Charleston, SC

restaurants

Lewis Barbecue

Hands down the best barbecue in Charleston, head to Lewis for Texas-style house-smoked meats served up counter-style in an industrial-hip space with a hopping bar & plenty of outdoor picnic tables. My order: Be sure to go with a group so you can get a little bit of everything. The brisket, pulled pork, and ribs are a must. Their coleslaw is tangy and healthy – which I love, and their mac n’ cheese is anything but healthy but is to-die-for.

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Butcher & Bee

I’m obsessed with Butcher & Bee’s food – it’s incredible – but even more obsessed with their WINE SELECTION. They have some of my absolute favorites like Twomey Cellars and Rombauer at crazy-low prices (like $10 a glass….) I couldn’t even believe it. Clearly the owners of this Nashville/Charleston hot spot love their wine and are willing to give it to customers at pretty much cost. LOVE IT.

Charleston, SC

bar • restaurants

Husk

At Husk, there are some hard-and-fast rules about what can go on your plate – if it doesn’t come from the South, it’s not coming through the door. While supper at the iconic Husk is unbelievable and a destination dining experience for travelers worldwide, it can be hard to get a reservation, and the real locals secret is that the Bar at Husk is just next door and just as good – the bar features a similar ingredient-driven food menu, and a drink menu full of beautiful cocktails and 50+ bourbon choices that will knock you right off your rocking chair.

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Callie's Hot Little Biscuit

Callie’s is the real deal, y’all. They’ve been featured by Saveur, Food & Wine, Southern Living, The New York Times and even Oprah! So whether you want to make your morning with a sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast biscuit, or soak up a long night of partying on King Street with their late night, Callie’s is a must-stop on any trip to Charleston.

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Leon's

Fried chicken and oysters – does it get more Charleston than this? This outdoor and indoor rustic-chic restaurant is a locals favorite hangout for fresh oysters, crispy fried chicken, delicious cocktails, and its cozy patio – Leon’s is a must on any trip to the Holy City… it’s so good you’re going to want to go two times in one weekend.My order: A frozen G&T, a half dozen of the chef’s choice oysters, a fried chicken sandwich, and the brussels sprouts.

Charleston, SC

bar • restaurants

Blind Tiger Pub

When a bunch of friends and I went to this historical bar, we were expecting a small pub… but walk further into this seemingly neighborhood restaurant and bar and you get to the most beautiful outdoor patio area that truly makes this place the gem it is. It kind of feels like a mix between an old historical English courtyard and a jungle. Their food is great, as are their cocktails.Check out their Sunday brunch for $3 mimosas, bellinis (my favorite) and Bloody Mary’s until 3pm!

Charleston, SC

restaurants

167 Raw

Looking for the locals’s secret bes oysters in Charleston? You’re going to want to check out 167 Raw, a small, chic neighborhood raw bar and seafood restaurant with some of the best oysters & seafood in town. (they also have some heartier fare like their to-die-for carnitas tacos).There are no reservations, but you can always grab a drink while you wait.

Charleston, SC

bar • restaurants

Home Team BBQ

With three locations across the city (in West Ashley, Downtown Charleston, and Sullivans Island), Hometeam barbecue has become more than just a barbecue staple – it’s a Charleston meat empire. Their addictive smoked wings, their delicious pulled pork nachos, and their signature frozen gamechanger cocktails are just what the doctor ordered after a long day on the beach or out exploring Charleston. We went twice in a single trip, and even after that, my boyfriend, (a buffalo wing connoisseur), said “I’d fly back to Charleston just for more of those wings”. So there you have it, folks. Home Team always wins

Charleston, SC

bar • cafe • restaurants • shopping

goat. sheep. cow., north

Downtown’s beloved cozy cheese shop recently opened a new location that allows the owners to express their affection for wine and cheese in square footage. Although the designated cheese board changes daily, the store’s inventory includes a number of celebrated and coveted Southern cheeses.

Charleston, SC

cafe • shopping

The Daily

has a full complement of sophisticated coffee drinks, as well as inventive pastries from its well-regarded bakery at Butcher & Bee. But part of the draw here is the retail collection of local artisan goods, should you need any sea salt or hot sauce for the folks back home.

Charleston, SC

destination • experience

High Wire Distilling

The distillery has a deserved reputation for always being one of the first local outlets to fully harness flavors of newly resurrected ingredients, such as the Bradford watermelon and Jimmy Red corn.

Charleston, SC

bar • restaurants

The Grocery

If it’s vegetables you crave, though, it’s hard to improve upon The Grocery, driven by wildly talented chef Kevin Johnson and his wood-fired grill. But don’t get stuck on the roasted carrots with harissa yogurt or butterbean salad. Johnson is a fantastic interpreter of local seafood, which tends to pair well with a charred tomato Bloody Mary.

Charleston, SC

bar • restaurants

Edmund's Oast

Charleston’s beer scene has grown at breakneck speed, with so many breweries now in residence that the city has an entire district devoted to keeping drinkers in suds. If you don’t have a full day to spend touring the seven breweries located on The Neck (not to mention those beyond it), Edmund’s Oast has an excellent selection of local beers, clean lines and proper glassware.

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Little Jack's Tavern

Indeed, the burger at this stylish throwback roadhouse is so special that it’s listed on the menu twice: Once as a starter, and once as dessert, for guests who couldn’t possibly leave without one last slider. Despite the visual references to boxers and racehorses, Little Jack’s is very cognizant of the way people want to eat now. There’s no shame in (or regret associated with) ordering the chopped kale salad.

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Minero

Looking for the best Mexican in the South? Minero’s happy hour (Monday through Friday, 3:30-6:30) features $3 PBR pints, $2 tequila shots, $3 bourbon shots, $4 select wines, and $2 off margaritas, micheladas, and sangrias. As well as $5 queso ranchero, carnitas sliders, mole chicken chilaquiles, and guacamole!

Charleston, SC

bar • restaurants

Slightly North of Broad Restaurant

This contemporary Southern American bistro is a Charleston staple. From scallops, to Carolina flounder, to lamb, to shrimp and grits, SNOB is one of the best restaurants in Chucktown. But wait- you haven’t even heard the desserts, yet. Sour cream apple pie? Banana cream pie? Creme brulee? You’re already dialing the restaurant to get a reservation, aren’t you?