We were so excited to see a new restaurant open up on Lady's Island. The place is small and the main focal point is the open kitchen. A fun concept, but the view from the bar stools was kind of sad. It was quite a bare bones prep and cook area. Nothing attractive about it. By all means, though, not a deal breaker. Folks can sit at the handful of tables or even eat outside in the courtyard. The service was pleasant and courteous but if pressed for time, it may not be the ideal lunch place. We waited over a half hour for a sandwich and fried shrimp. Not sure if they had a lot of to go orders or what, as the restaurant was not crowded yet the line cook kept cranking out the days special - lobster grilled cheese. Even when our order was finally called out, nothing was started immediately. Thankfully, we had the time. When our food was served, I noticed that the kitchen cut the local shrimp in a way that stopped them from curling so they kind of resembled the French fries. Curl or no curl, local fresh shrimp was what we were craving so the shape was inconsequential in the end. Unfortunately, though, there was too much not particularly tasty breading, which masked the flavor of the delicate shrimp. Another shortcoming was the heavy hand with the salt which robbed the taste buds of any sweetness from the crustaceans. A dunk in the cocktail sauce didn't help. We prefer a predominant horseradish punch not a sugar one. Considering this is a Japanese style eatery, I expected the shrimp to be prepared in more of a tempura style, with a light and shatteringly crispy crust. The house made fries were very good, dark, crunchy, with lots of potato flavor. The big cuts of cabbage in the coleslaw were a bit hard to eat. The slaw was very creamy but had a predominant taste of sesame oil. It needed more zing. The $26 price tag was too steep for the lobster roll, as it just didn't have enough meat to deliver the quintessential experience of indulging in big chunks of tail, often whole claw meat, and knuckle. We lived in New England and traveled the area extensively. Lobster rolls were everywhere, even McDonald's offered its own version. Locals' roll had good, fresh lemony flavor, but it ate wet which caused puddling on the plate and made the uncharacteristically not buttered bun get a bit mushy. My husband and I split the sandwich and I still left some bread on the plate because it was void of any filling. The sandwich was accompanied by a small Caesar salad which was well dressed, and was sprinkled with rice pearls. I'm all for anchovies in the dressing, but this just had too much of a fish forward flavor. The beauty of this salad is the flavor that results in the sum of its parts - all the ingredients working together, without one blasting out another. I just didn't care for Local's Raw Bar's version of this preparation. Even with the shortcomings we experienced during our visit, we won't hesitate to go back and give it another go. Maybe we chose the wrong items, maybe the staff had an off day, maybe it all came down to personal preference with our meals. Hard to tell. We were asked how are food was several times, and my answer was "good". Which was honest. I wasn't about to bring up the particulars I listed here of course, because again, it could have just been our personal taste preferences. read more

Locals Raw Bar - Lobster roll - too much bread not enough meat. Side Caesar was too fishy. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Beaufort, South Carolina

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Great food, staff , service and atmosphere. Creative dishes. Amazing seafood. Here's to a good sushi bar in Beaufort! Can't wait to return. read more

Sad to say that this is the third time I have been to this restaurant and as I do think the food is quite tasty and will give it good stars It is the 2nd time that I actually brought my partner here for his birthday . I told the person on the phone it was his bday because they asked and thought they would do something nice this time as they forgot the year before . but yet again they "forgot" sad as why bother asking when making the reservation if it is a special occasion if you are not going to at least say Happy birthday . Put us at a table facing the bathroom on top of it . Bummer again . read more

The food, staff and atmosphere were amazing!! Really enjoyed our Holliday tuna sushi roll and Tuna Melt. The quality ingredients warrant the price. Small but incredibly thoughtful wine list. So many places miss the mark on wine.. not here! I also ordered the jalapeño cocktail. Great add for Beaufort! read more

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Holy cow!!! Was not expecting this place to blow my mind. You want fresh HIGH quality food? This is your place. My husband and I shared 3 dishes. The ceaser with lump crab, Cali Roll, and the Mulfado.. each was equally fresh and so filling! Each dish boasted an experience of flavor combinations and a knowledge of how food should be prepared. We can't wait to go back! read more

Service has never been an issue, staff is extremely friendly and professional. Husband loves the Hott food and I go for oysters and sushi. Oysters have always been great quality wise except whoever shucks them... which can ruin the entire meal. I dont want to crack a tooth or worry about what I'm biting into. read more

