Charleston, SC

restaurants

Fuel Charleston

Fun, casual downtown spot for drinks and food (tacos, sandwiches, etc.). Cornhole out back, dog friendly!

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Leon's

Rosé on tap, oysters, not to mention soft serve 🍦 with rainbow 🌈 sprinkles. Awesome bar and outdoor patio scene.

Mount Pleasant, SC

restaurants

Tavern & Table

You can’t go wrong sitting anywhere along Shem Creek on a nice day, but Tavern & Table definitely has the best food!

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Poogan's Porch

Brunch. Chicken & waffles (I’ve seen actual tears from a friend because it was so good), pecan crusted French toast, and Pulled Pork Benedict are favorites of folks I’ve been with.

Charleston, SC

restaurants

The Macintosh

Great for any meal, but oh my gosh to the poutine for Sunday brunch 😍. Ask to sit out back on the patio - you wouldn’t know it’s there, but it’s charming out back!

Charleston, SC

cafe

Brown's Court Bakery

This bakery smells heavenly when you walk in. It’s little, but has porch seating along the railing as well as seating upstairs. Croissants, breakfast sammies, and coffee/lattes/cappuccino of course 🥐☕️

Charleston, SC

bar

Container Bar Charleston

Cool outdoor bar scene made from old shipping containers. Stop by for drinks, corn-hole and food trucks! Owned by Bill Murray.

Charleston, SC

bar

Cannon Green

Beautiful setting and decor. Great cocktails and appetizers. Also delicious brunch (with a live DJ). Cool outdoor space that can be used for events, but also as a place you can just sit out back with said cocktails if no event is taking place.

Charleston, SC

bar

Zero George

This place makes you REALLY feel like you’re in Charleston with the house and porch feel associated. Great for a pre-dinner cocktail as well as for an upscale dinner. The chef has really delicious, creative offerings with a tasting menu available.

Charleston, SC

bar

The Skinny Dip: Charleston Edition

Cute rooftop spot to grab a glass of wine or frosé with a girlfriend after browsing through the boutique.

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Millers All Day

Great for brunch and happy hour (hush puppies and other snacks...mmm). Cool, bright interior with a modern vibe.

Folly Beach, SC

bar

Sunset Cay Marina

Local treasure in this lesser known Folly dive bar. Away from the hectic strip with amazing views and sunsets.

Charleston, SC

bar

The Barrel

Great beer bar and incredibly dog friendly. Fenced in to allow dogs to be off-leash.

Charleston, SC

bar

Wine & Company

Best wine bar in Charleston! The owner, Josh, is both incredibly kind and knowledgeable. Coming here makes you feel like you’re at home, yet you still are out and about doing something. And on those days you DO just want to go home, you can pick up a bottle to go. Great meat and cheese plates as well.

Charleston, SC

cafe

Callie's Hot Little Biscuit

Local biscuits to go. Pro-tip: download and place your order using their app so you can skip the line!

Mount Pleasant, SC

restaurants

Kanpai Japanese Restaurant

BYOB and the best place for authentic sushi in Charleston. No frills, but delicious! When it happens to be colder their ramen is also unreal (the chef spends 3 days making the broth).

Charleston, SC

restaurants

The Park Cafe

Awesome brunch (picnic tables outside ideally!). French toast or avocado toast mmmm 🥑. You can walk it off with a stroll through Hampton Park afterward.

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Xiao Bao Biscuit

Unreal Asian fusion cuisine

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Tradd's

Beautiful setting and white table cloth spot for a nice meal or date night.

Folly Beach, SC

bar

Pier 101 Restaurant & Bar

Casual, beachy spot for American food and drinks out on the pier overlooking Folly Beach. Sometimes there’s live music as well.

Charleston, SC

bar

Carmella's

Awesome desserts and wine bar!

Charleston, SC

restaurants

BASIC KITCHEN

Lots of vegetarian and gluten free options, but great options for everyone! Brunch and dinner. I had the naughty burger with sweet potato fries and a lemongrass limeade 😉

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Purlieu

Delicious, authentic French food. Got the mussels special, French Fries (to dip in that amazing mussel broth), and a glass of red wine for dinner🍷 👌🏼

Charleston, SC

restaurants

The Ordinary

Nice date night spot (must like seafood!). I recommend going on their lobster roll night 🦞. In a cool, converted bank. Has fun rum-based cocktails to go with the sailor/sea vibe.

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Butcher & Bee

Love their mezze dishes - bacon wrapped dates, whipped feta, spicy carrots. Everything here is fresh and delicious. Kid and dog (outside) friendly.

