Exploring
167 Raw Oyster Bar
167 is one of our top favorite restaurants in Charleston. They do not take reservations but we enjoy putting our name on the list and going somewhere closeby for a cocktail or walking around while we wait for the "your table is ready" text.
Leon's
Leon's is a very special place to us. Ask us for the backstory! Their peel and eat shrimp, grilled oysters, fish or fried chicken sandwich, hush puppies, and frozen gin and tonics aren't to miss. Leon's does not take reservations but is worth the wait for lunch or dinner. If you need to kill some time while you wait, enjoy Graft Wine shop one block away!
Millers All Day
Millers serves made from scratch breakfast all day at this pharmacy/diner themed restaurant. They too do not take reservations (a theme here) so we recommend going on the early side for breakfast or putting your name in & then spending the wait exploring King Street nearby.
Halls Chophouse
Halls is a go-to for a nice dinner or elevated lunch. Not a bad bite in the house!
The Daily
Looking for a quicker coffee, smoothie, or breakfast bite? The Daily serves amazing open-faced sourdough toasts with eggs, avocado, or smoked salmon amongst other breakfast and coffee options.
Basic Kitchen
Basic Kitchen has a wonderful burger, buffalo cauliflower 'wings' (don't knock it 'til you try it), and healthier options like salads and quinoa bowls. It is great for lunch or dinner.
Lewis Barbecue
The best brisket you will ever eat. We promise. This is a great casual lunch or dinner spot and our favorite barbecue place in Charleston.
Edmund's Oast Restaurant & Brewpub
Edmund's Oast is a nice casual place for lunch, dinner, or drinks. It is a local brewery but has a great restaurant too!
Shem Creek
Shem Creek is a waterfront stretch of bars and restaurants in the Mount Pleasant area of Charleston (where we live). It is just a 10 minute Uber drive across the bridge from downtown Charleston. "Saltwater Cowboys" is one favorite place for drinks on the water with shrimp boat and dolphin views. Tavern and Table is a more upscale option also located on Shem Creek. A last recommendation is to grab a drink at Saltwater Cowboys, Red's, or Tavern and Table & then go to dinner at "The Post House" restaurant. Post House is not located directly on Shem Creek but is close-by.
Sullivan's Island Beach
Sullivan's Island is a great way to enjoy the beach. A few good restaurants on the island include Hometeam Barbecue, Mex 1 (Mexican), or The Obstinate Daughter (slightly more upscale). Sullivan's is about a 20 minute drive or Uber from downtown.
Rainbow Row & The Battery
Stroll past Rainbow Row and walk the sidewalks by the water near The Battery- located at the very bottom of downtown Charleston.