My wife and I stopped at Gullah Grub for lunch a few weeks ago. It is a small restaurant in an old building with ample parking behind the restaurant. I started off with a tall glass of Swampwater, which is a mixture of lemonade and sweet tea. It was quite good. My wife ordered the shrimp gumbo. While good, it was quite different from Cajun gumbo, with a distinct tomato base. I had the fried shark with red rice. The shark had a little bit of a "fishy" flavor, but not too much. Portion sizes were a bit small but adequate for lunch. The owner and chef came out to greet us and we chatted for a few minutes about the restaurant and Gullah culture. Our waitress was very nice and checked back with us frequently to see if we wanted anything. All in all it was a nice and interesting lunch stop. read more

We drove by and saw the sign and turned around because where else will you get this kind of food. Food was great and service too. Portions sizes are pretty small. If you're looking for good food then it's fantastic read more

Gullah Grub Restaurant on St. Helena Island is a true gem of authentic Lowcountry cooking, housed in a historic wood-frame building that feels like it's been part of the community for generations. Located at 877 Sea Island Parkway, the space is vibrant and welcoming, with walls painted a rich island green and filled with antique touches, sweetgrass baskets, and local artisan items for sale that give it a distinct cultural charm. The dining room features cloth-covered tables and comfortable chairs, creating a cozy and thoughtful atmosphere. Drinks are served in Ball jars, which add a nice rustic touch. Parking out back is what you'd call "Island-style"--you find a sensible spot, make sure you're not in anyone's way, and that's that. Service is attentive and friendly, striking a perfect balance of hospitality and local charm. The meal starts strong with a complimentary piece of cornbread--moist, flavorful, and the perfect bread choice to ease into the flavors to come. For a starter, the shrimp gumbo delivered bold, traditional flavor, and yes, the shrimp come with the tails on (so plan to remove them). For the main course, the barbecue chicken lunch was tender, well-seasoned, and rich with flavor. While a side of potato salad came with it--homemade and clearly fresh--it wasn't a personal favorite, but that's just a matter of preference. The tea was real Southern brewed tea--cold, and exactly what you want with this kind of food. The peach cobbler finished the meal on a perfect note, warm and homey like something out of a family reunion, I do prefer my topping a little crunchier. Altogether, Gullah Grub is more than just a place to eat--it's an experience of Lowcountry history, flavor, and culture that shouldn't be missed. read more

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The food was very good especially the shrimp gumbo. The service was excellent. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. Chef Bill Green is living history who provides some wisdom with a good meal. read more

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Unbelievable hospitality, service, and best gumbo ever in a very small lovable shack with a lot of history. Highly recommend.

I had a very pleasant experience at Gullah Grub. I was greeted with warm hospitality and delicious cornbread. The chicken gumbo was wonderful, with a smoky twist to it. The fish was crispy and the potato salad was creamy. The hostess gave us a little history lesson, being born and raised in St Helena Island. I look forward to visiting this South Carolina gem again. I truly enjoyed the experience, from the delicious "swamp water" served in classic Mason jars, to the beautiful art displayed throughout the restaurant. This restaurant was cozy, put me back in time to dining in my grandmother's dining room. Just good food made by happy people. You feel at home, at Gullah Grub. read more

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Beautiful establishment, great authentic well-made food, and very kind service. Fried fish was delicious and Mac n cheese was a hit. I will be back whenever I am in the area! read more

Gullah Grub - Wall quote - Barbeque Near Me - Saint Helena Island, South Carolina

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Like everyone says, they have a very simple menu. And don't think you're gonna come here and get big food for small prices, cuz it ain't happening. But I gotta give them the nod. I've never had this type of cuisine before and it was delicious. A good meal and horizons broadened- that's worth 5 stars. I'd like to have a whole slab of those ribs right now if I could... read more

Gullah Grub - Barbeque Near Me - Saint Helena Island, South Carolina

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Stopped in for lunch and it hit the spot! Our server was very nice and food came out quickly. Loved the fried shark and potato salad! read more

