was the only one in our group that loved their dish and everyone agreed that mine was the best. We were a group of 9, out of towners and really liked the spot and the views but they really just need to work on their menu (keep the flounder!) but rework 90% of the rest of the food.
(3)Jeremy R.
This place is as good as it gets. I'm not affiliated with the place, and I don't even know Charleston that well. I live in Charlotte, and because of the nice weather, my girl and I made the drive down for an extended weekend. We tried Fleet Landing just because it was on the water, to be honest. Boy, were we impressed. Had an awesome server, Meghan (or was it Rachel? Think it was Meghan. Not sure why I get those two names mixed up). She suggested items, she told us about the town, she directed us where to go for drinks after dinner... she was amazing. Not canned, not rehearsed... just real and like we had known her a long time. Service was amazing too. The manager, Marc, was outstanding. He took me to my table when we got there, and my girlfriend went straight to the restroom. When she got out, he recognized her and walked her to where I was sitting, without her asking. He even called his friend to make a dinner reservation for us at another restaurant.. a steakhouse that had no reservations available. But he made it happen! Then the bartender, Wes, made us great drinks. We started just telling him to "surprise us" with drinks - he was coming up with some good stuff. The food was great, the drinks were great, the atmosphere was great, the server was great, the hostesses were great, the manager was great, and the bartender was great. Can it get any better? We will most definitely be back, and it is already one of my 3 favorite restaurants there, if not THE favorite. Thank you Fleet!
(5)Dan M.
Perfect place to stop for an afternoon snack - peel n' eat shrimp and a cold beer. The tables outside and the bar which has inside and outside seating is perfect. Don't wait for a table sit right at the bar. KNowledge barkeeps one and all; great recommendations on both what to eat and what to drink. A casual setting with southern charm and a beautiful breeze right off the ocean. People! This is why you come to vacation in the South...
(4)Betsey C.
We had drinks at the bar while waiting for a great seat out on the patio for dinner. Bartenders were good and the drinks cold. The view from the patio was awesome and the food even better. Our server was attentive and sweet. The fish and chips was some of the best ever. The lion fish was superb. Can't wait to return!
(5)Marty H.
The location and the view cannot be better. The food is good and reasonably priced, the staff is very friendly, and the service is good. I will be back.
(4)Emily K.
This was one of the new places I tried during my vacation. We went for lunch on Friday and the place was hopping. We ended up waiting about 30 minutes for a table. By that point, I was about ready to chew off my own arm, so everything looked good. I settled on the she crab soup and the turkey sandwich. The she crab soup was as good as I've had. The turkey sandwich was like Thanksgiving between two slices of bread. It was roast turkey, candied pecans, brie, and cranberry sauce. It was also huge. I finished about two thirds of it. The location is really cool as well. It sits right on the water. The wait was even longer for a table outside. Maybe next time.
(4)Emily M.
The positives: Awesome bloody marys! One of the best I've had. The make their own pepper infused vodka and they were delicious. I'd like it if they were a bit more spicy but still really good. The grits were very tasty. The best plain grits I've ever had (I don't eat them often so I may not be the absolute best judge overall). The outdoor seating was nice. When I was there it was just getting over rainy but the covered seating provided enough protection from the rain and still an excellent view. The fried green tomato appetizer was absolutely amazing! Fantastic! I'd order that every time I was there. Negative: It was a bit pricey. The food was good but I'm not sure it was totally worth the price. Overall, I'd go back. The food was good- I'd just try to be a little more thrifty while looking over the menu.
(4)John H.
Try the Stuffed Hush Puppy AMAZING!! Thanks again John... good call. GREAT SERVICE!! Being from STL We wanted what the locals eat and this was it!
(5)Paul M.
We were wandering along the Charleston Waterfront at dinner time, were attracted to Fleet Landing by its location and ocean views. Shortly after we were seated, we noticed very loud "background" music was just a small portion of other noises--more like a factory than a restaurant. Can't comment on the food because we left to escape the noise before seeing a menu.
(1)Melissa S.
fantastic place for a business dinner with colleagues and definitely memorable dining experience for an outTowner!! I had the Fettuccini, with Shrimp, Scallops, Crawfish, Mussels, Andouille Sausage, Asparagus, Tomatoes & Creole Butter Sauce. wow. way to cheat on the paleo diet!!!
(5)Janelle G.
I've made shrimp and grits before, and I was under the delusion that they were pretty good. Wrong. I never knew grits could be so rich and creamy. Try the shrimp and grits. I'll never attempt to make shrimp and grits again because they will never measure up to this dish. The she crab soup and the view are also noteworthy.
(5)Betty C.
I had the shrimp platter. It was very tasty. Loved it. Our friends had the whole flounder and it was presented very nice and the were very pleased with the taste.
(4)Patricia S.
Great outside waterfront tables or inside tables because of WWII hanger space. Great crab appetizers and Shrimp & Grits. Friendly, attentive staff.
(4)Samuel J.
If at all possible try to sit on the back deck for a waterfront view with dinner. Had the calamari for an appetizer and the crab cakes for dinner. Very good and would highly recommend. Service was outstanding.
(5)Candice R.
Enjoyed this great restaurant on our last night in Charleston. We had a large party and were able to get same day reservations, so great for big groups. We also had three kids with us the atmosphere was nice and still kid friendly. The food was fantastic: we had the fried green tomatos, seasood hush puppies and oysters for apps--all were delicious. The grits, she crab, cheesy grits, tilefish were all fantastic. Our service was so helpful and on top of things.
(5)Blabby U.
I had a fried green tomato sandwich for lunch and it was good. The side of coleslaw was not. Iced tea was okay. Service was neither here nor there, but I think a woman dining alone is discriminated against everywhere, especially if they take up a table on the popular outdoor deck. The view is fine, but not spectacular.
(3)Alex K.
We had oysters for our appetizer which were good and I personally had the cob salad which was so so. My husband had the catch of the day which was tiger fish. He loved it! We had red velvet cake for dessert which was pretty good. A little dry, but the icing was good.
(4)Jenine F.
This was our first meal in Charleston and it was yummy! Our room at the Harbourview Inn wasn't ready yet, so we walked over to Fleet Landing nearby for lunch and our 1st taste of Charleston cuisine. Mister ordered the Grits with Mushrooms and Sausage while I settled on their Spinach salad with Chicken. I also enjoyed 2 Bellinis, which were delicious while Mister sucked down a Corona- hey, it's our anniversary, you know. We were stated after lunch, though not too stuffed. Fleet Landing offeres outdoor seating but we opted for indoors because the wait wasn't as long. I wasn't sure about sitting outdoors as thst section of the restaurant appeared to be overlooking marshland- and I'm not a bug-lover. Go and enjoy the fast service, cute waiters and Southern accents!
(4)Deb J.
Being a Navy vet, the historic aspect of the building piqued my curiosity. It was also one of the closest restaurants with a view of the river. I had read the reviews and they were right... reservations are advisable as the crowds were gathering. We opted to sit at the bar and just have a drink and some appetizers. I tried their "Carolina Sunset" and it was wonderful! Paired that with some oysters on the halves and a fried green tomato stack and that was all we needed. If we had another day in Charleston I'm pretty sure we would have gone back for a full dinner. The staff was great, service was great, drinks weren't watery, and all the dishes we saw come out of the kitchen looked wonderful. Ambiance can't be beat.
(4)Annie H.
We went to Fleet Landing while in Charleston to visit my daughter. There was a short wait for dinner so we sat at the bar - the bartender was engaging and personable, the drinks were good. We were seated on the back side of the patio, and had a waitress who was totally disinterested. She got our appetizers wrong but never apologized or even mentioned it. She never stopped back to refill water or offer another round of drinks. Our dinners were good - they were dropped off by a food runner and we rarely saw our waitress. It was like we were invisible. The restaurant was not very busy, so it couldn't be blamed on that. There are a lot of really good restaurants in Charleston, but I wouldn't return. Although the food was quite good, we left with a really bad feeling. Poor and indifferent service just don't cut it.
(2)Matt R.
Recently took a road trip through the southeast to find good food, and good flyfishing. Luckily, despite being chased by rain for much of the trip, we found both. Out of the entire trip, which contained many, many foodie stops. This unplanned stop in Charleston (thank you Yelp! for coming through in a pinch once again) was in the top 2 meals. We had the fried green tomato stack with crab appetizer (amazing, simply amazing). Shrimp and grits (fluffiest, creamiest, grits ever). And crab cake sandwich (about as good a crab cake as I've had). Other highlights. OK, I have to fess up to my inner creep and say that the staff was pretty hot and I was wishing I had my married man mirrored sunglasses with me :P . But seriously, super nice folks. The GM came by and we ended up spending close to an hour with him, this guy loves his city! He went and looked stuff up on the web, and printed out suggestions of what to do and where to go for us (including finding a flyfishing guide in the area). Who does that? Dolphins swimming up into the cove by the restaurant by us wasn't bad either. A fabulous experience all around and I can't recommend it highly enough.
(5)Fae W.
Food was good, it was a nice casual place. I'm definitely going to bring family anytime they are in town. Service was so-so, not too friendly.
(4)LovetoBfit ..
Great lunch spot on the water. My fiancée and I both had turkey sandwiches with cranberry relish on pretzel bread. Delicious. Service was great too.
(5)Laura K.
one of my favorite restaurants to take people when we have out of town guests. the food is excellent - i don't know that i've ever had anything bad here. the fact that it has parking is also wonderful. the outdoor seats are fabulous unless it's july/august and the outdoor bar is really great for happy hour. my only complaint is the acoustics in the restaurant. although the old building is really neat, it can be really loud in there which makes it difficult to go with a large group.
(4)Cathe M.
Our waitress was fantastic and looked like Julianne Hough! Tilapia was great and so was the shrimp and grits! Fresh biscuits and honey were delicious.
(4)Carrie Neal W.
First, a history lesson about this water-front restaurant: the building was originally used to process American soldiers returning home from fighting overseas in WWII. A nifty little tidbit, I think! Today, the same building is Fleet Landing, a nautical-ish themed restaurant (think fishing nets separating sections of the wide open room, and decorative lifesavers) attired with sleek metal tables and modern-looking fixtures so the overall effect is welcoming, not cheesy. My family has vacationed at Wild Dunes for years and spent countless meals at Charleston's, Sullivan's Island's and Mt. Pleasant's plethora of good and great restaurants. It's a family sport of sorts to find the next "best" place we "have" to go, as well as to monitor which long-time favorites have stayed on top of their game, and my mother is generally considered the ace player in this family competition. So when I went to spend the 4th of July weekend with my parents, I was curious to see what new/old/remodeled/not-to-miss place(s) she had in mind. For Sunday Brunch, she suggested three places, out of which I picked Fleet Landing, thanks to her description, their website's menu, and Joel C.'s review. It was an excellent choice! First, none of us had a single complaint. None. About anything. From the pleasant bartender who made up a mimosa, diet coke and Bloody Mary while chatting with us about the just-finished duel between Roddick and Federer, to our delightful and knowledgeable waitress, the service was great. Our table right at the front window lent a perfect view of the water. We were all pleased with the many choices for noshing, from the small but well-selected brunch menu to the large and very "Charleston" (in the best way) lunch menu. We started with the calamari - theirs is done "steak cut," so it is thicker, tubular pieces, and served with both a delightful apricot glazy sauce and a red pepper hollandaise. I had the scrambled eggs with crab cakes (Joel C's right- no filler and yummy!) and stone-ground grits (delish!!); I got the hollandaise on the side. It was more food than I could finish; I'd get it again, though I was also tempted to try the BBQ pork with the fried eggs, biscuits and grits (how good does that sound?!). My dad went for the sandwich special of the day- a Black Forest ham panini with swiss, tomato and some kind of tasty dressing. Mom got the fish special, a very good and meaty piece of wreck fish with that same apricot glaze, served with collards that she said were some of the vey best she's ever had. In toto, they serve brunch till 3pm which is convenient for late-risers (or in this case, people like us who watched all of the Mens' Final!) and are smart enough to offer their regular lunch menu all day long to give you as much choice as possible, and meet everyone's taste and mood! Highly recommended.
