Russell's Seafood Grill

We were seated outside and it was a lovely evening. The waitress was knowledgeable about specials and menu. She was bringing out everything very timely. we had appetizers as well. I’m not used to restaurants/servers having food prepared so great and still hot off grill!! Our table never lacked food. It has a nice atmosphere and I like that it’s like climbing to a “Treehouse” . That’s my impression when I first saw Russell’s. I highly recommend Russell’s Seafood Grill” to enjoy a great meal out. Also, as most restaurants are doing, there is a 4% fee to use Charge cards - I recommend paying cash.

Fantastic restaurant!! The daily fresh seafood was the best of any place in Murrells Inlet!!! I have tried them all and this was my favorite!!! I got a fried & grilled combo platter with fresh flounder and shrimp/cheese grits and green beans. Absolutely perfect dish!!!! The staff was friendly and attentive!!! You must try this place. We loved it so much that we have decided to go back next weekend. A must eat while on your family vacation at the beach!!!! By the way, tarter and cocktail sauce was homemade!!! Fabulous place!!! You can always get it to go too!!!

Happy hour margaritas are large for the price! Their complimentary hush puppies are the best I’ve ever had. The “Whole Dang Pot” is phenomenal. So much food. Definitely enough to share between 2-4 people depending how hungry you are. Only complaint is the flies when sitting outdoors in June/July.

Our first time here… and wont be the last. Simple and comfortable restaurant. We had appetizers and soups. Hush puppies are awesome. She crab soup yummy and low country red clam chowder really tasty. Both soups had lots of seafood in them. Coconut shrimp -some of the best I’ve had! And then we ordered grouper bites. Delicious!!!!!!!

Wow! All I can say is Wow! I would never have guessed that this level of culinary experience was available at a place that l ooks like a run of the mill grill and bar. I was wrong.... Our server, Kennedy, was incredibly helpful. In a town filled with servers... she stands above them all. She was friendly and welcoming... swift with refills and had excellent suggestions when we hit a decision roadblock. The food, wow.... the food. It was unbelievable. Everything, and I mean everything was perfect. Lunch service on a Wednesday, and you would have thought it was a Saturday night... they cooks bring their absolutely A game. The raw oysters were so fresh they still smelled of the sea. The appetizers were other worldly good... the hushpuppies... oh my, the hushpuppies... As a southerner, I know my way around a hushpuppy. I've seen a thing or two... I've been there, done that... until I had their hushpuppies. It was a religious experience. It was a world altering event. My taste buds have been forever changed and I will now be forced to mourn the absence of these hushpuppies from my day to day life. What I'm saying is, they are divine. I will absolutely be back here upon all future return trips. I'm now, officially a life long fan. I will dream of those hushpuppies.

Our first time at Russell's and we were not disappointed. Old time seafood restaurant feel and smell is what I first noticed. I had the Sea Scallop basket grilled and the taste was fantastic(ate a couple before the pic)...add on a house salad with ranch and awesome green beans, so tasty. My wife and granddaughter had the creek shrimp basket with fries that were delicious...thick cut fries better than the shoestring and slaw was just great too. Topped it off with the best key lime pie we have ever had. Last our server Kennedy was the best, great personality and just a genuinely nice person. 7-27-25: return visit and the food may have been better than last year. Fish and chips was great, very light breading on cod and the hand cut fries. Granddaughter had the same shrimp basket as last year and my wife had blackened shrimp basket with fries. Shrimp tasted fresh and were decent sized. We sat outside (outside the plastic curtains) and even at 90 degrees we were comfortable with the shade and breeze. The service however was not the best, Richard left us waiting for our 2nd beer at least 15 minutes, a no show quite often.....then forgot our tarter and cocktail sauce and had to be reminded mm. The key lime pie for dessert tasted kinda store bought.

Overall Impression Russell’s Seafood Grill in Murrells Inlet, SC, is the kind of place that instantly makes you feel like you’ve uncovered a local treasure. From the moment you step onto the property, the classic coastal-cottage architecture, with its weathered wood siding, welcoming front porch, and gabled roof line sets the stage for an authentic Lowcountry dining experience. Food & Flavor Fresh-Caught Seafood: Every dish I tried—from the perfectly fried shrimp to the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth flounder—tasted as if it had been pulled straight from the inlet that morning. Generous Portions: You definitely won’t leave hungry. Even the side dishes (think creamy grits and tangy coleslaw) feel thoughtfully prepared. Signature Specials: Don’t miss the she-crab soup; its rich, sherry-laced broth is a testament to why Russell’s has such a devoted following. Ambience & Design Classic Building Design: The restaurant’s vintage exterior isn’t just for show. Inside, nautical décor, warm wood paneling, and a collection of local memorabilia create a cozy, lived-in charm that transports you to an earlier era of the Grand Strand. Waterfront Views: Large windows and an elevated deck overlook Murrells Inlet, giving you a sunset backdrop that’s nothing short of postcard-worthy. Practical Perks Free Parking Nearby: In a town where parking can sometimes feel like a scavenger hunt, Russell’s offers ample complimentary parking just steps from the entrance, making your visit stress-free from the start. Easy Access: Located right off U.S. 17 Business, the restaurant is simple to find whether you’re a local or a traveler on a seafood quest. Service & Hospitality The staff embodies genuine Southern hospitality, friendly, attentive, and eager to share menu tips or a quick story about Murrells Inlet history. Owner Russell himself often circulates the dining room, adding a personal touch that makes you feel like part of the family. Final Takeaway If you’re searching for fresh seafood, classic Lowcountry ambiance, and the convenience of free parking, Russell’s Seafood Grill is a must-visit. It’s the perfect blend of tradition, flavor, and warm hospitality, a dining experience that captures the heart of Murrells Inlet.

Good place if you're looking for variety, but there are do many better options if you're after seafood. Portions are reasonable. Quality is not stellar, but ok. It's pretty greasy if you get anything fried. The inlet is across the road.