Mount Pleasant, SC

cafe

Mozzo Deli

Best bacon, egg, and cheese in Charleston! Also a great spot to pick up sandwiches on the way to the beach. They also have a newer downtown location on Meeting St.

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Edmund's Oast

Great dinner spot! Solid cocktails and beers available. Outdoor casual seating to enjoy if just going for drinks. They also have a separate, newer brewery specific location on upper King to check out.

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Tu

Trendy, delicious and creative menu for dinner. Great cocktails.

Charleston, SC

bar

Bay Street Biergarten

Great, casual outdoor spot to grab a drink downtown. Dog friendly.

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Ladles Soups Downtown

Weekday casual lunch spot for homemade soups, sandwiches, and salads.

Charleston, SC

bar

Home Team BBQ

Casual BBQ spot and a good bar to watch sports. Pulled chicken sandwich and Gamechanger frozen cocktail (their signature drink) every time.

Mount Pleasant, SC

restaurants

Grace & Grit

Delicious dinner and brunch spot. Nice twists on southern classics. Try some of the unique grits options (both sweet and savory!)

Charleston, SC

restaurants

El Pincho Taco

Casual, super authentic spot for tacos. Mostly bar seating. Try the salsa samplers. Quesadilla with chorizo 👌🏼

Charleston, SC

bar

Revelry Brewing Co

Fun, casual downtown brewery option. Especially great on a nice day given their outdoor and upstairs seating.

Mount Pleasant, SC

restaurants

Langdon's Restaurant & Wine Bar

Nice date night spot when in Mt. Pleasant

Mount Pleasant, SC

cafe

Vintage Coffee Cafe

Charming coffee shop and breakfast spot with outdoor truck/playground for kids. Shared space with Coastal Crust, which is amazing for pizza and wine in the evenings.

Sullivan's Island, SC

restaurants

Poe's Tavern

A lunch favorite for all when visiting the beach.

Charleston, SC

restaurants

FIG

Stands for “Food is Good” and there’s a reason why. A great, upscale place for a nice dinner.

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Stella's

Delicious Greek food in a trendy environment. I recommend happy hour at the bar! Flaming cheese, grape leaves (dolmades), wine, etc.

Isle of Palms, SC

restaurants

Morgan Creek Grill

Great waterside spot with lots of boaters around! Went for dinner and had amazing seared tuna 👌🏼

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Parcel 32

Upscale spot for a delicious dinner right on King St. Creative dishes, pretty decor, modern vibe. Nice bar too if just wanting a drink!

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Beech

Casual spot for açaí and poke bowls. Refreshing, light, and delicious.

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Halls Chophouse

Classic steakhouse and institution within Charleston for an occasional really nice dinner. Their gospel Sunday brunch is also a must-do.

Sullivan's Island, SC

restaurants

The Obstinate Daughter

Fresh seafood, oysters, pizzas, pastas and overall deliciousness (brunch as well as lunch and dinner) when on Sullivan’s. Nautical decor and beachy vibe.

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Oak Steakhouse

Great for a celebration meal (we went when buying our 1st house) or if you’re just craving a really great steak and experience.

Charleston, SC

cafe

Kudu Coffee and Craft Beer

A favorite coffee and after work spot for College of Charleston faculty/staff (plus others in the area!). Great croissants, coffee drinks, and local beers available. Patio seating (dog friendly) available.

Charleston, SC

restaurants

R. Kitchen

Such a unique and special dinner experience. The chefs are artists and come up with a different menu every day. It’s a small, intimate setting where you really appreciate the food and experience they are creating.

Charleston, SC

restaurants

The Darling Oyster Bar

Delicious oysters (of course), chowder, and other seafood options. Unreal Bloody Mary during brunch.

Charleston, SC

bar

Stars Rooftop Bar & Grill Room

Year-round rooftop option. Rosé all day!

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Uneeda Sicilian

Simple and delicious crispy NY-style Silcilian pizza. Great to pick up or to sit out under their twinkly lights and outdoor patio. Can enjoy with one of the beers they sell.

Mount Pleasant, SC

bar

Saltwater Cowboys

Popular bar along Shem Creek, but it’s big and you can’t beat the setting. Expect a wait if it’s a warm day and you want a table to eat outside, but there are several bars at Saltwater Cowboy to grab drinks while you wait (hello to their Creekwhacker frozen drink). Also indoor seating available. This is a day drinking and lunch spot that can draw lots of people into the night.

Charleston, SC

restaurants

The Grocery

Great dinner spot. Farm to table and changing menu based on the season. Short rib is always a hit! Delicious, shareable starters. Is a nice dinner place without feeling super fancy.