(4)Trevor T.
We had a great dinner at Fleet Landing Restaurant! It was recommended by the tour guide from the Old Exchange. I asked her what was the best Seafood Restaurant in the City and she immediately said Fleet. It is off the main strip at the of Cumberland St. I had the Lobster special and it was delicious. The service was great. The atmosphere was okay, It would have been better if we had a table with a view of the river. I will definitely eat here again on my return visit to Charleston area.
(4)Ryan C.
This place is pretty exceptional They have great food and great drinks. If you are looking for a place with great seafood, and an amazing view, check out the Fleet Landing. If you want a place with good views and great seafood, I would highly recommend going here, and you won't be disappointed.
(4)Scott P.
Great Restaurant on the water. Blackened Swordfish was delicious and the Coast beer on tap was refreshing. My wife had the key lime pie and loved it. Our waiter John was awesome. He made great recommendations and greeted us with two waters in hand. John is hard working and very attentive. We will go back for lunch every time we're in Charleston.
(4)Nazia A.
Recently came to South Carolina with my boyfriend and we were looking for some good seafood with a sea view; came across fleet landing. This great restaurant is close to downtown but sits in front of the water and has really good vibe and food. The waiter we had was great and they were nice enough to change our meals and give us new portions when my boyfriends entree had pork in it (we don't eat pork)! Overall had a great experience here and had to yelp and share it! Def check this place out when your in the area. This is coming from a first timer yelper that really wants to share this place!! Won't regret it.
(5)Gretchen S.
Can't believe I forgot to review Fleet! Prompted by a coupon for free drinks provided by our B&B (Vendue Suites), hubby and I decided to get our drink on here our first night in Charleston. The atmosphere was great- fun, casual & stylish in a not stuffy way. The bartender was really friendly and we enjoyed our seat at the bar so much we decided to look over the menu- lots of great fresh seafood and other choices. The food flying by us looked tempting so we decided to forgo our aspirations of a fancy shmancy dinner at one of the acclaimed dining options in town and eat at the Fleet. We were both really glad we did. Everything was fresh, light and tasty. Flash forward months later when I finally got around to drafting this review. The one meal we ate in Charleston that I enjoyed the most? Yup- the Fleet. I hope we can come back here soon. Enjoy!
(4)Michael T.
One our favorites for lunch. Avoid the Bloody Mary's.
(3)Karen C.
We had a great time at Fleet Landing. They honored our reservation with prompt seating in a full restaurant. The place was lively, fun, and family-friendly. The food was good and the view was wonderful. The price was good too. This is the kind of place you will go to on a vacation and go back to during the week because it was so pleasant and easy!
(4)N S.
For a place that's all about the seafood - it was a huge disappointment. First - location, the place is ideally situated on the water with its own parking lot, which is nice. The inside is large and roomy, with tables on the deck, which has excellent views. The service was good, with constant refills on our drinks. Now, the food... the crabcakes and the crispy steak calamari were very good. We had an order of the raw oyster, 1 of which tasted funny, not fresh at all. As for their selections of fresh fish, which we'd ordered a variety of grilled, were ALL overcooked, leaving the fish (which weren't cheap) tough, chewy, and with little flavor. Perhaps it's best to stick to the fried stuff. It's a nice place, but not worth the price.
(3)Lee Ann D.
We got here pretty late and they still were on a 50minute wait, so we headed to the bar and noticed the outside bar had 2 chairs open and headed out there. We were able to get served dinner there so it was a lot better than the 50 minutes. We started with the Stuffed Hush Puppies- they were pretty dry because they had soo much breading otherwise they would've been really good! I had the Crab Cake appetizer for my dinner and that was good and my BF had the Whole Flounder which was really good and he couldn't even finish it! All in all we had a good meal nothing was a huge standout just good.
(3)Roger G.
Great place....Just a shame everyone else knows this too. Ambiance - Old Navy building that is built on the water overlooking the harbor. Excellent view! There is something about a good view that makes things better! Food - My wife had the shrimp and grits and she LOVED them....and that's is saying something as she has become quite the shrimp and grit connoisseur as of late. I instead opted for the grilled swordfish. I found it to be very tasty. Wait Staff - Our waitress was very professional and helpful. She was as good as they get. My recommendation would be to get a reservation. We went on a Wednesday night and the wait for a seat was still about an hour. Very enjoyable establishment!!!
(5)Christina M.
This is the third time I've been here and probably the best. We came for my parents 25th anniversary. My sister wanted to surprise them with a dessert from us kids that said "Happy Anniversary from the kids". With the help of Kelsey my sister was able to order the desert request a card and make sure it matched up with the reservations. Kelsey was a huge help! I arrived to the restaurant with my parents and Lindsey greets us saying happy anniversary to my parents, the fact they were so on top of it made all the difference. They seat us outside in a great corner were the view of the water and mosh area was. Our server Abbey was phenomenal! She was extremely friendly chatting with us and dealing with our complicated orders. We shared the spinach artichoke dip which was so delicious. My dad and I both got the salmon, pan seared is the way to go, with the ginger honey glaze, my mouth waters as I type. My mom got the seafood pasta without the sausage although she did find one or two pieces in there, luckily she's not pescetarianism like me. I checked with the hostess Lindsey to make sure the surprise dessert was in order and it was! Abbey brought it out and they had nicely put a card together reading exactly what we had asked! Talk about amazing service, it's the little things. The manager came over asking how our meal was and we raved about it, all was excellent and it will not be the last.
(5)Kevin H.
Great downtown, casual, stylish restaurant. Really enjoyed our meal. Food was terrific, southern classics with a flair. Lots of great seafood choices. A standout for me was the grits as one of my sides. We started with the calamari which when first presented did not look like anything I had seen before but one bite in, we were all "hooked" The location is awesome, if you are lucky enough to eat outside on a nice night take it. Very nice views of the harbor. Only drawback was that we were told they ran out of hot tea... how does a restaurant that is a few blocks from a grocery store not have even Lipton for hot tea?
(4)Jerry H.
If the south Rises again I hope this is the Fleet to invade NY because it's delicious and we'd have an abundance of sweet tea. There was a lot of thought put into the layout and the atmosphere. It's deceptively simple. This place stays on your mind after you leave. As far as we can tell it's the only place to dine on the water. My intentions were Grits and Shrimp from Hominy Grill. My esteemed constituent understood the Man Vs Food factor but advised me of Fleet's added Andouille Sausage to the Grits and Shrimp. We weren't disappointed. The fried green tomatoes with crab salad were tangy and had the right kind of crisp to cool salad flavor without the briny taste. The calamari was the most unique I ever had. The Calamari was thick it was like a meaty mozzarella stick. The main course was the Grits and Shrimp. I'm not a fan of Grits but these were good. Creamy grits and brown gravy along with the shrimp and sausage made a meal and flavors like I never had. The Shrimp was plump and fresh. The creaminess of the grits and the saltiness of the gravy was a hit. It would seem like parking would be a pain. We did some walking prior to getting there so it wasn't an issue. The surrounding park is a nice way to walk off the meal. The service was friendly and quick.
(4)Bryan B.
Went by Fleet Landing for dinner last night. Had the stuffed hush puppies to start. They were amazing - large, hollowed out hush puppies stuffed with shrimp and lobster. Awesome. Dinner was large, fried shrimp with grits and rice. It was good, not great. Dessert was pecan pie with vanilla ice cream. Fantastic. Service was great - very personable and efficient. The hush puppies stole the show - best item we had.
(4)John E.
Great view, good pricing, decent food.
(3)Norm A.
Food was very good but a little pricey even by Charleston standards. Really attentive wait staff, couldn't do enough for us. Highly recommend reservations, especially on weekends when city events are scheduled. The staff will work to seat you as quickly as possible but may not be what you really desire. Parking is a premium....welcome to downtown Charleston.
(3)Maureen F.
Try the she crab soup, yummy. Service was great and goog food and a nice view.
(4)Roger S.
Loved the atmosphere with the large windows giving a panoramic water view. Did not like the shrimp & grits, mainly because the shrimp were way undercooked. Would give another shot just for the relaxing view & try something else.
(3)G A.
I absolutely live this place! I tried to think of a reason why I should try a new restaurant during my trip keep getting drawn back here. Great food and service!
(5)Amy G.
I feel like I've only written negative reviews lately. So, I dug back into my memory to think of a place that's really wow'ed me, and this came to mind! We found out about Fleet Landing on our last day during a visit to Charleston. We took one of the nautical tours, and I asked the tour guide to suggest the best seafood spot in Charleston. And wow am I glad I asked. (note to self: always ask locals for best secret spots!) We strode over from the docks for a last lunch. We decided to wait out a short wait at the bar, where we grabbed a few coronas and checked the place out. The decor is nothing I expected in a city known for it's oldness. It's totally modern, fresh, and breath-of-fresh-air-y. Loved it! The open design was perfect for the large crowd, and there were plenty of places to sit out and check out the "Cupper" River and beyond. Just gorgeous! We were promptly seated and our order was taken in a timely manner. Great first impression! I had the peel-and-eat shrimp with she crab soup. Both were delish! The boyfriend had the grits, bbq, and biscuit special. I got a sample and was pretty bummed I didn't go for that myself. Everything was cooked so perfectly and presented so well. Just an awesome experience all around. Definitely check them out if you're able.
(5)Sean M.
It was a busy night so we ate our meal at the bar. Turned out to be a good move cause the bartender was cool and the people around us we in a good mood and chatty. It was a fun night. Great Food! I had the Mahi Mahi. Yum. Atmosphere check, old building on the water. Nice. Cool place, I'd go again. It was a little on the pricey side.
(4)Gussy H.
A small group of friends & I went here for lunch one day when we were out and about in Charleston and wanted some seafood. We were trying to steer clear of some of the more touristy places when one of the girls mentioned Fleet Landing and that they had heard good things. The service was very poor (even by Charleston standards) and the food was pretty uncreative. Although the crab stuffed mushroom (?) appetizer we had was really good, the best part of the meal.
(2)Sandra T.
