I have to go to Charleston (I know, poor me) for a week of software training. DH is going with me the weekend prior to celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary. We have been a before, but always love to hear about fun, new restaurants or old favorites. We like casual dining--where the natives go--as well as fine dining, so dives are welcome too. Your suggestions are much appreciated!

#1 Magnolia's

#2 S.N.O.B.

#3 Anson's

#4 The Boathouse

#5 California Pizza Kitchen

Thank you, Elsiemoo! Have you ever eaten at FIG or Fish?

Magnolia's was our favorite too.

No, marysmommy, but have heard good things about FIG. The new one (for me) is going to be Peninsula Grill on Christmas Eve this year (going to Charleston for Christmas ... Everybody raves about it ... can't wait. Magnolia's will be Christmas Day ... Have a wonderful week in Charleston.

No, marysmommy, but have heard good things about FIG. The new one (for me) is going to be Peninsula Grill on Christmas Eve this year (going to Charleston for Christmas ... ) Everybody raves about it ... can't wait. Magnolia's will be Christmas Day ... Have a wonderful week in Charleston.

I think my first experience with Magnolias was about 10 years ago. My wife and I had heard wonderful things about it from some friends and we decided to try it.

I was looking at the dinner menu when the waiter came over. I asked him about the Cajun clam chowder and what he thought about it. He said something like "The New York Times food critic who was here several weeks ago really loved it." I realized that I was in no ordinary restaurant and the entire meal later confirmed this. Everything was superb!

Oh yes, the Cajun clam chowder was outstanding. I wanted to lick the bowl clean - if you know what I mean.

Thanks so much for the Magnolia's endorsement. That sounds wonderful--we can't wait! We're also going to try FIG and will write a trip report when we get back.

Since we have a rental car, I think we may go to a couple of other off the beaten path places that the Times recently reported on: See Wee Restaurant and Gullah Cuisine.

ELSIEMOO, we stayed at the Planter's Inn last year and had a fabulous dinner at Peninsula Grill. Their signature oyster dish is out of this world and the atmosphere is perfect for a holiday celebration! Have a fabulous time!

Happy holidays everyone!

FAVOURITE restaurant:
1) Sticky Fingers (order the pulled pork)
It makes me want to move to Charleston (well, that and the fact Charleston is a beautiful city).

nosocks, there are 19 cities in the SE you could move to if you like it that much - http://www.stickyfingersonline.com/locate.asp

My nephew and I really enjoyed Magnolia's years ago - and he still talks about it!

A friend also suggested Hominy Grill--has anyone been there?

Yes, Sticky Fingers is now a chain but it originated in Charleston (and yes, I do know they are from Tenn.).

I have been to many of the higher end restaurants in Charleston, which many are listed above, so I though I would list a more "casual dining" restaurant which is what the OP asked.

I appreciate it--DH and I trade off on fine dining and casual dining, so I need both. His idea of a fantastic evening is to kick back at Hyman's with a beer and boiled peanuts and just order from the bar. I enjoy that too, but not every night!

Do take a look at escargot's trip report on her recent visit to Charleston. She did an excellent job and reviewed FIG very nicely.

I love Magnolia's. I also enjoy Hominy Grill (especially brunch), Peninsula, High Cotton, Blossom's, and Ansons.

Treat yourself to a gelato at King and St. George.

Happy anniversary!

Well, I'll probably get strung up for treason for saying this, but we enjoyed our bucket of boiled shrimp at Bubba Gump's Shrimp Co.

Mom picked it and I said "yes" because it was "her trip". But, we really enjoyed it. I wish I were there right now with a bucket of shrimp and a cold beer. (Well, really I wish I were at GoT's with her 4 pounds of shrimp and cold beer )

I absolutely second Starrsville! The first time we went to Charleston, we were really hungry, BubbaGumps was RIGHT THERE. My DH loved their coconut shrimp ... and I had some basket or bucket of fried shrimp. Fun place, yummy food! We didn't plan to eat there but .... then we were glad we did.

Hank's--great service, fantastic food.

If you find yourself on Daniel Island at any time during your visit, I recommend Sienna for fine dining.

http://www.siennadining.com/

Also, another vote for Hominy Grill for breakfast.

Cool! My training is at Blackbaud, which is on Daniel Island, so I'll definitely go there. Thanks for the suggestion!

For casual dining, I would recommend Jestine's Kitchen at 251 Meeting Street. Reviewers call it "Lowcountry cuisine" but I would just call it great comfort food! I was only there once, but I still think about the pecan chicken and the Coca-cola cake. It's open for lunch and dinner, and they don't take reservations.