I have planned a solo vacation in Charleston later this month. Does anyone have restaurant suggestions for a single female staying in the historic area? Fine dining doesn't work for me - I don't want to sit in a nice restaurant alone ... it's too awkward. Thank you!

Fleet landing is great.

Over the water, my son watched dolphins all afternoon. The food is good quality high volume ie not over the top. Good staff and it was extremely busy which should mean plenty people watching if you are alone.

http://www.fleetlanding.net/

Try a small but delicious place called CRU. Great food,and menu, fun ambience, very popular, casual.

We sat next to a woman who was alone, but came everytime she was in Charleston because she dreamed about their hamburger.

We ordered the hamburger (which I rarely do) and it was super. But everything else looked good too.

They have a sort of communal seating area, where we joined another group (we were three) and this lone woman. Worked perfectly.

You'll have to google it's location because my friend took us, and all I remember is that it is near where you take a horse drawn carriage tour.

Cru is great.

I have to say, I have dined alone in many of the nice places in Charleston. You can eat at the bar at any of the iconic places, make new friends and have a great time.

Charleston is one of the friendliest, most hospitable places in the country. I would hate for you to miss out on the good stuff because you feel awkward. Nobody is judging. And everybody has to eat.

I like both Fleet Landing and Cru. I'd also recommend Slightly North of Broad and Magnolias. Slightly North of Broad (SNOB) is not too fancy. Magnolias does have white tablecloths, but there's nothing fussy about it. Both these restaurants are on East Bay Street (in fact almost across the street from each other). I've never been in any restaurant in Charleston where the staff wasn't welcoming of everyone. It really is a very friendly city. You can certainly keep to yourself if that's what you want, but it's also easy to start up conversations if that's what you like. Absolutely no need to feel uncomfortable wherever you choose.

I would back up Vanne, the restaurants where we ate had genuinely friendly staff and the local economy seemed to be booming. The city just had a "feel good" vibe to it.

Really enjoyed our time there and will be revisiting soon, which considering the cost and time it takes to get there for us, that is some compliment.

I just came back from traveling alone and spending four days in Charleston last week. I agree that Charleston's done very well in the hospitality industry and I did not feel uncomfortable dining alone at all there. Sometimes the factor that ruins the experience are fellow travelers, who had never seen solo female travelers where they are from, but I did not feel that while in Charleston either. My favorite restaurant from the trip was Hominy Grill, although it might be a bit far to walk to from the historic district (I drove).

Agree with Vann - just ate solo at the Slight North of Broad bar a few weeks ago, and it was fabulous. Had a glass of wine at the wine bar next door to it as well. It was lovely! Lots of shops/restaurants on East Bay st.

Hyman’s Seafood
http://www.hymanseafood.com/
There are signed movie star photos on walls.
Some of the tables have a medal piece stating that a movie star sat there.

I love the food for the price and the owner walks around and talks to you.
Family owed building forever.
Full of stories.

If you want a pleasant dining experience with fresh ingredients, skip Hyman's. It is loaded with hoardes of tourists. I don't it would be a comfortable dinner spot for you on your own. Skip any place that has people out on the sidewalk hawking customers.

For real food, well-prepared and fresh, look at SNOB, Hank's, FIG (my favorite), Anson, High Cotton, Cypress (lovely bar upstairs), Magnolia's, 82 Queen (nice fried greens and she crab soup), Cru, Tristan, Fast and French (really fun, lots of other solos, esp at lunch), Amen Street, or Grocery. You won't feel like a stand out in any of those.

Thanks to all of you for your great suggestions!

I guess have head trash about eating alone and need to let it go. Traveling solo is great so I am determined to deal with this! Many thanks again.

Toast – 155 Meeting Street (843) 534-0043
Poogan’s Porch – 72 Queen Street (843) 577-2337; res’v recommended
Hominy Grill – 207 Rutledge @ Cannon (843) 937-0930
Il Cortile Del Re – 193 King Street (843) 853-1888
South End Brewery – 161 East Bay Street (843) 853-4677
Vickery’s (Mt. Pleasant) – 1313 Shrimp Boat Lane, Mt. Pleasant (843) 884-4440
Harris Teeter (picnic lunches) – 290 East Bay Street (843) 722-6821

These are the restaurants we ate at while staying at The Meeting Street Inn across from the market.

redux2722, I remember that feeling. Think of it like this: how often do you stare at a solo diner and think "what a loser". Never, right? Other people don't either. Truthfully, people are thinking about their own stuff, not why you're by yourself.

Do go to the nice places. Charleston is so special. I know you'll enjoy it.