Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar

In 1988, 21-year-old Tradd Newton pointed to the dilapidated waterfront structure and said to his mother, "One day, I'm going to put something in that building." Call it a premonition or youthful willpower, but in 2004, Tradd and his wife, Weesie, opened Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar. 

Aside from its sweeping harbor views, the eatery offers the freshest seafood with a side of history. 

The U.S. Navy built the 6,000-square-foot building in 1942 as a debarkation point for sailors. Constructed of concrete, the hurricane-proof building sat empty after the war until the 1960s, when the South Carolina Port Authority acquired it for storage. 

We fast-forward past Tradd's 1988 vow to his mom to 2003, when he and Weesie took ownership of the concrete facility. With the help of Charleston architect Reggie Gibson, they revitalized the historical building, honoring its naval past while making it comfortable and inviting for diners. 

Its waterfront location puts it close to other popular attractions, making it easy to create a fun-filled sightseeing itinerary. Next door is Waterfront Park, while only a block away is the Charleston City Market and Charleston Harbor Tours. 

Adding this iconic restaurant to your Charleston to-do list is a no-brainer, thanks to its savory seafood and waterfront views.

Vibe

Pull up to the building, and you'll admire the renovation that has preserved its Navy history while adding contemporary flair. Era-period lights hang near the roofline, crisp lettering reminiscent of the 1940s is the signage, while modern string lights beneath the overhang connect the past to the present.    

Inside, the concrete decor features tasteful, subtle nautical themes. One wall features vintage orange life preservers like tile for a mosaic look, while the metal chairs are throwbacks to the ones sailors used years ago. 

The renovated bar is long and has classic diner-style barstools for those who prefer a casual dining experience. Dotting the concrete floor are various seating options, while the outdoor wraparound deck offers umbrella-covered tables. 

But the memory-maker for any dining experience is the floor-to-ceiling windows. Aside from letting sunlight flood the room, they offer unobscured views of the harbor, boats, and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. 

Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar: Menu & Drinks

With lunch, dinner, and Happy Hour menus, we'd be hard-pressed to list all the go-tos you need to try. So we'll highlight popular picks from each to give you an idea of what to expect. 

A starter that shines on all the menus is the She-Crab Soup. This regional favorite showcases local blue crab roe with a signature splash of sherry. It's a creamy, rich beginning that sets the stage for the main course.  

Another appetizer available whenever you dine is the Signature Stuffed Hush Puppies. This Southern staple takes a creative twist with a stuffing of velouté of lobster, shrimp, leeks, and corn. The Creole tomato sauce adds the right amount of heat.

The Fried Shrimp Platter is another standout; reviewers describe the shrimp as expertly fried, crisp, and flavorful. This classic dish comes with fries and tangy coleslaw for a straightforward, satisfying meal. 

Seafood lovers will delight in the lunch and dinner raw bar choices and the noteworthy Seafood Tower. This meal serves 2 to 4 guests and features split cold-water lobster tails, snow crab claws, oysters, and shrimp cocktail. As if that's not enough, you get your choice of smoked fish dip or crab dip and ceviche or tartare.

Land lovers aren't left high and dry, but have salads, steaks, and chicken entrees to choose from. 

Drinks at Fleet Landing match the menu's fresh approach. When the weather is steamy, cool off with the Charleston Sunset. The craft cocktail has Tito's Handmade Vodka, Admiral Nelson Coconut Rum, peach schnapps, and orange, pineapple, and cranberry juices. The wine and beer lists are impressive and pair well with anything on the menu.

Sail away at Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar to savor Lowcountry fare done right. Fresh flavors, historic vibe, and waterfront views make for a meal that lives up to Charleston's vibrant reputation.