
Saltwater Cowboys
A vibrant waterfront eatery on Shem Creek, serving up smoked BBQ, fresh seafood, and great drinks with a view.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Saltwater Cowboys

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant waterfront eatery on Shem Creek, serving up smoked BBQ, fresh seafood, and great drinks with a view.
"The best part are the views of the waterway, docks, and boats. Very picturesque!"
Avoid Long Waits
Visit for lunch or early dinner to skip the peak crowds and long waits.
Outdoor Dining Tips
Bring insect repellent for sand fleas if dining outside, and opt for earlier meals.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American, Seafood, Barbecue
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stunning Waterfront Views
Dine with breathtaking views of Shem Creek, watching shrimp boats and sunsets.

Signature Trash Can Nachos
Indulge in a towering pile of colorful chips loaded with savory pulled pork, brisket, and cheese.

Live Music & Lively Atmosphere
Enjoy live performances that enhance the vibrant, laid-back atmosphere by the water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Avoid Long Waits
Visit for lunch or early dinner to skip the peak crowds and long waits.
Outdoor Dining Tips
Bring insect repellent for sand fleas if dining outside, and opt for earlier meals.
Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friend along for a special treat; they even offer custom dog treats.
Consider Seating Needs
If stairs are an issue, request seating on the lower levels of the restaurant.
Tips
from all over the internet
Avoid Long Waits
Visit for lunch or early dinner to skip the peak crowds and long waits.
Outdoor Dining Tips
Bring insect repellent for sand fleas if dining outside, and opt for earlier meals.
Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friend along for a special treat; they even offer custom dog treats.
Consider Seating Needs
If stairs are an issue, request seating on the lower levels of the restaurant.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Saltwater Cowboys is celebrated for its stunning waterfront views and lively atmosphere, often enhanced by live music. While many rave about signature dishes like the trash can nachos and fresh seafood, some find the food to be more bar-style than fine dining and occasionally mention inconsistencies. Service is frequently highlighted as a strong point, with attentive staff and managers contributing to a positive experience for many.
"We found this place on our last night in town and it was perfect! The atmosphere was amazing with love music and being able to look out over the water. The food was fantastic, drinks were great and the staff was very friendly! There were several spots to watch the sunset over the water which made for a great last night in town!"
Tahra Williams
"Stopped for lunch at Saltwater Cowboys while visiting Charleston. The service was lackluster and slow. The restaurant was expectedly very warm due to the hot day, but tolerable. The best part of our visit was the FOOD!!! Everything we tried was DELICIOUS! Kudos to the kitchen for knocking it out if the park on a hot summer day! Overall we would certainly recommend Saltwater Cowboys, and will be returning ourselves soon."
SharkMan
"Went here after a kayaking tour and this place was the highlight of our trip! First of all the view of the water is stunning! We saw so many dolphins while we were eating! I had the BEST trash can nachos of my life. Get the smoked turkey it was so juicy and flavorful. Their sweet tea was also one of the best we tried all trip! I also got the chopped salad with shrimp and it was just enough food to split with my mom. Our waiter was wonderful! I give this place 10/10!"
Miranda Panda
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Trash Can Nachos are a legendary favorite, often praised for their generous toppings. Smoked meats and fresh seafood like fried grouper fingers are also highly recommended.
Yes, Saltwater Cowboys is dog-friendly and even offers custom treats for your canine companions.
Yes, live music performances are a regular feature, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere, especially during evenings.
To avoid long waits, it's recommended to visit for lunch or an early dinner, especially on weekdays.
Yes, there is ample outdoor and waterfront seating available, perfect for enjoying the views. Be prepared for potential sand fleas and consider bringing repellent.
While parking is available nearby, there may be a service fee to cover property expenses, which is added to the bill.
The restaurant offers stunning waterfront views of Shem Creek, including picturesque scenes of boats and sunsets.
