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Charleston has quickly become one of my favorite southern cities. I actually think it’s safe to say that it is my favorite southern city. I have visited quite often over the years for both work and pleasure. It’s starting to feel like it’s my home away from home. More recently, I had a close friend move to the Holy City and now when we visit, we get a closer look at Charleston from the eyes of a local. We’ve discovered old favorites, new hidden gems and everything in between.
This list is full of the best Charleston restaurants and my favorites, to the best things to do and see. Here are a few of my favorite things to do while in the Holy City.
PS this post has been updated countless times as every time I go back to visit, I add my new favorite spots. With roughly 2 trips to the Holy City a year, a best friend now living downtown, this list is constantly growing! Be sure to bookmark this post as I’m sure there will be something new added soon!
This post was last updated in March 2023.
The Ultimate Guide To Charleston South Carolina
Where To Stay In Charleston
my favorites
The Best Charleston Restaurants
This city is without a doubt, one of the best foodie towns I’ve ever been to. I dream about some of the dishes at these Charleston restaurants. With the seafood being insanely fresh, combined with the comfort that southern food can be, it’s a winning combination. Below are my favorite restaurants from breakfast to brunch, great lunches and dinners and even must-visit bars. You truly can’t go wrong with anything on the menu at any of these spots.
Charleston Breakfast & Brunch
Palmetto Cafe
Located inside The Charleston Place hotel, I love this nicer spot for breakfast or brunch. Get the French vanilla french press coffee and the huevos ranchero. Share something sweet for the table!
Lost Dog Cafe Folly Beach
Your classic breakfast fare in a laid back setting.
Toast
A no-fuss kind of breakfast spot serving up classic dishes.
Poogan’s Porch
A classic southern and traditional restaurant.
Basic Kitchen
A favorite for lunch, but they do offer a brunch menu that is focused on fresh and healthy ingredients.
The Daily
Coffee shop with pastries and breakfast sandwiches, toasts and more. Good for a quick breakfast that’s still substantial, or just to grab a coffee and a sweet treat.
Post House Inn
Located on Mount Pleasant, this is a great spot for breakfast or brunch. They are also open for lunch and dinner. Loved their Shakshuka and seasonal toast.
Charleston Coffee Shops
Clerk’s Coffee
Located in the Emeline hotel, this spot has coffee, pastries, light sandwiches and bites and even soft serve ice cream.
Babas On Canon
A small variety of pastries and coffee options. They have a small menu of sandwiches and toasts for breakfast or lunch.
Rise Coffee Bar
Great for a coffee beverage and pastry. Located at the bottom of The Restoration Hotel.
Island Provisions
Was recommended to try The Boss bagel breakfast sandwich. I went with the sweet toast and loved it. The toasts are delicious and definitely try the Masala Chai if you’re a chai person.
Lunch
167 Raw
My favorite spot for lunch or dinner. Get the guacamole, lobster roll, any of the tacos and oysters. You can’t go wrong here. Laid back but incredible food.
Bar167
The newest addition to the 167 family, Bar167 is their Mediterranean concept. Marinated olives, calamari and Nicoise salads. A small but delicious menu. Great little rooftop as well. Open for lunch and dinner.
Basic Kitchen
A favorite spot for healthy fares like their vegan caesar salad, buffalo cauliflower wings and more. Also, love the Basic Bowl. Open for brunch, lunch and also dinner.
Leon’s Oyster Bar
A super casual spot for lunch to grab a chicken sandwich or oysters. Their frozen gin and tonic is also so delicious and refreshing on a hot day.
Dinner
Edmunds Oast
New American fare with lots of seafood options. Also serves up their house-made beer from their brewery down the street. Large patio and outdoor seating.
Chez Nous
A french restaurant that has a prefixed menu that changes daily. It’s two options for a starter, entree and dessert. Just get one of each and share. One of the best meals I have ever had. You can see their menu on their Instagram.
167 Raw
My favorite spot for lunch or dinner. Get the guacamole, lobster roll, any of the tacos and oysters. You can’t go wrong here. Laid back but incredible food.
Bar167
The newest addition to the 167 family, Bar167 is their Mediterranean concept. Marinated olives, calamari and Nicoise salads. A small but delicious menu. Great little rooftop as well. Open for lunch and dinner.
The Ordinary
Hands down my favorite spot in Charleston. The snapper ponzu is fantastic. I never eat here without ordering the oyster slider which is a fried oyster bahn mi sandwich on homemade hawaiin buns. And of course, the smoked oysters. Just trust me, they’re life changing.
Charleston Grill
A fine dining white tablecloth restaurant located inside The Charleston Place hotel.
