A running list of Charleston restaurants, cafés, and must-try food spots — from classic favorites to places worth planning a meal around. These are all places I’ve been to and loved!!
Map
Sections
4
🍽️ Best Restaurants in Charleston, SC
🍸 Best Bars & Cocktails in Charleston, SC
🦪 Best Oyster Bars & Seafood in Charleston, SC
☀️ Best Brunch & Breakfast in Charleston, SC
🍽️ Best Restaurants in Charleston, SC
Top Charleston restaurants to try — from must-visit dinner spots to local favorites worth planning a meal around.
A must-visit Charleston restaurant known for amazing food and a stunning church-turned-dining space. A top pick for date night in Charleston and special occasions.
Church and Union Charleston
A stylish Charleston restaurant inside Hotel Emeline serving great pizzas and Italian-inspired dishes in a fun, retro atmosphere. A cool spot for date night or casual dining.
Frannie & The Fox
An upscale Charleston restaurant and bar known for some of the best espresso martinis in Charleston. A great spot for a drink at the bar — even if you’re not doing a full dinner. Spendy, but worth it.
High Cotton Charleston Restaurant
A classic Charleston restaurant serving Southern comfort food in a charming historic home. A must-visit spot for brunch or dinner and a true Charleston staple.
Poogan's Porch
🍸 Best Bars & Cocktails in Charleston, SC
Charleston bars and cocktail spots for great drinks, fun atmospheres, and places worth stopping in — even just for one drink.
A lively Charleston bar and a must-visit if you watch Southern Charm. Grab a drink and hang out at the patio bar during the day for a more low key vibe.
Republic Garden & Lounge
A popular Charleston rooftop bar with great drinks and a fun, lively atmosphere. A perfect stop for rooftop cocktails while exploring downtown.
Henry's On The Market
🦪 Best Oyster Bars & Seafood in Charleston, SC
Charleston seafood restaurants and oyster bars known for fresh oysters, happy hour specials, and casual coastal dining.
An upscale Charleston seafood restaurant known for fresh seafood, classic Lowcountry flavors, and an elegant atmosphere. A perfect date night spot in Charleston for a special meal.
Hank's Seafood Restaurant
A popular Charleston seafood restaurant known for fresh oysters and one of the best oyster happy hours in Charleston. A must-stop for raw bar lovers and casual waterfront dining.
Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar
A casual Charleston oyster bar known for great oysters, crispy chicken, and crowd-pleasing comfort food. Easygoing vibe with consistently delicious food.
Leon's
☀️ Best Brunch & Breakfast in Charleston, SC
The best breakfast and brunch spots in Charleston, SC — perfect for coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and weekend brunch.
A popular Charleston coffee shop located inside Hotel Emeline, known for quality coffee and a cozy, welcoming vibe. A great stop for morning coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up while exploring downtown Charleston.
Clerks Coffee Company
A cute Charleston café and bakery perfect for a quick, delicious breakfast and coffee. Known for yummy breakfast sandwiches and an easy grab-and-go vibe — we went more than once during our stay.
Harken Cafe
A favorite Charleston breakfast and brunch spot serving elevated comfort food, baked goods, and fun brunch cocktails. A must-try for a delicious morning meal.