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    Chubby Fish

    4.7 (433 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 1 week ago

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    Allison P.

    Where does one begin? Before being seated, chubby fish is an experience - no reservations, but standing in line waiting for your first seating is somewhat of a right of passage. Bring along a chair, some cards, or a book and you'll enjoy the wait! Once in, peep their wine menu and simply order the caviar Sammie. There are new dishes added seasonally, but my favs are bang bang shrimp on bone marrow, cacio e Pepe cauliflower, and their oysters. You can sit at a bar, long table, or booth and will have a great experience! Can't recommend enough

    Diondra B.

    Absolutely loved this place. Everything i ate was so delicious. The caviar sandwich was delicious. The shrimp dish flavorful and delicious and the stroopwafel ice cream was different but good. Service was friendly too

    Menu
    Carmen L.

    After many years wanting to try Chubby Fish, I finally made it. It's hard to describe the flavors because there's so much going on with every dish, but just know that you're going to be amazed by flavors you thought would never blend well. The menu itself is not large, and the best way to try more stuff is to order various plates to share with those in your party. Chubby fish doesn't take reservations, so be prepared to join the line at least an hour before they open. We got lucky and took one of the last few two-person seats when we visited. Our server was awesome and the ambiance was lively and fun without being too loud. Overall, Chubby Fish is a gem worth checking out if you're in Charleston.

    Curry Smoked Golden Tilefish
    Bari T.

    I'd been hearing about Chubby Fish for over a year and honestly didn't think I'd ever make it in. Curiosity finally won, so we hopped on line at 3:00 PM, landing about 15th in line, and waited until the doors opened at 5:00. The space is tiny--only around 40 seats--which explains why the line forms so early, but stepping inside made the wait feel completely justified. The restaurant is cozy, intimate, and charming, creating the perfect setting for a memorable meal. We were fortunate to have Hailey as our server. She was phenomenal: warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited to guide us through the menu. She explained each dish in detail and walked us through the pacing so we knew exactly what to expect. We started with the Bluefin Tuna Crudo, which literally melted in our mouths with layers of flavor and texture. The Grilled Oysters delivered bold, over-the-top deliciousness. The Charred Lamb Ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender and deeply flavorful. The Hakurei Turnips in a light smoked olive sauce showcased another brilliant combination of subtlety and depth. For large plates, we ordered the Curry Smoked Golden Tilefish, offering warm, layered flavor, and the Scallop Gnudi, featuring perfectly cooked, sweet scallops resting on top of the softest gnudi. Every dish felt intentional and beautifully executed. There's a reason everyone talks about this place: it truly stands out. The chef has mastered his craft, and the entire staff exudes professionalism, warmth, and genuine passion. From start to finish, the experience was unforgettable. A must-do. If waiting in line isn't your thing, here's a tip: reach out to Ella. She and her friends live nearby and will wait in line for you. We met them while waiting, and they're wonderful, responsible, trustworthy young ladies. Her number is;(781)561-8882 just send her a message!

    Outside line
    Amber S.

    Outstanding. One of the best dining experiences. Long wait, flavorful food, expensive prices. I've been wanting to come here since they opened, but was always thrown off by the busyness and variety of other restaurants to try. I've since moved away and really wanted to make it a priority for this return trip. The wait: plan to get here 1-2 hours early. We were in line 345 on Saturday and were able to get first seating- but about 25 people in front of us. They ask for your full party to be there- so make sure everyone comes at 5. The food: incredible! We split a cavier sandwich, tuna crudo, grilled oysters, poached grouper, tempura fish with soy beurre blanc, bone marrow and ube banana pudding. Everything was amazing- I loved these cavier sandwich more than anticipated. The grilled oysters were in a panang curry or like sauce- I couldn't taste the oysters much but the curry was perfect. The bone marrow was to die for. The tempura fish was way better than anticipated- the sauce really stood out. The grouper- was OK to me, it was very smokey which overpowered the dish for me. I'm not the biggest banana pudding fan but I'm a sucker for anything ube- and this dessert was the perfect palate cleanser after dinner. It was refreshing and you could distinctly taste the ube and banana which I appreciated. Cost: we are non alcoholic diners- so we ordered a lot of food and came out to be about $200. For two they recommend 4 dishes across the board, so we had a little more. Given the long wait and short trip we wanted to try as much as we could! Recommend? Absolutely. This is a meal I will be thinking about for a while. I will be adding it to my Charleston rotation!

