Fleet Landing Restaurant and Bar, Charleston, South Carolina

 

Nothing brings people together like good food….

Anonymous

After arriving in Charleston after our near three hour drive from Augusta, Georgia, we entered the town near the Charleston Harbor and found this fabulous waterfront restaurant. Our hope was to find a good restaurant with nice views and this one seemed perfect with the added benefit, that it also had great reviews.  So we figured we would check it out. There was a lot of construction nearby the day we visited, as they are building a new hotel right next to the restaurant on the water. Still, even with all the activity happening nearby, we got to see a magnificent bird enjoying the water next to the restaurant and seeming oblivious to the racket nearby.

We walked the pier to the entrance and were kindly greeted by the hostess who asked if we would like to eat inside or outside on the patio. We choose the patio as it was a beautiful day. She led us to our table where we had wonderful views of harbor and you could see Castle Pinckney, an overgrown island with a small 1810 fortification used in the Civil War, in the distance. This large restaurant, under normal circumstances can seat 180 inside and 100 people outside.

The menu was fantastic with lots of seafood dishes to choose from as they specialize in fresh seafood to include, shrimp, scallops, fish, and more. We ordered a drink while we looked over the menu. Joe decided on the famous Charleston Shrimp and Grits and I chose a lovely lightly breaded cod meal. The food was fantastic and tasted even better since we were sitting here on the coast. 

This restaurant is unique since this is an old retired naval building. After a hurricane hit Charleston in 1940 and destroyed the ferry building, they ended up demolishing the building and constructed the U. S. Navy Fleet Landing. Out of precaution, they built it in an encased hurricane proof 6,000 foot concrete maritime structure. The building was built in 1942 as a debarkation point for sailors as well as supplies, general maintenance and resupplying ships. The Fleet Landing was retired in 1970. The building and pier was run by the Charleston Naval Shipyard from 1902 – 1995. 

After World War II, the building was vacant for some time and was later bought by the South Carolina Port Authority in the 1960’s and was used for storage. Then in 1988, twenty-one year old Tradd Newton was with his mom and told her, “One day, I’m going to put something in that building.” And he sure enough did. Sixteen years later Newton, Reggie Gibson, his architect, and Weesie, Newton’s wife and business partner bought it and made his dream come true.

The restaurant sits over the marsh and was perfectly designed with over sized windows that take advantage of the lovely views of the Charleston Harbor. The interior is decked out with a maritime theme and has a bright interior. If you are looking for a great seafood restaurant with views and excellent service in Charleston, this is the place.

They are open seven days a week. Their lunch hours are from 11 am – 3:30 pm and dinner from 5 pm – 10 pm. They offer a brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am – 3 pm and they offer happy hour from 4 pm – 6 pm Monday through Friday. So if you are looking for a great experience and the best seafood ever, this restaurant is a must. Check them out at: www.fleetlanding.net. They are located at 186 Concord Street, Charleston, South Carolina.

Till next time. Bye for now.