Gullah Grub - Fried Shark Strip Lunch - Barbeque Near Me - Saint Helena Island, South Carolina

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Authentic low country food was delicious. My 1st time hearing about and having swamp water. Great service that feels like family. I dined alone so I wasn't able to swap food to taste more of the menu items. read more

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I had the shrimp gumbo. The shrimp were small, tastless and there was no okra. Otherwise the people who run the cafe were very nice and their unsweetened ice tea was good. read more

A most amazing place full of friendly service and amazing food by perhaps the culture that originated southern cuisine. Please check out this place, it is worth the trip. read more

The food here is terrible Go somewhere else You'll thank me Gumbo was awful Worst cornbread read more

We loved our lunch at Gullah Grub. They were so friendly and Chef Bill Green came out and checked in on us and shared about the restaurant and the partnership teaching kids about growing food and cooking as well. We had the gumbo, ribs, fried shrimp and bbq chicken. Everything was delicious and promptly served. Can't wait to return! read more

All online information stated open at noon. I drove there(an hours drive) only to find a handwritten sign taped to the door, saying closed. This was the second time that this has happened. Very disappointing! read more

Gullah Grub is for those who appreciate the slow food movement. Authentic, local dishes inspired by the season. Barbecue ribs and chicken are mouth watering and the shrimp gumbo hits the spot. Get an extra order of Mac and cheese to complement your potato salad. They're each excellent. The sweet tea though is incredible - knock your socks off refreshing! Tour Penn Center and the area and finish your day here! read more

Gullah Grub - the outside of a restaurant - Barbeque Near Me - Saint Helena Island, South Carolina

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Stopped here for lunch on a Thursday and it wasn't busy at all. The décor was Gullah themed and the chairs were really comfortable (not sure this is important to note, but they were so much more comfortable than most restaurant chairs, lol.) Our waitress was young and didn't seem real comfortable interacting with customers, yet! We were told by the staff, that the majority of items on the menu are locally caught, raised or grown. We ordered fried shrimp and an order of fried shark bites. Both orders came with potato salad and cornbread. We ordered a side of macaroni and cheese to try. I enjoyed the homemade potato salad. The cornbread was served warm and had a good texture to it. The Mac and cheese was baked and came out creamy with a slightly crunchy cheese on the top from being baked in the oven. The shrimp and shark bites were both lightly breaded and were not overcooked. This was the first time we had shark bites and were surprised by the texture (firm like chicken, not flaky like most fish.) I was told in the past that shark can have a strong odor/scent to it, but these shark bites had no odor/scent, and the flavor was extremely mild. On the downside, the portions could be larger, or maybe the meal could come with an extra side. That being said, we like to support local small businesses, so we will eat here again in the future. read more

Great food, loved learning about the Gullah culture. Food is cooked with love. Thank you!

Unremarkable food and the ABSOLUTE WORST service I have ever experienced!! Too bad, because I'm new to the area and Gullah Grub came recommended. Never again!! Fried shrimp lunch ($12.50) was 9 bland, pathetic looking shrimp and a plain looking scoop of potato salad. That was not a good first impression but not the worst thing. I never tasted the potato salad because I never got any pepper despite asking 3 times and waiting more than 10 minutes. (Yes, I almost always pepper food before tasting it, especially something like restaurant potato salad. Judge me if you want but my food, my choice.) The server stayed almost entirely in the kitchen and was not busy since I was her only table. I couldn't shake the impression she was purposely ignoring me. Perhaps she was having a very bad day, but i just can't rationalize her actions. I certainly hope it's not because I'm an older white man and the server is a young black woman, but that's how it felt. And before you think I went in there with an attitude or somehow annoyed her, I am a former server who is ALWAYS polite and cordial to waitstaff. read more

Their website and other yelp-like apps show it's open, but we just drove 45 minutes from Palmetto Bluff to find it closed. We were so ready to fill our growling bellies with their locally sourced specialties...what a bummer! The sign in the window said "OPEN", but it was dark and locked up. Tried calling after-the-fact, and the phone was disconnected. Such a shame...I guess it's yet another local business killed by the pandemic. I hope Bill and his family are able to reopen at some point. read more

