Fresh shrimp, passing boats, and a sunset over Shem Creek make this seafood stop hard to resist.
Red’s Ice House brings the easygoing spirit of the South Carolina coast straight to your table, with waterfront views that turn an ordinary meal into something memorable.
The shrimp deserves plenty of attention, from peel-and-eat favorites to hearty Lowcountry plates. Craving something different?
Grouper sandwiches, oysters, crab cakes, and other seafood favorites give everyone something to dig into.
Then there is the setting. Boats glide past while pelicans and other Lowcountry wildlife appear along the creek, creating a constantly changing backdrop for lunch, dinner, or a cold drink.
If you’re exploring the Charleston area, Red’s offers a chance to slow down, grab a seafood-filled plate, and watch Shem Creek do its thing.
These ten reasons show why this casual shack deserves a spot on your itinerary.
A Laid-Back Seafood Shack On Historic Shem Creek
Red’s Ice House makes its home at 98 Church Street, right where the action happens on Shem Creek. This waterfront spot has built a following by keeping things simple and focusing on what matters most: fresh seafood, cold drinks, and views that never get old.
The restaurant embraces a come-as-you-are philosophy that fits perfectly with its dockside location. You won’t find white tablecloths or stuffy service here.
Instead, picture weathered wood, open-air seating, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to kick back and stay awhile.
Shem Creek itself adds charm to every meal. Shrimp boats drift past as you eat, pelicans dive for fish, and the Lowcountry landscape unfolds in every direction.
Red’s has claimed one of the best vantage points along this historic creek, making it easy to understand why locals and visitors keep coming back.
The restaurant’s location in Mount Pleasant also puts you close to Charleston’s attractions while giving you a quieter, more relaxed dining experience than you might find downtown.
Fresh Shrimp Takes Center Stage
Walk into Red’s Ice House and you’ll quickly realize shrimp runs the show here. The menu celebrates this local favorite in nearly every form you can imagine, from the simplest preparations to creative twists that keep things interesting.
Fried shrimp arrives golden and crispy. Grilled shrimp gets seasoned just right.
Blackened shrimp brings a bit of spice to the table. The kitchen also offers coconut shrimp for those who like a touch of sweetness, and Buffalo shrimp for anyone craving heat.
Beyond these classic preparations, Red’s weaves shrimp into sandwiches, entrees, and signature dishes. A shrimp po’boy makes a satisfying lunch choice, while shrimp-focused dinner plates give you bigger portions to enjoy with the waterfront views.
The variety means you could visit multiple times and try something different each trip. Whether you’re a shrimp purist who loves them simply seasoned or someone who enjoys bolder flavors, the menu has you covered with options that highlight the quality of the seafood.
Try The Famous Carolina Peel ‘N Eats
Sometimes the best seafood needs the least fussing over. Red’s peel-and-eat shrimp proves this point beautifully, serving up chilled shrimp seasoned with Old Bay that lets the natural flavor shine through.
Peeling your own shrimp might seem like work, but there’s something satisfying about it. The ritual slows you down and makes the meal more interactive.
Plus, shrimp tastes better when you’re sitting by the water, pulling off shells, and tossing them in the bucket while boats drift past.
Old Bay seasoning brings a classic Mid-Atlantic touch to this coastal Carolina dish. The blend of spices complements the shrimp without overpowering the delicate sweetness.
It’s a combination that’s stood the test of time for good reason.
These peel-and-eats work perfectly as a starter to share with friends or as a light meal on their own. They’re easy to enjoy while you sip a cold drink and take in the Shem Creek scenery, making them ideal for warm afternoons when heavy food doesn’t appeal.
Go Beyond Shrimp With Lowcountry Favorites
Red’s menu reaches into South Carolina’s coastal food traditions with dishes that tell the story of the region. Lowcountry boil stands as one of the most iconic choices, bringing together shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn in one hearty, communal-style meal.
The boil gets its flavor from Old Bay seasoning that ties everything together. This one-pot wonder has fed coastal families for generations, and Red’s version stays true to the spirit of the original.
It’s messy, fun, and meant to be shared.
Shrimp and grits appears on the menu as another regional staple. This dish combines creamy stone-ground grits with perfectly cooked shrimp, creating comfort food that feels both humble and special.
The grits provide a soft, buttery base that lets the shrimp stand out.
Other Lowcountry favorites include crab cakes made with real lump crab, fresh oysters served raw or steamed, grouper prepared several ways, and snow crab legs. Each dish connects you to the fishing traditions and flavors that define coastal Carolina cooking.
Grab A Grouper Sandwich Or Shrimp Po’Boy
Not every meal needs to be a multi-course affair. Red’s offers satisfying handheld options that deliver full flavor without requiring a fork and knife.
The Great Grouper Sandwich has earned its name by giving diners a choice: grilled, blackened, or lightly fried.
Grouper’s mild, flaky texture makes it ideal for sandwiches. The fish stays moist regardless of cooking method, and each preparation brings out different qualities.
Fried gives you crispy edges, grilled keeps things lighter, and blackened adds a spicy kick.
Red’s Fantastic Shrimp Po’Boy takes a different approach. This New Orleans-inspired sandwich piles fried shrimp onto a hoagie roll with crisp lettuce and a sweet vinegar mayonnaise sauce that cuts through the richness.
