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A Foodie’s Guide to the BEST Charleston Restaurants

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After going to school at the University of South Carolina, it’s safe to say, I’ve spent many weekends eating and drinking my way through Charleston! Foodies rejoice because this city is for you if you have big eyes and an even bigger stomach! Keep reading for a complete guide to the best Charleston restaurants.

Charleston is one of the South’s most iconic cities and vacation spots, and for good reason – it’s close to the beach, full of history, there are endless boutiques with great shopping, and they have some of the BEST restaurants the south has to offer! 

One of my favorite things about the Charleston restaurant scene is just how local it is! You actually have to search hard for a national chain restaurant in this city, which is a far cry from what you’ll find in many of America’s other major tourist destinations. And when I say local, I don’t just mean deep fried everything, corn bread, and biscuits (although there is plenty of that too). This city has a little bit of everything – traditional southern food, barbeque, italian, seafood, modern, pizza, etc. 

It would be impossible to name every amazing Charleston restaurant, so below are just a few of my favorites that have had me coming back again and again each visit! 

BEST Charleston Restaurants

The Best Coffee in Charleston

Caviar & Bananas

This fast-casual grab and go market and cafe is the perfect stop for your morning cup of coffee and a light breakfast! It has an upscale touch (without being stuff) that makes browsing while you wait for your morning cup dangerous – everything they carry is delicious! 

My go-to is normally a vanilla latte with almond milk, but they also have a great Costa Rican Nitro Cold Brew if you’re wanting to try something more unique! 

Kudu Coffee

Second State Coffee

The Best Breakfast & Brunch in Charleston

Miller’s All Day

This is a MUST for me every time I’m in Charleston. It became a tradition for my now husband (!), Will and I to get breakfast here every anniversary trip to Charleston. They have a photo booth where we get our picture made every time we go, and it is without a doubt one of my favorite Charleston traditions. 

This place is VERY popular, so don’t let the long wait times on the weekends scare you. In general, I’m quoted a 90+ minute wait, but we’re seated in less than an hour. They have a grab and go coffee/pastry counter where you can grab a drink and snack to hold you over while you wait for a table. If the line is super long, take the short walk over to the iconic Rainbow Row to snap a few pictures while you wait. 

My Order – I could go on and on about the food at this place all day, but do yourself a favor and make sure you get the breakfast potatoes (they are perfectly crispy), a biscuit (served with flakey sea salt on top and strawberry butter), and a billini carafe (thank me later)! 

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Poogan’s Porch

Poogan’s is a Charleston staple! With a perfect location on the iconic Queen Street and steps from the waterfront, this charming Victorian era home is the perfect backdrop to a fresh take on traditional southern cooking! With wrap-around porches and an extensive wine list, this spot has a little something for everyone! So, it won’t surprise you to know it can be hard to get a table here! Poogan’s is popular any time of day, but we’re partial to their brunch menu (served daily for 9:00-3:00) because we’ve found it easier to get a table in the morning (Bonus tip: If you aren’t dead set on sitting outside on the famous porch, keep an eye out on the bar area inside for faster seating)! 

My Order – Shrimp & Grits with a Bloody Mary!

Callie’s Little Hot Biscuit

With two locations (Upper King & Charleston City Market) it’s easy to stop in Callie’s during your trip to Charleston. Pro Tip – Order the Baker’s Dozen of mini biscuits to try as many flavor combos as possible! 

The Best Lunch in Charleston

Post House Inn

This small coastal tavern and inn is the perfect spot to grab a bite on a sunny day! Popular among both locals and tourists, The Post House Inn boasts 7 quaint rooms and a delightful restaurant with an impressive selection of seasonal fare and incredible wines and cocktails! 

My Order – You can’t go wrong with a good old fashioned Backbar Cheeseburger! A half dozen oysters are also a must add to any order! 

Home Team BBQ

Home Team is one of our favorite spots! With locations across South Carolina, we often frequented the Columbia location during college. Home Team has an upbeat vibe with a fresh and local take on traditional southern barbecue. They are famous for their iconic Gamechanger frozen cocktail (rum, OJ, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and fresh grated nutmeg).

My Order – The sliced turkey platter with mac & cheese and baked beans! My go to cocktail – Rub is a Battlefield (a smoky take on a margarita with a BBQ flair). 

Coastal Crust

If you’re in the mood for pizza, look no further than Coastal Crust! This scratch-made neapolitan style pizza is incredible. They also put a big emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and of course have a healthy local beer selection too. 

Leon’s Oyster Shop

A Holy City staple! Leon’s is a laid back low country establishment specializing in poultry and oysters (a unique combo, I know) and has received plenty of recognition across the food scene, including James Beard Awards for Rising Star Chef & Outstanding Hospitality. Leon’s is consistently recognized by locals as one of the best Charleston restaurants!