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Terrible service, overpriced small portions. Chicken gumbo was a dead ringer for Brunswick stew, not like any gumbo we have had before. Waitress did not offer to refill drinks, we had to ask for napkins. Won't be back. read more

Had great service and pleasant conversation with the young staff learning and working that shift - excellent meal with shark, gumbo, and cornbread with a cool dose of their swamp water. Had a great talk with a local man and his wife who had been there many years in the uniform and then after mustering out fisherman, vet, pow, great storyteller(s) and perspectives. Really hope to meet Mr. Green next time thru, picked up some literature on their education and farming efforts and have enjoyed his videos. Just a great place in many ways, including the folks that might just come in the door to pick up a small order to go...! read more

When we visited Gulla Grub a decade ago, the meal was so memorable that we determined to return next time we visited Beaufort. The meal then consisted of a variety of vegetables cooked soul food style and main dishes spiced in the unique Gulla fashion. Gulla Grub has since gone w-a-y downhill. Our "BBQ" chicken and ribs were merely fried in oil and tasteless. Each was accompanied by a dollop of something they call "potato salad," but more resembled school paste in texture and flavor. We ordered a "large" bowl of gumbo. What the restaurant classifies as "large" is what any other restaurant would call a small cup - and for $12 it was a complete ripoff. Mac & cheese was unmemorable. Only the corn bread was satisfactory - moist and flavorful. Portions are small and greatly overpriced. A basic meal for three set us back $61, including tip. This is no longer the delightful eatery we remembered. For genuine Gulla food, try one of the number of places around Savannah. Steer clear of Gulla Grub, for us, sadly, a major disappointment. read more

Staff was very friendly and the food tasted very good and fresh, especially the fried shrimp and cornbread!

Don't go here ! We drove all the way from Hilton Head by way of Kansas City. They sae

For authentic southern food, this was the real deal. I loved it. Quaint exterior (rough looking on the side and back though) , hand painted art, cotton tablecloths and fresh flowers adorned the inside. The cook is also the waiter and he knows his way around his dishes! Shrimp and chicken gumbo were served with a small side of rice. The chicken had a smoky flavor which was delicious. The shrimp gumbo had different spices but equally good. This is shrimp territory so I'm sure it was local. They also sell their own spice mix and gumbo in a jar. There were a few woven baskets for sale - beautifully woven but very pricey. But all in all, this was rustic, fun, and very good. read more

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Beaufort is one of my all-time favorite places! I have been waiting summer time to visit this establishment. From the outward appearance you know that you about to take ASAP go to a cultural culinary experience. I have admired Chef Bill Green for some time now and was absolutely ecstatic to visit his restaurant. Upon first entering it was a little drab. They definitely need to liven the atmosphere up a little. I got the shrimp and potato salad with red rice macaroni and cheese. My part I got barbecue chicken potato salad and macaroni and cheese and the swamp water. The cornbread that they serve when you first come in it's pretty tasty however I'm almost sure that it was pre-cooked and then re warmed in the microwave. And this was the same for all the other items. Where they decent, very much so. However as a personal fan I have watched many cooking tutorials from mr. Bill Green and I had much higher expectations. I personally cook some of his recipes on a weekly basis. I guess I just assumed that I would have tasted more soul and love in the plate. read more

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We ordered the shrimp gumbo and peach cobbler. The gumbo was more like a watery Brunswick stew. Lots of spices but small and few shrimp. Mostly corn in a broth. The cobbler was flavorful but mushy. Would not recommend. read more

