Eat your way through the Holy City: the ultimate foodies guide to Charleston
We fully believe that spontaneity and adventure are part of the magic of traveling, but eating at disappointing restaurants that are overpriced and underwhelming is a surefire way to ruin an otherwise amazing trip. Some of the most meaningful memories are made around the table, and we want to help you have the best experiences possible!
Organized by meal, but otherwise in no particular order, we’ve put together the ultimate foodies guide to Charleston and will update it periodically. We promise, this will be the last guide you’ll need to look at!
If you want to eat with the locals and steer clear of subpar tourist traps, stop at any of these impressive, tried-and-true eateries. Your taste buds will thank you!
Pro tip: If, like us, you prefer to create detailed itineraries for your trip, we highly recommend confirming the hours of the restaurants you want to experience! Especially in downtown Charleston, businesses can be closed on Sundays, Mondays, and other times you might not typically expect.
Best Coffee and Breakfast Spots in Charleston
HARKEN
Harken is conveniently located on Queen St. in downtown Charleston. This small cafe has limited seating inside, with additional robins egg blue cafe seating on the side patio just outside. Their creative menu, served on beautiful East Fork Pottery for those that dine-in, has several options for vegans and vegetarians. During peak season, be prepared for a wait, as the line can go out the door. The owners of Harken also have a sister cafe located in North Charleston, The Harbinger Cafe, with a similar menu inclusive of those that eat plant-based. Both restaurants are also LGBTQ-friendly and a Safe Place site.
BAKEHOUSE BAKERY CAFE
Centrally located on East Bay Street just a few blocks down from Rainbow Row, Bakehouse Bakery and Cafe is a great place to fuel up before hitting the Charleston sights. Pick up an iced mocha latte with oat milk and a sausage and egg biscuit, before taking a short stroll to Pineapple Fountain where you can soak up the morning sun and spot dolphins passing by. For an afternoon treat, the cold, chewy S’mores squares are indulgent! Bakehouse has ample seating inside, as well as bags of their coffee blend available for purchase.
BKED SHOP
BKeD SHoP is known for their square-shaped, yeasted brioche donuts, which are soft and light with a subtle chew. They pair perfectly with the Iced Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte. In addition to donuts, other baked goods offered include homemade pop tarts, delectable apple fritters, and various vegan options. If off-street parking is difficult to find, there’s an inexpensive parking garage on the corner.
JOEY BAG A DONUTS
Joey Bag A Donuts knows donuts. Nothing exhibits this better than their two cases full of donuts with adventurous flavors such as fruity pebbles, gummy bears, and maple bacon — and that’s just the case on the right. Do yourself a favor and stroll over to the case on the left. Here you’ll find what we like the call the “premium” donuts. These are classically flavored with light-as-air dough cut sandwich-style and filled with quality icing. One of these is equal to about two “normal” donuts. Need something more on the savory side? They also offer tasty bagel breakfast sandwiches. Make sure to arrive by 10 so as not to miss out. Admittedly, this is quite a drive from downtown Charleston, but if you’re staying near Daniel island or Mt. Pleasant, a 15 minute drive up Rt 17 will get you here. On a diet? Have a granola bar.
THE PALMETTO CAFE
The Palmetto Cafe has some of the most beautiful views, with live green walls, antique iron planters, 19th century mirrors, and a water fountain in the garden. An upscale setting, dress up and enjoy a leisurely meal in the courtyard, or seated in front of giant glass windows on rainy days. For Saturday/Sunday brunch, opt for the palmetto omelet (loaded with fresh lump crab and lobster), decadent house-made caramel brioche, and a dark roast French press coffee. For a leisurely lunch, the she crab soup is known as one of the best in Charleston, and their peach iced tea is outstanding.
WILDFLOUR PASTRY
Just a short drive from downtown Charleston, Wildflour Pastry is located in West Ashely. Visit early Sunday mornings to snag one of their famous cinnamon rolls, which have the locals lining up. We’ve taste-tested a lot of cinnamon rolls, and this one is a top contender! The best part? Once cooled, the slightly hardened glaze adds a sweet crunch to the exterior. So good!