My Order – A dozen local oysters and a Crispy Fried Oyster Roll with the Marinated Cucumber Salad. 

Brown Dog Deli

Don’t let this hole in the wall sandwich shop pass you by as you walk the streets of downtown Charleston. Brown Dog Deli is a local favorite with some of the most delicious sandwiches in town. This is the perfect spot to grab a sandwich to take down to the waterfront for an afternoon picnic. 

Tavern & Table

Located on the iconic Shem Creek, Tavern & Table is the perfect spot for classic cocktails, beautiful low-country views, and spectacular handcrafted food in a relaxed but upscale environment. The menu celebrates local in a rustic but refined way, offering familiar flavors presented with a little flair.

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The Best Dinner in Charleston

Hank’s Seafood

Hank’s is where Will and I celebrated our very first dating anniversary, so it holds a special place in our hearts! It’s also one of the premier Charleston restaurants for upscale seafood. With white table cloths, upscale service, and a charming atmosphere, Hank’s is a great date-night spot. 

My Order –  Pan Seared Sea Scallops with fried mashed potatoes, snow peas, and a grapefruit soy ginger vinaigrette. 

Hall’s Chophouse

Hall’s is legendary across the state and puts national chains like Ruth’s Chris to shame. If a classic 5 star steakhouse experience is your vibe, Hall’s is for you! You can’t go wrong with any of their meat selections. Plus, the sides are insane – lobster and smoked bacon mac and cheese, pancetta-roasted brussel sprouts, pepper jack creamed corn skillet. You get the picture… it’s delish. Also, you can’t pass up their martinis!! 

Church & Union

Previously known as 5Church, Church & Union is another date night favorite in our house! The restaurant is filled with old church stained glass windows and offers traditional American cuisine with a refined dining experience atmosphere. This is another great spot to try and grab a seat to eat at the bar if you aren’t able to snag a table. 

Melfi’s

Melfi’s is a favorite for Italian cuisine! Their upscale, club-like atmosphere that is perfect for small groups or date night! The cocktails are the star of the show here, but don’t miss out on their pizzas or the cacio e pepe bucatini.  

Indaco

Another Italian favorite, Indaco has delicious Neapolitan style pizzas and pasta! 

Obstinate Daughter

Located on Sullivan’s Island, Obstinate Daughter is a self-proclaimed southern restaurant taking inspiration for French, Italian, and Spanish cuisines. With a seasonally changing menu, you are sure to get the freshest take on everything their pizzas, pastas, small plates, and raw bar has to offer.

The Best Drinks in Charleston

Citrus Club

Is there anything more iconic and a cocktail on the rooftop of a luxury hotel overlooking historic Charleston? The answer to that is of course no, there’s not. So do yourself a favor and add the Citrus Club at the top of the famous Dewberry Hotel to your list of must see spots on your next trip to the Holy City!

Note – they do have a dress code (“While The Dewberry has a decidedly modern chic atmosphere, a relaxed yet proper style is appropriate at Citrus Club. When joining us, collared shirts are required for gentleman and we ask that guests refrain from athletic apparel; swimsuits or beach cover-ups are not permitted.”) and are only open certain hours (Monday – Tuesday | 2pm – 10pm, Wednesday – Sunday | 12pm – 10pm).

If you happen to be there before they open, grab a starter beverage in the hotel lobby bar – they serve the most delicious complimentary caramel corn and the spicy marg is chef’s kiss. 

Felix

Felix is one of our favorite happy hour spots to grab a drink before heading off to a dinner reservation. They have a great atmosphere and plenty of bar seating to take in the craft of these master bartenders. 

My Order – La Séduction (Gin, Saint Germain, Lillet Blanc, Fresh Grapefruit Juice)

Camellias

An upscale champagne bar located in the iconic Hotel Bennett, Camellias is an instagram lover’s dream. The aesthetics here are insane with etched-mirror ceilings, plush pink furniture, and crystal chandeliers. While, this spot is definitely on the pricier side but you’re paying for the luxury ambiance and experience. Camellias is the perfect Charleston restaurant for a celebratory occasion or girl’s night out!

Saltwater Cowboys

This iconic joint is located in the heart of Shem Creek and is a local weekend favorite! If the weather is nice, you can guarantee that Saltwater Cowboys will be packed! But not to fear, the outside walk-up bar makes it easy to grab a drink and enjoy the view without having to wait for a table. Although if you can grab a table, be sure to snag an order of the iconic trashcan nachos – they are delish and the perfect addition to your cocktail.

The Gin Joint

The Best Dessert in Charleston

Kaminsky’s

The desserts at Kaminsky’s are sinfully delicious! The massive dessert case is filled with freshly baked cakes and pies. They also have an incredible assortment of dessert cocktails and spiked milkshakes! 

My Order – Red Velvet Cake a la mode and a Kahlua Espresso martini! 

Carmella’s

Check out more Probably Out of Office destination guides here!

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