The menu at Gullah Grub is simple and straightforward. The food is simple as well. It's very basic low country fare----fresh, seasonal, and local. We dined here for the first time yesterday with family. We chose a variety from the menu----BBQ chicken, BBQ ribs, and Shrimp Gumbo. We all ordered Swamp Water------half lemonade, half sweet tea! The lunch comes with a side of potato salad and corn bread. The chicken was unlike any barbecued chicken that I've had. There was no sauce, just a simple rub that was flavorful but not overly spicy. The chicken portion was the leg/thigh. It was tender and had a good flavor like it had been marinated in a dry rub. I had a taste of gumbo and found it to be nicely seasoned and quite different from the more hot and spicy versions. The potato salad was fresh and tangy. The cornbread was nicely baked and sweet. Dessert was peach cobbler and it was the perfect ending to the meal. We were the only patrons in the restaurant. However we observed people carrying large orders to take home. The server informed us that shark strips were not available that day, so obviously these are very popular. We'll have to try them the next time we're in the area! The restaurant has items for sale like jarred Gumbo, Collards, and several spice mixes. There are also sweet grass baskets to buy. This eatery is a good place to visit and experience low country food. read more

My family was in town to visit the historical sites of the Gullah/Geechee people so a stop for lunch was in order. There was 10 of us and that didn't deter the restaurant from putting out great food and providing wonderful service. Corn bread and drinks were brought out right after we sat down. The selections were wide and included fish, ribs, chicken, and shrimp. The family chose the fried whiting dinner and shrimp dinner that included 2 sides. They had red rice, shrimp gumbo, potato salad, and string beans. I was able to adhere to my plant based diet with the cabbage, lima beans, red rice, and string beans! Those beans were so good, I had a second helping! Sorry...not sorry! Yummy! Everything was well seasoned and closing my eyes made me reminisce on my mother's delicious cooking! This spot is definitely worthy of a five star rating as everyone was pleased with how good their food tasted. Get yourself to Gullah Grubs and get a taste of down home cooking and Southern hospitality. read more

Gullah Grub - The owner/chef of Gullah Grubs Restaurant. - Barbeque Near Me - Saint Helena Island, South Carolina

Underwhelmed and disappointed. Too much money spent on too little food that was mediocre at best. Man, I wanted to like the place after seeing how well they came across on High on the Hog. The girls waiting on tables were young, inattentive( one playing on her phone when I got up to pay at register and she just stood there ignoring me) and just overall inexperienced in hospitality. The portions were super small and since when does the cornbread come out AFTER the gumbo has been eaten( we didn't know it came with the cornbread until all of a sudden the girls brought it out to all the tables like an afterthought. I was really embarrassed after talking this place up ( having seen it on Netflix)to my visiting guest. Oh well. read more

My wife and I wanted to try Gullah food and were very glad we noticed Gullah Grub when passing by. My wife had the chicken gumbo and liked the Gullah version with more veggies and excellent taste. I had the fried shark strips. They were very meaty and tender. I noticed a little salty taste which could have been the shark meat in a brine prior to frying or that shark is a little saltier tasting meat but it did not detract from the dish. The stand out on the shark dish was how good the potato salad was on the plate. Everyone has their favorite potato salad, mine is my moms recipe but this is near the top of the favorite list for me. We will definitely be back and look forward to more food experiences with Chef Bill Green. read more

Gullah Grub was a fun place to lunch while we were on vacation with the family... Our friend wanted to try it after learning that Chef Green has been featured on several programs including Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations and Martha Stewart Living. We didn't argue, and we had a pleasant dining experience. Our server was friendly and attentive... He was the only one working the day we were there, but still managed to keep our swamp water (aka Arnold Palmers) refilled promptly. We feasted on a ton of low country cuisine including cornbread, squash casserole, mac n cheese, shrimp gumbo, crab soup, and more. My only complaints were that the cornbread was dry and that they were out of collards! Even so, it's worth mixing things up and checking out Gullah Grub when you're in the area. Not only is it Anthony Bourdain and Martha Stewart approved, it's yelper approved too! read more

