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Charleston is blessed with a bevy of Southern-inflected selections, from barbecue parlors to fish shacks to casual places serving Lowcountry fare like shrimp and grits. If you'd like to try something new, there are plenty of places serving updated, inspired versions of classic dishes. Before you leave, you'll definitely see why
Charleston is blessed with a bevy of Southern-inflected selections, from barbecue parlors to fish shacks to casual places serving Lowcountry fare like shrimp and grits. If you'd like to try something new, there are plenty of places serving updated, inspired versions of
Charleston is blessed with a bevy of Southern-inflected selections, from barbecue parlors to fish shacks to casual place
Charleston is blessed with a bevy of Southern-inflected selections, from barbecue parlors to fish shacks to casual places serving Lowcountry fare like shrimp and grits. If you'd like to try something new, there are plenty of places serving updated, inspired versions of classic dishes. Before you leave, you'll definitely see why Charleston is considered one of the greatest food cities in the world.
The city's dining scene status continues to rise, boosted by a group of James Beard Foundation repeat award winners. Robert Stehling of Hominy Grill, Mike Lata of FIG and The Ordinary, Jason Stanhope of FIG, and Sean Brock of McCrady's and Husk each earned the designation of Best Chef: Southeast, in successive years. The city boasts other prodigious talents, too: Alex Lira of Bar Normandy, Jeremiah Bacon of the Macintosh, Michelle Weaver of Charleston Grill, Ken Vedrinski of Trattoria Lucca, Jacques Larson of Wild Olive and The Obstinate Daughter, and Josh Walker of Xiao Bao Biscuit. It's the establishment of the New South, circa now.
As for attire, Charleston invites a crisp yet casual atmosphere. Don't forget, it was recognized as the Most Mannerly City in the country by Marjabelle Young Stewart, which means that residents are slow to judge (or, at the least, that they're doing so very quietly). On the whole, the city encourages comfort and unhurried, easy pacing. The result is an idyllic setting in which to enjoy oysters on the half shell and other homegrown delicacies from the land and sea that jointly grant the city its impressive culinary standing.
Casual, quirky, and a tad Wes Anderson-y, this oysters-and-fried-chicken joint sports a kitschy ambience and blues-heavy soundtrack. Fried catfish, oyster, and chicken sammies come towering, dressed in fresh slaw or "comeback sauce" and nestled on perfectly prepared rolls. The oysters are from near or far, depending on the season. Don't forget to ask for a soft-serve ice cream before you go; you can grab it at the window outside the former auto repair shop.
698 King St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29403, USA
The owner of Marsh Hen Mill co-owns this breakfast joint that caters to the white-collar Broad Street crowd, balancing blue plate breakfasts with fancy morning entrées like lobster toast on house-baked brioche. It's hard to choose between the biscuits loaded with pimento cheese, fried chicken, or country ham with fig jam.
Although it's billed as a pizza parlor, this neighborhood trattoria stuns taste buds with its entire menu, including anchovies in pepper and grapefruit and entrées like swordfish with horseradish mustard. The thin-crust pizzas are complemented by an impressive selection of natural wines and a daily cocktail special.
384 Huger St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29403, USA
Mount Pleasant's culinary ambitions perhaps reached their apex at the Shellmore, an unassuming wine bar with a chalkboard menu and some of the most romantic nooks in town. Chef-owner Eric Milley always has cheese and cold shucked oysters at the ready, but devotees know he's prone to work wonders with hulking cuts of beef, including prime rib and veal chops.
357 Shelmore Blvd., Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, 29464, USA
One of Charleston's oldest speakeasies, the Blind Tiger can go toe-to-toe with any newcomer. Name the beer, name the backdrop, and the Tiger can deliver in spades, starting with two indoor bars and a historic, handsome outdoor patio. The kitchen also turns out solid bar food—the bacon and blue burger and the fried pickles make this a regular lunch spot for Broad Street attorneys.
