The Best Places To Eat In Charleston, SC

There is a time and place for fancy oysters (you’ll see it later on this list), but there is also a need for a casual, centrally-located spot to grab a quick dozen and some cheap drinks. That place is Pearlz Oyster Bar. Yes, the “z” in the name is unfortunate, but don’t let it dissuade. The “z” is a clue that this place knows how to have fun, which mostly comes courtesy of its truly insane happy hour: $1 oysters, $3 champagne, and $4 oyster shooters. You read that right ... $3 champagne and $1 oysters. Your best night out in Charleston can now commence.

Where to find it: 153 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401

The term lowcountry cuisine is thrown around a lot in Charleston, and it's a catchall term for the mix of traditional Southern, seafood, and Cajun food that's iconic to the region. At Hominy Grill that translates to dishes including four different grits bowls, po’boys, a shrimp bog, and something glorious called a Charleston Nasty Biscuit (fried chicken, cheddar cheese, and sausage gravy). The wait can be long, but don’t worry — Southern hospitality demands you get a cocktail on the patio while you wait.

Where to find it: 207 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403

For something a little healthy, a little indulgent, head to this juice and coffee bar. You won't feel too guilty ordering the best avocado toast you've ever tasted, the PB&J smoothie, or the breakfast tacos — been they're filling enough that you won't need another meal in an hour.

Where to find it: 652 B King St, Charleston, SC 29403

At some point in Charleston you’re going to want to eat fried seafood by the water. It’s just a fact. Your best option for accomplishing this worthy goal is Fleet Landing. Located in an industrial-meets-whimsical building on a pier, this place has everything you could want from a seaside seafood shack: oysters, fried seafood platters, and the prerequisite shrimp and grits. Snag a table outside for the best experience.

Where to find it: 186 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401

Tucked a little north of downtown Charleston's main drag, Little Jack’s Tavern has something worth the extra steps: a fantastic burger. Served among a clubby, but friendly atmosphere, this burger is simple in its execution and wondrous in its results. It's old-school: just a griddled patty, American cheese, and the piece de la resistance, a pickled sunchoke relish secret sauce. It's no wonder the burger is listed under apps, entrees, and desserts on the menu.

Where to find it: 710 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

When you want something nice — but not stuffy — there's Darling Oyster Bar. The restaurant has refined takes on classics such as oyster shooters, scallops, and clam chowder. But it's the apps and small plates that really wow — dishes like house-smoked crab dip (addictive), charred octopus salad (refreshing), and the baked stuffed oysters (pimento cheese!).

Where to find it: 513 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Obviously, you won't be hard pressed to find an oyster bar in Charleston, but it's worth putting The Ordinary at the top of your seafood bucket list. It's housed in an old bank building, so the decor is decidedly more cool than coastal, while feeling moody and swanky. Stop by for cocktails — they serve up some of the best in town (with a rum-heavy mixed drink menu) — or stay for dinner. Here's how to attack the menu: first up, Hawaiian butter rolls, followed by a sampling of oysters, then some shared cold and hot tapas-style plates, like crispy oyster sliders and blue lump crab toast.

Where to find it: 544 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Yes, you could try somewhere else for breakfast, but why would you when these little babies are so delightfully delicious? You should haunt the City Market location as soon as the restaurant opens each day and try a new version of Callie’s famous biscuits — be it with a softly cooked egg, bacon and cheese, pimento cheese, or with absolutely not-of-this-world strawberry butter. You really can’t go wrong — unless you skip a trip.

Where to find it: 476 1/2 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

We've definitely covered oysters on this list, and yes, Leon's offers some briny beauties that you'll probably order. But, here, you should focus on the other thing they do really well: fried chicken. Leon's is crispy, salty, and glorious. You also don't want to miss the cucumber salad; we talked to the waitress about it for probably 10 minutes.

Where to find it: 698 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

This spot is the stuff your hipster dreams are made of: All the food is locally sourced, and the design leans urban and industrial. And while it's super trendy, the food totally delivers. Visit for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, and don't miss the burger, the brown rice bowl, or the cream cheese-stuffed french toast.

Where to find it: 1085 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403

Two words: unicorn grits. As the name suggests, this restaurant serves up breakfast all day, in a edgy space with an antique mill at the focal point. Though the pies, waffles, and biscuits are not to be missed, the restaurant is most famous for its pink unicorn grits.

Where to find it: 120 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

Here's everything you need to know before coming here: First, there are fried green tomatoes on the menu, and if you don't get them, you might as well not come at all. Second, the pimiento cheese fritters are another must order is the pulled pork benedict. And third, the place is haunted by a woman in black — as legend has it. Don't let that deter you, just come when it's still light out.

Where to find it: 72 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401

Husk was one of the earlier hits in Charleston's restaurant revival. Everyone will tell you to order the skillet cornbread to start — and everyone is correct. Beyond that, the menu changes daily, based on what locally-sourced ingredients the chefs have access to. But you can count on always finding Southern staples, like pimiento cheese and grits.

Where to find it: 76 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401

It's okay if you don't know what you want when you walk into this bar. Ask for the bartender's choice: They'll ask you to pick to words from a list — like tart and herbal or refreshing and fizzy — then whip you up a cocktail to match that.

Where to find it: 182 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401