It’s now officially recognized in both print and online: South Carolina boasts one of the finest dining establishments in the world. However, there’s just one that made the cut.
Condé Nast Traveler released a list featuring 207 of the “most exceptional restaurants worldwide.” While many states in the U.S. had a long roster of nominees, South Carolina only secured one spot. Just one.
Holding the title of the best is no small feat—staying on top is even more challenging. Just look at The Wreck of The Richard and Charlene in Mount Pleasant. It’s clear why this restaurant stands out as South Carolina’s culinary gem.
For a variety of reasons, the locals have aptly nicknamed it “The Wreck.” It isn’t a glamorous spot, and upon initial arrival, some visitors may drive into the parking lot only to quickly turn around and leave—not due to its appearance, but because they miss its charm. The Wreck is somewhat concealed, nestled away in plain view along Shem Creek, the well-known dining strip in Mount Pleasant.
It’s concealed so thoroughly that you won’t notice the carefully crafted sign until you’re nearly at the entrance.
However, The Wreck demonstrates that attractiveness isn’t a requirement for popularity. This restaurant has earned acclaim for its fish dishes so fresh that you might think they were just caught. It’s no wonder that it’s regarded as one of the top dining spots in South Carolina.
If that doesn’t make your mouth water, nothing will. This is one of the most scrumptious seafood restaurants in South Carolina.
Regulars and darn near cult followers of The Wreck also know this is not the place for a cocktail dress – or even dress shoes!
Flip flops are fine in this ultra casual atmosphere where some seasons may require you to bring along some mosquito spray to get through dinner.
Waterfront seating is available, weather permitting. Your table could even be right alongside the very trawler that brought in that fresh catch you’re scarfing down with a cold beverage.
Nothing fancy, of course. Because “fancy” would take away from the ambiance of this waterfront shabby chic eatery. Order a bottle of wine but don’t be surprised if it’s served in an oyster bucket doused with ice. It couldn’t taste any better if it was poured by a waiter in a tux.
Not fancy unless you think a brand new paper table covering to help sop up the mess is leaning toward the fancy side of things.
You’ll appreciate that paper tablecloth about halfway through your peel-and-eat entrée.
If you’re looking for delicious restaurants in South Carolina, head to The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene.
However tongue-in-cheek this article may be, it’s quite an accomplishment to make any list at Condé Nast Traveler. Many of them are compiled by reader votes. But not this one. The publisher claims this list of 207 Best Eats in the World was compiled by “enlisting the impassioned guidance from the real experts, our network of chefs, food writers, and most-in-the-know travelers.”
Cheers to The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene! If you’ll keep dishing it up, we’ll keep coming!
The Wreck is a bastion of remembrance for a colossal old fishing trawler that, during Hurricane Hugo in 1989, ripped the piling she was tied to right out of the ground. She was swished all over Shem Creek and came to rest on a neighboring dock, where she sat impaled on a piling helpless for nearly a year until a salvage team took her apart piece, by piece.
When you eat at The Wreck, you’re sitting in the very spot where The Richard & Charlene came to rest. And somehow, it’s more than fitting that the restaurant devoted to keeping the spirit of The Richard & Charlene alive is in a way, a wreck.
The Wreck is located at 106 Haddrell St, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464. For more information, take a look at the restaurant’s website.