Where to eat, drink, and play when visiting Charleston, South Carolina!
Another year, another round of work trips that allow me to explore a fun city! This year's winner was Charleston, South Carolina. A cute, fun, historic town that has its own airport (CHS) located just 20 minutes from downtown and the heart of the city! Various air carrier's all fly into Charleston making it a great destination for even a short weekend getaway. Over the last couple of years, this destination has been a hot spot as bachelor parties come for bars but stay for the golf! Likewise, you will see various bachelorette parties as well as there is plenty to do and see throughout the greater Charleston area.
WHERE TO EAT
I am a foodie at heart and always love to explore all the local spots when in a new town!
Indaco
- Located in downtown on King Street. This restaurant is a rustic Italian dinner spot, that is a must do when visiting Charleston. The food is all made fresh to order and does not disappoint. Their menu changes seasonally but there is always classics on the menu. I had the focaccia bread which paired great with the homemade meatballs to start as well as the Bolognese topped with burrata (my favorite)!
Coda del Pesce
Just over the bridge from downtown Charleston, is a cute little spot located on the beach in Isle of Palms is Coda del Pesce which is known for their seafood and Italian. Make sure to make a reservation ahead of time since there is limited seating.
Sugar Bakery
This cute bake shop is just a few blocks from King Street. They make all their amazing desserts fresh every morning and also have coffee as well.
Red's Ice House
Just over the bridge into Mount Pleasent on the historic Shem Creek is Red's Ice House. Known as a casual locals spot to have a good beer and great seafood. Red's has inside and outside seating and a great spot to view the water and a sunset. There additionally is dock parking as well.
Lewis BBQ
This was probably the number one spot recommended when visiting Charleston. Founder John Lewis is bringing Texas BBQ to South Carolina. The restaurant has a variety of inside and outside seating and when you pull up you can smell all the meat being smoked fresh! Everything is cut to order and they even give samples as you are ordering. This place does get packed but the line moves quick.
DIG in the Park
Located in North Charleston in Old Town Park Circle. This old gas station was transformed into an outdoor sports bar with plenty of lunch and dinner options with multiple bars to watch the various games.
Rebel Taqueria
Located near the Navy Yard part of North Charleston, this sweet Taqueria is definitely a local's spot with a great selection of food and drinks.
O-ku
Looking for great authentic Asian cuisine? Make sure to stop at O-ku for great variety of options and sushi. O-ku prides themselves on some of the freshest seafood and locally sourced items.
Halls Chophouse
Another top contender of recommended places to stop is Halls Chop House. Opened by the Hall family themselves they have slowly expanded across various hot spots in the US such as Nashville, Hilton Head and Napa Valley. This restaurant is definitely more an upscale date night place and while on the pricier side the food is well worth it! The French onion soup and the filet were unmatched.
Mesu
This place will definitely throw you for a loop mixing Mexican food and asian fusion. But honestly my two favorite types of food. Why not get an amazing margarita but also enjoy a great sushi roll!
Tattooed Moose
Featured on Dinners, Drive Ins and Dives! Back in North Charleston at the Old Town of Park Circle is the Tattooed Moose, a fun restaurant and bar spot great for lunch and dinner. Outdoor has a courtyard which is great to allow the kids to run around as well.
Southbound
Over on Cannon St a sweet little plantation home was turned into a unique restaurant spot. As the house was converted there is seating outside along the patio/porch, inside by the live fire kitchen and upstairs near the sweet little bar. The menu changes everyday and is only open for dinner 4-10. This place can get packed so unless you plan on sitting at one of the bars, make sure to make a reservation.
Saltwater Cowboys
Another fun spot located on Shem Creek in Mount Pleasent is Saltwater Cowboys. With a mix of seafood and barbeque and plenty to drink, there is something for everyone. A sweet spot with various stories so everyone can enjoy a view of the Creek and the Sunset.
Holey City Bagels
Greg Odachowski from NJ moved to Charleston (a biscuit town) and decided to bring bagels to the city. Located on Cannon St, the New York style bagel and coffee shop offers fresh bagels made every day. Also has a variety of coffees and drinks even Pedialyte for this hungover from enjoying downtown Charleston :)
OTHERS (Places I did not get a chance to stop at personally but were recommended)
Callie’s hot little biscuit (Charleston market & Downtown)
Royal American (Nola style bar food)
R kitchen (6 course dinner)
Landon’s (MT pleasant high-end steak and seafood)
Church and Union (Brunch)
Azul Mexicano (Mexican in North Charleston)
Bertha (Good southern food)
Rodney Scott’s (bbq)
Chez Nuos (Nice upscale)
Fleet Landing (seafood on the water)
Ellis creek (fish camp) Home team (BBQ
Poogan’s porch (southern brunch)
GO TO COFFEE SHOPS
The Daily
More than just coffee, this shop offers a variety of pastries and breakfast/lunch dishes. They pride themselves on keeping their food locally sustained and fresh! Definitely add this to your stops even if it is just for the coffee while in Charleston.
Mercantile and Mash
One of my favorite spots to stop in Charleston, no shame I stopped here at least once on every visit. The Shop has both sections for grab and go, coffee shop, dessert bar, butcher shop and a full sit-down restaurant. This old cigar factory has been converted to a one stop shop!
Brown Fox Coffee
Over the bridge in Mount Pleasent is Brown Fox Coffee CO who just celebrated their 5th year. With a variety of drinks and pastries definitely a good locals spot!
Vintage Coffee and Cafe
Another coffee shop located in Mount Pleasent was Vintage Coffee Cafe. Local coffee shop with drinks, pastries and bites for breakfast and lunch!
Orange Spot
Coffee, pastries, sandwiches and more this sweet gem is located in North Charleston in the Old Town Park Circle.
OTHERS (Places I did not get a chance to stop at personally but were recommended)
Sightsee (coffee and gift shop)
Mudhouse (king street)
Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar (cannoli cake)
Millers All Day (breakfast all day)
Collective Coffee Co (good to work from)
Second State Coffee
Kudu Coffee and Craft Beer (pastries coffee beer)
Charleston Coffee Exchange (west Ashley)
Muddy Waters Coffee Bar
Revelator Coffee (king street)
The Rise Coffee Bar (cozy and outdoor)
The Harbinger (cafe and bakery, vegan)
Browns Court Bakery (sticky bun)
WHERE TO DRINK
Ritual Rooftop and Restaurant
A rooftop restaurant, bar, lounge and night club. This place is a one stop shop depend on your vibe and the time of day. A great stop for happy hour and overlooks the center of downtown Charleston. Plenty of space and was one of my favorite roof top bars I have been to!
Citrus Club
Located in the Deberry Hotel, this is one of the most popular rooftops in Charleston. The entire hotel and rooftop has unique decor which makes you feel like you are sipping drinks in southern Europe. It offers a great view of downtown Charleston as well as a sunset view. Seating is limited, so make sure to make a reservation, as they only offer limited seating.
OTHERS (Places I did not get a chance to stop at personally but were recommended)
Cocktail Club
Vintage Lounge (Outdoor Vibe)
Deep Water Vineyard (Tuesday to Saturday 10-5)
Snapper Jacks (Roof Top) Stars Restaurant (roof top and grill)
WHERE TO EXPLORE
Rainbow Row
Patriots Point USS (Mount Pleasent)
Colonial Lake (Run/Walk spot)
Angels Oak Tree
Charleston City Market
Waterfront Park (pineapple fountain)