Pier 51 – Rock Hill

I remember when I was growing up, and the state of SC was densely populated with what was referred to as “fish camps”.  These “fish camps” served up massive quantities of battered and fried shrimp and whitefish, fries and hushpuppies.  A trip to the beach was just not complete without the obligatory Big Night Out to eat Calabash shrimp. 

I think fish camps invented the concept of “All-You-Can-Eat.”  Frankly, I think that’s a way to charge more for the quantity that they’d serve you anyway, because portions are always more than generous.  I mean, there’s only so much batter fried ANYTHING that a human body can consume before, well, exploding. 

Why they’re called fish camps?  No clue.  I googled for about 60 seconds and turned up a lot of places to fish, camp, and hike.  Gave up.  Not in me tonight.

Anyway, I have noticed that these fried seafood joints have been slowly disappearing over the last 15 years or so.  The clientele is usually in the “senior” category, sometimes accompanied by younger members of their clans.  With all of the other options available and the health consciousness among younger generations, fish camps are a dying Southern tradition, which is a bit sad.

So, Pier 51.  We went on Saturday night before Mother’s Day, 5:30pm (to beat the crowd).  The place was packed.  We were seated and greeted with a big bowl of hushpuppies, plus tubs of butter-like “spread”, in case the hushpuppies weren’t bad enough for us on their own.  They were, of course, delicious. 

The waitress took our orders for sweet tea and water, and recited the specials.  I ordered fried tilapia (one of the specials, $7.99).  My husband, mother, and daughter all ordered off of the “Senior Citizens and Lighter Appetites” menu, selections that provide quantity sufficient for most adults.  My son (age 17) ordered a “regular” portion of Calabash shrimp.  Others at our table ordered broiled selections.

I’ve never trusted broiled seafood at a fish camp type restaurant.  I usually tend to go with a restaurant’s specialty, and in the case of Pier 51, I figured that to be anything fried.  My tilapia was very good, lightly battered, not too heavy.  Surprisingly, the broiled selections (salmon, shrimp & scallops, stuffed flounder) all received positive reviews as well.  We left with several boxes of leftovers, and the satisfaction of supporting a Southern tradition.  At least for a few more years.

Thanks for reading my review.  For more Lake Wylie restaurant info, visit www.LakeWylieInformation.com

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