Looking for the best raw bar in Charleston? You may just find it at 167 Raw, a standout seafood spot located at 193 King Street, right in the heart of the Holy City.
This is where fresh oysters meet great cocktails, and where both locals and travellers pull up a bar stool for a taste of the coast. Whether you’re hunting for Charleston’s best seafood, a perfectly crafted drink, or a cool, buzzy atmosphere, 167 Raw delivers on all fronts.
Why 167 Raw Charleston Should Be on Your Radar
167 Raw doesn’t shout for attention. It doesn’t need to because everyone else talks about it. Tucked into a stylish, low-lit space on Upper King Street, it’s the kind of place that feels both local and elevated. Marble bar, soft lighting, and an always-packed dining room—it’s a vibe that says you’ve arrived somewhere special without trying too hard.
So we dined here on our first ever night in Charleston, we had to wait for our table but we just grabbed some wine around the corner and they text us when it was ready. We sat at the bar right beside the oyster shuckers, which was great however – due to all of the ice it was pretty cold so just be aware. I think it was the coldest seat in Charleston that night. Nevertheless, we ordered and let the night roll.
Start with the 167 Dirty Martini
Trust me on this one. The 167 Dirty Martini—made with house-brined tequila, Calabrian oil, and served with a chilled oyster on the side—is a Charleston original. It’s salty, smooth, and just the right amount of bold. I’m not sure if it was the atmosphere but I feel like I could have just kept ordering this all night and skipped dinner.
What to Order from the 167 Raw Bar
167 Raw’s seafood selection is the star of the show. We ordered the Raw Bar Sampler for a perfectly chilled spread of:
- Daily oysters
- Jumbo shrimp
- Clammer Dave’s little neck clams
It’s fresh, well-balanced, and served with thoughtful sauces that actually add to the flavor—zesty mignonette, house cocktail sauce, and olive oil that’s shockingly good.
Want something a little richer? Try the Oysters French, served warm with butter and breadcrumbs—decadent but not overdone.
Main Dishes: Classic Favorites, Done Right
If you come hungry, 167 Raw has you covered beyond the raw bar. We ordered a few of their signature mains—and not one missed the mark.
The Tuna Burger is a house classic for a reason. Seared ahi, perfectly rare in the center, topped with crispy onion and a wasabi mayo that doesn’t overpower—it’s the kind of burger that makes you stop talking mid-bite.
The Lobster Roll, served warm with butter, is rich without being heavy. Packed with sweet lobster meat on a toasted split-top bun, it’s simple, well-balanced, and exactly what you want from a seafood spot with this much confidence.
And here’s where the service really stood out: our server noticed my wife and I were sharing everything, so both dishes came beautifully split and plated individually—no extra ask, just thoughtful execution. That little detail said a lot.
We also added a couple tacos—the Fish of the Day and Shrimp Taco. Both were light, fresh, and full of flavor, wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with a tangy slaw. Great as a shared starter or to round out the meal if you’re feeling indecisive.
Caviar Service, Charleston-Style
Yes, you can get caviar in Charleston, and yes, you should… but we didn’t – by this stage we didn’t fancy it but the offering was intriguing to us so it will be put on the list for our next visit.
- The Party (100g with crispy potato waffles, egg, shallot)
- The Classic (28g, same sides, a little less commitment)
- The Bump (15g, served with chips)
This isn’t just a novelty—it’s executed beautifully and feels like a natural part of the experience here. The Bump here we come.
Final Thoughts: Is 167 Raw Worth It?
Absolutely. 167 Raw Oyster Bar is more than a restaurant—it’s a modern Charleston institution. Between the consistently fresh seafood, inventive drinks, and welcoming vibe, it easily earns its spot on any list of the best restaurants in Charleston.
If you’re planning a food-focused trip to Charleston, this is a must-visit but do book ahead or be prepared to wait an hour plus for a table (we were there in the off season). We spoke to some people over the next week who said they think it is over priced, but it is on the fanciest part of town so be prepared to spend a bit on it. We had a gift voucher which helped but honestly the whole meal was worth it.
Quick Info
- 📍 Location: 193 King St, Charleston, SC
- 🕒 Pro Tip: Go early—seats fill fast, especially at the bar
- 🍸 Must-Try: 167 Dirty Martini + Raw Bar Sampler
- ⭐️ Perfect For: Food lovers, date night, out-of-towners looking to eat well