36–38 Broad St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, USA
Begin your meal here with a half-dozen raw oysters, then fill up with a platter of ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. That's the concept behind this raw bar BBQ joint set in envious digs directly on the water. It's a sister concept by the chef/owner of nearby Ella & Ollie's.
3731 Docksite Rd., Edisto Beach, South Carolina, 29438, USA
Although some locals call it the "fancy place," Carmine's is a lively pizza joint more than anything. Local clams come in a red tomato sauce, and the veal marsala with fresh mushrooms is a tender treat. The only high-end furnishing is a baby grand, which is tickled by pianists on Friday and Saturday night.
242 E. Washington St., Walterboro, South Carolina, 29488, USA
The wood-fired oven is on full display at this Italian-leaning eatery that churns out decadent pizzas—including one dripping with taleggio and burnt honey—and shareable plates like blue crab fritters and a platter of rich pork and beef meatballs sizzling in a cast iron skillet. Spacious, green-cushioned round booths are the choice seating inside, but if weather allows, ask for a table in the lovely courtyard, a space shared with the Emeline Hotel.
181 Church St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, USA
This local favorite, also known as Fast & French, has been a fixture in the neighborhood for more than 35 years, thanks to the consistent food, the esprit de corps of the staff, and the family-style tables for sharing breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Its popular fondue grew from a once-a-week special to a daily affair, and you can also get your cheese fix with the wonderful Bucheron cheese salad. Nightly specials, such as bouillabaisse, are reasonably priced and come with a petite glass of wine. The subtly sweet chocolate-mousse cake is the best way to end your meal.
98 Broad St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, USA
Creative Southern fare keeps this place bustling—it feels like the center of the small town action on weekend evenings. Opt for daily specials like Cajun crawfish pot pie or the sausage-stuffed pork tenderloin. Seating is inside the spacious brick former ice warehouse or on the inviting patio, where a playground (lorded over by a life-size Sasquatch) let parents eat while the kids get their energy out.
104 E. Doty Ave., Summerville, South Carolina, 29483, USA
An homage to the Italian city of the same name, Monza provides genuine Neapolitan-style pizza and an introduction to one of the world's most historic motor-sport racing circuits: the Autodromo Nazionale Monza. The pizza—baked in a wood-fired oven, in traditional style—boasts a thin, crisp crust and toppings like house-made sausage, pepperoni, eggplant, roasted red peppers, and locally farmed eggs. Locals are understandably wild for the butterbean salad.
451 King St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29403, USA
From the moment that Kate and Ben Towill came to South Carolina to open an exceedingly Instagrammable vegetable-focused restaurant in downtown Charleston, fans have clamored for more of their spot-on style. That wish is granted in the form of Post House, an effortlessly tasteful neighborhood bistro featuring thoughtful takes on classics such as Caesar salad, steak frites, and peel-and-eat shrimp.
101 Pitt St., Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, 29464, USA
This 1940s-era filling station—the pumps are still outside—has been converted into a fun and eclectic bar and restaurant where you're sure to find some local color. The menu ranges from bar food like buffalo wings and burgers to local shrimp, crab cakes, and pan-seared mahi-mahi. While the interior is a bit rough around the edges, with concrete floors and bathrooms outside, the beer inventory consists of microbrews, and the Monday night karaoke is a lively mix of locals and visitors. For fine dining, look to the Firefly Flounder topped with mango chutney and a sweet-tea glaze. Blues and rock bands regularly play on the weekends.
2801 Myrtle St., Edisto Island, South Carolina, 29438, USA
The first casual entry in chef-owner Patrick Owens's portfolio, Wood & Grain takes its name from its centerpiece oven and the masterful pizzas that emerge from it. In addition to the pies decked out with charcuterie, Wood & Grain is a reliable source of sophisticated cocktails and roasted seafood, including one of the Lowcountry's great octopus dishes.
778 S. Shelmore Blvd., Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, 29464, USA
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