Enjoyed lunch at Locals Raw bar today. Such a pleasant surprise! Friendly, clean, laid back atmosphere but more impressive was the quality of the food. They have great specials, the menu offers choices for all tastes, and everything is so fresh! I haven't had a meal like this is Beaufort. Please try this place. And, oh, the service was really personal and enjoyable. We'll be heading back for Sunday Brunch! read more

We are staying in Beaufort and went to Locals Raw Bar for Father's Day Brunch. Everything was fresh, inventive and just right. One of our party has a gluten allergy, and Chef and staff made every effort to accommodate. The Dad in the group said the breakfast potatoes are the best he's ever had. Warm, welcoming and with a focus on locally-sourced, it's just the kind of place you want to discover! Definitely worth the visit, and we look forward to returning to explore the menu further. read more

Locals Raw Bar - Nashville Hot Chicken Biscuit, Fuji Bowl, Fries, Pork Belly - Sushi Bars Near Me - Beaufort, South Carolina

The food is awesome. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The kitchen is visible to us customers and we get to see and hear the dance between the executive, sous and sushi chefs. The food is excellent. Their NYE five course menu was outstanding. read more

Cute little place, friendly staff, but we were put off by the smell of old frying oil that hits you as you walk in. The famous lobster rolls may be famous round here, but they are mediocre at best, if you come from the NE. read more

Locals is a phenomenal addition to Beaufort! The space is intimate but very welcoming, with a view to the magic happening in the open kitchen. The service is excellent! All the lovely servers are knowledgeable and so friendly. And the food is exceptional! The menu is eclectic and unique but the ingredients are locally sourced and uber fresh. They also have the best sushi in the area, both in quality and originality. I cannot recommend more highly although I kinda hate sharing this hidden gem so it's not crowded for us locals. But it's just too great a spot to keep to myself. Stop in! You won't regret it and you'll definitely be back. read more

The food is expertly crafted and paired by a true chef with the freshest ingredients. Best sushi I have had in Beaufort, SC and I made the cardinal sin of removing a few things from my dish during my order and the Team nailed it. Highly recommend read more

Locals Raw Bar - Seafood Fried Rice is delicious! Service impeccable and the atmosphere is relaxed like you're with family. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Beaufort, South Carolina

Food is very good. The service & the restaurant is very nice. But... up charge on everything

No hair nets on anyone. The workers fixing the food were wiping their hands on their pants and then touching the food. The girl owner was wiping her hands on her pants and touching food without gloves and with her bare hands. By the heat lamp in the front, she was sprinkling food on a plate and then wiping her hands on her pants. The worker's hair is way too loose and has no sanitation. Reported them to the health department Need to learn food and sanitation rules and try wearing gloves read more

Nice location and bar, food is okay and brought out quickly, drinks were good. However, can always tell when a bartender puts on their blinders and ignores the customer. The good news is another one came along and everything worked out fine. However, will pass and move on. read more

Great find. A coworker and I on business decided to give this place a try. Loved the food and service. Will be back

Food and service were the best I've ever had in either of the Carolina's. Chef Hunter took his fine dining experience to the next level, adding twist of casual/lax environment with a southern hospitality feel. Food is fresh, and service is quick. read more

Food was great! The raw oysters had a wonderful variety from different locations. Great place for brunch. Service was attentive and accommodating for a Sunday. A bit pricey compared to other local restaurants. They've renovated the interior and kept what was great about the old Figi's restaurant. The hibachi bar was welcoming and well ventilated. Great place to take and impress a date! read more

Sooooo happy to have another foodie option here on the island! Solid, imaginative menu with takeout or dine-in options at this tucked away restaurant with a cool trendy vibe. The severs are all friendly and warm. The drinks are strong and inventive. The food is a unique, varied mix of mostly seafood with influences from around the world. My favorite item I've tried is the banh mi without a doubt: pork belly, pâté, fresh veggies and chef magic converge in a tasty soft-on-the-inside-crispy-on-the-outside heavenly roll. And at $18 for the sandwich and fries, it's their most filling item under $20. Some items are hit or miss. The butternut squash bisque was thick to begin with but then poured over a mix of white coconut powder, making it almost too thick and pasty to eat. Cabbage pancake was good but neither the ingredients nor presentation were worth the steep price tag. Tuna fried rice was a plain patty of white rice, fried, with sliced raw tuna on top, not much flavor or substance. Poke bowls are yummy and fresh. Oysters on the half shell are some of the smallest and priciest we've seen around the area but I'll try again on half price oyster night. read more

