The Best Places to Eat in Charleston, SC
Charleston has put itself on the map as one of the best foodie cities in the country. From classic Southern dishes to South Carolina-style barbecue, Charleston has so many delicious choices. The best places to eat and drink in Charleston range from fine dining to neighborhood cafes, from swanky rooftop bars to cozy coffee shops. You almost can’t go wrong eating in Charleston, but this guide covers the places the city is most well-known for or that have been recommended by locals.
This is your foodie guide to the best places to eat and drink in Charleston, South Carolina.
PLANNING TIP: Many of the top restaurants in Charleston book up fast, so be sure to plan ahead and make your reservations well in advance.
The Best Places to Eat in Charleston
BRUNCH
Babas on Canon
This spot was recommended to us by a local, and it was one of my favorite stops we made! This little café is inspired by the neighborhood cafés and bars of Europe, and I think they nailed the vibe. The menu is simple, yet somewhat elevated, and so delicious. I was particularly fond of the grilled cheese with mushrooms (that hint of dijon with the gruyere cheese…perfection).
Millers All Day
Everything here tasted so incredible! Do yourself a favor and get the signature fried chicken and biscuit sandwich (served with pimento cheese – yummm). My husband also swears by the home fries here. You’ll probably run into a bit of a wait (it’s a pretty popular brunch spot), but it’s definitely worth it.
Harken Cafe & Bakery
Tucked away on a side street, Harken’s feels a bit like a hidden gem in the bustling French Quarter. Everything here is made from scratch using Lowcountry ingredients, and there’s a good selection of vegan and allergy-friendly dishes as well. Bonus: the coffee here is delightful.
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit
These are probably the most famous biscuits in all of Charleston. If you love them as much as I think you will, you can even buy your own biscuit mix to bring home! There are a couple of locations, but no matter where you go, expect a line.
Local cuisine
One of the best ways to experience Charleston is through the local flavors. Look for classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, shrimp & grits, fried green tomatoes, boiled peanuts, okra, or pimento cheese. Some South Carolina specialties include oysters, Frogmore stew, and mustard-based BBQ.
LUNCH & DINNER
Chez Nous
Tucked away down an alley in a former home, Chez Nous is the kind of restaurant experience you’ll remember for a lifetime. The menu is notably small with only a couple of options for each course, but that’s because they take care to make each dish the stuff of dreams. The menu also isn’t posted online because it changes constantly depending on what’s available and in season. Dining at Chez Nous is definitely a special experience and feels more like you’re a guest in the chef’s home rather than in a restaurant. It’s a small space, so be sure to make a reservation well in advance to guarantee a seat.
Leon’s
If there are two food groups you think of when you think of Charleston, it’s probably fried chicken and oysters. And that is precisely what Leon’s does best. Book yourself a reservation here and dine on these Charleston favorites as well as other Southern dishes.
Maison
If there’s a good French restaurant nearby, I will sniff it out. Maison serves up some lovely seasonal French dishes in a beautiful space. Reservations are a good idea here as well.
The Ordinary
Candidly, I haven’t actually eaten here because I can’t stand seafood, but if you have a more elevated palette than myself, this is the spot for fresh seafood. I hear the oysters, in particular, are truly delightful. Housed in an old bank building, the space is stunning as well.
Husk
With several locations throughout the South, Husk has become somewhat of a Southern legend. This upscale eatery began in South Carolina and sources all of its ingredients from the South. The result is impeccable seasonal dishes that give you that classic “homecooked” feeling. We stopped here by recommendation of Stephen Colbert (okay…he didn’t personally recommend it, but I have heard it’s his hometown favorite), and he didn’t disappoint us. This is another spot that will require advance reservations.
Lewis Barbecue
I’m convinced you haven’t had BBQ until you’ve been to Lewis Barbecue. The chef is an Austen transplant who cooks up some fine Texas-style house-smoked meats. Although this is Texas-style barbecue, they do offer the South Carolina classic mustard-based sauce (which also happened to be my favorite). Don’t sleep on the sides either! Everything we tried was perfect. The line here can get long, but it typically runs pretty quickly. Pro Tip: get here pre-lunch or pre-dinner hour to avoid the long line. We arrived around 2 pm and walked right up to the counter with no wait.
Rodney Scott’s BBQ
This place has become so popular that there are now several locations throughout the South, but the original is in Charleston. Rodney’s does classic Lowcountry-style slow-smoked BBQ with all the fixings. My mouth is watering just typing this.
BASIC KITCHEN
Basic in ingredients, not in flavor. The South can be a tough place for vegans and vegetarians, but that’s where BASIC KITCHEN comes to the rescue. The majority of the menu is vegan or vegetarian-friendly, and anything that’s not is still thoughtfully sourced. Featuring seasonal, local produce and diverse flavors, you’ll end your meal feeling nourished and ready to keep exploring.
DESSERT
Off Track Ice Cream
We loved the ice cream here so much that we went twice in one weekend. I can’t speak highly enough of the flavors here. My husband has dairy and soy allergies, so their menu with clear allergen markers and a plethora of vegan flavors was much appreciated. He also dubbed this the best vegan ice cream he’s ever had. My very-much-not-vegan ice cream was also incredible.
COFFEE
Clerks Coffee
Located within the gorgeous Hotel Emeline, Clerk’s Coffee is a pretty convenient spot to grab your java. You can expect a line here most mornings, but it moves along pretty quickly. Take your drink to go and then stroll around the French Quarter, or sit and sip your morning brew in their beautiful space.
Babas on Cannon
What’s that? Babas is on this list twice? Yes. That’s because, even if you don’t plan on grabbing brunch, this is a great spot to stop for coffee. I absolutely must recommend the peanut mocha made with Babas peanut milk.
They also serve wine in the evenings, but I’ll save putting Babas on the list for a third time and just mention it here instead.
LIBATIONS
Poogan’s Porch
With a prime location in downtown Charleston, Poogan’s is a super popular brunch and dinner spot. Truthfully, I thought there were much better dining options in Charleston; however, this was the only place I could find that served a mint julep. Poogan’s is also located in a cool old Victorian home, so it was totally worth the bar stop.
The Citrus Club
Located on the rooftop of The Dewberry, this mid-century-styled lounge has comfy seating and a beautiful view. In fact, it’s the highest rooftop bar in Charleston! There’s an incredibly photogenic indoor portion as well if you’re looking for a break from the Southern sun. True to the name, the signature cocktails are citrus-inspired, and there’s a menu of light bites if you’re in the need of some sustenance.
Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect Southern biscuit or a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience, Charleston has you covered. You might be headed to Charleston for the history and beautiful scenery, but you’ll want to stay for the cooking.
Is there anything you would add to this list? Let everyone know in the comments below!
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