Charleston Harbor Fish House – Brings Fresh Seafood and History Together

By Mark A. Leon

The Charleston Harbor Fish House, located at 32 Patriots Point Road is hidden well for a very specific reason, dare we say many reasons.

• Intimate marina ambiance with magical harbor view of the USS Yorktown, sailboats and gorgeous western sunset.
• Open outdoor second floor bar and dining area to feel the breeze of the harbor while enjoying a refreshing cocktail
• Exquisite menu of fresh seafood, raw, cooked and fried to meet all your needs.
• A walk through life on the water, with decor focused on a lifestyle on the water.
• A warm and receptive staff from the wait service to management.

Haleigh was a model of sunshine as our waitress and representative face of the restaurant.  Her demeanor, pleasantries and warmth as we enjoyed a quiet evening out was presented almost flawlessly.  We were given the best table in the restaurant, situated on the far right corner by the back window overlooking the Yorktown and the sun setting just to our left.

As you make your way through the menu, it will come as no surprise that most of the entree selections are seafood based.  If you do not take part in seafood dining, there are three incredible options including braised short ribs, Filet Mignon and Buttermilk fried chicken.

If you are with a group and love the idea of raw indulgences, the Chilled Seafood Castle and Tower will be a perfect way to start or maintain all of you.  This is priced at market but includes:  Gulf and East Coast Oysters, little neck clams, mussels, Gulf Shrimp, snow crab legs, crab claws and lobster tails.  I think this sharable list of delights speaks for itself.

Grilled and Chilled Watermelon Salad

I was in a mood for a refreshing salad to whet my palate and I have to say, they have one of the most creative and refreshing spring and early fall salads I have ever enjoyed.  The grilled and chilled watermelon salad was a sizable thick slice of watermelon lightly grilled and chilled with a bed of arugula, feta cheese, marinated tomatoes, mint and chili oil on top.  With a solid watermelon foundation, a bit of spice and the right mix of tomato and feta, every bite was an enhanced rainbow of flavor.  This alone, could have served as a meal for many.

The smoked Salmon flat bread and Cedar Plank Salmon were the main courses of the evening.  The flat bread was a healthy 10 inches round made with a house ricotta, dill and preserved lemon and topped with a good portion of very fresh smoked salmon.  The richness of the ricotta and tangy smoked salmon made for a very nice combination.  Initially, I was not sure how that would fair, but it was a successful play.  The dill added for a nice aftertaste.

The salmon came out on a hot cedar plank.  Presented as a dark orange-pink and topped with a Sriracha honey-glaze and sided with grilled zucchini and smashed potatoes, the appearance was just as good as the taste.  A well designed and prepared coastal entree.

Fish House also offers tuna, grouper, swordfish crab cakes and shrimp & grits so do a little research first.  If you go in cold, you may have a difficult time narrowing your selection down.

From the initial setting of the sun to the darkness and Ravenel Bridge lights reflecting on the harbor, the Charleston Harbor Fish House delivered a memorable meal and very comforting dining experience.

Smoked Salmon Flat Bread