Marina Variety Store Restaurant
Seafood restaurant · Charleston ·
Southern-style breakfast, seafood, diner, waterside since 1963
Southern-style breakfast, seafood, diner, waterside since 1963
"One of the few old-school spots left on the peninsula, this diner-by-the-sea was where I lingered over coffee, dug into shrimp and grits, and settled into old wooden booths while staring out at the marsh. Operated by the Altine and Ritter families for 61 years before being sold to Safe Harbor Marinas in early 2025, it carried on in familiar form until a short “renovation” closure revealed new owners and a new name; the consolation is that the entire breakfast menu is being kept and longtime chef Ryan Collins remains in the kitchen." - Erin Perkins
"Established in 1963, this waterside diner/seafood spot offers stunning views of the Ashley River and a nostalgic, no-frills atmosphere—think paper placemats, mismatched coffee mugs, and plastic condiment containers. Patrons tuck into booths to watch boats bobbing while enjoying classic breakfast and seafood comfort dishes; a bowl of shrimp and grits or one of the eggs Benedict are recommended, and the hash browns are praised for being reliably good without fuss." - Erin Perkins
"A humble, no-frills neighborhood institution that serves a beloved, down-to-earth version of shrimp and grits." - Erin Perkins
"Presented as the humbler, equally beloved counterpoint for shrimp and grits — the more down-to-earth version many locals love." - Erin Perkins
"Cozy up in a booth and stare at the water at Marina Variety Store, as you wait for your fried green tomatoes and shrimp over creamy grits with two eggs." - Erin Perkins