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We were so excited to try this place. Recommended by an acquaintance. Unfortunately, the food was mediocre at best- the sushi is not real sushi- granted not so bad that the food made me sick, but we will not return. Proper sushi is about how each ingredient is sliced and cut. Not even close to the real thing. Service was okay- they try to give you the worst table with the restaurant being completely empty. The servers need training and an attitude adjustment at minimum. Clean but unimaginative decor. Uncomfortable seats and too-small tables. read more

My husband and I recently celebrated our second anniversary at Locals Raw Bar. We were seated at the VIP table and treated like royalty! What a treat to say the least. We were treated to some of the best sushi we've had anywhere! A party in the mouth! Fantastic drinks, service and an all around great time! CAN NOT WAIT TO GO BACK!! read more

Went here while visiting our son and daughter from out of town. They'd not been but had heard good things. We walked up and discovered it was sold out with a 35 min wait. We got drinkks and sat out in the rain for 5-10 minutes when door sears in front of the sushi chef opened up. The food was AMAZING! Piper's service was fun, but the highlight was talking to Chef Hunter and his sushi chef wife (dammit, don't remember her name, but she had to go #2). Highly recommend those four seats. All six dishes we had were absolutely the best. read more

My husband, step son and I went in last night for the first time after rave reviews from friends. It did not disappoint! We did sushi and drinks and found the atmosphere, food and service to be beyond compare. Chef Hunter and his team were engaging and super knowledgeable. We will be back and look forward to trying their lunch menu! read more

Just finished dinner and wow do I have a story for you. We ordered drinks (which was very light on the pour) and my appetizer came out nice and hot, which was the only pleasant item of the entire meal experience. I ordered sushi, and they ask if I wanted "wasabi root" as a side. I said sure! I've never heard of that but I assumed it was just normal wasabi that comes with sushi. Oh no....... Was I mistaken. We get our bill and they charge us $15 DOLLARS for a millimeter sized dollop of wasabi. Even better - we flag down the owner and she had NO remorse. We said you need to let your customers know that is an extra price and she said "noted, will do". That is so rude and we couldn't wait to get out of here. If you want to pay an expensive price for an entree I'd recommend going into Beaufort. Thanks but no thanks. read more

This is my second time at this restaurant. I'd go every week if I lived closer. Last week we had the Nashville hot chicken and of course, the sushi. It was delicious!! I followed Chef Hunter from Herons in Cary NC. The only 5 star restaurant in the Raleigh area that I know of. He has brought his expert cooking and plating skills to his own restaurant in Beaufort SC. I think the sushi is the freshest I've ever had. Chef Hunter and his wife Jessie have really done a great job with the open kitchen concept, great service and excellent food and cocktails. This will be my go to restaurant when I'm in the area! Looking forward to enjoying the outdoor seating this spring and summer. read more

Absolutely perfect. Cute restaurant with really personal and genuine service. Every ingredient was locally sourced and fresh. Best sashimi our party had ever tasted. Relatively new, and I wish them nothing but success. 100% necessity to try. read more

The food was amazing, but don't trust your waitress. My total bill was 32.36. I left a cash tip and wrote cash on the tip line. I wrote 32.36 for the credit card total. I checked my credit card statement, and was billed $38.36. The food was delicious, but don't trust your waitress if you pay with a credit card. read more

This place is amazing! The food presentation and creativity is impressive, quality impeccable and freaking delicious!! A real hidden gym in the SC historic low country. I live in Annapolis MD and will make a special trip to dine here next time I'm in the area! read more

AMAZING!!!!! This place is flat out my favorite place to eat. The food is ALWAYS on point and the staff/service is 5 Star.

What an incredible experience. The food was absolutely spectacular. The front of house staff was very pleasant and attentive. Locals Raw Bar was one of the best restaurant experiences I've ever had. I will definitely be returning anytime I'm in the low country. read more