From their family to yours: Hyman’s Restaurant Brings Southern Cuisine with a Smile

By JaMonie Moore

It was an average Wednesday afternoon when some friends and I were walking around downtown Charleston, looking for a place to get some authentic Lowcountry seafood at a reasonable price. While on our search, we came across Hyman’s Seafood on Meeting Street. When we arrived, there was a short wait, but the restaurant’s gift shop gives us something to do in the interim. It is full of unique items, all showcasing parts of the Lowcountry. Once inside the restaurant and seated, we begin to fall in love. When we were sat, I noticed that there was a plaque at my place setting that said “Oprah Winfrey sat here”. Unbeknownst to my friends and myself, Hyman’s has attracted a number of celebrities visiting Charleston. All over the restaurant there were pictures of celebrities who have eaten at Hyman’s and still come back when they visit Charleston.

As we waited for our server, I began to look around and noticed all of the history within this restaurant. Hyman’s has been in the same location for over 112 years beginning as a dry goods store and evolving into its current state of Lowcountry dining. Hyman’s is also family-owned and operated. All throughout our time there; the “Ambassadors of Goodwill” were coming around to make sure every customer was enjoying their visit.

Our server was very polite and knowledgeable of the menu and the fish board. I ordered the pick three for $19.95. There are over ten items on the pick three menu for guests to mix and match to their satisfaction. I had fried shrimp, the Carolina Style shrimp & grits with creamy white Parmesan sauce, and Hyman’s famous salmon croquette, which is a Southern specialty.

For an appetizer, while we waited, we ordered the Wadmalaw Delight: fried green tomatoes served on grits with a creamy cheese sauce. I’m not a huge fan of tomatoes, but these fried green tomatoes were one of the best parts of my dining experience. We also had boiled peanuts, which are one of my favorite things to munch on and they did not disappoint.

The food was presented well on the plates and the portions were ideal. My shrimp was fluffy and fried to a golden crisp, along with my salmon croquette, topped with Cajun sauce and lightly fried onion rings.

What impressed me the most about my meal was the Carolina-Style shrimp and grits. It wasn’t what I usually expect when I receive shrimp and grits. The parmesan sauce was definitely what puts this shrimp in grits plate in its own category. The grits were cooked to perfection and mix perfectly with the lightly sautéed shrimp, which were then covered in this creamy Parmesan sauce. I have to say that was the best shrimp and grits I have ever had in a Charleston restaurant.

While we were eating, general manager Chad Walker, came to our table to make sure that our food was cooked to our satisfaction and we were enjoying our visit. He also gave us Hyman’s stickers and a coupon for a free scoop of ice cream in the general store downstairs.

Overall, I was extremely impressed with my visit to Hyman’s Seafood, from the minute we walked into the door. I loved my meal and every piece of food I came in contact with sent my taste buds on a roller-coaster ride full of flavor.

I also love the fact that the restaurant is family oriented and they care about their customers. Hyman’s embodies every piece of southern hospitality and local fresh food here in Charleston. You will not leave unsatisfied, because Hyman’s aims to please and in our experience didn’t miss.