Charlie's Fish Market

This family owned restaurant is one of Aiken’s oldest restaurants. Opened in 1909, Charlies Fish Market serves as a fish market and casual counter service seafood restaurant serving freshly fried fish in the classic fish-and-chip shop tradition.

Lunch. Cash only.

Their Story

In 1909, Charlie Alvanos opened a seafood shop in a downtown Aiken passageway known now as The Alley. In 1985, Alvanos’ descendants moved the business to its present location on Richland Ave. Today, Charlie’s Fish Market remains what it was over 100 years ago: a place to buy fresh—never frozen—fish and a unique place to eat. It has no printed menus, waiters or plates, just a lot of warm, hometown flavor and atmosphere.

Before you order, check the board that lists which fish are available for the day. Then once your order is placed, the cook takes fresh fish from a chest full of ice, dredges it in seasoned cornmeal and tosses it into a deep iron skillet full of hot oil. Your order is then enclosed with slices of white bread in butcher paper, then in the classic fish-and-chip shop tradition, wrapped in pages of newspaper and presented at the counter. Charlie’s Fish Market is more than just a place to eat. For those who appreciate restaurants with a unique personality, it is a treasure.