For those visiting Charleston, a day trip from the main peninsula might not be feasible. Luckily, Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar is located on the bustling East Bay Street in Downtown Charleston and is on Brown’s list of must-try seafood spots. It’s a larger restaurant with both indoor, outdoor, and bar seating, that’s open for lunch and dinner every day of the week. But Amen Street is also very popular, especially during the busier seasons. Getting a reservation isn’t difficult, but it’s highly recommended so you don’t spend your afternoon waiting for a table instead of slurping up ice-cold oysters.

We especially like that the moment you walk into the restaurant, you’re greeted by a long raw bar packed with ice and a fantastic variety of oysters, mussels, and clams — making it an ideal spot for anyone looking for a Seafood Tower experience to write home about. While the raw bar experience is one of the main attractions, those looking for a fully-cooked meal also have a great selection of popular seafood options to choose from. Here you’ll find many of Charleston’s greatest hits, including She-Crab Soup, Hushpuppies, fried and baked oysters, Shrimp & Grits (even on the dinner menu), Fried Seafood Platters, and scallops grilled on the plancha. But we’d suggest asking about the local catch of the day, which is served with a Lowcountry succotash and beurre blanc, perfect for those who want a bite of something truly local.