I had the pan roasted crab cake for brunch and enjoyed it thoroughly. Everything went together well. The red pepper hollandaise was a perfect touch. The crab was fresh, tender, just marvelous. Even the bread was toasted appropriately and the right proportion for the sandwich. Lovely place. It is a recycled building which gets me so excited. The building is a retired 1940's navel structure. The interior was very clean, I could say spotless. Who wants to eat in a dirty restaurant? I was thinking that U.S. Navel Officers might make daily inspections regarding cleanliness regulations. The view of the Atlantic Ocean is breathtaking. You can see this view from every seat in the place. Now, my complaints. I really wanted to get shrimp. Guess what? The shrimp is imported from Asia! The server said local shrimp is too expensive. I am sorry, that's bullshit. Charge customers a couple of bucks more for local shrimp and advertise that fact. Also, my son-in-law specifically wanted to have Sunday brunch here for a bellini. We were so disappointed when the server said they were out of the peach puree. I received a personal email from the chef of Fleet Landing. He informed me that only 1/3 of his shrimp is imported from Asia. Better, but still bothers me.
(3)Johnny V.
Great place for seafood and wonderful service! We read about this place and wanted to try a seafood place that was within walking distance from the hotel we were staying. Great location right on the water and ample parking out front. We walked and glad we did because when we were leaving the typical summer thunderstorm came in and the parking lot was just that, cars could not get in or out and it was getting flooded. The wait was about 20-30 minutes which was typical for a Saturday night with no reservations. I ordered the filet flounder with red rice and string beans and my wife ordered the crab soup and salad. She loved the soup and salad combo. A manager came by after a few minutes and told me they were out of my dish and if I wanted another. I substituted for the flounder finger pieces because I was set on trying the fried fish. I am glad I did because it tasted great. Our toddler son liked it also, as well as the crackers the waitress put on our table. The waitress, her name escapes me but she wore her hair in two braids and was dark blonde almost brunette was very friendly and accommodating. She always checked in to see if we needed our glasses filled and how we liked the food. It was busy night with lots of large groups around us and I appreciated her ability to keep tabs on us.
(5)Jim D.
Whoa!! The water around Fleet Landing reeks!! Am I the only one to notice the putrid stench?! If you can figure a way to mentally block the unpleasant smell from the outside, the view from the deck is really wonderful. It was a hot evening and they had the windows open to allow the harbor breezes to come in (which it barely did). Needless to say, it was quite balmy inside the restaurant. Speaking of which, the inside is bustling full of patrons and workers. This has to be one of the busiest places in Charleston. The food was all right. Nothing great but nothing disappointing either. The crab soup was very good if not a bit too creamy. My partner's chicken Casear salad was standard. My seafood pasta was quite good with adequate amounts of seafood but there was way too much pasta. Menu items were fairly priced as were the drinks*. Service at the bar was friendly and efficient but could have been better had our bartender not been such a Lakers fan. ;-) *I discovered that South Carolina state law requires a nasty 14.5% tax on liquor beverages. Hmm, that might explain why it feels like happy hour at every restaurant I've been to in Charleston!
(3)Lady M.
My friend and I had lunch here on a recent trip to Charleston and I would definitely recommend it. After a long, hot morning on a walking tour, we were dying to rest our feet, get out of the sun, and get some nourishment. Although they are crowded at lunchtime on a weekday, we only had to wait a few minutes for a table inside the restaurant (they also offer outdoor seating). The decor is casual but clean and everything seemed to be running smoothly. We had a nice view of the water from our table. Our waitress was very helpful in recommending dishes that we would enjoy. I had the fried flounder sandwich, which was unique, fresh, and crispy, although the coleslaw on the side was underdressed and underwhelming for my taste. My friend had the mahi mahi special which she also enjoyed very much. Overall our meal was delicious, relaxing, and the prices were reasonable. It's a nice location on the water to stop for a break from shopping or tourist activities. I'd visit again if I am in Charleston.
(5)Nene K.
I came to Fleet Landing to meet a friend for lunch. It was my first time being by the coast. I simply love this restaurant's location, how it's right by the water and looks out to all of the boats coming in from wherever they're coming from. My friend had one of the sandwiches, while I had the special which was a grouper dish with greens. The food was delish and well-proportioned, I didn't feel stuffed as is apt to happen at most restaurants. I will say that my friend's sandwhich was HUGE which means you can definitely have leftovers with some of these dishes! Service was very friendly, prompt and personable. Parking is also easy since they have a private lot right out in front. I plan to come back out here again whenever I'm next in Charleston. Verdict: If you're looking for an easy place to grab lunch or dinner in a beautiful setting with tasty food, you could do no better than Fleet Landing, imo.
(4)sarah s.
I don't get some of the high reviews for this place. It's a great location, right on the water. But that's about all I can say for it. Utterly average food. Weak drinks. Would not go back.
(2)Melissa T.
This was our first time eating here and we are Charleston regulars as our daughter goes to CofC. We all agreed it was one of the best places we have been to! We were seated right on our reservation time at a table outside to enjoy the harbor view. Service was attentive and friendly. We had oysters and fried green tomatoes as an appetizer. Yum!!!!! And our meals were whole flounders and one of us had crab cakes that were perfection! Fleet will absolutely become one of our regular spots now! Make a reservation and go!
(5)Carrie N.
Amazing view AND amazing food! I feel like you usually don't get both! The wait staff was good, too.
(5)Hula B.
great out door eating on the water - it doesn't get any better. the atmosphere and food are very casual. food is fresh and well prepared. prices are very fair. decent wine and beer selection.
(4)Cheryl P.
Average fare. Nice location on the water.
(3)Jarrod S.
Started out great but has gone down hill food wise. The best part about it is the location.
(3)Ruth H.
Giving five stars based on the crab cakes that were all fresh crab, lightly pan fried, no filler and perfectly seasoned. Best we've ever had. Best water view in Charleston too!
(5)Lars Elling L.
Notary publics serve a variety of valuable services in Charleston; in my particular case, directing my sisters & I to this awesome seafood house on the waterfront across from the US Customs house. What a stellar find, complete with some parking and (breezy) outdoor dining. Attentive & friendly service, stellar "steak" calamari, lady crab bisque, mahi mahi, shrimp po boy and (I'm told...) sinful Bloody Marys. I'm betting, based on the crowds we seemed to have JUST avoided post lunch rush, this place gets packed on the weekends/holidays, so perhaps you may want to call ahead in these times. Considering how much delicious food & drinks we ordered, in generous portions, to walk away at $100 for the 3 of us, we felt like gluttonous thieves. Happy, lumbering, gluttonous thieves.
(5)Laura T.
Very rarely can we escape in the middle of the work day to a place that takes us on vacation for an hour. Outdoor patios on the water can do this though. Feel the sun at your back, the gentle breeze through your hair, and hear the water gently ripple as it moves by the pier. A quick 60 minute lunch at Fleet Landing was enough to refresh me for the rest of the long work day ahead. Feeling like a light lunch, I enjoyed a grilled shrimp salad with a light peach vinaigrette dressing. Perfectly portioned, plenty of sweetness, crunch and flavorful tastes to satisfy my afternoon hunger. Now only if I could just hang out here a bit longer....
(4)Sue G.
Had a great dinner with family. Glad we had an early reservation because there was a line when we left. I liked the pasta someone else complained about, maybe it was better with our added chicken. Everyone loved their dinners and drinks.
(4)Charles C.
Great atmosphere...right on the water. Very low key. Restaurant looks like a dive on the outside, but is very nice inside. Seafood gumbo was very good. Iceberg wedge was so so. Chicken piccata was very good.
(4)Matt T.
Been here on several occasions without any problems. Food is always prepared well although maybe a little overpriced on some items. This has to be one of the best water views in downtown Charleston!
(5)Lauren C.
Great location with great views. Nothing beats having a drink on the harbor watching porposise swin by. The drinks were a good price and the service was really nice, but the food wasn't all there. They need to pay a little more attention in the kitchen, the portions are way too big. They could save a lot of money by cutting their portion sizes in half. I would recommend this place for a casual drink/lunch, but not dinner.
(3)Matt M.
Unfortunately we came here the day after going to AJ's Dockside on Tybee Island, where the seafood is without a doubt fresh. We were craving the same thing and found Fleet Landing on Yelp. The view is great and the service was decent, but the food was really disappointing. When we asked our server what was fresh, he got a funny look on his face as he tried to come up with an excuse. He told us some of it was and some of it wasn't... they do 450 plates a day for lunch... there's no way they could have fresh shrimp every day.... Ok. So he said the peel and eat shrimp was fresh, so we got that as an app. We're from Denver so we know exactly what frozen shrimp tastes like, and that's what we got at Fleet Landing. The oyster po boy and crab cake sandwich were also uninspired and disappointing. The fries (which we were excited about as other Yelpers said were fresh cut) tasted like Sysco frozen fries. Oh well, you can't win them all. But we won't be going there again. You shouldn't either.
(1)Mickey Z.
The bartenders are mighty rude and ignore people. We sat at bar and quickly changed mind and sat. Wait staff is much better. Food was OK, they are packed probably because of location more.
(3)Daniel R.
The shrimp and grits for lunch with a pint really hit the spot. I'm not native to SC, so I don't get a lot of shrimp and grits. However, this is the best rendition I have ever eaten. We actually took in the Blue Angels practice over the harbor as we ate our lunch. A truly enjoyable experience.
(4)James H.
Stopped in for lunch with friends that happened to be in town at the same time. I had wanted to try it, so I'm glad they suggested going there. The view is great. The place has ambiance. I like that they let the natural look of the historic building shine through as much as possible. The service was polite and prompt. The food was quality without being pretentious. The price was appropriate. Everyone at the table was satisfied with their meal. I would recommend this to my friends without hesitation.
(4)Leslie P.
Okay - I will start by saying this was my very first meal on my very first trip to Charleston, so I have nothing to compare it to .... I CANNOT STOP THINKING ABOUT THE SHRIMP AND GRITS!! It was the most delicious meal I've had in a long time. I went with a friend who is a local and she insisted we go try their Crispy Flounder with Apricot glaze. We found a seat at the bar but we got there too early for the dinner menu so we ordered a drink and some appetizers. The Sweet Tea Vodka and Peach nectar martini was a bit bitter - almost thought it was apricot nectar -but I managed to drink it all :) My second drink was Sweet Tea Vodka with lemonade and it was yummy. We ordered Fried Green Tomatoes and Crab Cakes and they did not disappoint. Then we waited until the dinner menu was up and I ordered Shrimp and Grits since I'd been reading about the dish in my travel books. My friend ordered the Flounder. My order was so flavorful that I kept eating in spite of being ready to burst. The flounder was out of this world as well. I am determined to learn to make this dish now that I'm home in California, but I know it will never be as good. So I will return to Charleston just to order the shrimp and grits at Fleet Landing.
(5)Nina P.
Great Casual Food in Charleston! Perfect Lunching! Went for lunch and had good crab bisque and salad. Highlights include calamari steak appetizer and fried green tomatoes. Great views of the pier too.
(3)Tom D.
A fantastic place to sit outside at the bar, or eat outside as well. Fantastic menu with something for everyone. Follow them on Twitter too! They're very responsive and appreciative! It's always packed, and parking is impossible at the restaurant lot, so plan on walking or paying in the lot next door. They always have great bartenders who are very friendly no matter how busy they are (and they're always busy!)!!
(5)Joseph L.
