our local favorites
Experience Charleston like a local. Here’s our top recommendations – restaurants, bars, and things to do – all locally owned and uniquely Charleston
Cafe and retail market — coffee, breakfast, lunch and provisions.
Deliciously fun Chinese fusion. The owner is a Top Chef runner-up!
Stellar wine list, cocktails, and shareable plates. Apertivo Hour Mon–Fri 4–6 PM.
Great breakfast, served into the afternoon. Be ready to wait for a table.
Coffee, pastries, sandwiches. Patio is a great place to work or hang.
Homemade ice cream with local ingredients.
Wood-fired pizzas, salads, and fresh pastries from the back bakery.
Huge selection of creative and classic pizzas. Take-out or delivery.
Addictively delicious noodles and curry. Dine-in or take-out.
Fun cocktail bar with a solid Cali burrito and a relaxed vibe.
Great whisky selection and tasty apps. Try the steak tartare.
Dive bar wall-to-wall with vintage arcade games.
Brewery with a beer garden, outdoor tables, and a stage.
One of the best local brewers. Big creekside spot with a dock.
Makes a great pit stop between the house and Riverfront park.
Famous sweet tea vodka. Try the frozen watermelon. Great live music venue too
Great spot for happy hour drinks and snacks when the weather’s nice.
Lovely Mexican cafe. One of our favorite brunch spots.
Hanahan
Some of the best Italian food in Charleston, period.
Hanahan
Yummy Chinese-Southern BBQ fusion. The same talented crew behind Jackrabbit Filly.
North Charleston
Casual tacos, great braised meats, house-made hot sauces.
North Charleston
Seafood-forward menu with diverse preparations. Walk-ins only — go early and prepared to wait.
Downtown Charleston
Special occasion-worthy steakhouse with true Southern hospitality.
Downtown Charleston
Impressive raw bar and seafood restaurant in a historic Charleston single home.
Downtown Charleston
Divine omakase. Reservations required.
Downtown Charleston
It might be odd to recommend Texan-style BBQ in SC but its that good. Must try the brisket.
Downtown Charleston
Excellent sushi with a more causal vibe.
Downtown Charleston
One of Charleston’s finest. Impeccable service, lovely wine list. Reservations well in advance.
Downtown Charleston
Creative pasta, pizza, and shareable plates featuring local seafood. Excellent gelato shop downstairs. Reservations recommended.
Sullivan’s Island
Non-touristy fried seafood on the water. Walk-in.
Folly Beach
Imaginative Chinese in a chill setting. Worth the 30-minute drive.
James Island
The best seafood market in town is also an excellent little wine bar and a great spot for a casual seafood meal.
James Island
Name a spirit and a flavor profile (i.e. tequila + spicy and herbal) and the talented bar staff will produce an excellent cocktail.
Downtown Charleston
Fun, tiki-inspired cocktails in a cozy space.
Downtown Charleston
Hip spot with talented mixologists and innovative cocktails.
Downtown Charleston
Speakeasy style spot located below Brasserie la Blanque (which is a lovely French restaurant).
Downtown Charleston
Rooftop bar at the Dewberry Hotel. Beautiful views and a classy atmosphere.
Downtown Charleston
Intimate bar that opens to a lovely courtyard at the Nickel Hotel. Hidden gem among King Street chaos.
Downtown Charleston
Excellent Belgian and old world style beers.
Downtown Charleston
An authentic dive bar and true local experience.
Downtown Charleston
Hip backyard vibes with a great beer selection and beachy wines.
Folly Beach
Very chill spot to grab a drink before or after the beach.
Folly Beach
The best frozen Irish coffee around. They also make an excellent riff on a frozen painkiller called a Game Changer.
Sullivan’s Island, Downtown, West Ashley, Mount Pleasant
Fun little woman-led cocktail bar.
West Ashley
Free weekly paper found in restaurants
and bars. Best guide to local events,
festivals, and shows. Plus a cheeky
crossword to do over a beer.
Saturday in Marion Square, Sunday at the Pour House, Wednesdays in Hampton Park, Thursday afternoons next to the playground in Park Circle.
See Charleston from the water. As you cruise the harbor, you’ll pass by notable landmarks, including Fort Sumter, the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, Charleston Battery, and the Ravenel Bridge.
Walk over the pedestrian bridge from Park Circle for a picnic, playground time, or a festival or concert depending on the schedule.
Massive new playground in the center of Park Circle — reportedly the largest
inclusive playground in the world. A must with kids.
Located on the harbor — a nice way to spend a hot or rainy afternoon.
Indoor golf, full bar, and food — around 10 minutes away. Fun for all ages.
Explore the Blackwater Swamp at the Woodlands Nature Reserve via kayak.
Easiest beach to get to from Park Circle,
the least touristy and most picturesque.
Funky, fun, laid-back. Traffic onto the island can back up so plan to go early. Go to “the wash out” for surfing.
One island over from Sullivan’s. Nice,
family-friendly beach. Check out the Windjammer for live music.