Mentioned in
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Vibes: Wear comfortable shoes and be patient, there can be a wait When to go: Go for lunch or an early dinner Who to bring: Your dog for some custom dog treats What to order: Get the onion rings, fried grouper fingers, or the barbecue, but don’t skimp on the sides. Order a beer or a creek cocktail and watch the shrimp boats. [content-1] [embed-1]
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Saltwater Cowboys is the newest restaurant across the Charleston harbor, located on Shem Creek in Mt. Pleasant. Quickly gaining a reputation for slow smoked BBQ and fresh seafood delivered right off the fishing trawlers located next door, this venue offers both indoor and waterfront seating. The wait for a table here can be a bit long, but you can relax at one of the 2 outside bars while enjoying an ice-cold beverage.
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You may be battling a crowd of youngsters at Saltwater Cowboys during the summer, but you surely won’t mind after a frozen painkiller or two. This is the place to be for summertime day drinking thanks to its waterfront location along Shem Creek. It’s dining with a side of entertainment when the boats start coming in, you’ll enjoy watching everything from shrimpers to sunburnt partiers make their way in.
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Saltwater Cowboys offers a diverse variety of dishes, but some of our favorites include the Ahi Tuna Poke, Fish Tacos and delicious appetizers like Pickled Fried Okra. The drinks menu is extensive here too, but what they’re really known for is the variety of smoked meats on offer. However while the food is superb, what we really love about this place is the view.
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Nestled on Shem Creek is Saltwater Cowboys, a favorite restaurant among locals looking for a waterfront dining experience. When arriving by boat, enter the creek, and the restaurant is the first restaurant on the right. Patrons of this restaurant can enjoy everything from fantastic water views to locally sourced seafood and live music to a wonderful atmosphere.
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Another excellent choice is Saltwater Cowboys, where diners can enjoy a Southern menu with fresh seafood options. Offering both indoor and outdoor dining, the atmosphere is welcoming and provides beautiful views. These restaurants not only elevate the dining experience but also emphasize local ingredients, bringing a taste of the South to the table.
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It may depend on how your week has been, but If it was a rough week and a cocktail is the first thing on your mind, head over to Saltwater Cowboys. Mingle with locals on their waterfront deck while listening to live music and enjoy one (or a few, no judgement here) of their many famous cocktails. Trust us, they have quite a few to choose from!
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The rooftop at Saltwater Cowboys is home to some of the best views of Shem Creek, especially at sunset. Their cocktails are made for summertime with refreshing flavors and a few frozen options. They have added a Gazebo bar in order to keep up with the summer crowds and so more people can enjoy the views with a cocktail in hand.
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Nestled along the banks of Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, Saltwater Cowboys offers a rustic waterfront dining experience with a focus on Lowcountry cuisine and Southern hospitality. Diners can enjoy views of the marshlands and passing shrimp boats while feasting on dishes like shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes.
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Settle into a table on the deck at Saltwater Cowboys for a boozy frozen lemonade and fried local shrimp (don't sleep on the Trash Can Nachos, either); and bring your pup—they have a dog-friendly menu for the four-legged set. Or you can pull up to Water's Edge Restaurant by boat and grab a drink at their Cabana Bar.
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Saltwater Cowboys is in a different spot from the standard downtown Charleston locations. It is in Mount Pleasant on Shem Creek, one of the best spots in the city area. This restaurant and bar have a large deck area on the first floor then you can move up to their rooftop to enjoy amazing views of Shem Creek.
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Because they are situated at the mouth of the creek, your view isn’t blocked by any other restaurants. They have a large, outdoor deck as well as a small rooftop you are allowed to bring your drinks to for an even better view. Their cuisine is best described as Southern, and the portions are big.
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This iconic joint is located in the heart of Shem Creek and is a local weekend favorite!. If the weather is nice, you can guarantee that Saltwater Cowboys will be packed!. But not to fear, the outside walk-up bar makes it easy to grab a drink and enjoy the view without having to wait for a table.
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Saltwater Cowboys on Shem Creek is awesome if you want something a little more casual. You've got people who are straight off the boat from their beach day. So you could be super casual, enjoy water views of Shem Creek and the harbor and Crab Bank island, the shrimp boats lining Shem Creek.
