Rita’s Seaside Grille

Just steps from the sand and the Folly Beach Pier at 2 Center Street, Rita’s Seaside Grille remains one of Folly’s most welcoming and reliable dining spots. Locally owned by the Hall family—best known for the acclaimed Halls Chophouse in downtown Charleston—Rita’s offers the same signature hospitality in a more relaxed, beach-town setting. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with brunch on weekends, Rita’s specializes in American coastal comfort food, refreshing cocktails, and a lively patio atmosphere perfect for families, beachgoers, and visitors exploring Center Street.

Menu Highlights

Breakfast and brunch at Rita’s offer both classic comfort and coastal flair. Their Brioche French Toast is a favorite, served with applewood smoked bacon, Vermont maple syrup, and whipped butter, while the Fried Chicken and Pancakes delivers a sweet-and-savory plate layered with fried chicken, eggs, bacon, sausage gravy, buttermilk pancakes, and maple syrup. Guests looking for lighter or seafood-centric options enjoy dishes like the Seaside Omelet made with crab, shrimp, peppers, and pepper jack cheese. Smoothies and fresh juices offer refreshing alternatives for those who prefer to sip something cold and bright in the morning.

Lunch and dinner at Rita’s revolve around hearty appetizers, house-smoked meats, and fresh seafood. Their Blackened Ahi Tuna Nachos remain one of the most talked-about starters on Folly Beach, piled high with tuna, jack cheese, jalapeños, black beans, queso, peppers, onions, and watermelon pico de gallo. The Smoked Chicken Wings have earned high praise as well, tossed in your choice of dry rub or one of several sauces including Buffalo, honey-chipotle BBQ, Thai sweet chili, or mango-jalapeño.

Fans of Halls Chophouse appreciate that Rita’s offers the same premium Allen Brothers steaks. The Black & Blue Steak—a cast-iron blackened 12 oz. prime New York strip topped with blue cheese crumbles—is a standout and comes with garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. For guests craving barbecue, the pulled pork and brisket platters are slow-smoked and served with butter beans, cornbread, and seasoned fries.

Seafood lovers have plenty to choose from. Rita’s Shrimp and Grits is a Lowcountry favorite, while the Seafood Platter pairs shrimp and grouper with coleslaw and seasoned fries. Their fish and shrimp tacos are consistently popular, and the Rita’s Cheeseburger remains a reliable go-to, with the option to add bacon, caramelized onions, or mushrooms.

Lighter options include a variety of salads, with the Halls Chop Salad standing out thanks to a mix of cucumber, celery, peppers, black-eyed peas, feta, and bacon tossed with romaine and served with peppercorn ranch dressing. Dessert selections bring the meal to a sweet finish, including Key Lime Pie, New York Cheesecake, and a classic Brownie Sundae.

Drinks & Bar Program

Rita’s offers a wide range of drinks to keep guests cool on hot Folly days. Non-alcoholic options include freshly brewed iced tea, sodas, mocktails, and frozen Jarritos. Their cocktail list leans festive and beach-friendly, with popular frozen drinks like the Frozen Key Lime Colada and the Frozen Paloma served with chile-sugar-salt rims. Rita’s Cool Cucumber Refresher—made with Ketel One Cucumber Mint Vodka, lime, and fresh cucumber—is perfect for unwinding after a day in the sun.

Beer lovers will find rotating drafts plus a selection of local, domestic, and imported options. Wine is available by the glass or bottle, and weekend brunch brings out imaginative mimosas such as the Honeysuckle Fizz and the Strawberry-Basil Mimosa, which have become favorites for Sunday Funday. Rita’s hosts happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm, making it one of the best pre-dinner stops on Center Street.

Atmosphere & Experience

Rita’s strikes the balance between casual and polished, offering indoor seating along with a covered outdoor patio that is both family-friendly and dog-friendly. The patio anchors much of the experience, featuring an indoor-outdoor bar and daily live music that adds to the lively Center Street energy. Friendly staff, quick service, and a comfortable setting make it an easy choice for breakfast before the beach, a laid-back lunch, or a festive evening meal.

Private Events & Catering

Rita’s also offers catering and private event services, ideal for visitors hosting gatherings such as weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries, and other celebrations on Folly Beach. Their team can accommodate private groups with advance notice, and their menu adapts well for both casual and more elevated events.

Why We Like It

Rita’s Seaside Grille delivers a dependable, enjoyable dining experience right in the heart of Folly Beach. With a menu that appeals to all ages, refreshing cocktails, daily live music, and the Hall family’s signature hospitality, Rita’s is a natural fit for beach vacations, family outings, and anyone looking for great food in a prime location just steps from the ocean.

Location

Rita’s Seaside Grille
2 Center Street
Folly Beach, SC 29439