Beaufort, South Carolina’s Queen Street Restaurant That Defines Local Dining
Hidden along Queen Street in Beaufort, South Carolina, a local dining gem, Beaufort Grocery Co., has been capturing the hearts and appetites of visitors for over three decades.
Just steps away from Blackbeard’s rumored hideout, this converted grocery store has transformed into the town’s most beloved culinary destination.
The restaurant combines coastal charm with mouthwatering seafood dishes that keep tables filled year-round.
1. The Hot Carolina Crab Dip
The restaurant’s signature Hot Carolina Crab Dip combines creamy cheese, Old Bay seasoning, and lump crab into a bubbling appetizer served with grilled pita and homemade lavash crackers.
The portion serves two to three as an appetizer or functions as a standalone entrée for those who can’t resist the combination. This single dish has achieved enough local fame that visitors plan entire Beaufort trips around securing a table.
2. Inside the Historic Space
Timbered walls, soaring ceilings, and artwork from local artists fill the dining room, while a shimmering dessert case greets arrivals near the entrance.
The open layout creates constant movement as staff and diners navigate between tables, with additional seating available on a shaded back patio and at the bar area. The converted grocery store retains character from its original purpose while functioning as a full-service restaurant.
3. Beyond the Famous Dip
Flaming saganaki cheese served with homemade bread offers another popular starter option. The Sonnamabeach sandwich comes with Carolina caviar or potato salad at lunch, while dinner features smoked sea salt seared tuna among the mains.
The chocolate peanut butter torte leads the homemade dessert selection, though the full case offers multiple options worth consideration.
4. The Beaufort Context
Beaufort’s Crystal Coast location provides access to Cape Lookout National Seashore for shell collecting and Shackleford Banks for spotting wild Banker ponies.
The historic harbor filled with sailboats and yachts creates scenic backdrops, while the town’s pirate history adds cultural interest.
After dining, visitors can browse downtown shops, take the ferry to nearby islands, or visit the Old Burying Ground cemetery, which dates back over 300 years and includes Revolutionary War heroes among its interments.
5. Making Reservations
The restaurant serves brunch, lunch, and dinner with varying menus, though the crab dip remains a constant offering across service times.
Given the restaurant’s popularity with both locals and tourists, advance reservations prevent disappointment, particularly during peak summer months when Crystal Coast tourism increases. The location at Queen Street in Beaufort’s historical core makes it easily accessible from most town attractions and accommodations.
