Where to Eat in Charleston – A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Local Restaurants

Discover the Finest Local Flavors

Charleston, South Carolina is known for its unique blend of coastal flavors, diverse ingredients, and unique menu items. With its growing reputation as one of the best food cities in the United States, the city has become a favorite destination for foodies from around the country—and the world. From classic Southern BBQ to fresh seafood dishes to fine dining, Charleston’s restaurants have something for every palate.

In this guide, we’ll tell you about some of the best places to eat in Charleston. We’ve rounded up our favorite restaurants and eateries, including a few hidden gems that only locals know about. We’ll also let you know what you need to know before you go, so you can make the most of your culinary adventure.

Highlighted Restaurants in Charleston

Charleston is home to numerous restaurants that showcase the city’s renowned cuisine. We’ve assembled a list of some of our favorite restaurants in the area:

• The Grocery – https://www.thegrocerycharleston.com/: This chic Columbia Street restaurant is owned by Chef Kevin Johnson. Here, you’ll find dishes from all over the world, like a farmers’ market salad with grilled shrimp or a grilled Neapolitan-style pizza. Be sure to ask your server about their cocktail creations.
• Charleston Grill – https://charlestongrill.com/: Part of the Omni Hotel, this upscale bistro features dishes like shrimp and grits or scallops with wilted broccoli rabe and polenta. The restaurant also offers live jazz music every evening.
• Magnolias – https://magnolias-blossom-cypress.com/: This vibrant downtown restaurant is known for their savory Lowcountry dishes and their epic Sunday brunches. Check their website for weekly specials like their “Ribeye Au Poivre” or “Wild Mushroom Ravioli” night.
• 5 Church – https://5churchcharleston.com/: This modern, industrial-style restaurant located in the historic Ansonborough neighborhood offers an eclectic menu of contemporary American dishes. Specialties here include coconut sticky ribs, hickory-smoked pork shoulder, and their famous short rib poutine.
• Poogan’s Porch – http://poogansporch.com/: Located on historic Queen Street, this restaurant has been serving up delectable Lowcountry dishes since 1976 and specializes in fried oysters and Southern-style vegetable plates.

These are just a few of our favorite restaurants in Charlotte – there are so many more to explore! When dining out in this city, be sure to ask your server for local favorites and seasonal offerings to really get a feel for the area’s cuisine.

What to Know Before Visiting Restaurants in Charleston

Before you head out to dine in Charleston, there are a few local customs that you should be aware of:

• Dress Code: Unlike in some cities where casual dress is commonly accepted, many Charleston establishments have dress codes that require guests to look presentable. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the minimum standard is generally “business casual” – no flip flops or tank tops.
• Tips: Gratuities are normally around 20%. Keep in mind that it is customary to tip your server and other restaurant staff in addition to the meal cost – leaving a smart tip is not only courteous but expected as well.
• (Final) Checks: At many Charleston restaurants, once a server brings you the check, they may step away from the table instead of lingering for payment – this doesn’t mean they are rushing you out; it’s just a local custom – so be prepared with cash or card when your bill arrives.

A Culinary Adventure Awaits!

With its vibrant food scene and distinctive flavors, Charleston is an ideal destination for any food lover. Whether you’re looking for an upscale lodge experience or a cozy café, Carolina offers a wide range of restaurants that are sure to please every palate. With our guide to some of the best restaurants around town, you’re sure to find culinary adventures ranging from classic Lowcountry favorites to truly unique fare.

Insider’s Guide to Charleston: A City of Hidden Charms and Local Flavors

Charleston is a city that boasts southern charm and hospitality, a rich history, and a vibrant food culture. While the city is famous for its historic landmarks, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path spots that locals love. Here is an insider’s guide to discovering the hidden gems, the local cuisine, the cultural experiences, and the fascinating stories that make Charleston an unforgettable destination.

Local Attractions: Discovering Hidden Charleston

Charleston is more than just the historic downtown area and the beaches. For a taste of local life, head to neighborhoods like Avondale, Cannonborough, and Elliotborough. These areas have a great number of independent shops, restaurants, and cafes. For a slice of the city’s history, visit the Charleston Library Society, which has been operating since 1748, making it the third oldest library in the United States.

Another hidden gem is James Island County Park, which offers miles of scenic trails, tidal creeks, and a saltwater fishing lake. It’s the perfect spot for hiking, biking, and kayaking. For something more unique, check out the city’s vast collection of street art that will give you a glimpse into Charleston’s vibrant art scene. Additionally, the entire city is known for its beautiful architecture, making it easy to get lost in its picturesque streets.

Dining Spots: Savoring the Local Cuisine and Stories

Charleston cuisine is a blend of African, Caribbean, European, and Native American influences. To truly experience the flavors of the city, check out some of the low-key eateries and long-standing institutions where the locals go. For breakfast, check out Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit located on Upper King Street, a popular breakfast spot for locals. They serve up buttermilk and cheese biscuits, as well as sandwiches with sausage, bacon, and egg.

For seafood, head to the Charleston City Market, where you can try Gullah cuisine, which is food prepared using African and Caribbean techniques. Make sure to try she-crab soup, which is a creamy crab soup that was invented in Charleston almost a century ago.

For a unique experience, make a visit to the Husk Bar, which is located in an old house in downtown Charleston. The bar serves up seasonal cocktails with ingredients sourced from local farms, and the place is steeped in history, with bullet holes still embedded in the walls from the Civil War.

Cultural Experiences: Embracing Charleston’s Traditions

Charleston is famous for its rich culture, traditions, and art scene. Make sure to catch a performance by the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, which has been around since 1936 and is considered to be one of the best regional orchestras in the country. If you are interested in visual art, take a stroll through the Gibbes Museum of Art, which has a collection of over 10,000 works from 18th to 21st centuries.

To experience the city’s African-American history, visit the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture. Situated on the College of Charleston campus, the center offers exhibitions, public programs, and research opportunities on the history and culture of the African diaspora.

Additionally, make sure to catch the Charleston Wine + Food Festival that takes place every March. This is a great opportunity to sample the city’s best food and drink, and mingle with the locals in a festive atmosphere.

Local History: Unearthing Fascinating Stories

Charleston has a rich history, and some of the city’s most intriguing stories lie in its past. One must-see destination is the McLeod Plantation Historic Site, which is a former cotton plantation and has been restored to depict its history accurately. For a spine-tingling experience, visit the Old City Jail, which has been around since 1802 and housed pirates and other notorious criminals such as Lavinia Fisher, who was the first documented female serial killer in the United States.

Make sure to also check out the Nathaniel Russell House, which is one of the most pristine examples of neoclassical architecture in the city. It was built-in 1808 by Nathaniel Russell, who was one of the wealthiest merchants in the city, and is furnished with items from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Making Memories That Last

To truly experience the beauty and charm of Charleston, consider taking a tour of the city’s many hidden alleys and courtyards. One such tour would be the Battery Carriage House Inn ghost tour, which takes you through the city’s spooky graveyards and supposedly haunted buildings.

Another special experience is taking a sunset sailboat cruise along the Charleston Harbor. You’ll get to see the city skyline from a unique perspective, as well as enjoy stunning views of historical landmarks.

Overall, Charleston is a city that offers history, beauty, and charm at every corner. With so many hidden gems to discover, you’ll fall in love with the hidden parts of Charleston, as well as its culture, cuisine, and history. The city’s unique blend of southern hospitality and modern amenities makes it a destination that is perfect for everyone, so make sure to put Charleston on your must-visit list.