The combination of textures and flavors makes each bite interesting.
Both sandwiches work perfectly for a casual lunch by the water. They’re filling enough to satisfy your hunger but not so heavy that you’ll want a nap afterward.
Pair either one with fries or coleslaw, and you’ve got a complete meal that captures the spirit of coastal dining.
Save Room For Waterfront Drinks
Red’s Ice House understands that waterfront dining isn’t just about the food. The drink menu covers all the bases with beer, wine, cocktails, and canned options that fit the casual, dockside vibe.
Cold beer tastes especially good when you’re sitting by the water on a warm South Carolina day. The selection includes familiar favorites that pair well with seafood.
Wine drinkers will find choices that work with both lighter dishes and richer entrees.
Cocktails add a festive touch to your visit. Whether you’re in the mood for something tropical, something classic, or something with a local twist, the bar can mix up drinks that match the laid-back atmosphere.
Canned beverages offer convenience for those who want to grab something quickly.
Happy hour runs from 4 to 7 p.m. on weekdays in the bar areas, giving you a chance to enjoy drinks at better prices while watching the creek come alive with boats and wildlife. The timing works perfectly if you’re planning to catch the sunset, which often steals the show at Red’s.
Watch Shem Creek Come Alive
The setting at Red’s Ice House competes with the food for your attention. Shem Creek flows past the restaurant, bringing a constantly changing show of sights that make every visit feel a bit different from the last.
Shrimp boats work the waters, their nets raised or lowered depending on the time of day. These working vessels connect the present to generations of fishing tradition along this coast.
Watching them move across the creek adds authenticity to your seafood meal.
Lowcountry wildlife makes regular appearances too. Pelicans patrol the waterfront, diving for fish with impressive precision.
Herons stand motionless in the shallows, waiting for their own dinner to swim past. Dolphins occasionally make their way up the creek, delighting anyone lucky enough to spot them.
Charleston sunsets provide the grand finale. The sky transforms into shades of orange, pink, and purple as the sun drops toward the horizon.
These displays happen naturally, but from Red’s deck, they feel like they’re being staged just for diners. It’s the kind of view that makes people pull out their phones for photos.
Expect A Casual, Lively Atmosphere
Formal dining has its place, but Red’s Ice House isn’t that place. The restaurant embraces a relaxed approach where flip-flops feel as appropriate as any other footwear and nobody judges you for ordering another round of peel-and-eat shrimp.
Live music adds energy to the atmosphere on many days. Local musicians set up and play everything from beach tunes to Southern rock, creating a soundtrack that fits perfectly with the waterfront setting.
The music volume stays conversation-friendly rather than overwhelming.
This is the kind of place where you can linger over your meal without feeling rushed. Groups of friends gather around tables piled with seafood.
Families spread out and enjoy the kid-friendly menu options. Couples claim spots with good views and settle in for the evening.
The combination of good food, flowing drinks, and waterfront scenery creates a vibe that encourages people to relax and enjoy themselves. Staff members keep things moving without being intrusive, understanding that part of their job is preserving the laid-back spirit that makes Red’s feel different from more buttoned-up establishments.
Pair Your Meal With A Shem Creek Outing
Red’s location turns a simple meal into part of a larger Mount Pleasant adventure. Shem Creek offers more to explore than just the restaurant, making it easy to build a full afternoon or evening around your visit.
The creek features a waterfront boardwalk where you can stroll before or after your meal. Walking along the water gives you different perspectives on the shrimp boats, wildlife, and marsh landscape.
The path connects several businesses and provides plenty of photo opportunities.
Timing your visit around sunset maximizes the experience. Arrive early enough to explore the area in daylight, enjoy your meal as the golden hour approaches, then watch the sky change colors from Red’s deck.
This rhythm lets you experience Shem Creek at its most beautiful.
Mount Pleasant itself offers additional attractions within easy reach. Historic sites, shops, and other points of interest sit nearby.
Charleston’s famous downtown area is just a short drive across the bridge, making Red’s a convenient stop whether you’re based in Mount Pleasant or exploring the greater Charleston region during your South Carolina visit.
Plan Your Visit
Finding Red’s Ice House is straightforward. The restaurant sits at 98 Church Street in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina 29464.
If you need to call ahead with questions or check on wait times, the phone number is 843-388-0003.
The restaurant opens its doors at 11 a.m. every day, making it available for lunch, dinner, or anything in between. However, posted hours can shift depending on the day of the week and season.
Checking the current schedule before you head over helps avoid disappointment, especially if you’re making a special trip.
The menu currently includes all the shrimp options discussed earlier, plus oysters, crab, grouper, various Lowcountry specialties, burgers, and other casual choices. There’s enough variety to satisfy different tastes and dietary preferences within your group.
Red’s official website, redsicehouse.com, provides the most up-to-date information about hours, menus, and any special events or promotions. Visiting the site before your trip gives you a better sense of what to expect and helps you plan accordingly.
Whether you’re a local looking for a regular spot or a visitor seeking an authentic Lowcountry seafood experience, Red’s Ice House delivers on the promise of fresh shrimp and waterfront views.
