South Carolina’s Lowcountry is legendary for its food. Charleston attracts much of the attention, but you’ll find plenty of Southern flavor across the Cooper River.

While visiting my longtime friend Wendy and her family, I satisfied my cravings for fried green tomatoes, okra, grits and fresh seafood. These three restaurants are worth adding to a Charleston-area getaway.

Page’s Okra Grill for Southern Comfort Food

Any restaurant with okra in its name is a must-try spot in my book.

Page’s Okra Grill is a family-owned Mount Pleasant favorite serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The restaurant is lively, portions are generous and the covered patio is a fun place to dine outside.

Wendy and I started with fried green tomatoes topped with house-made pimento cheese. Pickled okra and tomato relish added even more Southern flavor.

I almost ordered shrimp and grits, one of my favorite dishes. Then I spotted the vegetable plate.

My sides included pimento cheese grits, fried okra, coleslaw and butter beans. I chose cornbread instead of a biscuit, although that decision required serious contemplation.

Page’s is walk-in only, so expect a wait during popular breakfast and weekend brunch times. Go hungry. The portions are hearty.

Saltwater Cowboys for Shem Creek Views

For seafood, cocktails and a lively waterfront atmosphere, head to Saltwater Cowboys on Shem Creek.

We arrived by boat after cruising the Intracoastal Waterway and nearby creeks. You can also drive to the restaurant, but pulling up to lunch in a boat is undeniably more fun.

We ordered Dockside Lemonades while waiting for a table. The cold drinks hit the spot on a hot South Carolina afternoon.

Our rooftop table overlooked Shem Creek and its surrounding marshes. We could enjoy the view while still hearing the music from the bar below.

I considered the towering Trash Can Nachos before ordering fish tacos. They were delicious and proved the restaurant offers more than a party atmosphere.

Saltwater Cowboys currently serves seafood and slow-smoked barbecue with cocktails, live music and water views. The vibe can get energetic, especially on weekends. Visit earlier if you prefer a quieter meal.

Acme Lowcountry Kitchen for Shrimp and Grits

Acme Lowcountry Kitchen is not in Mount Pleasant. It is nearby on the Isle of Palms, making it an easy stop during a beach day.

I spent many family vacations along this stretch of the South Carolina coast. Returning for brunch felt like revisiting part of my childhood.

We started with fried green tomatoes before I ordered shrimp and grits. The dish was as delicious as I remembered.

Acme serves breakfast, brunch and dinner in a casual beach setting. The menu focuses on coastal Southern cooking, fresh local ingredients and sustainable seafood.

If shrimp and grits are high on your Lowcountry food list, Acme offers several variations. Menus change, so check the current selections before arriving.

More Things to Do Near Mount Pleasant

Turn these dining stops into a full Charleston-area getaway. Walk along Shem Creek, visit the beach on Isle of Palms or explore Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.

For a wonderfully different outdoor adventure, take a swamp boat ride at Cypress Gardens. The blackwater swamp is about a 40-minute drive from Mount Pleasant.

Come hungry. Between the seafood, grits and fried green tomatoes, eating well is one of the easiest things to do in the Lowcountry.

If you find yourself in my hometown of Greenville, South Carolina, dine at Anchorage. For my hometown round up, read Greenville Eats.