Fiddlers Sea Food Market — Local services in Ridgeland

This is worth the trip.

We came up from Hilton Head Island, which is major destination for seafood (along with Bluffton) to see Christmas decorations and eat at Fiddlers for the first time.

We ordered whiting and grits and a shrimp Po-Boy. The whiting was very nice (mild in flavor with a soft, sweet flavor with large flakes), and the grits were nearly perfect. They had the last and texture slow cook grits, smooth and not too thick. The shrimp Po-Boy had fried shrimp with just the right amount of lettuce and tomato on a pillowy 8 inch long white roll. One of the ladies from the counter greeted us and told us that unless we took the grilled option, "We fry everything." That was music to our ears. We did not try the fries, but the fried fish and shrimp were done to perfection, so I imagine the fries would be great. I got collard greens as a side, which were well done (even without ham or bacon).

Frying fish the right way is a lot of work (with fresh fish and fresh oil the most important ingredients), and you can see from the traffic of townspeople coming in for take-out, that Fiddler's is a treasured local institution.

The decor is whimsical and the service is cheerful and quick. You order at the counter and they call out your name to pick up. They have lemonade, tea and fountain drinks...

Drove home to SC from Atlanta to end up at this southern gem. The customer service and the food made a perfect pair. I ordered the fried seafood platter with 4 combos consisting of oysters, shrimp and catfish..all of which were a perfect golden brown, not greasy, tasty, hot, attractive presentation and worth the price point..around $21. It came with 2 sides..I had collard greens and onion rings. Both were really good and the greens were a little sweet but yet subtle. The server/cashier was very helpful and attentive. We took a few bites and then boxed everything up..medication curbs our appetites but it was still good enough to bring some back and we made a plate for my uncle..it was just that much. I forgot to...

I found this hidden gem of a spot in Ridgeland yesterday. I walked in and was greeted kindly, and placed my order for an oyster Poboy. They had a prepared freshly for me in under 10 minutes, took it back to Margaritaville and devoured it lol

The oyster Poboy was fresh, and the fried oysters exploded with flavor. I ate it extra slow just so I could prolong the experience lol

They have a wonderful menu with the freshest, seafood and excellent homemade sides. The side I selected was coleslaw, which I could tell was homemade. It went great with my oysters.

The problem is, now I’m hooked. I live 20 minutes away, however, it is more than worth the ride I promise you....