Chubby Fish is the kind of place that doesn’t need hype, but has it anyway. From the line that forms outside before the doors open to the nightly menu scribbled on a chalkboard, it’s equal parts buzz and brilliance.
My wife and I joined the queue at 3:45 PM on a weekday. A full hour and fifteen before bookings even opened. We grabbed a bench and watched the world go by, and by 4:30, that quiet corner of Romney Street had turned into a sidewalk dinner (reservation) party. At least 90 more people lined up behind us by 5 PM. But by then? We already had a table and by 5:20 the que seemed to vanish.
What Makes Chubby Fish So Special?
It’s not just that it’s a no-reservations, chef-driven seafood spot but the energy equal parts casual and electric. And the way the team behind the counter works with focus, fish and fire. It’s the menu that changes daily, based on what’s fresh, what’s local, and what the chefs feel like cooking.
There’s no copy-paste here. Every serving feels personal. We were also sat at the counter so we interacted with the floor team and the oyster shuckers which really did elevate the entire night.
What we ordered at Chubby Fish
The menu at Chubby Fish reads like a dirty holiday DM to seafood with a wild twist of technique, heat, and global flavor. It changes constantly, but if you see these on the board when you visit, order them. No hesitation.
Shucker’s Special Oysters (Dozen #1)
We kicked things off with a dozen of the Shucker’s Special—briny, bright, and ice cold. Served simply with a house mignonette and lemon, they were the perfect start to the night. Clean, fresh, and gone in minutes.
🖤 Caviar Sammich
If Charleston had a seafood love child with a fast-food fish filet, this would be it—but elevated beyond belief. A warm tater roll holds cool crème fraîche and a generous scoop of caviar, creating this perfect high-low bite: soft, salty, creamy, luxurious but somehow playful. It’s the kind of dish that makes you grin after one bite. So so buttery. This is what Chubby Fish does. Possibly our dish of Charleston and maybe so far in 2025!
Grilled Oysters with Crab Fat Curry & Cashews
These oysters come hot off the grill, swimming in a buttery, rich crab fat curry that coats each shell like velvet. Topped with a crunch of cashews, they’re messy, complex, and completely addictive. You might forget you’ve already had raw oysters by the time these got dropped in front of us and you won’t even be mad about it.
Yellowfin Tuna Crudo
Dressed with soy and Thai basil, this crispy crudo is light but layered. Every bite brings that beautiful contrast of clean fish, herby brightness, and a little umami punch from the soy. It’s plated simply, but eats like a showstopper.
And then… we circled back for more oysters.
After our mains and a good long chat with the staff (who clearly love what they do), we noticed the raw bar still stacked with wild oysters—long, almost razor-clam-like shells we hadn’t seen before. So yes, we had a second round of oysters to finish the night. And honestly? It felt full-circle. Salty, cold, and the kind of finale that just made sense.
We paired it all with a local Stories of Sea Captains IPA from Coast Brewing—fresh, crisp, and exactly what seafood wants.
The Vibe: Lively, Local, and Laser-Focused
Everything at Chubby Fish is about intention.
The wine list leans natural. The playlist leans cool. The crowd? It’s a mix of in-the-know locals and travelers who did their homework. The space itself is small and fast-moving, but in the best way, never rushed but full of energy.
It feels like dining with the kitchen, not just near it.
Final Word: Believe the Hype
You don’t come to Chubby Fish for a slow, drawn-out white-tablecloth affair. You come for flavor, creativity, and that rare combo of laid-back atmosphere with next-level execution.
It’s fresh, fiery, and everything Charleston food can be when it’s done with care and curiosity.
Line up early. And yes, it’s worth it!
oh, apparently you can pay some local folk to stand in the line and make your reservation for you…
Quick Info
📍 Location: 252 Coming St, Charleston, SC
🕒 Pro Tip: Line up around 4:00 PM to beat the rush—doors open at 5
🦪 Must-Try: Caviar Sammich, Grilled Oysters with Crab Fat Curry, Yellowfin Crudo, and as many oysters as you can fit
🍺 What to Drink: Stories of Sea Captains IPA (Coast Brewing)
🍸 Before or After: Check out The Seahorse, their brand-new cocktail bar right next door
🔥 Perfect For: Seafood lovers, oyster fanatics, date nights, and anyone who’s okay with a little wait for a lot of flavor
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