Charleston
167 Raw Oyster Bar
Great spot for seafood on lower King. They do not take reservations, but you can go around the corner to Bar 167 while you wait for your table and grab a cocktail.
Chubby Fish
Some of our absolute favorite meals have been at Chubby Fish. They do not take reservations - you must show up at 4:30, wait in line and let the host know what time you'd like to come back. You can either go home and relax before your dinner, or have a glass of wine at Eliotborough Mini Bar around the corner. Do not skip on the caviar sandwiches or the celery salad!
Vern's
There's a reason why this is one the most talked about restaurants in Charleston. The sourdough is a must have as well as the escargot. Dinner requires reservations (which you can make on Resy) and we suggest you make this way in advance.
Jackrabbit Filly
A little out of the way - but extremely worth it. This is one of Eliza's favorites spots. If you're looking for 10/10 food, then this is the spot to go. The spicy karaage and dumplings are her favorites. Reservations required via Resy.
Little Jack's Tavern
Also known as "LJ's" to Peter, Little Jack's has the best burger in town. Big fans of sitting at the bar, getting a martini and ordering the tavern burger with fries. Reservations required via Resy on the weekend.
Lewis Barbecue Charleston
Lewis is the ultimate BBQ spot in downtown, although we find ourselves frequenting Hometeam BBQ way more for gamechangers/wings. You will not be disappointed. No reservations required.
Delaney Oyster House
Peter's favorite restaurant! An old historic home turned seafood restaurant downtown. Best oysters you can find!
Melfi's
Want to fill up on pasta and pizza and red wine and martini's? Then go to Melfi's. The duck ragu is so delicious, but you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu here. Get a couple pastas and a pizza to split. Reservations required via Resy (and do so in advance)!
Island Provisions - Downtown Charleston
Cute breakfast/lunch/grab and go spot on St. Philip! CRAZY busy on Sundays.
Huriyali Gardens
The best smoothies, smoothie bowls and overall healthy food options downtown are here.
The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery
Cutty and Eliza stop here almost every day for coffee while on their daily walks. Adorable coffee shop in our neighborhood with a vegetarian menu for breakfast/lunch.
babas on cannon
Pro tip: Baba's has the best coffee downtown. There are two locations: Cannon and Meeting. In the morning, they have amazing overnight oats. In the evening, they have the best happy hour.
Graft Wine Shop & Wine Bar
One of our friends owns and runs Graft, the best wine shop in Charleston. We usually stop in here before dinner at Little Jack's, Melfi's or Leon's. On Sunday, stop by from 3-6 for food trucks and wine.
Citrus Club
Stunning rooftop views on top of the Dewberry hotel. Best place to get an overpriced cocktail.
Sullivan's Island
This is about 20 minutes from Downtown and is one of the more popular beaches in Charleston. There are plenty of restaurants nearby, so it's a good place to go during the day and then to hop over to Hometeam BBQ or Sullivan's Fish Camp for happy hour. Pro tip: go to Coop or Mozzo's for sandwiches on the way to the beach (but make sure to order ahead).
Shem Creek
We have spent a LOT of time on Shem Creek. Fun places to eat/drink/people watch (Saltwater Cowboy's, Water's Edge, Red's). Can also rent paddle boards or kayaks here!
The Battery
The end of the peninsula of Downtown Charleston. Walk around the neighborhoods and look at the houses, because they are all so beautiful, but you can also follow alongside the water from the Carolina Yacht Club to the Coast Guard station and get a pretty stunning view.
College of Charleston
Pretty biased, but this is one of the prettiest locations in Charleston (and of course, where we both went to school).
Hampton Park
Our neighborhood park! Beautiful gardens inside the park, but a great loop to walk around if you're looking to get some steps.
The Works
Yoga, HIIT or cycling classes (next door at The Works Cycle)! Every class is amazing if you're looking to sweat!
Form Charleston
Lagree (or mega-reformer pilates). Spots are limited, so book ahead via their app "Form Charleston"