Both my girlfriend and I got a horrible stomacache after eating lunch here. We had 1/4 lb shrimp, 1/2 dozen chilled oysters, 1/2 dozen fried oysters. Food quality was below average, but the ocean view was good so we were okay at the moment. However, we both were terribly sick for a couple of hours. If you are going to sell seafood, you must know how to treat seafood properly. You could kill somebody. Never going back there.
(1)Ron N.
Take away that it is on the water then this becomes an unexceptional seafood restaurant. Shrimp and Grits was disappointing. Andouille sausage tasted more like kielbasa, Shrimp were small and bland, tasso ham in the sauce was nonexistent. Meal lacked any real flavor. In a town where every restaurant serves shrimp and grits this was near the bottom. Go there for drinks on the deck and appetizers.
(2)K C.
Love the atmosphere at this place. We went here one night while on my bachelorette party and all the girls had a blast. The crab cakes are delicious as well as the fried flounder. I definitely hit this place up everytime in Charleston!
(4)Hana M.
Came here for drinks during their appetizers hour, around 4 or 5. Our appetizers were so good we decided to stay for dinner. Sitting outside (post rain, kinda cool) was very pleasant and we saw a dolphin swim up!! The atmosphere is very nice. The spicey bloody marys are delicious though I will have to avoid salt for the next year after that. I LOVED the grits and scallops. My dinner of swordfish was really gross. Maybe it was the swordfish and I don't think I'll ever have swordfish again... it's fishy and has a chicken texture. It came with a strong tomato sauce, and polenta I didn't like them either :/ I think it was just the wrong dinner choice, it won't stop me from trying them again though, my family really enjoyed it. (if next time's dinner is better I'll add another star?)
(3)Johnny C.
i dont know what ppl are talkin about ! its a great place to go for lunch! (i dont know about dinner), it has nice views of the waterside but the medium size oysters are excellent! and the crab cakes are excellent! no fillers!! the shrimp po boy was pretty good, okay, but its still fried, i dont like too much fried foods, but there wasnt much other options..
(4)Sheehan T.
Incredible atmosphere outside over the water. Great service. Good, fresh, fried seafood. Nothing incredible, but how good can fried shrimp get? Great she carb soup. Great bloody mary's. The lunch menu prices are extremely reasonable as compared to dinner prices.
(5)jeffrey d.
Great location which relies far too much on a great location, This could be an awesome venue but it is mediocre because it wants to be. The crab cake which is more like a timbale is excellent, Very little binder, It was served as a brunch dish with two microwaved (or baked in muffin cups) poached eggs, which were awful. It was also sided up with the BEST grits I've tasted in the 11 months I've lived here, The red pepper "hollandaise" was a very tasty dribble. But just a dribble. My guests had French fry baskets with 6 measly, but tasty, shrimp. To call them shrimp baskets would be embarrassing. Crossing the Ravenel bridge should have been the plan. Shem Creek can produce the same basket with a dozen shrimp for $5 less. Service is nondescript. AWESOME BLOODY MARYS!!!!! Won't be back. For such a historical venue things should be better. Some seriously good items but too many misses,
(2)Step R.
Shrimp and grits were great. Definitely the #1 choice. Seafood pasta was good but very rich sauce. Stuffed hush puppies were good but not worth $13 for 3. Would eat here again.
(4)Hank M.
You hear a lot of people say that Fleet Landing is pretty hit or miss, but I have yet to have a "miss" when I've been there. The shrimp and grits are amazing - order them and feel safe that you aren't going to taste another dish of them the same way anywhere else in Charleston. They prepare them with a special cream or milk that makes them taste amazing. I have taken a few out of town guests there when the question "Where do YOU want to go to eat?" comes my way. And none of them have been disappointed either. Seafood is pretty hard to screw up most of the time, and Fleet does a good job of not screwing up. My father came to town once and ordered something off menu (combination of seared tuna and one of their giant salads). The chef came out to see how he liked it and commented on the interesting pairing my father had selected. The next time he came to town 6 months later he ordered it again and the chef came out and approached him by name. That was just a little touch of class that made the experience even better.
(4)mis h.
It's on the water which is nice. It was too cold to sit outside when we went however. We went for brunch one Saturday morning. We had the fried green tomatoes to start which were pretty good. The crab cakes and grits were the smallest thing of my life and not that good. The Boy had the oyster po boy which is about the same as any other one in town. I wasn't very impressed with the service either. We had a gift card which is the only reason we even went.
(3)dan d.
You know what's really funny. The manager of this place sent me a message on Yelp apologizing for the bad experience but didn't bother to change the name from the one she sent to Richard M. Here's the note in all of it's glory (Hey, isn't offering a gift certificate against Yelp's terms of service?): Begin Quote - I'm sorry to hear that you had a bad experience at Fleet Landing. I appreciate you taking the time to give us feedback so that we can address the problem. I'm terribly embarassed to hear that you had bad food , as we hold our front and back of the house staffs to a very high level of quality and customer service. I hope that you will give us another chance and we can make this up to you. That being said, I would like to personally invite you back for lunch on us, and would be happy to mail you a gift certificate for your trouble. I do apologize, again, for your experience. I'm sure you were expecting much better, and we clearly fell short of the mark. I hope that you will allow me to make this right with you. Please let me know what I can do. Thank you, Sarah M Nielsen Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar 843.722.8100 - End Quote And here's my original review for my Burger Snob list: A burger fit only for consumption by tourists and others who don't know better. The bun was from McDonald's and the meat was from the freezer. Do yourself a favor, take the $12 that this flavorless bacon-cheeseburger will cost you, walk 100 feet down to Moe's Downtown Tavern, order the BLT Burger with fries and still have money left over for two happy hour PBR's. The burger alone would have netted two stars, but my mom got food poisoning there a while back...stay away.
(1)Reed W.
Not all it was built up to be. It was OK, but not something special. The seafood dishes were similar to what one can get in a chain restaurant.
(3)Stephanie J.
Really rather disappointing when you realize there are a host of other places to eat over on East Bay Street. The view is nice but the food is rather bland. It seems to be a good family place and the service is earnest but do not go expecting a unique meal that will dazzle your senses. The biscuits are good, the crab cakes were bland and the sweet tea was leaning on the bad side of brewing (too old/fermented for my tastes). Good place to dine if you're wanting something fried and casual but not if you're wanting a culinary experience to leave you with fond memories of Charleston's restaurant repitoire.
(2)Julia T.
The food was great, awesome location...however...this is quite possibly the most poorly managed restaurant I have ever been to. We walked in at one on a Tuesday...there were about 15 open tables, but people standing around waiting ALL over. Then, they have a huge bar, totally filled (since they couldn't figure out how to take waiting people to tables they were all trying to eat at the bar)...with ONE bartender, serving lunch to 20+ people and drinks for the entire restaurant. The owner should be embarrassed at the poor management of this establishment.
(2)Christina O.
Great place.. im form California. and this was an awesome experience.. love it.
(5)Adrienne B.
Visited Fleet Landing for lunch on the recommendation of our hotel concierge. If I could award half stars, I might give this place a 2.5, but that fact that I was on vacation (aka in a very good mood) when I ate here and its location are reason enough for me to round up. The building is very cool and in a beautiful location. The hostesses were a bit slow in seating us, but whatever. It was too hot to sit outside, but we did have a lovely table by the window. We started out with some appetizers. I got the fried green tomatoes, which were very good. My dad got oysters, which were fresh and delicious, and my mom got the she crab soup - very good but very rich, as it should be I guess. After the appetizers is when the experience started to go downhill for me. We waited at least 30 to 40 minutes for our entrees to arrive, which I think is an excessive amount of time. Our waitress was scarce and not very prompt with drink refills, etc. I got a steak salad and the best way to describe it would be...mehh....not the best steak salad I've ever had, but not terrible. The consensus around the table was that our food was adequate, nothing to rave about. If you are looking for somewhere relaxed with a beautiful view, this is a great place. Just don't expect any culinary masterpieces and be prepared to wait awhile for food.
(3)Alex B.
Great service and awesome food, don't miss it if in the area
(5)Susan W.
The shrimp and grits were amazing and so were the stuffed hush puppies! Will certainly come back here next time I visit Charleston!
(5)A W.
The food here is amazing. The appetizers are great, the best salads in town, and amazing seafood; however, they could do better with their side dishes. Hostesses were average in my visits, but wait staff is great.
(4)Elizabeth L.
Great outdoor seating, views of the forts and the cruise ships coming in and out of the river. Had a good looking server today. Beer menu changed--beware! Just because it's on the menu doesn't mean they have it. But they did have my beer served at my table after he said wait we don't have that any more let me check....so just a little bit of forewarning that a situation like that might happen. I ordered the oyster po' boy sandwich and my husband ordered the flounder sandwich. I wanted a healthy side dish (cucumber salad) and my husband ordered the fries. Lo and behold when the order came out, they switched the side items. Food was okay, a little on the greasy side but the oyster po boy was bland. It needed a healthy dose of hot sauce. Overall, the view is great but don't expect much. Make a reservation if you can for lunch. When I walked in (I had my reservations in place) a woman was walking out in disgust saying 30 minutes for a reservation arrrrgh.
(3)Tamar L.
Took my sister here for her Birthday and was pleaseantly surprised! We did make a reservation as requested, but got there an hour early and they still seated us. Service was great, Lucas was on top of it and very genuine in his ways. I had teh swordfish, while it was bit dry, the rest was really good. My nephew had Surf and Turf and really enjoyed it as well. My sister had balckend Mahi Mahi and was very pleased with it. They complimented her dessert and she was able to choose from the dessert menu what she wanted. She ordered the White Choclate Bread pudding and OH MY! Was it ever good!! I highly reccomend you do make a reservation, unless you get there at 5:00 (our reservation was for 6) and when we left an hour or so later, te wait was out the door!
(5)John R.
This was my first visit to Charleston and I have heard good things about this place. Understandably the wait was long (just under 1 hour) due to the Memorial Day weekend. The service was pretty good for the appetizer but we waited another 20 minutes for the main course. I had the broiled Tilapia and it was hot but mostly bland. My wife had the charbroiled scallops and she was underwhelmed as well. Don't think we would go back as there are TONS of other restaurants to try. Another warning... I had a draft beer and my wife had a mixed drink... way overpriced.
(2)Dixi S.
Awesome restaurant! I had grilled fresh fish (I think it was mahi mahi). It was great. My friend had the shrimp and grits, and that was even better! I'd definitely go back.
(4)Hugh H.
I had the she crab soup and shrimp & grits. The soup had just enough cream and crab. Wife had the crab cake appetizer (crab cake, very thin onion rings, fresh corn salad, and remoulade). Very good. The shrimp and grits were fine but could have done without the overload of sausage.
(5)Deb B.
A waterfront restaurant! What an idea! Good food, Great views. The crab cakes rock. Whenever we have family in town, this is the restaurant to go to. If you feel you're getting bad service, let the manager know before you get too pissed and they correct the problem asap. They great crazy busy at brunch and you can't be in a hurry, but that's every Charleston restaurant.
(4)Whit R.
Great view. Great deck right on the water and decent seating inside, too. Otherwise, I found Fleet Landing to be fairly lackluster. The food is good, but a bit uninspired and not what I expected. Pretty run of the mill, really. The parking lot here if pretty much a clusterf@%k, too. The price is right, though. Oh, and the bar runs all the way around, so you can sit inside OR outside. Pretty cool...