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Hominy Grill

If you’re coming to Charleston, this will probably come up on all the brunch lists and there’s a reason why! They don’t take reservations (except dinner), but the wait is usually quick. Enjoy a drink from the outdoor window while you wait...and work up an appetite for the Charleston Nasty Biscuit. Also great for classics like Shrimp n Grits!

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Chez Nous

For the foodies! This cozy French spot is great for a nice date. The menu is different each day, and there are generally just two main dishes to choose from...so you know they must be really well done and fresh.

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Lewis Barbecue

Come here HUNGRY! Legit BBQ plus all the sides. BBQ is a point of contention in CHS - lots of great options. Home Team is where I go to as a local on a regular basis, but Lewis is always my recommendation for visitors in terms of hitting all the marks...food, drinks, and ambiance.

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Pane E Vino

Cozy, authentic Italian spot! Great outdoor patio with twinkly lights (and heaters when needed). Tucked away just steps from College of Charleston. Loved the burrata!

Isle of Palms, SC

bar

The Windjammer

No frills dive bar, but there’s nothing like sitting out back on the deck with a drink overlooking the ocean and beach volleyball anytime of year.

Charleston, SC

restaurants

Cru Cafe

Locals favorite for a fresh and delicious sit down lunch.

North Charleston, SC

restaurants

EVO Pizzeria

Amazing pizza in a casual setting. Sit at the bar. This is our go-to Sunday night spot (Melissa, the bartender is the best). Margherita pizza with calabrese on top 👌🏼🤤

Charleston, SC

outdoors

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Beautiful grounds to walk around, get some fresh air, and see gorgeous flowers 💐 🌺 🌸. This can be enough to enjoy, but there are also various tours you can do (the plantation house, etc.). Dog friendly, baby friendly, and a little cafe on the grounds if you want a snack or drink (both 🥤 and 🍺/🍷)

Charleston, SC

cafe

Grey Ghost Bakery

I’ve been gifted these cookies and they’re perfect for giving a little local taste of Charleston. They’re pretty and have fun flavors!

Charleston, SC

cafe

The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery

The cutest cafe along upper King. Lunch menu is always changing based on what’s fresh.

Charleston, SC

cafe • shopping

Second State Coffee

Great cafe in West Ashley known for their waffles (both savory and sweet). Pictured is the prosciutto/arugula and lemon blueberry waffle...along with a chocolate ricotta muffin and latte. Mmm

Charleston, SC

bar • restaurants

Jack of Cups Saloon

Best spot for a meal on Folly Beach in my opinion! Delicious, flavorful dishes.

Charleston, SC

cafe

Harken Cafe

Adorable cafe in the heart of historic downtown. Came for a latte, but wanted to get EVERY. SINGLE. PASTRY. too

Mount Pleasant, SC

restaurants

The Pickled Palate

Adorable little tucked away lunch spot. Sit out in the garden patio (there are several tables with umbrellas). Order inside and settle up at the end. Iced tea in mason jars. I had blackberry jasmine tea when I came and a delicious sandwich.

Kiawah Island, SC

lodging

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Amazing and classic upscale resort. Can’t beat the ocean views. Unreal spa. Very family friendly, but also great for couples (note the 21+ only pool in addition to the main pool). Delicious piña coladas. Plenty of golf, tennis, bike riding that can be done - or you can simply just relax.

Charleston, SC

bar • cafe • shopping

babas on cannon

Delightful little spot for coffee & bakery-type items in the morning/afternoon...and then wine/beer/cocktails & small plates in the evening

Mount Pleasant, SC

cafe

Tidal Grounds Coffee

Cute coffee shop. Plenty of space!

Mount Pleasant, SC

restaurants

Square Onion

Great weekday lunch spot. Fresh salads, soups, and sandwiches.

Mount Pleasant, SC

bar • restaurants

The Shellmore

Great happy hour wine bar with outdoor patio! $1.50 oysters and awesome changing menu that’s posted on Instagram each day.

Charleston, SC

bar • lodging

Camellias

Beautiful champagne bar within the Hotel Bennett. All pink everything!

Charleston, SC

bar • restaurants

Doar Bros.

Awesome cocktails and apps in a sleek bar

Charleston, SC

bar • restaurants

Baker and Brewer

Pizza? Good. Local beer? Good. Live music? Good. Outdoor patio? Good. Love it all. We’ve always loved Evo pizza so this Evo & Holy City Brewing collaboration downtown checks all the marks.

Mount Pleasant, SC

cafe

Collective Coffee Co

Solid neighborhood cafe in Mt. Pleasant (recently name changed to Second State). Breakfast sandwich is delicious! Plenty of seating (both inside and outside).

Isle of Palms, SC

Isle of Palms Beach

First beach day of the summer! 🏝 🌊