Brunch
82 QUEEN
A 19th century residence transformed into 11 dining rooms, 82 Queen provides a unique dining experience, offering refined Lowcountry cuisine with a modern twist. If it’s a nice day out, we recommend enjoying lunch or dinner in the brick courtyard, underneath the magnolia trees. Can’t-miss menu items include jambalaya and shrimp and grits!
THE PALMETTO CAFE
The Palmetto Cafe has some of the most beautiful views, with live green walls, antique iron planters, 19th century mirrors, and a water fountain in the garden. An upscale setting, dress up and enjoy a leisurely meal in the courtyard, or seated in front of giant glass windows on rainy days. For Saturday/Sunday brunch, opt for the palmetto omelet (loaded with fresh lump crab and lobster), decadent house-made caramel brioche, and a dark roast French press coffee. For a leisurely lunch, the she crab soup is known as one of the best in Charleston, and their peach iced tea is outstanding.
Best Lunch Spots in Charleston
CIRCE’S GROTTO
Located on Wentworth Street, Circe’s Grotto is an absolute gem! The Turkey Avocado Sandwich is stuffed with oven roasted turkey, Swiss, avocado, homemade honey mustard, and lettuce, all pressed between hot, crunchy, buttery sourdough. If we could choose only one sandwich to eat for the rest of our lives, this may well be it! For lunch, they’re big enough to share. Pair it with chips and a drink. While we usually order to-go, there’s a small courtyard around back with cafe seating. Seating is very limited inside.
GOAT SHEEP COW
A European-style fromagerie, Goat Sheep Cow offers everything from freshly-baked bread, to artisanal cheeses, charcuteries, and gourmet pantry items. The reason it’s making the lunch list? Speciality subs with the highest quality ingredients! Tuesday through Friday, they make very limited quantities of gourmet sandwiches using ingredients leftover from the retail shop. Visit their Instagram half an hour before opening to see what flavor is being offered that day, and make sure to call right at 11 to reserve yours — they usually run out within minutes, and when they’re gone, they’re gone.
THE PRESS
Chipotle? Who’s that? One bite from The Press, and you’ll never go back to a burrito chain again! Open for lunch during weekdays only, grab-and-go pressed burritos are offered in Veggie, Chicken, or Steak, and stuffed with hand-cut pico de Gallo, avocado, fries, and either mild red or spicy green salsa. Pick up at the window, or walk around the side of the building for outdoor seating.
LEWIS BBQ
Sit at a picnic table in the dappled sunlight under a South Carolina oak tree. While you eat, you’re engulfed in the aroma of smoking meats, carried by a light breeze. For two adults, we recommend sharing half a pound each of pork ribs and smoked turkey, and a single serving of mac ‘n cheese, potato salad, and coleslaw. Take up the cashiers offer of sampling each BBQ sauce — a tomato base, vinegar base, and chili/mustard base. Wash it down with soda in glass bottles made with real sugar instead of sticky corn syrup. The entire experience is pulled together with classic country music playing over the speakers.
El Pollo Guapo
Not quite downtown Charleston, but a must-visit on the way to (or from) Folly Beach, order tacos, seasoned fries, and a frozen lemonade for lunch on the patio.
BERTHA’S KITCHEN
Pay attention, and the locals will lead to you to best fried chicken not just in Charleston, but possibly anywhere! Don’t let the exterior fool you. No-frills and unpretentious, Gullah restaurant and winners of the James Beard Foundation Americas Classics award, Bertha’s Kitchen serves up soul food at it’s finest. It’s impossible to be disappointed with anything on their menu, but the aromatic okra soup is especially worth a try. Stop in for lunch-to-go from Wednesday through Saturday. Friendly owners and staff keep things moving, but be prepared for a wait as there’s likely a line going out the door — we promise it’s worth it!
The Harbinger Cafe
The owners of Harken also have a sister cafe located in North Charleston, The Harbinger Cafe, with a similar menu inclusive of those that eat plant-based. The owner, Greer, is a creative genius when it comes to flavor pairings. The Trifecta will satisfy your chocolate cravings without the guilt. Apple Of My Eye is another favorite. Bagels and donuts are available on the weekends. And if you’re here for lunch, try the Green Caprese sandwich! This cafe is a an active part of the community, and uses their business for good. Not only are both cafes LGBTQ-friendly and a Safe Place site, but they’ll occasionally have fundraisers to support important causes, and proceeds of the Spice Girl goes towards the Eliminating Racism Program at the YWCA. Though small, there is indoor seating, but if it’s filled up, drive just a minute or two down the road to Hampton Park (pictured below) for a light meal al-fresco.