(3)Nathan W.
Delicious food, great view with the outside seating.
(5)Kevin M.
I've been to Charleston Twice and sampled almost all the food in a one block mile of the "old slave market" area (Cyprus, SNOBs, Hanks, etc) Fleet Landing is far and above all the others in food quality, quantity, and taste. I was able to review the menu and even set reservations from Yelp too. David was our waiter, and provided top rate service to equal the outstanding meal. Ask for David if possible and rest assured that you will be well served. My family loved the first meal so much that we returned the next night to sample even more Delicious dishes. Appetizers: Calamari stake strips are superior to any calamari I've ever had, The Stuffed Hush Puppies are a MUST! (see pic) The Shrimp are on Par if not better than most in the area. Scallops are some of the best, oyster are small but very flavorful compared to the oversize off flavor oysters from the Ms Gulf cost area. My wife had just the plan "Grits" (highly recommend at least as a side), grilled shrimp with BBQ sauce, and made her own BBQ Shrimp and Grits. Outstanding combo! The main highlight of both our dinners was on the second night when my wife ordered the "FLOUNDER". (locally caught) Besides the Stuffed Hush Puppies, the Flounder is a MUST HAVE. The Key Lime Pie was the perfect ending to a wonderful meal. You will truly walk away feeling full, and rewarded for your investment in money, Taste, and Time.
(5)Louie G.
For the life of me I can't see where all the negative reviews are coming from in regards to Fleet Landing. Charleston has been my weekend escape spot of choice for years, and Fleet Landing is the only restaurant that I feel like I can't leave Charleston without visiting. I have been up and down the South Carolina Lowcountry, and have yet to find better Shrimp and Grits anywhere. I've drug every single one of my very picky friends to Fleet Landing, and have never heard a complaint from any of them regarding food quality. For Charleston, prices are very moderate, especially considering the quality of what you get for your dollar. And given the touristy nature of the locale and clientele, the staff remains largely very attentive, patient, and helpful. I absolutely love the decor of the restaurant too. It is retro modern and definitely coastal, without being hokey. The light fixtures are funky and always conversation pieces, the large historical photographic murals behind the Host stand are fascinating. The restaurant is also the only one on the Charleston peninsula on the waterfront, and has unparalleled views of the entire harbor out to Fort Sumpter and beyond. Depending on the tides, dolphins can swim right beneath the outside tables, and large tanker ships regularly cruise by. I can't imagine a neater setting for a restaurant. Agreed, you can always find better food in ANY given city. But I feel that Fleet Landing offers a tremendous value given it's food quality, central location in the historic district, waterfront views, and generally amiable and responsive staff.
(4)Matthew L.
"I'm sorry honey, but even though I have refrained from drinking in front of you at restaurants while you're pregnant, I'm going to have to start again. That is the only way I'm going to be able to stand places like Fleet Landing with a smile..." Fleet Landing did not live up to the expectations set forth by the other reviews and certainly didn't hit 4 stars on my 5 star rating scale like other reviewers gave this restaurant: 5 stars - I will make up a reason to start talking about this restaurant with you. 4 stars - Planning a return trip to this restaurant, post-haste 3 stars - Not planning a return trip for now, but if we end up there I won't throw a tempertantrum. 2 stars - Disappointed. 1 star - Not only do I wish I could get my money back, but I want that hour of my life back. Yelping can help with the therapy but not always. Let's hit the positives first. - view is outstanding. You're literally on the Charleston harbor and I don't think any other restaurants can boast of this. This would be a great spot for after dinner snacks or drinks - or kegs & eggs if anyone else besides me thought it was a great way to spend a Saturday morning. - place was very clean - even though it is a very casual dining experience, it had nice little touches like damp napkins for your P&E shrimp. And now for why it got those 2 stars... The anchor weighing down fleet landing on my review scale was the food was mediocre at best from start to finish. Killer Yelp reviewers like Whit r. touched on similar points. The (lunch) menu is uninspired. Charleston is so competitive, most restaurants can't get away with "boring" unless they have some signature dishes everyone orders... or they sit on the harbor. Appetizer - we ordered chilled peel and eat shrimp, which is hard to screw up... but apparently not impossible. Our P&E was spongy, which is a big "no-no" in a town where anyone can literally stop 3 places on the side of the road on the trip home from work and get shrimp that practically crackles in your mouth it's so fresh. Entrees - besides screwing up my wife's salad (list that later)... my meal was awful. I had the brunch crab cakes over grits & poached eggs w/ some kind of red pepper sauce. - crab cakes were (no kidding) each the size of a person's eyeball. For about $10 I'm not expecting much but definitely on the low-end of the value chain, and the crab/other stuff ratio wasn't that much higher to counteract the need for a larger portion size or at least a better presentation/plating. - sauce had no flavor - grits were pretty good - I'll give them that. probably some of the best I've had in town She crab soup was like sipping flour and cream with a dash of sarcastic "Yum". Of course, even if the kitchen is off, the staff can make up for it. Since you already know my score we'll skip the games - front-of-the-house dropped the ball, too. My disappointment with the staff started at the door, with a scowl from the host. Host(esses) typically don't have any skin in the game when it comes to tips so from my 8 yrs in the biz, it's girls who are not old enough to serve alcohol but hope to move up and make the real money, or girls with no motivation. Our hostess must have been suffering from the latter. Though our server was cordial enough, I'm guessing she was inexperienced rather than indifferent or incompetent because she had no clue what bbq sauce the special was using and was surprised when I asked her to check. Normally not a big deal but in S. Carolina you have several starkly contrasting types of sauce - would make a completely different dish. Granted this is a seafood joint, but servers need to know the specials when they're prominently featured on a table-tent. She botched my wife's order to not have Gorgonzola because it isn't safe for pregnant chicks - salad was littered with it. I noticed she didn't greet the table next to us for 10-15 minutes, either and blew their order as well. No communication between the staff on mistakes and efforts to fix mistakes, and I didn't hear an apology from anyone to either table about anything. Any one or even two of (service, host, kitchen) can drop the ball on a given day. Heck, all 3 can on a busy night when everyone freaks out and I understand from experience. But it wasn't busy that day... and the food wasn't poorly prepared like it was cold or late. It was just flavorless and mediocre. Based on location alone or that it seems to be a good place to grab lunch or a drink, it will stick around. My guess is all these 5 star reviews weighted the view and cool bar setup more heavily. If I was knocking back a few during my meal I would have probably given it a 3 due to slightly impaired judgement and increased sensitivity/nostalgia. :) I'll try Fleet Landing again, but will definitely make rounds to the other bazillion restaurants Charleston has to offer before coming back
(2)Rodell N.
Mmm Mmm Mmm. It was crowded and im glad we made reservations for lunch . We started out with gumbo and she crab soup. It was hot and delicious. We had the oyster po boy and shrimp bascket. They were both delicious. Our waiter Lucas was very knowledgeable and attentive. I loved the view and ambiance.
(4)Dustin C.
We were looking for a good, casual, relaxing place for an early dinner. After speaking to multiple folks...ok my mom....we decided to head over and give it a try. The building is in a great location and has a cool back story. The views are nice, as long as a very large obnoxious cruise ship is not parked next door. Luckily, it had left by the time we arrived. The atmosphere is, just as we wanted, very casual. The staff was very attentive as well. As for the food, The menu is similar to many other seafood places around with a few variants. We had a great appetizer of large hush puppies hollowed and filled with a bisque consisting of shrimp and corn. Three came to a serving and they were excellent. For our entree, we went very standard, one fried platter (shrimp and flounder) for me, one broiled platter (shrimp) for the wife. The broiled platter allows you to choose which sauce you would like your choice drizzled with, which was nice. The shrimp were good, as far as fried shrimp go. The flounder was OK, but needed a little something else to bring out the flavor. The broiled platter was excellent and the fresh veggies were an excellent side choice. Overall, I would prefer to give about 3 and 1/2 stars as I think you can get better for the price, but the setting and staff was too good for me to round down. Just remember, this is not a white table cloth place. There are plenty of those to chose from in the area. But, if you just want to relax and enjoy a casual meal, you could do worse....
(4)Theresa J.
Ate lunch at bar. Not just seafood -- pork chops are incredible, flank steak salad was great! Outstanding view! Great service! Will visit again after dark.
(4)Jennifer D.
So the restaurant is on the water......pretty view of the harbor while eating outside...... Theme: very nautical.....life vests cover one of the walls..... The service was outstanding.....peppy southern cheerleader-type girl who never failed to refill my sweet tea once it hit the mid-point of my glass. She must've taken the same food service class I took years ago.... The she crab soup: if you're into eating a straight stick of butter with crab seasoning, then you would LOVE it.....I on the other hand, did NOT. My arteries thanked me for not finishing the bowl (and I do hate wasting food). The peel and eat shrimp......expected more than what was given.....but did not have my scale with me so couldn't confirm that it didn't meet the half pound mark. good, but not terribly exciting. wish there was more seasoning. Fried oysters/fries: big fat oysters......pretty yum.....fries were crisp, unseasoned (remedied that with their delish house honey mustard). Ho hum soup (that has the potential to give someone an acute MI) and shrimp gives this place 3 stars---3.5 stars really.
(3)S K.
Ambiance is OK. Food is above average. DON'T try the Quiche. It is the most horrible dish I have ever tried. The Crabcakes are good.
(3)Lisa R.
Some locals recommended this restaurant to my dad as a good place to celebrate my birthday and they were right. The restaurant is so cool inside, with very neat decorations and lots of windows to enjoy the view of the water and marshes. They do offer outside seating, but we sat inside--Charleston in August means bring on the AC! The server was cheerful and recommended a lovely sauvignon blanc, which went very well with the housemade biscuits and honey butter--lordy, I love the south! The she- crab soup was good, though it could have used a bit more crab. My dad and I each ordered the shrimp and grits. The dish had a good flavor, but the shrimp tasted as if they were frozen not fresh (hence the 4 stars). We did not order dessert because we had our extra calories before dinner (we asked for more biscuits, bless our hearts!). They offered fresh caught fish, which is something I'll probably try when I visit the next time.
(4)Joe C.
Great place RIGHT on the water. Seafood is really good - I had the Yellowfin tuna rare and my girlfriend had a vegetarian dish. When we went it was PACKED, but it was on a holiday weekend. Try to get a reservation here because it's a loooong wait if you don't. Very good food and reasonably priced - I'd go there again on another trip to Charleston.
(4)Susan M.
Wonderful view from this restaurant on an old Navy pier. Enjoyed the lunch. Salad was fine, no complaints. I liked that they served the She Crab soup with a side bottle of sherry to season to taste (which we also used to snap up the crab spread appetizer!).
(3)Rina C.
ocean view on the patio. it's a hot day but it's breezy out on the patio. crab cake is really good, you can taste the crab meat with southern twist by adding green fried tomato. Gumbo is ok. there's also free parking right outside the restaurant.
(3)Jurgen C.
Great seafood and a very cool atmosphere.
(4)Megan T.
