Saltwater Cowboys
1 / 10

Saltwater Cowboys

4.6
·491k reviews·,

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Saltwater Cowboys

Saltwater Cowboys

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The best part are the views of the waterway, docks, and boats. Very picturesque!"

TIP

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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Thursday 11AM

Cuisine

American, Seafood, Barbecue

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(843) 856-0700

Address

130 Mill St, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stunning Waterfront Views

Stunning Waterfront Views

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

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Signature Trash Can Nachos

Signature Trash Can Nachos

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

TikTokShortlist: 11 Exceptional Shem Creek Restaurants That Locals Love!+3
Live Music & Lively Atmosphere

Live Music & Lively Atmosphere

Enjoy live performances that enhance the vibrant, laid-back atmosphere by the water.

5 Best Charleston, SC Restaurants on the Water to Get to By BoatExploring Shem Creek | Boats, Bars & Restaurants in Mt. PleasantGoogle Review+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Cute dinner spot on the water ☺️☺️ #charleston #charlestonrecs #saltwatercowboys #dinner #shemcreek
@whereislaineemackk
19.7K likes • 247.9K views

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.

& has a view of an outer Banks filming location✨ #saltwatercowboys#charlestonsc#charlestonsouthcarolina#thingstodoincharleston#charlestonfoodie @Saltwater Cowboys
@adelemariefdz
80 likes • 1.6K views
just a normal shift @Saltwater Cowboys #obx #outerbanks #fyp #charlestonsc
@samscrzywrld
1.8K likes • 28.9K views

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.

Such an awesome spot on Shem Creek! Definitely check out @Saltwater Cowboys 🤍🌾🫶🏼 #charleston #fyp #microinfluencer #brunch #food
@bonnieleigh124
82 likes • 857 views

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Breathtaking water views
Signature trash can nachos
Lively atmosphere with live music

What People Dislike

Food can be inconsistent
Food is more bar-style
Long waits during peak times

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.

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Yes, Saltwater Cowboys is dog-friendly and even offers custom treats for your canine companions.

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Yes, live music performances are a regular feature, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere, especially during evenings.

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To avoid long waits, it's recommended to visit for lunch or an early dinner, especially on weekdays.

15 places to go in Charleston with views of the waterCharleston’s Best Waterfront Restaurants

Yes, there is ample outdoor and waterfront seating available, perfect for enjoying the views. Be prepared for potential sand fleas and consider bringing repellent.

TikTokCharleston’s Best Waterfront RestaurantsBest Local Eats and Drinks in Mt. Pleasant, SC+1

While parking is available nearby, there may be a service fee to cover property expenses, which is added to the bill.

Google Review

The restaurant offers stunning waterfront views of Shem Creek, including picturesque scenes of boats and sunsets.

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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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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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