The Ultimate Foodie’s Guide to Eating in Charleston, South Carolina

Jul 15

Charleston, South Carolina, or the Holy City, is a fantastic place to explore. Whether you are just visiting or live here, there is so much to experience, especially when it comes to eating in Charleston.

If you consider yourself a foodie, you will never run out of new food to enjoy in Charleston.

Here, we will explore the many options that are sure to please any flavor palette. Charleston is known for a wide variety of foods including BBQ, Lowcountry cuisine, seafood, and Southern classics.

Best Restaurants to Eat Breakfast and Brunch in Charleston

For those of us who live in Charleston, we love starting our day off right with a hearty, satisfying breakfast from one of the many delicious restaurants around town. Charleston has great options for chicken and waffles, fluffy pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and other breakfast classics.

Sarina Swalm - breakfast charleston — Sarina Swalm visits Charleston

Big Bad Breakfast

Big Bad Breakfast or BBB is solely dedicated to the most important meal of the day. The restaurant is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Their menu includes breakfast burgers, fried eggs, omelets, and even salad. One of the most popular breakfast options is the Big Bad Breakfast Plate. This includes two eggs, a choice of protein, a side, and a biscuit or toast.

Daps Breakfast & Imbibe

This casual neighborhood restaurant, located in the West Side Neighborhood, is a popular meeting place for friends and families. Daps is open Thursday through Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Daps has an extensive menu selection of savory breakfast sandwiches including Ham & Brie, Chorizo Gravy, and the Daps Brunch Burger. Daps is also well known for its filling hash brown meals. Of course, Dabs also has delicious “imbibe” options, like coffee and mimosas.

Where Are the Best Food Neighborhoods in Charleston?

Like other large cities, Charleston has a diverse collection of neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own peculiarities and well-known cuisine. Here are some of the best Charleston food neighborhoods.

South of Calhoun

The historic neighborhoods of Charleston are spectacular for their colorful buildings and delicious food. These neighborhoods include:

French Quarter
Harleston Village
South of Broad
Ansonborough
Lower King

Enjoy a delicious lobster roll or a plate of fresh oysters at 167 Raw, indulge in some delightful Italian cuisine at Le Farfalle and finish the night with a drink at the Griffon.

North of Calhoun

This up-and-coming area of Charleston has become a hot spot for new restaurants and businesses in recent years.

It includes these neighborhoods:

Cannonborough
Elliotborough
Radcliffeborough
Mazyck-Wraggborough
Eastside

Here you can pick up a quick breakfast with a croissant at Brown’s Court bakery, enjoy some good fried fish from Dave’s Carry-Out, or indulge in the upscale options at Chez Nous.

What Are the Best Coffee Shops in Charleston?

Finding a good coffee shop is a high priority for any coffee lover. Whether you are looking for a new regular spot or want to try a variety of shops, here are some local favorites.

The Orange Spot Coffeehouse

Located in the north end of Charleston, this charming coffeehouse has a menu of drinks, sandwiches, pastries, and snacks. You can stay and drink your coffee while you take advantage of the free Wi-Fi.

The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery

Located in downtown Charleston on King Street, the Harbinger Cafe and Bakery, says all their food and drinks are “made with love” and we believe them. They have a delightful menu that includes homemade cookies, breakfast sandwiches, and lunch offerings. Sit inside or out and enjoy the calm, cozy environment.

Unique and Fun Places for Eating in Charleston

Charleston is also a great place for food that is unique or simply fun. These are some of our favorite fun places in the city.

Fair Deal Grocery “The Spot 47”

The Powell family opened Fair Deal Grocery on the east side of Charleston in 1953. Over the years, it has transitioned into a fun restaurant called The Spot 47. They serve burgers, hot dogs, chili, and more. Plus, you can still buy your groceries after you eat.

Mesu

If Mexican food and sushi are two of your favorite foods, Mesu is a restaurant for you. It offers creative combinations of Mexican and sushi-inspired foods complemented by a selection of sake and tequila.

Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit

Satisfy your love of biscuits with a visit to this Charleston staple. You can try biscuits in new flavors or grab a pimento cheese sandwich served on a soft, fluffy biscuit.

Satisfy All Your Tastebuds Eating in Charleston

No matter what you’re craving, there is a restaurant that is sure to hit the spot in Charleston. Whether this is your first time visiting or you are a Charleston regular, there is always something new to try.

What are your favorite places to eat in Charleston?

Sarina Swalm

Sarina is a self-taught cook and self-proclaimed foodie. She enjoys sharing her love of cooking, and sharing new recipes. When Sarina isn’t traveling she enjoys her home base in New York, NY with her Labrador Retriever, Bailey.