Just steps from the salt air of Folly Beach, The Crab Shack has turned simple seafood into a Lowcountry love story.
Locals and beachgoers line up for buckets of crab legs, platters of fried shrimp, and the sort of service that remembers your name.
With 4.3 stars from thousands of reviews, it’s clear this casual joint punches above its weight.
If you’re chasing authentic flavor, generous portions, and a porch-side vibe that feels like home, keep reading.
A Legacy Seasoned by the Sea
The Crab Shack on Folly Beach has earned its reputation the old-fashioned way: with fresh seafood, consistent cooking, and a welcoming crew that treats regulars like neighbors. Located at 26 Center Street, it’s a casual outpost where crab legs arrive steaming and oysters taste like the ocean.
The vibe is beachy, unpretentious, and perfect after a sun-soaked day. Reviews highlight hearty portions, fair prices for the area, and fast service even on busy nights.
Whether you’re craving a bucketful of shellfish or a crisp fish sandwich, the kitchen keeps things simple and satisfying—just the way Folly locals like it.
Snow Crab Bucket: The Crowd Favorite
Ask around and you’ll hear the same refrain: the Snow Crab Bucket is a must. Piled high, perfectly seasoned, and paired with drawn butter, the crab legs crack clean and deliver sweet, meaty bites.
Potatoes and corn round out the Southern-style feast, making it easy to share—or not. Reviewers rave that every bite is worth the wait, with many calling it the best crab legs on Folly Beach.
It’s the plate that created loyalists, fuelled beach-day celebrations, and set the standard for “fresh” here. If you order one thing, make it this bucket and bring your appetite.
Shrimp and Grits, She Crab Soup, and Southern Comforts
Beyond buckets, classics shine. The shrimp and grits arrive creamy and comforting, with plump shrimp and a peppery kick that locals love. She crab soup—rich, silky, and briny—tastes like Charleston tradition in a bowl.
Fried oysters come hot and crisp, never overdone. Guests mention generously sized plates and reasonable prices for the beach. It’s the kind of menu where everything feels familiar yet fresh, a balance of coastal tradition and easygoing execution.
If you’re searching for Lowcountry flavors that hit all the nostalgic notes, this lineup delivers warmth, depth, and unmistakable Folly Beach soul.
Fried Platters Done Right
The fried shrimp and flounder platters are textbook examples of balance: golden, crisp, and never greasy. Reviewers praise the light batter and perfectly cooked seafood, served hot with coleslaw and new potatoes.
It’s approachable, family-friendly food that still respects the ingredient. Even when the dining room is buzzing, plates arrive fresh from the fryer with a reliable crunch. Pair with a cold beer, snag a breezy table, and watch Folly move by.
For many, these platters are the gateway to a tradition: first visit, first bite, then plans to return the next beach weekend.
Buckets, Bites, and Beach-Day Fuel
From blue crab buckets with corn and potatoes to crispy fish sandwiches and fries, The Crab Shack’s menu is built for beach days. Portions are hearty, prices sit in the $20–30 range, and the vibe is unfussy.
Live music sometimes drifts in, and the patio fills with sandy feet, laughter, and cold drinks. While the rice on a grilled platter drew mixed feedback, the overall consensus favors flavor and value.
It’s the kind of place where you refuel after the surf, linger for another round, and debate which bucket you’ll try next time.
Familiar Faces and Friendly Service
Regulars often shout out the staff by name—servers like Kristen who keep the pace friendly and attentive even when the dining room is slammed. The team handles families, large groups, and accessibility needs with ease, welcoming wheelchairs and service dogs without fuss.
While busy nights can slow service slightly, patience pays off with hot plates and warm smiles. It’s this human touch—remembered orders, quick refills, and genuine conversation—that helps The Crab Shack feel like a community hub.
Come for the crab legs, stay for the people who make every visit feel like home.
Plan Your Visit: Hours, Price, and Practical Tips
The Crab Shack is open daily, generally 11 AM to 10 PM, stretching to 10:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays—perfect for post-beach dinners. Expect $20–30 entrees, cold beers, and a casual atmosphere.
Parking can be tight on peak beach days, so arrive early or be ready to stroll. Check the website for updates and seasonal notes.
Pro tip: save space for key lime pie, though you’ll need to skip coffee—none is served. Call +1 843-588-3080 for questions, or set your maps to 26 Center St, Folly Beach.
What Locals Say: Highlights and Honest Notes
Reviews paint a vivid picture: best-in-town crab legs, flavorful oysters, hearty portions, and reliable value for a beach locale. Guests love the casual setting and beach-bum charm.
Some point out occasional slow service during rushes and suggest dining room updates; a grilled platter’s rice drew criticism for dryness. Still, five-star raves outnumber grumbles, especially for snow crab, fried shrimp, and crab dip.
Accommodations for mobility needs and friendly staff seal the deal. If you want unpretentious seafood with a Folly heartbeat, The Crab Shack delivers more hits than misses—consistently, and with a smile.