The Darling Oyster
A laid-back seafood restaurant with great fish sandwiches, entrees and oyster bar. Personally not a fan of the mignonette that comes with their oysters so I skip this place for oysters.
Frannie + The Fox
Italian restaurant located inside Emeline hotel. Great pizzas, pastas and shareable plates. Also a perfect spot for happy hour or cocktails.
Felix
A french restaurant that has a beautiful bar and great food. Open for lunch, brunch and even a late night menu in addition to dinner.
Indaco
An incredible Italian restaurant with great pastas, pizzas and entrees.
Cru Cafe
American comfort food with a Charleston spin. Also open for lunch.
Delaney Oyster House
Attached to Hotel Bella Grace, this seafood restaurant has great options and shareable plates. Check them out for happy hour as well.
Little Jacks
Old fashioned American tavern.
Tavern & Table – Mt Pleasant
Casual lunch and dinner spot on the waterfront. They also serve Sunday brunch.
Hall’s Chophouse
Fine dining white tablecloth-style steak house. Can’t go wrong with anything on their menu.
Chasing Sage
Unique dishes with locally sourced ingredients and a heavy focus on vegetables. Great shareable plates too.
The Watch
Located on the rooftop of The Restoration hotel, this is a great farm to table spot to grab some dinner and drinks and take in the view.
Cocktails
The Gin Joint
A great bar to enjoy classic cocktails, or one of their mixology favorites. Also, enjoy lite bar bites.
Vintage Lounge
This lounge is great for late night drinks. I love the vibe of this place and the cocktails are great. Also try some of their light bites like fondue or charcuterie.
The Bar At Spectator Hotel
One of my absolute favorite hotel bars. Great unique cocktails and bites.
Graft
Technically a wine shop but also a bar. You can order a glass of wine at their bar and light bites. Lots of unique wines to try here.
Citrus Club
On the rooftop of the Dewberry hotel, Citrus Club is a fun spot for cocktails and bites. If you plan to sit al fresco, bring the SPF! They have a great cocktail menu and bites. Loved the edamame dip and their entrees looked great.
The Watch
Located at the top of The Restoration hotel, this is a fantastic spot to grab a cocktail and a light bite. They also serve lunch, brunch and dinner.
Sweets
Sugar
Small batch bakery whipping up delicious sweet treats.
Off Track Ice Cream
Local Charleston ice creamery making classic traditional flavors as well as vegan and innovative concoctions. A great place to grab an ice cream on a hot day.
Jeni’s Ice Cream
Not local to Charleston, but it’s a great spot for some amazing ice cream and it’s located right on King Street.
Photographers
Anytime I travel I like to connect with a local photographer to capture images. Why not get great photos together and also get to spend time with a local for a few hours.
With Charleston being the biggest wedding destination behind Vegas, it’s safe to say there’s a slew of photographer options in the area. Grab your bikes and snap photos around King Street, The Battery and at your favorite seafood spot to capture all the colorful memories.
PS all of the photos in this post are by Kim Graham.
Things To See & Do In Charleston
The Battery
This is down by the water and a great place to relax, walk around and take in the views. There’s the popular pineapple fountain and Rainbow Row is just a block from here. Be sure to check out Tradd Street for the most Instagrammable homes and cobblestone streets too.
King Street Shopping
Shopping up and down King Street is a great way to spend an afternoon. From stores that you know and love, to also great local shops like Hampden Clothing.
Art Galleries
So many wonderful local Charleston artists that the galleries are excellent to explore.
Rainbow Row
Only the prettiest homes to snap a pic in front of! Be sure to bring your bike to these.
Kayaking/Paddle Boarding
We did this tour on Folly Beach
Ride Your Bike
Many hotels have them available or rent one. It’s the best way to get around the city.
Charleston Wine + Food Festival
In March, this city transforms into the ultimate food town for a full weekend. You can learn more about my experience here.
Home Tours
Twice a year they do a few different home tour route options. Was a great way to spend a few hours walking through beautiful historic homes in Charleston. Wear comfy shoes. Learn more here →
Best Day Trips From Charleston
Charleston is home to several great beach towns that are a short drive (15-30 minutes max) and are great for a change of scenery from downtown.
Folly Beach
Possibly the most popular beach out of the three, this is home to The Rathershacks where I highly recommend staying. Be sure to also get brunch at Lost Dog Cafe
Sullivans Island
Mount Pleasant
Not a beach town, but Mount Pleasant is home to many historic sites some shopping and strolling. This is also where you would access Sullivan’s Island. Lunch at Tavern & Table which is right on the water.