We were vacationing in Edisto SC and wanted to go into Charleston for some sight-seeing and shopping on Market St. One of the locals had recommended this place so we decided to stop by here for lunch. All I can say is that the food was fantastic and delicious! Fresh ingredients and very well prepared. We ordered the shrimp and grits platter, the Wednesday fried chicken special, fried battered fish, crab bisque soup, and vegetables pasta. Definitely going back when we visit Charleston again!
(5)Nathan C.
The whole feel of this place is great. We did not get to sit outside, waterfront but inside was nice. I had a salad to start out with. The vinegarette was awesome. But my friend said the raspberry vinegarette wasn't his taste. I was here in June 2012 so I don't remember what else we got but I do remember it was good. On my next trip to Charleston I will do my reviews more quicker so I can put detail. But for a great meal and view, choose Fleet Landing.
(5)Joel C.
I wish we had found this place sooner! I discovered this place only after standing at one of the docks and wondering what this large white building was. When we were deciding what to eat for brunch, I suggested we find out what was in this building. Thankfully it was a restaurant and a darn good one! The building both outside and inside is beautiful! We opted to sit outside next to the water and enjoy the cool breeze. I ordered off the brunch menu and got the Crab Cakes with Poached Eggs. Maria ordered the Fleet Landing Burger and David got the Fried Flounder Basket. The crab cakes were to die for...all crab meat with no fillers. Maria enjoyed her burger and said the pimento cheese on it really hit the spot. David loved his fried flounder so much, he wouldn't share! This is definitely a place we will visit again on our next trip to Charleston!
(5)Joel C.
I have been to Fleet Landing for brunch a few times. On my last visit I had an oyster Po' Boy and it was good but not great. The prices are a little too expensive for the quality. The location right on Charleston Harbor is nice although it can be a pain to find parking at times.
(3)Sharon M.
We showed up without reservations, and wanted to eat outside.But we only had to wait a few minutes for an outside table. The scored, fried flounder was a new one for me, but it was really delicious. Grouper was good. But the outstanding service from an engaging, friendly young man who described the preparation of our dishes and made recommendations for side dishes made out visit wonderful. (Sorry, I can't remember his name.)
(3)J G.
I love Fleet Landing! Friends and I were on Kiawah Island for a week so we only got into Charleston once. If we had hit this restaurant earlier in the week I definitely would have gone back. The atmosphere was relaxed and the service was great. The food was delicious. We were a large group so we had quite a few appetizers and entrees off the menu. I was pleasantly surprised that everything across the board tasted great. Even better the prices were lower than what I expected. The next time I'min SC I'll definitely be going there again.
(5)TD S.
Fantastic, Traveling through area. No family to recommend a place and didn't want to end up at chain. Looked up rest in area and had dinner here. Salmon was wonderful and my husband truly enjoyed the crab cakes. Had to fight off the family trying to steel my grits!!!! We ever make our way back we will return here. Make a reservation as the secret is out.
(5)John K.
Came here for lunch and was promptly seated. The service and food were AMAZING. I ordered the blackened triggerfish sandwich. It was better than any other blackened fish sandwich that I've ever had. The flavors complemented each other so well! My compliments to the chef. The waitress was friendly and prompt to provide refills and anything else we needed.
(5)Mark B.
Yay! Super place. Very good feel to it, loads of windows looking over the water, neat decor, good service from Lucas, and best of all, the food made everyone in our party happy. Had the seafood of the day and liked it, only about 10 bucks (lunch).
(4)Amy H.
Love: location Downsides: food, ridiculous parking layout, indifferent service I want to like this place, the location is great. But starting from the lousy parking layout (it's like the diner motel, you can get in, but you can't get out), it just disappoints all around. The menu oversells the preparations and everything I've tried is boring at best. The alcohol is fine, so maybe drinking heavily is the answer. I'm looking forward to someone buying this restaurant and making it as special as the waterfront setting. In the meantime, I probably wouldn't bother going again even if someone else was paying. There are so many great restaurants in town that there's really no reason to waste time, money and calories here. The only reason I give it more than one star is that I do know a few people who say they like it. In short, if you were blind-folded and told you were in Applebee's, I'm pretty sure you would believe it.
(2)Gary P.
We had drinks here the night before and decided to return for dinner. Loved everything about the place. Our waiter, Lucas, was excellent and very helpful with recommendations. The food was prepared well, served promptly and was very tasty. I had the swordfish which was outstanding. My wife loved the crab cakes. The hush puppy appetizer was terrific but get it to share because it is a large portion.
(5)Chris F.
One of our favorite restaurants for taking friends and family when they are in town. Close to Battery Park with the famous pineapple fountain and on the water for that true Charleston feel. Drew, the Executive Chef, and Sam the manager are great! Everything is so good, and if you are not satisfied, let them know and they will make it right!
(5)Erin T.
This restaurant epitomizes true Southern cooking. You can judge the quality of any Southern restaurant by how divine its Shrimp and Grits dish is. Well, Fleet Landind definitely doesn't disappoint. The dish comes with a mound of creamy stonemill grits covered in a special gravy with plenty of shrimp and Andouille sausage for each bite. I normally don't finish all the grits when I order Shrimp and Grits but this time I had to lick the bowl clean (not literally, I do have some class). For those who aren't into food with gritty textures, the restaurant has other seafood staples like crab cakes, Tilapia, and surf and turf fare. Really, there's something for everyone since they also offer pasta and burgers. The cool thing about the restaurant is that it's housed in an old abandoned Navy fleet landing building (hence the name). Apparently these building near the docks were where Sailors would be dropped off for some R&R. They would get rations of cigarettes, maybe some booze and girls would be there waiting to have some fun with them. I love the view of the Atlantic ocean from the large windows, and they even have a bar that not only serves patrons inside, but also serves patrons on the outside deck since the bar doesn't have a back wall. The service is wonderful and even though I was with a large group (30+) we all got our food in a timely manner and our servers made very few mistakes.
(5)jane s.
Visiting Charleston has recently become visiting Fleet Landing. I've only been a few times now, but each time has been a great experience. The service is great, the outside eating has a gorgeous view - birds will scavenge though, so look out (; I recommend coming at lunch rather than for dinner for a cheaper meal. We went for an early dinner and wished we'd gotten there earlier. The she crab soup with blue crab roe and sherry was amazing, and the scallops are great too. The other review was right about parking though. It's impossible to get out of once you're ready to leave. I usually park in the public garage anyway since I like to walk downtown anyway. Check their website for menus for lunch or dinner, reservations and history. fleetlanding.net
(4)Frank C.
I've been to Fleet Landing on several different occasions in the past few month. The food has always been consistently good and the waitstaff friendly and helpful. The only down side is how busy they always seem to be. Waiting on a table has taken anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour no matter what day of the week we have gone so make reservation if you are going.
(4)Traci C.
During the Christmas holiday, my husband and I travelled to SC to visit my family. As always, it is tough to choose where to dine because of the vast amount of establishments. We came upon Fleet Landing for lunch one day and walked away with very fond memories. To start, my husband and stepfather enjoyed a bucket of locally steamed oysters. They came in little clusters, and I even enjoyed sampling a few (and I am not an oyster girl). My mother and I shared a plate of fried green tomatoes and a bowl of she-crab soup. Both were excellent. For lunch, two of our party had crab cake sanwiches, one had the shrimp po-boy, and another had a seafood scallop platter. We each had a great time sampling a taste of each dish. The food was absolutely marvelous and served hot and fresh. The actual restaurant has a sea-like charm to it, and the ambience goes along great with the water view and Charleston Southern hospitality. After a nice meal, we walked back to our car in a parking deck about 1 block down. There is no parking at the restaurant, but with the beautiful Charleston weather and the large portions you receive, the walk will do you good! Cannot wait to return for our summer visit. Give it a try!
(4)Jen L.
Fleet had a great water view which for Charleston is somewhat rare in restaurants. Definately family friendly. Be sure to make a reservation! Used the open table ap through Yelp which was super easy! Free parking here too...another rare find in Charleston!
(4)Devin B.
The "Stuffed" Hush Puppies are the bomb!!
(4)Leon B.
My wife and I had our first meal in Charleston at Fleet Landing and talked about the Shrimp & Grits for the rest of stay. They raise a simple local dish to gourmet. The grits were perfect but the sauce was what made it amazing - some sort of shrimp reduction. We had lots of Shrimp & Grits in other restaurants but none came even close. Service was great and the view rounded it all out.
(4)Leah S.
We tried this restaurant despite of the locals hems and haws about the food. Our first night we wanted to eat on the water and enjoy Charlston. Just to lose ourselves in the food and waterfront. This did NOT happen. I ordered the surf and turf and he ordered the salmon. The definition of bland would have been an improvement to these meals. These weren't even seasoned with salt and pepper. The mashed potatoes were like SOUP!! the steak was just existing and the shrimp were not even cooked all the way through, how do you screw up shrimp? The service was just as bad! We ate grey, tasteless matter for dinner that night. Nothing more. The drinks were ok if they didn't take 1/2 hour to deliver. When we were done and ready to go we waited 30 minutes for our waitress then had to go FIND her. Only to find her shooting the breeze with a fellow bar tender. I will never go back and I hope that they don't get much business and shut down and someone with vision and good business sense comes and takes that beautiful spot over. Oh the soup was ok. Disappointment doesn't begin to describe our experience. Stay away. Listen to the locals! Not worth the 150+ that we spent.
(1)Joseph R.
Great venue. The shrimp and grits were fabulous and would highly recommend the stuffed hush puppies the wait staff were knowledgable and friendly. A great dining experience
(4)Jamie M.
This was my favorite restaurant that we went to in downtown Charleston. It wasn't even on our original list of to-dos but after reading that it was the only "waterfront" restaurant we decided to give it a try. We ordered the artichoke dip and scallops for an appetizer, both were good, although I still think Blossom has the best artichoke dip in the world. I was seriously in love with my tilapia...everytime I think of it I start salivating...I would make the 8 hour drive to Charleston in a heartbeat to have that tilapia again...sigh. I forget what my boyfriend ordered, I was too busy devouring my tilapia, but he enjoyed his dish as well. The building itself is kind of neat, starting out as an old ferry building, then turning into a navy facility, all of which is explained out on your menu. They had a nice deck, which the bar opened out into. The happy hour crowd was pretty strong that evening thanks to the yacht club, but our waitress said it wasn't normally that busy and apologized for the noise. Speaking of the service (Morgan?), she was awesome and a big reason they get a fifth star - very attentive and friendly. My boyfriend was laughing at me because I told him after we left that she was so cool I wish she could have sat down and ate with us. The parking lot did look insane, so we just parked in the garage across the street (it was only a few dollars). Overall fantastic food, ambiance, and service, we'll be back!
(5)Steve O.
Parking is terrible and it's a very noisy atmosphere, but who cares the seafood and view is awesome.
(4)Brent S.
I am having a hard time writing this because I used to love Fleet Landing; last few times it has gone downhill. I ordered the sword fish steak dinner and the fish came out undercooked, almost gelatinous. However, the waiter never came back to check on us so I ate the sides. Everyone else thought the food was just ok, nothing spectacular. The manager was making rounds and I flagged him over to see if he could find our waiter to fill our empty beverages and pointed out my fish. He commented that's the way the kitchen prepares it. Really? He didn't seem to care one bit. With all of the great restaurants in Charleston, I beg you to skip this place. It's been hit or miss lately, which is sad because I used to love to bring friends here, very sad.
