Personally, I, my friends, family and neighbors, shake our heads and chuckle at the lines outside Hyman's.
Everyone has different tastes, but Hymans is the highest rated seafood restaurant in South Carolina according to many different reviews in many different publications. Here is a sampling.
Voted The Best Seafood Restaurant in S.C.
by Southern Living Magazine Readers Poll 6 Years in a Row
Southern Living Magazine readers poll survey: “#2 seafood restaurant out of 18 states, and #1 in SC.” Life Magazine full page pictorial 1994, N.Y. Times Travel Section: “Great Southern cuisine with impeccable warm service.” Travel & Leisure: “One of the more fascinating eating establishments on our trip through the Southeast.” Chicago Sun Times: “There are a lot of good restaurants, but there is a good reason why there is always a line outside.” Travel Magazine: “Some of the best She Crab Soup we’ve tried anywhere.” Atlanta Journal: “Definitely tops in town...just great food at even better prices.” Charlotte Observer: “When in Charleston, you’ve missed out if you don’t find the opportunity to try Hyman’s Seafood and Aaron’s Deli.” Raleigh News & Observer: “Hyman’s is the exception to the rule that seafood must be pricey to be good...Excellent food in a casual atmosphere.” 1990 News & Courier HHH 1/2 Food, HHHH Value, “When a good seafood dinner is in order, no doublt Hyman’s Seafood is the place.” Food Channel Network: Hyman’s ranks tops in their seafood class for 4 years.” AAA, Mobile Guide, Frommers, Fodors and Condé Nast Approved.
I have never had a bad meal at Hymans and I will wait in line the next time I am in Charleston to eat there again. I advise you to try it for yourself and see if you personally feel that all the reviews are right or not. The readers of Southern Living Magazine are a good gauge of all the best the south has to offer in lodging, activities, and dining. For me those reviews are right on target and most of the people you will meet in line have eaten at Hymans many times before.