Where to have Happy Hour In Charleston
THE LONGBOARD
The Longboard is an island-inspired restaurant and bar located on Sullivans Island, not far from downtown Charleston. The second iteration of the Longboard concept, the first is based in Cruz Bay, St. John, part of the US Virgin Islands. Offering light fares and creative craft cocktails, on their seafood-focused menu you’ll find fresh and innovative cuisine found throughout the Caribbean. Can’t miss small plates include the Dressed Oyster, Grill and Chill Shrimp, and Pork Belly.
XIAO BAO BISCUT
Converted from a 40’s era gas station, Xiao Bao Biscuit is a hidden gem located in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood. A casual stop with a fun and energetic atmosphere, they draw upon the flavors found throughout Asia. You can’t go wrong with the signature dish, Okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese cabbage pancake finished with Kewpie mayo. One of our favorite dishes on the menu, it’s vegetarian as-is, but we recommend adding a sunny-side up egg and thick-cut bacon for an explosion of flavor! Other must-try menu items include the Spicy Papaya Salad and Bao Buns.
The Citrus Club
For drinks with a view, look no further than The Citrus Club. An upscale rooftop bar located on the 8th floor of The Dewberry, The Citrus Club is known not just for the scenic sunsets, but expertly crafted cocktails and curated sharable’s enjoyed among the chic outdoor terrace. You don’t have to be a guest to wine and dine, but make sure to to stop at the concierge desk to get a temporary keycard granting elevator access. You’ll also want to take note of the dress code, which is relaxed yet proper. Collared shirts required for men, and no athletic apparel, swimsuits, or coverups are permitted.
Best Dinner Restaurants in Charleston
MAGNOLIAS
With a menu full of mouth-watering delights, you’ll be hard-pressed to choose just one. You can’t come to Magnolias, serving upscale Southern cuisine, without ordering the Down South Egg Roll appetizer, stuffed with collard greens, chicken, tasso ham, red pepper purée, spicy mustard, and a delectable peach chutney. It’s so good that after the first bite, you’ll question whether you can make a meal out of it. For your entrée, go classic with their Buttermilk Fried Chicken with mashed potatoes, collard greens, creamed corn, cracked pepper biscuit, and sausage herb gravy. If there’s room, though we wouldn’t be surprised if you’re too stuffed to eat another bite, end your meal with a slice of their famous Pecan Pie, enhanced with bourbon caramel, vanilla bean ice cream, and a praline lace cookie.
POOGANS PORCH
Picturesque Poogan’s Porch is one of Charleston’s oldest culinary establishments. This beautifully restored Victorian residence, originally built in 1891, is broken up into several dining rooms, but if you can, snag a spot on the front porch — it’s worth the wait! With menu items such as buttermilk biscuits, she crab soup, fried green tomatoes, and chicken and waffles, you’ll find all the southern classics and more. This restaurant is tourist-heavy, and while we love to find those local joints, this is one popular spot worth visiting!
Curious as to the name? When the building was sold in haste, the previous owners left behind their dog, Poogan. The new owners kept Poogan, who became guardian of the restaurant named after him. It’s said that Poogan’s ghost still visits his namesake to this day.
HALLS CHOPHOUSE
If you’re in Charleston during a special occasion, celebrate at Halls Chophouse, a fine dining restaurant serving prime steaks, low country and fresh seafood specialities, signature desserts, and an extensive wine list. A friendly and knowledgable staff are sure to make your visit memorable!
HUSK
If you’ve read any of our other destination guides, this might sound familiar. Husk Charleston’s ingredient-driven, ever-changing menu differs from Husk Savannah, but is no less impressive. Regardless of the location, there’s one steadfast rule: if it doesn’t come form the South, it doesn’t come through the door. Centrally located in a late 19th century home in historic downtown Charleston, Husk reinterprets the areas local bounty and redefines Southern cuisine. Walk through the door and your eyes will be drawn to an accent wall of stacked firewood, used to fuel the open kitchen’s wood-fired oven. An Featuring an unmatched whiskey menu, sample the famous dragon punch.
