Beaufort, South Carolina may be known for its beautiful main street, it’s scenic waterfront and it’s incredible history, but, as of late, this little Southern town has also become a serious foodie destination. While many will rattle off lists of amazing restaurants to discover, that’s not what you will find here. In fact, there’s only one real culinary destination in this list and the rest is solid junk food… or what we like to call Southern comfort food. You know the sort I’m talking about. This is the food that feeds your soul. It’s not healthy, it’s probably to blame for the extra inch on your waist or the new jiggle pep in your step, but it’s as addictive as cocaine and it’s worth the extra twenty minutes on the treadmill to work off every mouthful. There are certainly a few surprises in store, here. For example, one of the chosen comfort foods comes from a local gas station. Yup, you read that right.
1. Sweet Potato Pancakes at Lowcountry Produce
Let’s kick off with the one culinary destination. We’ll work into this whole junk food thing slowly. This is Lowcountry Produce and it’s part grocery store and part restaurant, but it’s all lovable decor that will have you thinking this is a walking talking Pinterest Board. While the Pimento Cheeseburger here is a thing of legend, my personal favourite southern comfort food would have to be an order of the Sweet Potato Pancakes. For me, Lowcountry Produce is the place for Sunday brunch and nothing says comfort like a stack of cakes! Also, indulge in the yeast doughnuts. To die for!
302 Carteret Street,
Beaufort, SC 29902
2. Fried Shrimp at The Shrimp Shack
Next up is playing into what you’d probably expect to be a southern comfort food – fried shrimp. Only you’ve never had fried shrimp like Shrimp Shack‘s before. This is a local favourite, but is also frequented by tourists headed to the beach, usually en route to Fripp Island or Hunting Island. It’s a great place to stop and get some local flavor. Bring cash, a big appetite and a craving for hush puppies as well as shrimp. This is oh so good. Just trust me on that. They also offer takeout if you want to have your lunch with your feet in the sand.
The Shrimp Shack
1929 Sea Island Pkwy,
St Helena Island, SC 29920
3. Publix Hot & Spicy Breaded Chicken Wings
I can feel I’m courting controversy with this declaration, but bring on the heat. While fried chicken is like a religion here in the south, I’m sticking to my guns and saying the best fried chicken can actually be found in the deli section of the local Publix on Lady’s Island. Give me their hot & spicy breaded wings any day of the week if I need a pick-me-up. They are tender, juicy and the skin just flakes right off in your mouth. Does anyone have a napkin? I’m drooling just talking about it. Add to that the fact that the ladies who serve these famous wings are as sweet and fabulous as the wings themselves and you have a recipe for comforting success.
Publix
61 Lady’s Island Drive,
Beaufort, South Carolina, 29907
4. Golden Buttery Sweet Biscuits from Krispy Chicken
Now every good Southerner knows that you can’t talk chicken without talking about biscuits. Only these best biscuits are going to be bought in a place that you’d never normally step into without the need for gas. Yup, these honey butter biscuits will change your life and they are sold in a local gas station. No kidding here, folks. One bite and you’ll be swearing you’re a changed person. You may also need to immediately invest in bigger shorts. I once took a girlfriend here (who was skinny before we started eating, I swear) who ate a dozen between our house and the gas station. That’s not a long drive. Needless to say she’s now in biscuit rehab, otherwise known as the slimfast diet. These biscuits are the closest thing to narcotics in a box. Eat with care.
Krispy Crunchy Chicken,
375 Sea Island Parkway,
Beaufort, SC 29907
5. Fat Patties Burgers
This one’s just a personal must mention as you had to know I wasn’t going to write about comfort foods without mentioning a burger joint. That’s like talking about the American flag and ignoring the stars… for me, at least. My first burger in Beaufort that actually elicited an “OMG” response was at Fat Patties. The menu is extensive, so you are pretty much the boss when it comes to your own burger destiny here. Thank God. There’s also an impressive selection of craft beer and friendly wait staff that will help with anything you need to further fill your face.
831 Parris Island Gateway
Beaufort, SC 29906
