If you are planning a trip to Charleston, SC, this is the ultimate foodie guide you need to follow. I spent my time there trying as many restaurants as possible based on my friends, both locals and visitors’ recommendations. Find where you need to go below:
Breakfast/Coffee
- Bad Bunnies Coffee – Besides having a cool name this spot off Spring St. is slinging some really good coffee. The food items are limited so stick to just getting your coffee fix here.
- Harken Cafe – This cafe between City Market and Rainbow Row is also serving up some great coffee. They also have a limited menu but the food is delicious especially the pastries. The inside is also super cool with a very vintage look.
- Big Bad Breakfast – If you are looking for more of a classic breakfast, this is the place to pay a visit. Located on the northern end of King St. district, they serve your classics but also put a twist on some of them that were so good. Definitely put this on your breakfast list.
- Poogans Porch – If brunch is more what you are looking for, Poogans Porch is it. Just down the street lies this restaurant, that serves their southern brunch every day.
Coffee to Cocktails
- babas on cannon – this coffee to cocktails spot, serves you up coffee to start the day and then wine to end the day. Perfect spot to start or end the day. They also serve up some light bites in the evening if looking for some food to eat with the cocktails.
Lunch/Dinner
Malagon – This delicious Spanish restaurant is serving up delicious tapas to munch on and the wine list is extensive. The inside of the restaurant is also gorgeous and even has a small market to by some Spanish goodies at or take home a bottle of wine if you enjoyed your glass.
/
Xiao Bao Biscuit – This super cool restaurant that looks like an abandoned gas station on the outside but putting out delicious traditional Asian dishes. The dinner menu is also different then the lunch menu so can try different menu items at both times.
Carmella’s – Walking in to Carmella’s is like walking into a a European cafe. They have both amazing desserts and fresh panini sandwiches that were super tasty. There is also a full bar to fill up at as well.
- Bodega – If you are looking for a good sandwich for breakfast or lunch this is a spot for you. Not open for dinner, get your sammie fix here though the menu is not extensive.
- Church and Union – One of the more unique things about Church and Union is that it is set inside of an old church. The menu is a play on American food mixing in Asian flare and also very popular with the weekend brunch crowd.
- Magnolias – If looking for a nice but unpretentious night out sampling southern classics, this is the place for you. Get your fried green tomatoes and catfish as well as low country favorites here. Similar to Church and Union this is also a popular weekend brunch spot.
Dinner
Southbound – Only open for dinner, this restaurant is in a cute Southern home with a beautiful courtyard. The menu changes daily but all the food is very farm to table and cooked to perfection. The drinks are also just as good as the food. Definitely stop here for an awesome foodie dinner.
- Husk – A highly recommended restaurant that is open for only for dinner. Similar to Southbound the menu changes frequently with the season and what is available. The menu is modern Southern American cuisine and also a must dinner stop.
- Felix – Like Carmella’s, another spot with European cafe vibes, but elevated. The drinks here are the star of the show but also plating up delicious French dishes.
- Stella’s – If you are into the European cuisine but French is not your thing, try Stella’s which is serving up Greek plates. You will find both meze sharing plates and Greek comfort dishes here.
Darling Oyster Bar – Sitting right in the heart of King St. is this awesome seafood bar. Being right on the water, this is a seafood town and this was a great spot to get that fix. The roasted oyster trio was also amazing and different.
Home Town BBQ – On the outskirts of downtown is this awesome BBQ spot. The setup is a beautiful with a huge outdoor/open air setup that has some amazing BBQ and drinks that remind of an elevated backyard summer BBQ. If you are looking for a more down home spot this should be on your list.
Dessert
- Jeni’s Ice Cream – Right in the heart of King St. is this awesome ice cream shop. The flavors here are super unique like everything bagel ice cream and changing constantly but all so good. The smell of the fresh ice creams was also tantalizing while deciding flavors and is a must get.
After Dinner Drinks
- Citrus Club – Check out Citrus Club for their awesome rooftop especially at sunset. This is a perfect spot to grab a drink after dinner (or before). The views of downtown and all of Charleston are also epic up here and must see.
- Prohibition – This cool bar with a roaring 20s theme is a great spot to end the night with some drinks after dinner. Though there food here is also good if want to spend dinner here as well. Located right in the heart of King St., they serve up plenty of whiskey inspired drinks in this vintage lounge inspired spot.
matty.tivo 