About us

Eford and Pearl Lee moved to Murrells Inlet in 1945 and began managing Lokey’s Restaurant - now Hot Fish Club. They then managed White’s Restaurant – formerly next door, but long since torn down. In November 1948, they opened Lee’s Inlet Kitchen at this location in what had originally been a country store.

Beginning with ten tables, the restaurant has been enlarged four times. Their son, Billy, owned and operated Lee's for fifteen years, and as third generation owners and operators, we're proud to continue the tradition. Our fresh seafood is prepared in the same manner as it was originally, although the price has had to change with the times - in 1948, a Seafood Platter was only $1.50! Many of the recipes used, such as our Shrimp Salad and Creole, Tartar and Cocktail Sauces, Hushpuppies and Famous Onion Rings, have been handed down from generation to generation. Our family and staff welcome you to the oldest family-owned restaurant on the Grand Strand. We proudly serve the freshest and finest seafood, steaks, and chicken available. Our Shrimp, Crab, and Flounder are from Carolina shores. Our flour, cornmeal and grits are still milled by Adluh in Columbia, SC. We're one of the few remaining restaurants that hand-peels our Fantail Shrimp - up to 150 lbs. daily! Our specialty fish is caught locally, our soups and desserts are homemade, and our coffees are freshly ground. We think you'll taste the difference quality makes.