TATTOOED MOOSE
Though the menu is unchanged, Tattooed Moose recently made the move to Park Circle, in North Charleston. This is the spot to go if you’re craving a juicy burger and a side of duck-fat fries.
CHEZ NOUS
For a romantic, candlelit dinner, make reservations at Chez Nous, an impressive European restaurant serving lunch and dinner. Inspired by Southern France, Northern Italy, and Northern Spain, handwritten menus featuring two appetizers, two entreés and two desserts change daily, based upon the availability of local ingredients.
THE KINGSTIDE
Daniel Island’s first and only waterfront restaurant! The Kingstide is a coastal-inspired, two story space sitting along the Wando River. Chef Kevin Getzewich expertly showcases the flavors of the Lowcountry with a fresh, seasonally-driven approach, with local seafood sourced from regional fisheries, farmers, and purveyors. Decorated with a nod to the nautical, natural light abounds, spilling in through the picturesque windows. Wood accents and blue seating are complimented by glass pendant lighting suspended by macramé rope. An open-concept kitchen keeps diners entertained while they wait, or sit at the Chefs Rail lining the raw bar and grill for a closer look at how the the menus are prepared. For thoughtfully-presented dishes such as Octopus with mole verde and sweet and sour sesame, or a Brioche Lobster Roll with herbs and tobiko, dine downstairs, where reservations are available. But as beautiful as the interior is, nothing soothes the soul like a relaxing meal al fresco. For happy hour or small fares, we recommend heading upstairs to the rooftop bar for spectacular views overlooking the shimmering water.
PENINSULA GRILL
Even if you’re not staying at Planters Inn, Peninsula Grill is a dining experience you can’t miss! Blending quality, local ingredients and skillful preparation, a meal here will meet even the loftiest of expectations. Both indoor and outdoor dining options are available. If like us you choose to eat al fresco whenever possible, the lantern-lit gardens won’t disappoint. You can’t leave without trying the 12 layer coconut cake! Attire is casual elegance.
CHUBBY FISH
Like us, Chubby Fish is owned by a husband and wife team. Named Bon Appétit’s 50 Best New Restaurants in America in 2019, their dock-to-kitchen concept translates to a menu that changes daily, but always features fresh seafood straight from the Atlantic Ocean and local rivers. With an open-concept kitchen, if you’re up for good conversation and a new perspective, grab a seat at the bar to watch the kitchen staff prepare your meal.
FIG
FIG has a reputation far beyond the city limits. In fact, even outside a ventanita in Little Havana, we chatted a fellow traveler who was not only familiar with the establishment, but knew the Owner and Chef. Highly rated by locals and visitors alike, you’ll want to make reservations in advance. And don’t miss out on the Ricotta Gnocchi — a dish frequently raved about!
HANKS SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Located in a turn-of-the-century warehouse, Hanks Seafood Restaurant — repeatedly voted best seafood restaurant in Charleston — merges fish house with zinc and copper exhibition raw bar and saloon-style bar. From catch-of-the-day to beloved lowcountry recipes, wait staff in crisp white dinner jackets serve up flavors of the coastal region with locally harvested, fresh ingredients.
ORLANDOS PIZZA
For a laid-back evening, skip the crowds of tourists and order a pizza to-go. A pizza? Really? Trust us. The Margherita Pizza from Orlandos Pizza will have your taste buds thanking you. Take it to a nearby waterfront for a picnic dinner with a view, or back to your hotel/vacation rental for a night in.
Our Favorite Bakeries and Cafes in Charleston
LA PATISSERIE
Step through the doors, of La Patisserie, a Parisian-inspired bakery serving authentic French pastries and rich coffee, and immediately your eyes will be drawn to the beautiful tiled floors and glass display case packed with colorful, decadent sweets. Located on the side of Hotel Bennett, you can’t leave without trying one of their famed Camellias Cakes – a lemon and almond sponge cake with strawberry maramalade and lemon cheesecake mousse. Other favorites include the Almond Pain au Chocolat, and the Royal.
SUGAR BAKESHOP
We couldn’t create a Foodies Travel Guide without mentioning Sugar, the cutest bakeshop located on Cannon Street in historic Charleston. Small batch, from scratch, they’re well-known for their cupcakes. The Lemon Curd is perhaps their most popular, but we loved the S'mores.
