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Dine in Style
Where Geography and History Converge
Charleston has emerged as a culinary destination for numerous reasons, but the simplest explanation is this: here in our city, geography and history converge to create something memorable and truly unique.
First, geography: as a coastal port city, Charleston is home to great seafood straight from the dock, including shrimp, oysters, clams, fish, and crabs. Waterfront dining in historic venues is a hallmark here. The city’s compact walkable geography (within the peninsula) also enables modern diners to experience a stunning array of flavors and styles without traveling far. No wonder the city is full of culinary tours and other foodie experiences!
History plays a role in the city’s culinary reputation as well. As a historic Atlantic port, Charleston has long enjoyed global influences in its cuisine. Charleston has also served as a hub of sorts for the greater southeast, bringing in local and regional influences as well as specific Lowcountry dishes (think shrimp & grits and the classic Lowcountry boil). The Gullah influences from the sea islands have made an indelible impression as well.
Our Favorite Restaurants
With so many stellar dining experiences in a small area, competition is stiff and standards are high. You can hardly go wrong no matter where you eat in our city!
Still, everyone has their favorites. These are ours.
Magnolias
Quick take: Sophisticated and traditional Southern style cooking.
If you’re coming to Charleston to experience true Southern cuisine, Magnolia’s should be at the top of your list. (That’s why it’s at the top of ours!) Magnolias offers traditional Southern favorites, elevated to the highest level of sophistication. During lunch and dinner you’ll find plenty of seafood, grits, fried green tomatoes, housemade pimiento cheese, fried chicken, and numerous additional upscale options.
Don’t miss: Magnolias’ Shellfish over Grits can’t be beat. For lunch the turkey & country ham Cubano is a unique twist. Then of course there’s brunch on Sundays, 11am-3pm.
Oak Steakhouse
Quick take: Steaks, local seafood, and an expansive wine program housed in a beautifully renovated historic bank building.
Oak Steakhouse on historic Broad Street is a high-calibre American steakhouse offering a superb dinner experience seven nights a week. We love the architecture and history here, with heart pine floors dating to the mid 1800s, arched windows, and classic details throughout.
But you aren’t coming here for architecture or history alone; it’s all about the dining experience. Frequently ranked as one of the best steakhouses nationwide and among Charleston’s best restaurants, Oak doesn’t disappoint.
The menu features an extensive selection of Prime Certified Angus® beef, local and regional seafood (including caviar service and a raw bar), and an expansive selection of wines, spirits, and classic and specialty cocktails.
Don’t miss: The Oak Tower is a sumptuous seafood experience, and the dry-aged bone-in ribeye is unbeatable.
167 Raw
Quick take: A charming New England style oyster bar with fresh seafood and patio dining.
167 Raw is a laid-back, no-reservations oyster bar on King Street serving up a daily rotating selection of oysters, locally sourced little neck clams, shrimp, caviar, and more. The menu here is eclectic, with everything from lobster agnolotti to tacos and guacamole to the “pastrami’d swordfish sandwich” — something for everyone.
167 Raw is open Monday through Saturday 11am to 11pm.
Don’t miss: The back patio is gorgeous, and the caviar service — accompanied by potato waffles — is a truly unique experience.
Rodney Scott's BBQ
Quick take: Famous pit-smoked BBQ and home cooking.
There’s nothing quite as quintessentially southern as Carolina barbecue, and Rodney Scott is one of the best in the business. A 2018 James Beard Award winning chef, Scott is a dedicated whole hog pitmaster and a master of his craft.
The star of the show here is anything and everything that comes out of the pit smoker: pulled pork shoulder, pulled chicken, turkey breast, and prime beef brisket. Other tantalizing options include brisket chili, burnt ends on a stick, and pork skin nachos.
Bonus tip: Despite the well-earned accolades, Rodney Scott’s BBQ is a budget-friendly Charleston dining destination.
Don’t miss: Pork skin nachos (yes, real pork skins in place of the chips!), the Loaded Tater Truck, and the pulled pork shoulder plate.
FIG
Quick take: Innovative preparation of southern classics.
Another James Beard Award winner thanks to owner and chef Mike Lata, FIG (an acronym: “Food Is Good”) creates imaginative dishes that pay tribute to the Lowcountry, even if they don’t exactly look traditional. Expect unique flavors in unexpected combinations and delightful presentations. The menu changes frequently, following both the seasons and the creative spirits of the chefs.
Don’t miss: The menu changes too frequently for specific recommendations here, but watch for unexpected and delightful combinations (country ham + persimmon, for example) and playful beverages and desserts.
Can’t-Miss Breweries
Revelry Brewing Company
Quick take: Tasting room, rooftop bar, coastal vibes with “unauthentic” Italian-ish fare.
Revelry Brewing Company is a local brewery boasting stellar views from its open-air rooftop bar. A constantly rotating menu of brews, plus cans of local seltzers and ciders, offers something for every grown-up in your party.
Hungry for something unique and brazenly “unauthentic”? (They said it, not us!) Then Revelry’s food menu, Fugazzi da Toscano, has playful shared plates, pizzas, salads, and sandwiches.
Don’t miss: There’s a beer (or wine, seltzer, or cider) for every palate here. As far as food, don’t miss the fried dill pickles & green beans served with a crushed cucumber and green olive crema.
Edmund's Oast Brewing Company
Quick take: Craft brewery, taproom, and restaurant with two destination locations.
Truly a regional staple, you’ll find beers from Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company stocked in upscale and specialty grocers throughout the Southeast. So why not visit the heart of it all during your stay in Charleston?
The Edmund’s Oast production brewery and taproom on King Street is a destination worth seeing for any beer lover. See the production facilities, enjoy a brew on tap, and pick up casual eats like burgers and wood-fired pizzas.
For a more button-up evening out, check out the Edmund’s Oast Restaurant located north on Morrison Drive. Dine inside for a more expansive menu (including gluten free desserts!) or enjoy more casual fare outside. Either way you’ll have a broad selection of beers on tap, wines by the glass, and cocktails to enjoy.
Don’t miss: The outdoor spaces at both locations are excellent.