
Lee's Inlet Kitchen
A Murrells Inlet landmark since 1948, this family-owned gem serves exceptional Southern seafood with a side of history and hospitality.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Lee's Inlet Kitchen

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Murrells Inlet landmark since 1948, this family-owned gem serves exceptional Southern seafood with a side of history and hospitality.
"Experience the freshest seafood and iconic dishes at this beloved South Carolina institution."
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Avoid long waits by visiting during off-peak hours for a more relaxed dining experience.
Try Recommended Dishes
Opt for signature dishes like the Fillet of Flounder or Grilled and Fried Platters for a consistently satisfying meal.

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

Award-Winning She Crab Soup
Indulge in the rich, creamy, and award-winning She Crab Soup, a must-try starter that many diners rave about.

Generations of Seafood Excellence
Experience over 75 years of family-owned tradition serving fresh, perfectly prepared Southern seafood favorites.

Iconic Hush Puppies
Savor delightful, homemade hush puppies served with honey butter, a beloved classic that keeps patrons returning.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Avoid long waits by visiting during off-peak hours for a more relaxed dining experience.
Try Recommended Dishes
Opt for signature dishes like the Fillet of Flounder or Grilled and Fried Platters for a consistently satisfying meal.
Ask for Top Servers
Request exceptional servers like Cain for personalized attention and an elevated dining experience.
Happy Hour Deals
Enjoy drink and food specials during Happy Hour, Monday-Friday from 4:30-7:00 p.m.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Avoid long waits by visiting during off-peak hours for a more relaxed dining experience.
Try Recommended Dishes
Opt for signature dishes like the Fillet of Flounder or Grilled and Fried Platters for a consistently satisfying meal.
Ask for Top Servers
Request exceptional servers like Cain for personalized attention and an elevated dining experience.
Happy Hour Deals
Enjoy drink and food specials during Happy Hour, Monday-Friday from 4:30-7:00 p.m.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lee's Inlet Kitchen is celebrated for its long history and fresh seafood, particularly its award-winning She Crab Soup and famous hush puppies. While many praise the quality and preparation of their dishes, some recent reviews mention concerns about smaller portions and increased prices, with a few diners expressing disappointment with menu changes and specific seafood preparations. The atmosphere and attentive service from some staff are often highlighted as positives.
"It’s always a pleasure drinking and dining at the bar! Brena is an amazing bartender and very attentive. She makes the BEST martinis (a dirty martini and espresso martini are my favs)!"
Nicole Schubert
"We started with a Maker’s Mark Manhattan for $12. The Hush Puppys with honey butter were delightful. We both ordered the Fillet of Flounder ($20.95) from the Early Lite Menu, and it was the perfect size, one filet with salad or Cole slaw and we opted for the upgraded baked potato for an additional $1.95. The fish was perfectly cooked and delicious, and the baked potato was done. The house Chardonnay was $6.95. Candice G. was helpful and attentive."
OldBoyScoutFox
"Stepping into the doors of this historic establishment is like wondering into a culinary utopia. They serve local seafood with traditional recipes passed down over the decades. 4th generation restauranteurs with a passion for incredible service and a welcoming family atmosphere featuring changing tables in 2 of the 3 bathrooms. I first ate here as a toddler and my family's future generations will dine here long after I'm gone."
ECH
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Lee's Inlet Kitchen has been family-owned and operated since its opening in 1948, maintaining a tradition of quality and hospitality.
Diners highly recommend the award-winning She Crab Soup, homemade hush puppies with honey butter, and the fresh seafood platters like the Fillet of Flounder or Grilled and Fried Platters.
Yes, Lee's Inlet Kitchen hosts a Happy Hour Monday-Friday from 4:30-7:00 p.m. with specials on drinks and select appetizers.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, with happy hour specials available on weekdays. Specific closing times vary.
Yes, Lee's Inlet Kitchen offers dedicated Kid's Menus and Senior Citizen Menus with special pricing and selections.
Traditionally, hush puppies were refilled without charge. However, some recent reviews indicate there may now be a charge for refills.
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Up the Creek : Fishing and feasting in Murrells Inlet 80 miles north of Charleston