    Tiffani R.

    Chubby fish is a great restaurant, the ambiance and service is top notch. I really enjoyed chatting with some of the servers/cooks while they plated our oysters. All the food was really great, but it didn't live up to the hype for me. There are a lot of other restaurants in Charleston that have amazing seafood and you don't have to wait in line for over an hour. We had a lovely night and Im glad we tried it out, but I probably won't be back.

    I'm at the end of this line!!!
    Chris G.

    Chubby Fish...funny name but serious eats coming out of this kitchen! It was a Tuesday afternoon when I got in the 40 person line to reserve a table a few hours later for the wife and I. I love the "no free lunch" concept here at Chubby Fish. There are no reservations. You have to physically get to the door prior to 5pm and make your dinner reservation destiny. Sink or swim you chubby bastards! So that's what I did. I got in line around 445pm which is late by most standards, you need to be there by 4 on weekends! Luck was on my side and I requested bar seating around 8pm, which we were given. Amazing to watch the masters of the kitchen throw down on some work! Ordered up one caviar sammich, 5 oysters, bone marrow with tempura shrimp, grouper curry. Oh yeah and my plain Jane wife ordered some shrimp and rice. All the food was amazing. I can't yet wrap my mind around the caviar sammich because of how smooth it was. For me the battle of feats was bone marrow tempura shrimp and grouper curry. Both amazing dishes with both different flavors and textures. Not only was the food amazing the staff was top tier! The hostess remembered my name when we arrived for our reservation. Rebecca our server helped me captain this Chubby Fish food expedition. The guys and gals in the kitchen chatted with us often due to bar seating on kitchen row. Their skills really shined with the taste of each prepared dish. Chubby Fish is more than a restaurant, it's a cultural experience for the taste buds. I shall return!!!

    Fried chicken (dessert)

    Got here at 4:05pm and waited in line, was just 1 person and was a secure a communal table on a Tuesday. Was it worth wait? Absolutely. This place exceeds every expectation you could get from the reviews. The Cavier Sammich is so buttery and delicious with a hint of lime, this by itself is worth the wait, but then it gets better. The Tuna Crudo is put of this world. With so many avocado and combinations, this plate is incredible. Them we have the grilled oysters, which puts all your favorite local favorites to shame. Unbelievable flavors. Then I got the Charred Lamb Ribs to mix things up. And James London does not disappoint. Beautiful crispness with fall off the bone tenderness. Finally the most clever dessert I've ever seen, the chicken wings disguised as a ice cream treat. Theres a reason why this place is one of the best in the U.S. Be prepared for an hour minimum wait starting at 4:00pm on a random Tuesday. If you put in the time and patience, this place is 100000% worth the wait.

    Caviar Sammich
    Jamie C.

    Wow, just wow. We waited an hour in line at 4:15 PM just to get a 10:15 PM time slot. By that time, I was exhausted and honestly not even hungry. But this meal? Hands down the best I had during our entire Charleston trip. Every dish was perfectly executed--especially the caviar sandwich, which stole the show. From the crudo and ceviche to the curry, celery salad, clam cavatelli, and even the "not fried chicken" ice cream, everything was exceptional. The service was stellar too--truly a standout experience.

    Raw Oysters
    Minna M.

    Yes! Yes! Yes! This seafood spot is absolutely worth the wait! They do not take reservations, so yes--the line is long, but once you're in, you'll see why. Every dish, from the super-fresh raw oysters to the crudo and all of the other creative fish plates, is a flavor bomb. The menu is tapas style and it makes it easy to try a bit of everything, and trust me, you'll want to. The vibe is lively, the service is on point, and the food is unforgettable. One of the best seafood experiences I've had! And one of the best meals of my life. I have zero notes for this place. Zero regrets. Caviar Sammie was so delicious! I am still thinking about it!!! I cannot wait to come back to Chubby Fish, next time I am in town. This place lived up to its hype.

    Colin P.

    Chubby was a great experience. An experience it is! No reservations, walk in only. I would suggest getting in line around 3:30 (bring a drink while you wait). They open door to reservations at 5 - so you can make a 7pm and then go back to your day! Once in, the service is a real differentiator. The food, which is fantastic, makes the whole experience unique. Pro tip, grab a drink next door at Sea Horse. Other: you can actually pay a task rabbit to wait in line for you. While convenient, it is sort of cheating the process!

    One of the finest dining experiences. Food is outstanding, don't let the casual environment fool you.

    Lamb Ribs
    Brian C.

    The Hungry Detective and Special Agent Deirdre had the most fabulous experience Sunday night at Chubby FIsh...Let me start by saying I usually don't stand in line for an hour and a half but it is definitely worth the effort!!! The doors open promptly at 5 PM and we got a great spot at the bar. I would also call it a chef's table where you can see all the action firsthand. We ordered a great bottle of Gruner wine that was lovely SERVICE: Haley went above and beyond the "Call of Duty" and knows her stuff and the menu as she made great choices and expert advice...Haley made our night and dining experience!!! A true rock star!!! FOOD: We started with the Wahoo small plate and the fish was flaky white and cooked perfectly in a light tempura finish. Second: We'd had the Red Drum that was served up in a bowl of cabbage and this incredible broth...We could have had a bowl broth with bread as a meal it was so good!!! Third: Lamb ribs that fell off the bone...superb!!! Fourth: Gnocci and mushrooms...I wish we had this first because it was incredible but we hit the wall at this point!!! NOTE: As we sat and watched the staff prepare the evening courses like a well oiled machine. I noticed a whole fish snapper being prepared that was $68 and looked fabulous. It definitely could've been a plate for two people... next time I think we will save room for the whole fish it looked wonderful! VERDICT: Guilty is sin as and well deserved of a Michelin star Chubby FIsh truly knocked it out out of the park. The attention to detail was over the top and everything tasted wonderful. I can't wait to return.

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    One of the best 10 meals of my life. Truly special food. And great service. And I'm pretty old. So lots of meals.

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    Chubby Fish Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Chubby Fish

    I saw where someone referred to a " stand up" table. Dot you really have to stand up and eat or could she have meant a high top?

    yes, there is one "stand up" table. no chairs, you stand to eat

    Can I bring my 1.5 year old? I saw a post from 2018, but looking for something more current. We'd feed her before/after. Visiting from out of town and don't have a trusted…

    While technically you can, I don't know if I'd recommend it. There's a lineup of an hour wait to get seated, or make a reservation to come back later. Then it's always packed, loud and frenetic with a lot of activity in a small place. I wish I… Read more

    Is all the food spicy?

    No. Only the curry likely, that's the only spicy dish we had. It's mostly seafood. But ask the server!

    Do they have gluten free options or can they modify dishes to accommodate gluten free?

    There are many gluten free items. Most of the menu is protein based.

    Is there outdoor seating available in January?

    No outdoor. Only indoor.

    Is there a military discount offered?

    As far as I know there isn't any discount offered there.

    Do you have to order at the counter or do you have a server take your food order?

    Servers take your order.

    Since Chubby Fish does not take reservations, how early should I plan to arrive?

    Peak dinner hours means you may need to arrive earlier than if you will dine after 8:00. It will be worthy the wait. Sorry cannot be specific regarding time line 😊

    How toddler friendly is this place?

    While I'm sure they'd try to Jerry-rig a fish to suit your needs, this place is not kid-friendly. The food is too ungapatch (Yiddish for fancy and complicated). Also, since the restaurant is a bit small, you have no buffet between a kid losing… Read more

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    The Ordinary

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    We stopped by The Ordinary for a quick snack and some oysters before dinner. We happened to come at…read morea bit of an off time, so the restaurant wasn't very busy and we were able to grab seats at the bar without any wait. The bartenders were incredibly kind and helpful. Not only did they take great care of us, but they also shared some local restaurant recommendations, which we always appreciate when traveling. The oysters were fresh, cold, and exactly what we were looking for as a light bite before dinner. We enjoyed a drink, relaxed for a bit, and soaked in the atmosphere. It was a great spot to stop for a snack and a cocktail, and the friendly service made the experience even better.

