Tucked away behind the MC Riley Sports Complex in Bluffton is a hidden gem: The Bluffton Family Seafood House! This popular hole-in-the-wall, also known as Toomers, is known for serving fresh, locally-sourced seafood staples in a family-friendly setting.
There’s plenty to love about this restaurant, so today, we’re shining a spotlight on why it’s one of our favorite establishments in Bluffton!
The History
Residents familiar with Toomers will likely recognize the name: The Toomer family has long been involved with the oyster industry in South Carolina, starting with Simpson V. Toomer over 100 years ago, when he established a local canning and production business for raw shucked oysters.
Over time, as the oyster operation grew—and the oyster industry, unfortunately, began to dwindle—the Toomers have managed to maintain the state’s last remaining oyster shucking business.
Today, the family is still the proud owner of the Bluffton Oyster Company, a beloved establishment that specializes in offering fresh, local seafood such as shrimp, soft shell crabs, scallops, fish, and of course, oysters—perfect for your next Lowcountry Boil!
The most recent addition to the Toomer legacy? Opening a local seafood restaurant a few blocks away to offer delicious, locally-sourced meals to residents and visitors of Bluffton and Hilton Head.
The Environment
Many visitors have mentioned that Toomers has the perfect “Old Bluffton” atmosphere, and there are a few good reasons why.
At Toomers, you can always expect to receive excellent and friendly service, with the staff making you feel right at home while dining. It’s no wonder that you’ll usually find the restaurant filled with locals laughing and enjoying each other’s company! Most Fridays and Saturdays, you can also expect to see live entertainment.
The Food
Of course, we can’t talk about Toomers without mentioning our favorite part: the food! The family-owned seafood restaurant offers a fine selection of Lowcountry cuisine that the whole family can enjoy.
Toomers’ Appetizers
First, start with an appetizer to tease the taste buds! A few favorites from the menu include the classic shrimp cocktail and the Oyster Rockefeller.
If it’s your first time dining here and you want to try a little bit of everything, opt for the fried sample, which comes with shrimp, oysters, and calamari. If you’re feeling adventurous, try out Toomers’ gator bites, wings, clam strips, or buffalo shrimp.
However, you’ll definitely want to save room for their popular hush puppies, which are served for free and accompanied by a savory cocktail sauce and sweet honey butter.
Toomers’ Entrees
For the main course, you have the option of choosing something light—like a fresh house, caesar, or spinach salad with added chicken or seafood—or something more traditional, like a sandwich or seafood basket or platter.
Toomers’ Combo Platters are our personal favorite; choose whether you want your entree grilled, blackened, fried, or broiled. (We highly recommend the fried shrimp or oysters!)
There’s also a kids’ menu available for the little ones, featuring kid-friendly favorites like grilled cheese, chicken nuggets, and fried fish sticks and shrimp. If you have food restrictions or maybe have a guest with you that isn’t as fond of seafood, you have the option of ordering a hamburger or chicken sandwich.
As far as seafood options go, build up your entree with any of these fresh options:
- Oysters
- Fish
- Shrimp
- Scallops
- Calamari
- Crab Legs
- Clams
- Mussels
Complete your entree with one of Toomers’ classic sides, such as coleslaw, cheese grits, fries, baked potato, and collard greens.
Still not sure what to order? Try any of these local favorites:
- Tina’s Pasta (shrimp alfredo)
- Snow Crab Legs
- Shrimp n’ Grits (a Lowcountry staple!)
- Local Blue Crabs
- Lowcountry Boil
Toomers’ Drinks and Desserts
Toomers offers a fantastic selection of beers, drafts, and red and white wines in addition to several specialty cocktails.
Last but certainly not least, finish off an amazing meal with a delightful dessert—if you still have room for it, that is! You can’t go wrong with Toomers’ banana pudding or refreshing key lime pie.
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As you can see, there are plenty of menu options to try out at Toomers. Regardless of what you order, the portion sizes you’ll get are more than enough, so you definitely won’t leave hungry or disappointed. Also, all the food at Toomers is cooked to order so that you can enjoy plenty of fresh, hot seafood straight from the kitchen! Check out the full menu here.
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From the history and environment to the food, Toomers offers everything you could possibly want from a seafood restaurant in Bluffton. They’re open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm, so be sure to stop by Toomers while you’re in the Lowcountry for some of the best seafood in town!
Bluffton Family Seafood House
27 Dr. Mellichamp Drive
Bluffton, SC 29910
843-757-0380