(2)Natalie P.
Great place!!!! Loved the fried green tomatoes and crab cakes. Also the mahi mahi and green beans were amazing. Best part though was the bread pudding. You must try it!!! Loved the location of this place. Definitely will return.
(5)Yi-Fen S.
definitely make a reservation, we decided to eat at the bar cos the wait was interminable even after nursing many a firefly lemonade. had some time to kill in Charleston, glad we hit up a local for a rec. bustling with southern belles and their beaus, unique casual seafaring décor, right on the water, off the main road i.e. away from Market streets. fried oyster salad and fried green tomatoes were top, she-crab soup and lobster shrimp hush puppies a little monotonous in terms of flavor but those one-notes were quite appetizing
(4)Livia W.
Ok view but overpriced low quality food. Don't get the calamari, it's horrible
(2)Meg C.
Excellent food & waterfront views!
(4)Melody C.
Amazing. That's all there is to it. We were a group of 8 with two kids and a vegan. The waitress was super helpful and knew her food. For someone who doesn't eat fish (unless someone else is paying!) I was super impressed. For appetizers we had fried green tomatoes with a crab stuffing- can you say yummy?! The tomatoes were fantastic and the crab stuffing, I don't even know how to describe it! It was perfect paired with the tomatoe, not fishy tasting at all. We also had the stuffed hushed puppies. As a true southerner, hush puppies are a staple. These were loaded with lobster, shrimp, and a corn chowder. Oh.my .god. I didn't think you could improve on a hush puppy, but boy did these guys!! I even tried a bite of gumbo. Now I don't know what gumbo tastes like anywhere else, but this stuff was super. For my meal I had the smoked turkey sandwich with candied pecans and cranberry sauce- I will probably be trying to recreate it somehow- it was so good. On top of that the view while your eating is fantastic. I would definitely want to come back if we make it to Charleston again!
(5)Mark C.
The food was okay considering the cost, the location is great but the noise level is so bad you can't hear your table companions speak without shouting.
(3)Meg D.
My best friend's dad came in from Montana and she wanted to take him to a good local restaurant with reasonable prices, good seafood and great views. Fleet Landing did not disappoint. I got seafood pasta, which may sound boring but my friend's dad called it seafood surprise. It had mussels, scallops, crawfish and shrimp along with an amazing sauce and sausage. I was so excited to get crawfish in my pasta! We ordered delicious fried green tomatoes for an appetizer. My friend had shrimp and grits, her husband had a shrimp ceasar salad, her dad had a fried seafood platter and her son a kids chicken finger basket. All of the meals were great. The view was fantastic and there was available parking (a relief in Charleston), but get there early. The place really started filling up as we left. The prices were a little high but the portions were huge and the quality was great. The prices are a bout what you'd pay at the Crabhouse or a similar seafood restaurant and good by Charleston standards. It was a little warm in the restaurant for early May and a little noisy but relaxed and a great atmosphere.
(4)Jenna C.
Awesome find from reviews on this site! The only draw back is difficult parking as mentioned in other reviews, just go to the parking deck across the street first thing. This was exactly what I was looking for! Comfortable, outdoor, great seafood restaurant. My co-worker ate all his oysters before I could snag one, I attacked my tuna ap like I hadn't eaten in weeks. The rolls and butter were my planned after meal enjoyment. The crabcakes entree was one of the best my co-worker has ever had, more crab than cake and finished in under 5 minutes. The mahi mahi was not as impressive. Overall a pleasant surprise in our dinner outting.
(5)Von B.
Good food. Good price. Parking a bit of a problem. It also close to other things to do. The surf and turf very nice.
(4)Tom M.
Took my wife once on our 20th anniversary and took a friend from out of town a couple months ago. It's a nice place with a casual atmosphere on the waterfront, and I don't have any major complaints - just two things I'd like to point out: First, if you dine inside, the noise level is very high, not uncommon with restaurants in Charleston. So, If you expect that before you arrive, you shouldn't be disappointed. Second, the portions, in some cases, could be larger. The staff are friendly and the service is good. There is outside dining, but be careful because you don't want to be dining in the sun, and you don't want to be outside during sunset, because of the mosquitoes. The food is definitely very good.
(3)Caroline M.
Fleet Landing doesn't try to be anything it's not and I love that about a restaurant. The people and atmosphere seem to maintain a very casual sophistication. The interior has a simple warehouse feel to it. There is a nice bar which opens up to the patio, so you can sit outside or inside and enjoy a John Daly or beer. Lots of windows make the place feel like it is engulfed by the sight of the glimmering ocean. This is a great atmosphere for a nice family lunch or casual cocktail. The shrimp and grits were some of the best I've had in South Carolina. Fried Green tomatoes served with some crab meat are pretty delectable too. There was even a former national news anchor dining here with her family!
(4)Kirk W.
Might be my new favorite restaurant in Charleston. Ok, so I have only been in Charleston a couple times but I really liked this place. Service was excellent. Waiter was always around refilling drinks and worked with us to make sure we got exactly what we wanted. The menu is just a starting point, I'm one of those picky people that changes as much as I can and it worked out perfectly. My food came out wrong but it took no time to fix. Hushpuppies aren't on the regular menu (there is some $12 hushpuppy appetizer, no thanks), but the waiter made it happen and we got a nice basket of them anyway. Had swordfish for the the first time and it was great, would recommend getting it blackened instead of the dish that's on the menu. A friend got the scallops and must've had about 20 of them, very impressed with the portions. Green beans were pretty much the best green beans I've ever had in my life. Lastly, got a great view of the water outside and although it had just rained, the managers agreed to open up the screen and let the breeze in.
(5)John D.
Not a place for families. My grandson said it was for 21 year olds getting their 1st beer. That's the atmosphere. We had to wait an hour although we were told 45 minutes. Not a serious crime except there were empty tables? As for food - the nine year old had buttered pasta that was awful - who heard of not salting the pasta water? I had she crab soup which was a crab bisque - good but nothing special and no roe as advertised. The vanilla ice cream had melted and refrozen more than once- grainy, with ice chunks in it. Our hotel raved about this place, but I wish I had followed my instincts and gone to Hyman's, touristy or not. For reference, most of the food raved about were appetizers. This restaurant is getting a 3 star because it had incredibly good oysters on the half shell - wish I'd made that my dinner.
(3)Valerie H.
After living here for 4 years, my boyfriend and I finally tried Fleet Landing a couple of months ago. Since then we have brought every guest that we have had here in Charleston including my mom and brother to eat there. The bartender we had last night was awesome and very friendly. We ordered the blue crab dip which I must say is my favorite thing that I have had there! It is creamy and rich and everything a blue crab dip should be! My favorite entrees are the shrimp and grits (the best I have ever had) and the mahi sandwich with coconut aioli which I get everytime we go there and their fries are delicious, as I consider myself somewhat of a "french fry aficionado". My boyfriend always gets the crab cakes and they are always delicious! Since trying Fleet Landing we have YET to have anything mediocre foodwise but both of us agree the restaurant could us a little facelift. I would highly recommend Fleet Landing!
(5)Regina S.
I have a crush on one of the servers here so I thought I'd give it a shot. Great location. Worst Mojito. Seriously. The 'steraunt is right on the water. Perfect setting for a crisp Mojito, not a crap Moji-don't. Went around 4:00pm on a Sunday and I was given some lame excuse for them not having oysters in December. Hello? It's a month that ends in "er" and it's a fish restaurant in Charleston, SC. Three stars for the hottie server and location (mostly the location).
(3)Serena S.
This place is definitely good, but I definitely wouldn't say it was spectacular. The location is, however. It's right on the water next to a cruise port. There's parking available in front of the restaurant, but not very many spaces available. So be prepared to find some street parking because the parking garages around there are ridiculously overpriced. Reservations are definitely recommended on weekends. There's indoor and outdoor seating. Don't be scared if you're shafted outside in during fall or winter because they have heating lamps! Since I had to wait 45 minutes to get a table, I got to do a little food watching, drooling over every plate that came out of the kitchen. Everything looked pretty good. Maybe it's because I was starving. My significant other and I ordered the calamari appetizer, yellowfin tuna with dirty rice and mashed potatoes and the fried scallop/shrimp combo with collared greens. The tuna was well cooked and they have several different sauces you can choose from to go with it. However, the tuna could have been more fresh. I chose the miso sauce, which was sweeter than I would have liked. The mashed potatoes were bland, but were at least made out of real potatoes and not potato flakes. The collard greens were well cooked and seasoned, but the dirty rice was sub par with some sad looking pieces of sausage in it. The calamari appetizer was excellent and really well cooked. Not chewy at all! I have to say that their sweet tea is also really good! I know, I know. How hard could it be to make sweet tea? But their sweet tea was that good. They also have a large wine and beer selection. It's a great place to come with your family or with a date.
(3)Becky A.
A friend recommended this restaurant - otherwise we probably would not have known about it - as it's not one of the more highly advertised restaurants. Thanks to my friend for this great recommendation - - we ate lunch here and loved it - - -great atmosphere - very creatively decorated - and fantastic seafood - a "must" for your Charleston visit!
(5)Richard M.
Hey, this place only gets two stars because of location. The service was poor and the food was worse than grade school cafeteria stuff. I had shrimp and fries. The shrimp was mushy and the fries were greasy. The tea was tasteless. Sams sells better frozen food.
(2)Clode C.
Didn't know we could get quality food in what looks like a tourist trap. Well it actually does exist. Great food and service!
(4)Ethan S.
The view from the outdoor seating was nice. The gumbo and the shrimp and grits were also pretty good. What will be most memorable, however, will be when one of the umbrellas blew out of its table in a strong wind, and the metal pipe crashed straight into my skull. Two staff members witnessed the event. Neither seemed to care.
(2)Aaron S.
I ate here after picking out an engagement ring with my then-gf* at an antique jewelry stall, on an absolutely gorgeous summer day. Forgive me if the food wasn't tops on my list of memories. Love the view though. *yeah we're still married! I just didn't know how to write that.
(5)Andrew H.
If you're in Charleston, looking for good seafood with a moderately-priced menu, then Fleet Landing should be a top consideration. I've been several times and have not ever been disappointed. I haven't been there to try the brunch menu, but have been for Lunch and Dinner. While the lunch menu is pretty standard, the great advantage about going to lunch (and I believe this can be said for a lot of restaurants in Charleston, especially the "pricey" ones) is that you have the opportunity to have great food and a great price. I had the grouper sandwich with the pasta salad as a side, a solid choice in my opinion. If you go for dinner and you don't order the hush puppies, then you're missing out on a delicious treat. Fleet landing takes advantage of the great seafood in Charleston to offer a rather unique version of a standard appetizer you see in the south. Overall, the combination of great location, great food, and fair prices, allows for a great dining experience at a great value.
(4)Matt R.
The stuffed hush puppies were phenomenal, and the swordfish was very good. Others at my table were disappointed with their meals, although they all ordered something boring (I forget what). I had one of the best meals I've had in a long time, in a unique building with a beautiful view.
(4)Chris M.