    Came here for dinner on a Sunday. Best time to come as reservations weee easy to come by. The…read morewaitress was kind and attentive and very knowledgeable of the menu and what items were highlights. The ambiance is nice without being too formal but also feeling like you're enjoying a nice meal. We had a wide array of items which included their caviar service, fresh oysters, crab claws and some appetizers including their fried oyster slider and a unique oyster appetizer. All of these were DELICIOUS! Their caviar service was one of the best I've seen, the oyster slider was delicious and my only complaint is that the oyster itself was small. The oyster appetizer was unique but had great flavor with the old bay seasoned crackers. For entrees I had the cornmeal friend fish. It was a great size price of fish, came out hot and fresh and fried to perfection. It does come on a bed of cream corn, but there were no real side dishes you could add or order. So it was filling, but not as hearty as other meals. I also asked for a sauce to accompany the fish just to break up the taste and texture a bit void of a true side. For dinks we had one off menu and I had them make a traditional whisky sour. Both good. This place came highly recommended and didn't disappoint. I would make it a stop on my next visit.

    Photos
    Dining area
    Dining area
    The Ordinary
    View overlooking the restaurant from our table upstairs.

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    View overlooking the restaurant from our table upstairs.
    Magnolias

    Magnolias

    4.4
    (3.4k reviews)
    1.4 mi
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    This iconic Charleston Restaurant is still a favorite! From…read morethe minute you walk in it's special. Who doesn't love white tablecloths. The servers are dressed in traditional white and black. The original character still shines. Our server (I believe her name was Stephanie) was excellent. Good was very good as well. I had crusted Halibut and my husband had the traditional fried chicken. We didn't have a reservation on a Tuesday night and were seated immediately but would recommend reservations just in case.

    We came here on a Saturday night for a special occasion meal. We made reservations in advance and…read moreeven doing so a week or so early required us to come at 8:00 pm. The place is popular, so highly recommend reservations. When asking locals about it, it's not somewhere they go, but acknowledge it is a solid choice and staple. The appetizers were decent. The deviled eggs were good and the scallops were as well. Nothing exceptional, but solid choices. For entrees we had a wide variety in our party. I had the fried catfish with red rice and cabbage. The dish was well portioned and fried but the red rice was cold and hard. The cabbage was good. A For dessert had I have pecan pie and it was just ok. All in all, it is a place you can tell people to for special occasions. It's a bit crowded and busy, so not very intimate. But still well maintained.

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    O'Keefe on the walls?
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    Hank's Seafood Restaurant

    Hank's Seafood Restaurant

    4.2
    (1.5k reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$$

    I thought I was going to miss my very favorite seafood this season. I don't care what restaurant I…read morevisited or called ahead, they were always out of the prize of the ocean. Soft shell crab! Mother's Day really was my day. Marianne was our very nice server and when she said the special of the day, I was crazy excited. Boy did they live up to expectations. Quite large ( and you got 2 shockingly) with the crispiest and very flavorful crust, then to bite into huge chunks of perfectly cooked crab. Heaven! The dish also came with mashed potatoes and perfectly cooked asparagus with a lovely sauce on the bottom of the plate.,I am critical of every asparagus I've had in a restaurant. Not these. I also had their famous crab cakes with buerre blanc sauce. I held myself back from licking that plate! What a Mama's day I had!!!

    Went for Sunday brunch on Fathers Day I'm not a fish person…read morebut yielded to my husband for his day Beautifully decorated, friendly staff, great service Hard for me to rate a meal based on being a vegetarian. Previous Yelp reviews said they had a vegetarian pasta dish but found out today that is only for dinner service . Prepped myself for disappointment and after the server asked the chef about a lunch vegetarian meal and was rejected, I ordered a salad with French fries. My husband loved his crabs cakes and calamari and my son loved his she crab soup. Great cocktails. My $5 bargain cocktail was gin and grapefruit deliciousness Parfait dessert was fantastic If you're a seafood fan it's a no brainer, def come here I heard they have a vegetarian pasta dish on the dinner menu so I would come here again for dinner to try that, but would not come again for lunch

    Photos
    Beautiful location.
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    Shrimp and Grits
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    Tuna Tartare, Jalapeno, Shallot, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Tomato, Herbs and Lemon and Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail

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    Tuna Tartare, Jalapeno, Shallot, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Tomato, Herbs and Lemon and Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail

    Chubby Fish - seafood - Updated July 2026

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