There’s still the Lee’s Inlet Kitchen (in the same family since 1948) with its glowing sign and full parking lot; the century-old Oliver’s Lodge restaurant (the original waterfront house is from the 1860s); and the best bar, Russell’s, is still owned by a Vereen, which is one of the oldest families in Murrells Inlet. Russell Vereen is known to buy up old signs from the Inlet to save them from certain trash. He pointed at one on the wall of the barn behind his restaurant, a large “Welcome to Murrells Inlet—S.C. Seafood Capital” sign that he said had been cracked into several pieces by a runaway car.
Reviews 10 best seafood in Murrells Inlet
Lee’s Inlet Kitchen, a Murrells Inlet landmark since 1948, continues to stand the test of time as a culinary gem that captivates both locals and visitors alike. With a rich history of family ownership and operation, this seafood haven is a testament to the notion that when you do something right, it becomes a tradition. The seafood at Lee’s Inlet Kitchen is nothing short of exceptional, as echoed by multiple patrons who raved about the freshness and perfect preparation.
Restaurants with Happy Hour
Located in Murrells Inlet, Lee’s Inlet Kitchen hosts a Happy Hour Monday-Friday from 4:30-7:00 p.m. Drink specials include $2 domestic drafts, $3 Sam Adams drafts, $2 domestic bottles, $3 house wine, and $3 house vodka. There are also food specials, which include the following items: shrimp cocktail, fried shrimp, fried softshell crab, chicken fingers, cheese sticks, onion rings, french fries, clam chowder, and shrimp creole.
Top 10 Restaurants in Murrells Inlet
Address: 4460 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, United States. Voted one of the top ten seafood restaurants in South Carolina by Southern Living Magazine, This spectacular eatery has been operated and owned by the same family since the beginning. At Lee’s Inlet Kitchen, you can experience a unique dining experience that features exquisite seafood specialties, homemade soups, salads, large platters, and delectable sides.
Neptune Bistro and Raw Bar Make Murrell’s Inlet Even More Mouthwatering.
Voted best seafood restaurant in South Carolina 2023 by Southern Living Magazine, Lee’s inlet Kitchen is an oceanside institution that’s been serving up some of the freshest, tastiest seafood on the Grand Strand for over 75 years. So you know they’re doing something right. Many of the recipes like the Shrimp Salad and famous Onion Rings have been handed down from generation to generation.
Murrells Inlet's Best Restaurants: Restaurants in Myrtle Beach
One of the first restaurants to open in Murrells Inlet remains one of the best. In fact, Lee's Inlet Kitchen has been named one of the top 10 seafood restaurants in South Carolina by Southern Living Magazine, and for good reason. Opened in 1948, Lee's Inlet Kitchen tempted visitors to drive the extra mile for fresh seafood served with Southern hospitality.
Best seafood restaurants in Murrells Inlet SC | MyrtleBeachLife.com | Myrtle Beach Life
Owned and operated in Murrells Inlet by the same family since 1948, Lee’s Inlet Kitchen has some of the freshest and most bountiful seafood platters around. Southern Living Magazine has named them a Top 10 South Carolina Seafood Restaurant. 4460 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet; (843) 651-2881; LeesInletKitchen.com
Murrells Inlet Restaurants - Seafood Restaurants In SC
Recently awarded by Southern Living Magazine, Lee’s Inlet Kitchen has been a local favorite, family owned restaurant since 1948. Many of the recipes used such as Shrimp Salad and Creole, Tartar and Cocktail Sauces, Corndodgers and famous onion rings have been handed down through several generations.
8 Best Restaurants in Murrells Inlet, SC (in 2024)
Lee’s Inlet Kitchen is one of those rare restaurants that give you a glimpse of local history. They have been serving the people of Murrells Inlet for over 70 years. What’s even better is they are still owned and operated by the original family since their birth.
The Massive Gift Shop In South Carolina That Takes Nearly All Day To Explore
And for a delicious lunch or dinner after shopping, head over to Lee’s Inlet Kitchen, a restaurant loaded with local history and delicious seafood. It would be a shame to be in the seafood capital of South Carolina and not have any seafood while there!
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Lee’s Inlet Kitchen has plenty of house specialties and features crab soup, a South Carolina staple. According to Barry Brown, even those who love seafood will be able to find something on the menu here.
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With a 68-year history, this exceptional and distinct restaurant, a Murrels Inlet institution, offers a friendly themed environment in which to enjoy a delightful seafood and grilled menu.
Best Seafood in Murrells Inlet, SC: 11 Top Places! (2025)
4460 US-17 BUSMurrells Inlet, SC 29576(843) 651-2881 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Lee’s Inlet Kitchen has been serving Southern seafood favorites since 1948.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit