Snagging a table for two at South Carolina restaurants doesn’t typically require complicated feats of pre-planning. Trying to seat your large family or group of friends, however, may be a little trickier. While most restaurants can accommodate larger parties with proper advanced notice, there are certain places where seating a crowd is easier thanks to bigger spaces.
Here is a short list of restaurants representing some of the state’s hottest dining destinations. Each one is known for handily accommodating eight or more diners at a single table. Of course, reserve as far in advance as possible. Even if you’re dining with your group on the fly, a phone call to check availability is not only good manners, but it ups the odds of finding a place for everyone at the table. And if reservations are not accepted, go ahead and just show up—the earlier, the better though.
Historic Charleston
Burwell’s Stonefire Grill – Old-school steakhouse with modern twists and two floors of seating
Charleston Crab House – Bustling seafood joint with two floors of seating and a rooftop patio
Edmund’s Oast – Part brewery, part restaurant featuring seasonal dishes and an expansive dining room
Hank’s – Local seafood tradition welcomes larger groups in a turn-of-the-century warehouse
82 Queen – Classic Lowcountry cuisine served in 11 elegant dining rooms
Columbia
Alodia's Italiana Cucina (Irmo and Lexington) – Italian favorites from family recipes; a favorite of larger groups
Note: Does not accept reservations, so seating is first come, first served.
California Dreaming – Serving a comprehensive menu of American favorites in a historic train station with lots of seating
Cola’s – Seafood, steaks and more served in the casual, fine dining atmosphere of a restored RC Cola bottling plant; ample number of large booths and tables
Little Pigs Barbecue – Vinegar-based pulled pork and more offered off the menu or on a hearty buffet brimming with sides and fixings; room for lots of hungry folks
Thirsty Fellow – Pizza and pub grub served in an energetic, roomy atmosphere
Grand Strand
Chuck’s Steakhouse, Myrtle Beach – Popular place for steak in a hunting lodge setting filled with seating options
Flying Fish, North Myrtle Beach – Located at Barefoot Landing, this seafood market and restaurant has an expansive dining area to accommodate groups of every size
Hook and Barrel, Myrtle Beach – Fresh, inspired seafood dishes are a treat at this distinctive, eco-friendly restaurant that gladly accommodates large parties
Preston Seafood, North Myrtle Beach – Casual seafood and country cooking restaurant with homemade sides for discriminating buffet diners
Simply Southern Smokehouse – Southern cooking and barbecue appoint this buffet that accommodates groups of all sizes
Hilton Head Island
Crazy Crab, Jarvis Creek and Harbour Town – Lots of fresh seafood, lots of seating, great water views for one and all
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks – A Lowcountry treasure featuring fresh-from-the-docks seafood and gorgeous views of Port Royal Sound
Note: Reservations not accepted, so show up early for the best seating options
Marleys Island Grille – Seafood, steaks and chicken served with tropical flair; casual and fun group dining
Old Oyster Factory – Fresh seafood restaurant welcoming groups of all sizes; large dining area and deck situated on the former site of an oyster canning factory
One Hot Mama’s – An American grill with smoked meats and homemade country sides; happily accommodates groups
Greenville
Larkin’s on the River – Dry-aged steak, shrimp and grits, and more served in a white-tablecloth setting
Pomegranate on Main – Persian cuisine made with fresh ingredients for groups seeking a dining adventure
Rick Erwin’s West End Grille – Casually elegant steakhouse with ample seating for parties of all sizes
Sassafras Southern Bistro – Southern cooking meets French cuisine; accommodating of larger groups
Soby’s – New Southern cuisine served in a historic building with a main dining room, mezzanine and outdoor patio for dining options
