Small-Town Dining Destination: Georgetown

If you tend to think big when it comes to dining out, it may be time to consider things from a more scaled-down perspective.

While Charleston, Columbia and Greenville enjoy widespread notoriety for their vibrant restaurant scenes, some smaller towns across the state are likewise earning reputations for great dining.

When it comes to Georgetown, the third oldest city in the state, its location on Winyah Bay makes it even more alluring for food adventures. Work in extra time to stroll the Harborwalk, see historical points of interest and experience great shopping in the quaint downtown.

Here are some of Georgetown’s most notable restaurants, from fine dining to casual, each of which are worth a tank of gas and your travel time. If you’re traversing the Intracoastal Waterway, simply boat in and dock along the harbor.

Contact restaurants to confirm hours of operation and docking options, if needed.

Between the Antlers

100 Wood Street
(843) 833-8989

This diamond-in-the-rough overlooks the Sampit River from a bluff called Vinegar Hill—the site of a former federal wharf where George Washington once demonstrated an affinity for rum.

Lowcountry dishes made from indigenous ingredients, like Sea Island peas and Carolina Gold rice, as well as locally sourced seafood define the menu here.

If you appreciate expertly prepared dishes that reflect South Carolina’s culinary heritage, this laid-back, casual spot is a must. Some nights, there’s live music on the outside patio.

Reservations not needed. Serving lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Closed on Monday.

Representative dishes: She crab soup, red rice, perlau fritters

The Independent

615 Front Street
(854) 855-8251

Inside Front Street’s elegant boutique hotel, The George, you’ll find The Independent, a seafood-centric restaurant with upscale cuisine served in stylish surroundings.

An homage to Georgetown’s history as a fishing town, this restaurant offers a coastal-inspired beverage program, raw bar options and some of the finest shrimp and oyster dishes along South Carolina’s waterways.

With Chef Thomas Vance at the kitchen’s helm, you can expect creative, skillfully crafted meals featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

Reservations are recommended. Dinner only. Call for days of operation.

Representative dishes: Blackened flounder with andouille sausage pileau, grilled oysters, flat-iron steak with sweet potato au gratin and Brussels sprouts

Root

919 Front Street
(843) 461-9344

Farm-to-fork American cuisine is what it’s all about at Root. Local produce, local meats and local seafood define the cuisine here.

Located on historic Front Street, this popular restaurant also boasts a robust beverage program. Show up a little early and enjoy a hand-crafted cocktail in the bar before dinner for a special treat.

Dinner only. Reservations accepted. Closed on Wednesdays.

Representative dishes: House-cut steaks, meatballs and polenta, pan-seared duck

River Room

801 Front Street
(843) 527-4110

Since 1984, this dining room has been serving up panoramic river views and fine Southern cuisine.

Fresh seafood dishes are at the heart of the menu, though steak and chicken dishes deserve some respect, too. You’ll love dining amid nautical decor and turn-of-the-century antiques.

No reservations. Serving lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

Representative dishes: McClellanville crab cakes, shrimp and grits, char-grilled ribeye, stuffed chicken