Charleston, South Carolina is more than a city.
It has cobblestone streets that tell stories of the past. Warm coastal winds move through palm trees. Charleston was the home of my college, the College of Charleston. It was the backdrop of some of the most important years of my life. Here, I became an adult. I made friends who will last a lifetime. Charleston has a culture that feels like a constant celebration of life.
Charleston is a beautiful, historic city. Walking through its streets is like reading a novel. You never know what surprise is around the corner. The battery has grand homes facing the sea. King Street is bustling with energy. Every part of Charleston has a charm that’s hard to resist.
What makes Charleston unique is its culture.
It blends long-standing Southern traditions with a modern, artistic spirit. The city respects its history, from Fort Sumter to the Slave Mart Museum. But it also welcomes the future, with a thriving arts scene and innovative food. This mix of old and new makes Charleston a place of learning, growth, and endless discovery.
Charleston’s food is amazing.
It has great traditional Southern meals and new, creative dishes. Foodies will love exploring this city’s culinary delights and below I’ve curated some of the best restaurants and spots in town that you must visit.
TOP CHOICES:
- LEON’S
- FIG
- CHEZ NOUS
- R KITCHEN
- MELFI’S
- SORELLE
- HUSK
- CHUBBY FISH
- OBSTINATE DAUGHTER
- POST HOUSE INN
- BAR 167
- CHICO FEO
- HOMETEAM BBQ
- KWEI FEI
- XIAO BAO
- 167
- BOXCAR BETTY’S
BBQ:
- RODNEY SCOTT BBQ
- MARTIN’S BBQ
- MELVIN’S BBQ
- BESSINGER’S BBQ
- HOME TEAM BBQ
- LEWIS BBQ
MEXICAN:
- MINEROS
- MAYA
- RANCHO LEWIS
- RIO CHICO
- TACO BOY
ITALIAN & FRENCH:
- LE FARFELLE
- MONDOS
- WILD OLIVE
- BRASSERIE LA BANQUE
- 39 RUE DE JEAN
- FRANNIE AND THE FOX
- INDACO
INTERNATIONAL:
- KWEI FEI
- PINK BELLIES
- ESTADIO
- STELLAS
- NIRLEP
- MALAGON
- JACKRABBIT FILLY
- SHIKI
- 167 SUSHI BAR
- XIAO BAO BISCUIT
- JACK OF CUPS SALOON
- FELIX
- BASIL
- TASTE OF THAI
- LAUREL
- COTERIE
SOUTHERN/AMERICAN:
- HIGH COTTON
- LITTLE JACKS TAVERN
- THE HARLOW
- ZERO GEORGE
- EDISON
- THE JAMES
- BUMPAS
- BOXCAR BETTY’S
- ROOST
- HERD PROVISIONS
- SOUTHBOUND
- HALLS CHOPHOUSE
- MAGNOLIAS
- SLIGHTLY NORTH OF BROAD
- GRACE AND GRIT
- POOGANS PORCH
- LENOIR
- CHURCH AND UNION
- 82 QUEEN
- IRON ROSE
- THE GROCERY
- BISTRONOMY BY NICO
SEAFOOD:
- LEON’S OYSTER SHOP
- AMEN OYSTER BAR
- DELANEY OYSTER HOUSE
- TEMPEST
- CUDA CO
- THE ORDINARY
- NICO
- DARLING OYSTER BAR
- ELLIS CREEK FISH CAMP
- SULLIVANS FISH CAMP
- 167 RAW OYSTER BAR
BREAKFAST & BRUNCH:
- HURALYI
- HARBINGER CAFE
- ISLAND PROVISIONS
- THE DAILY
- CALLIE’S HOT LITTLE BISCUIT
- BAGUETTE MAGIC
- BABAS ON CANNON
- VICIOUS BISCUIT
- HARKEN CAFE
- BAGEL NATION
- QUEEN STREET GROCERY
- BASIC KITCHEN
- POINT BREAK COFFEE
- THE BLACK DOOR
- MILLERS ALL DAY
- PARK AND GROVE
DRINKS:
- DALILA’S
- DOAR BROS
- LAMAR’S
- SCOTTY DOESN’T KNOW
- BAR VAUTÉ
- CARMELLAS
- PROOF
- DEN
- GINGERLINE
- BAY STREET BIERGARTEN
- THE BELMONT
- CITRUS CLUB
- VINTAGE LOUNGE
- EDMUNDS OAST
- BIN 152
- GIN JOINT
- BIG JOHN’S
- BOURBON AND BUBBLES
- COCKTAIL CLUB
- LAST SAINT
Charleston is more than just a city; it’s a feeling—a warm embrace that stays with you long after you’ve left its sun-dappled streets. It’s a city that taught me about history, culture, friendship, and the joy of culinary adventures. Whether you’re strolling by the waterfront or enjoying a meal in one of its renowned eateries, Charleston has a way of capturing your heart, one cobblestone at a time.