My friend and I stopped here to eat while on a SC beach/camping road trip. I had found this place through some sort of web search for restaurant recommendations in the area on the way to Hunting Island. I am surprised to find that it has no reviews since this place and the chef (Bill Green) have been featured on Martha Stewart Living and No Reservations. If you check out their website you will see they sell cooking videos and rubs and sauces, but I have no experience with that stuff, so anyhooo.... The food was delicious! I had sweet tea and my friend had swamp water (iced tea and lemonade). Both good. The meal came with cornbread which came out first. It was moist and delicious and I could have eaten three pieces. My friend ordered the bar-b-que chicken with two sides (lima beans and collard greens). I ordered a side of ribs and squash casserole and we just shared everything. I am not sure what prompted me to order ribs, because I am not a big fan of ribs, but oh man, were they ever awesome. I would order the ribs again. They were so meaty and succulent and flavorful. I would order all of it again. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable and the server was a super sweetheart of a young woman. And we ordered a desert sampler to go. It was a peach cobbler and a sweet potato pie. We ate them in our tent a few hours later, since we were too full to fully enjoy them at the restaurant. If you are in Beaufort area or heading in or out of Hunting Island you should definitely check this place out. Delicious food with great culture and history. read more

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Wow, what were they thinking. Food was lack luster in all aspects. Room was freezing. Waited an hour for food. I m leaning towards it's a low country thing, no hurry at all. Ribs might have been acceptable if they were actually warmed up. Dodd not have the heart to tell them ribs cold, Mac and cheese was absolutely horrible. Not sure what it was. Soup was good and hot since I told them, make sure it's HOT! read more

This was the perfect lunch to have in beaufort. Just delicious food all around and very relaxing atmosphere. When you first walk in its a little daunting because it's a badly renovated house to restaurant with very minimum when it comes to decor. There was one waiter for the whole place so as it was filling up the service got a little slow but not bad enough to think about where is my waiter. We started off with some corn bread. I rode deed sweet tea and the bf got the pond water (half sweet tea half lemonade). The corn bread was perfectly salty and buttery I just wanted more. I just heard great reviews about the she crab soup so we tried that. It was delicious and creamy and perfectly balanced with a nice fresh fish taste. I got fried fish Mac and cheese and the bf got BBQ ribs and Mac and cheese. He ended up loving my fish and I loved his ribs more. The chef even came by and said if the ribs were too dry to let him know and he will grab a new batch. Overall all delicious and I wish there could be somewhere nearby this yummy. read more

Gullah Grub - Delicious fried fish with Mac n cheese. - Barbeque Near Me - Saint Helena Island, South Carolina

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As with most places, I believe your preconceived notion has a lot to do with your experience. With that said, my family had little expectation but to experience gullah food and culture. The building was like most in Beaufort, old and run down - inside and out. We didn't really mind. The service was very slow but we were in no hurry, I would advise the staff to at least bring waters or drinks prior to cornbread. Sadly, our food had been microwaved. The BBQ Chicken has good flavor but there were very hot and completely cold spots inside the meat. I had so hoped to be able to give a great review for this local place that the chef has been doing this for 15 years. read more

Stale dining room air, limited menu, sullen waitress, "Large" gumbo costs $12.95 and is actually a "cup" of gumbo that tastes like it could be Cambell's. read more

Hello I saw your restaurant on an episode of High On The Hog. I decided the next time I visited Charleston I would come check it out. Needless to say I was very underwhelmed. No one greeted is when enter your establishment. We seated ourselves I had actually stop a waiter and ask foe a menu and after another 20mins of no one still not coming to take Lou order had to ask for some to come thanks our order. The restaurant only had three others parties and my party in the entire. It took us an hour plus to receive our food. What happen to the southern hospitality, great customer services & good food that I was presented with on High On The Hog. Truly Disappointed read more

If I could give this place a rating worse than zero I would. Only had a slice of sweet potato pie, and it was horrible. How in the hell can you screw up sweet potato pie in South. Tasted like burnt cinnamon, it looked burnt, did not taste any potato. After I paid. Looked in kitchen, and dirty pots and pans were piled in sink, one pan looked as though it had been there for days. If health department inspector was there for lunch, they would have closed the place. Would not recommend this place to an alien. read more