This was our first meal while visiting Charleston for our first time and it was wonderful. We got there early and were immediately seated. We sat out on the deck and watched the clouds and sky turn pink/purple as the sun set and got to watch a container ship head out of port. We had the Lump Crab Bruschetta for an appetizer and the Shrimp and Grits and the Pan Seared Tilapia for our entrees. Everything we had was spectacular. Probably the best seafood meal I've ever had. Price was reasonable and the staff were awesome. By the time we left the place was packed. Make reservations or come early. Highly recommend this as a must place to go while visiting Charleston.
(5)David H.
For years I wanted that property for a restaurant, I'm thrilled that someone has done it. Wonderful, casual, place. We went for lunch. My shrimp po boy was great. I particularly like it on a nice warm day when I can sit outside and drink a cold beer while looking over the harbor.
(4)Brian B.
Great atmosphere, particularly if you sit outside. Prices are very reasonable. Food is tasty, well executed, simple seafood.
(4)Gillian F.
Pimento cheese is great! Also, these are the best shrimp and grits I had in town!
(4)David L.
If you like Red Lobster, you will like Fleet Landing. Nice location. Ok for a drink and some shrimp, but there are many better for a top rate meal.
(2)Keith C.
I finally went to Fleet Landing on my recent trip to Charleston. The place looks cool from the outside. They sat us outside on the side. Terrible view. All we could see was Marsh. The chairs were those horrible cheap plastic things like you put on your deck if you are on a limited income. Very uncomfortable. The waitress took forever to come to our table. Once she did, she was very nice. I ordered. Bloody Mary. It was bloody bad. So dont order that. Then I order the blue cheese wedge salad. The wedge itself was fresh but the blue cheese dressing was average at best. The bacon appeared to be a bacon substitute. Very bad. I could only eat half before I gave up, because it just wasn't good. Ordered shrimp and oyster combo for dinner. Not bad - but very average. This appears to be a tourist trap. Plenty of good places in Charleston. Go there and avoid here.
(3)Michael H.
So we asked for a seat outside on the water and were told it would be a 45 minute wait. Since we were starving we decided to eat inside and were told it would be 5-10 minutes. While waiting we decided to check out the view of the water and noticed about six table with no one seated and it stayed about the same the whole time we were there. Guess you have to pay somebody off to sit outside. We get seated and our server (we'll call him Skippy) arrives. He's young and enthusiastic, definitely new to waiting tables, and a bit in over his head. I mean come on, who doesn't know how to open a bottle of wine or pour it? Food was mediocre to fair. I ordered the scallops with honey ginger sauce (on Skippy's recommendation) and she had the crab cakes. We also split a bowl of she crab soup. The soup was decent but was lacking in actual crab. Scallops were tiny and the sauce overwhelmed whatever flavor the scallops might have had. The crab cakes had lots of breading but weren't bad. All in all, this place appears to be hit or miss. I f you can get seated outside it might be worth it depending on what you order.
(3)juli a.
Tonight was the second time trying Fleet Landing. The first time, food was outstanding and service was okay. This time, the food was good but not great and the service was fair at best. We ordered the pimento cheese appetizer-okay. fried shrimp, grits and green beans-flavorless. grilled chicken sandwich-tasted like something out of a bad sports bar. We went for an early dinner-late lunch and left very disappointed. The server was less than friendly and very unavailable. Wish we would not have wasted one of our nights at Fleet Landing, so many other great restaurants in Charleston! Will not be back!!
(2)Barbara R.
My favorite place for shrimp and grits. Also tried the Fried Green Tomato Stack layered with crab, delicious. And the Iceberg Wedge Salad was loaded with chunks of bleu cheese and crispy bacon. Brought my husband and son with me this time and now they are hooked as well. Friendly service and great food.
(5)Sarah J.
When ever I have friends in town or am showing someone around Charleston, I always recommend Fleet Landing. It is the only place in town that has waterfront dining. It's great for lunch- imagine sitting outside in the sunshine with a bucket of oysters and one of their "special" bloody marys made with pepper infused vodka-- if it's cold out, the porch is covered and heated. The inside is fresh- classically nautical-themed with cozy booths and great views. Their community high top tables are perfect for larger parties and the outdoor bar is a lot of fun if you're into more of a social scene. Wines are more than reasonably priced and you can almost never go wrong with the soup/catch of the day. The food fits the"classic Carolina sea fare" category with really great shrimp & grits, fresh/local oysters (stick to late fall/winter), and if you happen to be in on a Thursday for lunch, I reccommend the blue plate special: shrimp pot pie. The crabcake sandwhich is pretty good. Lots of lump meat and no filler- ask for it with a side of tarter sauce and skip the red pepper sauce that comes with it... they're some of the best I've had in Charleston (and I'm from Maryland)
(3)Jeremy F.
Definitey surprsied I'm leaving this rating after checking out a lot of the other Yelpers here... Atmosphere is obviously the saving grace at the Fleet, but you gotta have some decent food to bring people back. We ordered the Stacked Fried Green Tomato appetizer & the Calamari. Nice batter on the tomatoes but the tomatoes were kinda of tough and pretty sour, crabmeat was good & clear, but bland. The calamari came out as "steak fries" style, not the typical rings we expected, and a couple tasty sauces, a spicy remoulade & a tangy apricot based sauce. Unfortunately, the Calamari was quite awful and had the consistency of imitation crab meat... I ordered the Fried Flounder sandwich with pepper Jack which looked great when it came out, but was also extremely bland. Overall, the service from Clay was great & the sweet tea was very good, but the food was bland, boring, and disappointing. Maybe I should have tried the Shrimp & Grits.... Oh well, live & learn. "Bland Landing" gets 2 stars.
(2)Lesley D.
My husband and I have been twice. Once was two years ago on our last day in charleston. We decided charleston for our one year anniversary trip. We picked up where we left off.... Fleet landing. It doesn't matter if there is a wait for a table b/c they have a fabulous bar. Shrimp n grits are really off the charts! Great views, great location, great service! Definitely will always visit fleet landing when in charleston!
(4)Peter M.
Excellent restaurant, great views and food. Had Shrimp and Grits - almost made me want to move to the south. Parking not a problem as we walked there in the cool weather.
(4)Mary D.
I lived in SC for a year but I am originally from and back in Massachusetts. This place was beautiful. I went here on a Thursday night so it was a younger crowd, extremely busy and the bar was non-stop. It was still nice though, the hustle and bustle added to the entire night. We had crab cakes that were unparrallel to and i've had before or since then, they were amazing. The company and feeling in the restaurant was charming, a mix between casual southern nights and busy city. I would go here everyday if I didn't live 900 miles away!
(5)Bill M.
Fantastic view, great food, and a good wine list. Service is good, and the prices are very good (including some of the wines...) You may have to walk a little, as parking can be a problem at peak hours... 7 days, 11a-4p lunch, 4p-10p dinner (11p F&S.) Brunch on weekends.
(5)Remi L.
Don't be put off by the exterior. Definitely stop by if you're hungry in Chucktown. Waiter (Clay) was very helpful in suggesting what NOT to get in food and wine. The shrimp and grits are actually Louisiana style, not SC, but yummy none the less. Nice relaxed vibe. Fried green tomatoes were best of 3 we tried in one weekend.
(4)B R.
Well, it took about 4 years of continuous travel to Charleston to actually have a bad meal but Fleet Landing managed to deliver. Which is really sad because this is one of our favorite Charleston spots. We've had great lunches here over the last couple of years and have sent a lot of friends there. So we were excited about the prospect of an early New Year's Eve dinner there this year. Utter failure. There were four of us. I got the Mahi Mahi with Pesto which was bland tasting and the pesto was almost certainly out of a jar. The fish was OK but everything including the pesto was tasteless. I had to salt it vigorously. My wife had Mahi Mahi as well with lemon and capers. Except no capers. They ran out of capers. Her's was equally bland. Another friend got the shrimp and grits and ate about 1/4 of it. It was AWFUL. Just awful. Like it had been made two days before and re-heated. Which might make sense b/c the food came out really quickly. I am so disappointed because we have been talking this place up from previous visits and it just utterly failed us. Not only did it not live up it was just plain BAD. It was like telling someone about how cool and funny and great a friend of yours is who lives in another city. You go visit this friend and not only does he turn out to to not be funny, cool or great but gets drunk, vomits on your other friend and goes into a racist tirade. It's as if you've never actually met this 'other' person. That's how I now feel about Fleets Landing. Completely different restaurant than the one we've been going to lo these last few years. You know, we eat shrimp and grits all the time - make it ourselves and order it, all over the country. The best shrimp and grits I've ever tasted has been in Charleston. The fleets landing S&G were the WORST shrimp and grits I've ever tasted. Strong words, I know but this is the level of my disappointment and disillusionment. Oh, and almost forgot - but the appetizers were sh*%%y too. I got the crab dip which was a cold ice cream scoop ball of hard packed crab and mayonnaise. Tasted like old deli chicken salad. . Huh???? Ridiculous. Will NOT go back to this place - at least for dinner.
(1)elizabeth l.
with its picturesque view of the harbor and menu rife with southern delicacies, this restaurant is an excellent choice for a charleston experience. extensive wine selection, good food, and competent service. fleet landing is a great place dine or drink al fresco on a beautiful day.
(4)Ashley T.
This place was recommended by a local, so we decided to try it out. It's right on the water and is real nice inside. Portions are nice, but the Shrimp and Grits are over-rated. Try the Mahi-Mahi Sandwich with Coconut Aoli.... so good!
(4)David C.
I ate here Sunday night with my girlfriend and we were definitely impressed. We kept hearing about this "she-crab soup" so we decided to try some. WOW; it was delicious! My girlfriend had the swordfish and I had the shrimp in a ginger honey glaze. Both were cooked extremely well and the server (France) was great! We thought we were too full for dessert, but when we heard the words "white chocolate bread pudding covered with strawberries," we just HAD to make room. Boy are we glad we did! It was a little foggy that evening, but the view and breeze off the water was spectacular. Try to get an outside table, situated on the right side of the restaurant...not so windy and you get candles, which makes it a little more romantic. If you like great food, views, and atmosphere you HAVE to try Fleet Landing. Appetizer, 2 entrees, 2 glasses of wine, and dessert will run you about $100 with tip.
(5)Michelle C.
Very nice little restaurant. Good bar/grill/seafood restaurant. I had the grilled chicken Caesar salad, because I'm not much of a seafood fan, but my husband is. I wish I had tried their fried flounder, as his seafood really looked fresh and good. I'd definitely go back there when visiting downtown area again. My brother eats there all the time when he has meetings there, and I'm glad he shared one of his favorite haunts with us!
(3)Lauren S.
My friend just came in from The Bay Area and we wanted to take her to our favorite restaurant, Fleet Landing. We were seated right away outside on their deck. It was perfect weather. Our waitress Stephanie was wonderful and even suggested drinks and appetizers for us. My husband and I had the John Daly and my friend had a Bloody Mary, both were perfection! We had the friend green tomato stack and the salmon and tuna tartare for appetizers, and they were excellent. The shrimp and grits are my husbands favorite and I had the grilled chicken sandwich. My friend had a wonderful time and even suggested to come back the next day for brunch! My husband and I consistently eat here and always have a great experience. This is a great place to take friends and family for really good local dishes and a beautiful view of the harbor. Thanks Adam and Stephanie for outstanding customer service.
(5)