My friend and I will be visiting Charleston for 5 nights in March 2009.

We don't necessarily want fine dining, just good value family run places.

I have looked at Jestine's Kitchen, Hominy grill, Joseph's Restaurant and SNOB.

Could you please tell me your favorite best value restuarants in Charleston?
Thank You!
Laurie

Hello Laurie, I am certainly not any expert regarding Charleston's restuarant but when I was in Charleston three years ago I had a fantastic dinner at SNOB. I wish that restaurant was in my area or San Francisco. I am sure the experts regarding Charleston will be giving you some good thoughts. Enjoy your visit, Charleston is so beautiful and their residents are so charming.

SNOB is one of my favorites. There is also a great little french place on upper king called La Forchette that is fantastic. Also on upper king is a great pizza place called Monzas. I haven't been to Hominy grill but its supposed to be good. Poogans porch is a great place for breakfast/brunch/lunch.

Thank you for your replies, LoveItaly and Steph.

Poogan's Porch is definately going on our list, since it is right across the street from the Mill's House, where we are staying.

We will also plan to go to SNOB. It seems to get consistently good reviews.

Thank you for telling me about La Forchette and Monzas. I will look into these places.

Thanks again! Laurie

I didn't like Jestine's at all. They gave me a very fatty piece of meat.

Hyman's Seafood was good, and a good family place.

Hank's is delicious and if you're adventurous--ask to be seated at the communal table. Meet some of the local folks and ask them where they like to go (when they are not at Hank's).

For authentic local seafood go over to MtPleasant and eat at SeaWee on Route 17. Hyman's is AWFUL.

I also highly recommend SNOB and Hominy Grill. They are without a doubt my two favorites in Charleston. Enjoy yourself in a beautiful southern city.

Thank you for your suggestions! Hominy Grill looks good to me and is not terribly expensive.

Hanks looks good for seafood but it is a little more than we like to pay.

Thanks to everyone for their help.

We are really looking forward to our meals in Charleston!
Laurie

Certainly not experts, but we had a lovely dinner in the garden at 82 Queen. (My husband still raves over the Peach Praline Cobbler with cinnamon ice cream!!)

We also enjoyed our visits to Poogan's Porch and Hyman's Seafood.

My two faves, while not budget, are SNOB and Magnolia's ... I go to them time after time, and every meal is perfect.

I want to add Hank's Seafood to this list.

Sorry, but Hyman's, Poogan's Porch and 82 Queen rank at the bottom of most locals' list.

I'd add Hominy Grill to that after the worst most poorly executed brunch I've ever had in Charleston. And unless you have a car, be prepared to take a long walk.

Instead, SNOB for lunch or dinner. Have the shrimp and grits, on the lower price scale of the menu. Never disappoints.

Saffron has a great deal for brunch on Sundays, with both lunch and breakfast items. Good baked items, usually chicken and some sort of fish. Not fantastic, but excellent value.

I like Joseph's, excellent for breakfast or lunch and easy to find.

Jestine's -- I kinda of think of this as not unlike Lady and Sons in Savannah. Lots of hype, not enough substance, but might be worth the experience for visitors.

Basil is a good Thai option. Cru Cafe is terrific for lunch. La Fourchette makes fries to die for. Fast and French has good deals for nightly specials.

If you have a car, Boulevard Diner in Mt. Pleasant is a great value.

What kind of food at Boulevard Diner?

Boulevard Diner is closed Sundays. Menu ranges from fried green tomatoes as an app, fried chicken, turkey, meatloaf, several fish and seafood specials, lots of interesting southern style veggies as sides.

For something funky, good bar food may be had at Moe's Downtown Tavern on Cumberland Street -- great burgers, but the setting may be a bit over the top depending on your level of adventure and age/noise tolerance.

Hi Fliegel,
Thank you very much for the advice. Moe's Downtown tavern sounds like something we would enjoy. Would 2 middle age women be out of place there?

Also, what do you think of Carolina's restaurant on Exchange Street? And what about Jack's Cafe at 41 George street?

I have taken Jestine's Kitchen off of our list since we don't want to wait in a long line for mediocre food.

Also, thank you for pointing out that Hominy Grill is so far away. We are staying at the Mill's House hotel and we would like to be able to walk to most sights and restaurants.

Thanks again for your help!
Laurie

My 2 favorite restaurants are on Sullivan's Island. Station 22 and Sullivans. The Sunday brunch at Sullivans is great. I always make it over to one of those.
SNOB is my favorite in town.

Never been to Carolina's, nor Jack's Cafe. Sorry, can't help.

Moe's ... I could probably be your much older sister, and I had a very good time. The south is so civilized, it's hard to feel out of place most times.

Thanks, Fliegel,
We will put Moe's on our list to try!

Carolina's and Magnolias are ok, also like High Cotton and Blossom Cafe, and Fulton 5, which is small and tucked away. Hominy to me, is more of a lunch place, shrimp and grits, eggs benedict, etc. I've eaten there a dozen times and never had a problem so I'm not sure if the one post was a fluke or not. Jestines is comfort/soul food, if not your taste than you'd not like it. Hanks is fun for a drink and an appetizer, can be hit or miss for dinner. Also fun to hit the two rooftop bars for a cocktail...The Library at the Vendue Inn, and the newer one on the corner of Market and East Bay.