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Despite the name, there’s nothing garbage about Saltwater Cowboys’ trash can nachos. Watch as the server pours your nachos (with all the fixings of course) onto the plate and drizzles the queso cheese on top. Add on pulled pork, smoked turkey, or smoked chicken for a little something extra!
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Saltwater Cowboys – With delicious BBQ, local seafood, and unbeatable waterfront views, Saltwater Cowboys has it all. It’s one of the busiest Shem Creek bars, so arrive right at 11:00 am to snag a table. Their frozen drinks are a hit, and the upstairs deck stays lively all afternoon.
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Depending on your livestock, you may not need this wavemaker. But some corals like a bit higher flow rates, so if you find you just aren’t getting enough umph from the included DC return pump, give this wavemaker a try. It’s super budget friendly and will do the job just fine!
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When I have visitors in Charleston this is always a must-visit. Saltwater has one of the best day drinking scenes in Charleston. It has a huge outdoor deck right on the water, and is a popular spot for boaters to pull up to and enjoy a cocktail or two.
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Head over to this lively spot on Shem Creek for endless outdoor, waterfront seating, delicious cocktails, and good vibes. With a sprawling deck, fun music, and generous drink menu, it’s nearly impossible to leave without a smile and full belly.
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Saltwater Cowboys serves up everything from ahi tuna poke to pickled fried okra on this eclectic menu. Barbeque, seafood, and top-shelf cocktails will satisfy your taste buds as you look out across Shem Creek, emptying into Charleston Harbor.
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Having opened its doors in 2017, Saltwater Cowboys is the new kid on the Creek. The delectable seafood and BBQ offerings are making some noise in Shem Creek’s food scene. Right off the bat, the casual atmosphere will make you feel at home.
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Their menu features starters like Ahi Tuna Poke, Smoked Wings, and Fried Grouper Fingers. Entrees include House Smoked BBQ, Fried Seafood, Burgers and Sandwiches. Saltwater Cowboys full bar includes beer, wine, cocktails, and frozen drinks.
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Short Description:These popular waterfront restaurants serve up fresh, local seafood with views of Shem Creek. Whether you’re in the mood for shrimp, oysters, or fish, these spots have something for everyone.
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There was a little bit of a wait though, this place is crazy popular. However, I will say if you sit outside, it is LOUD. They have a DJ going and a dance floor too so just know that ahead of time.
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Location is paramount when you’re imbibing outdoors, and the bar at Saltwater Cowboys offers stunning views of Shem Creek paired with salty air, a casual atmosphere and a long list of local beers.
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Fresh local seafood and smoked barbecue with views of Shem Creek make this a great spot for lunch, happy hour or event Sunday brunch. Open daily for lunch and dinner, with happy hour from 4-7 p.m.
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Overlooking Shem Creek, Saltwater Cowboys is a staple social spot in Mount Pleasant. With special events happening nearly every day, you will be sure to get your fill of food and fun!
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This casual dining spot on Shem Creek is known for its local seafood and BBQ. Saltwater Cowboys is a great place to dock your boat and enjoy a meal with friends in a vibrant setting.
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Establised in 2017-Saltwater Cowboy prides itself on being Shem Creek's finest. With a passion for delectable local seafood & BBQ to boast about, SWC is sure to please any palate.
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For lunch we pulled up in the boat to Saltwater Cowboys on Shem Creek, one of my favorite places near Charleston. First of all, I love the name. The atmosphere is just as fun.
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Whether you’re craving local seafood or savory barbecue, Saltwater Cowboys has something to please any palette. The menu is comprised of fresh, local, and housemade options.
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The menu could use an update because it’s unclear what gluten-free is, but staff double-checked what was. I ordered pulled pork, fries, cucumber tomato salad, and wings!
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* Located a stone’s throw from the water, Saltwater Cowboys is a good-time joint offering seafood, barbecue, drinks, and an hour or two of happiness.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit