Thank You + Best Of Charleston Restaurant Edition

First of all a huge thank you to everyone who left a comment on Friday.  Thank you for taking the time to write such great thoughtful responses.  I read each and everyone of them several times. Then I took out a note pad and wrote down every suggestion and I will do my best to address them all and do a post on them.  It was so refreshing to hear from y'all.  I know several people complained that I was doing too much shopping stuff lately.  The thing is this blog is for me too, my happy place to be creative and dream about things I want.  So there will still be shopping and obsessions posts because I truly enjoy those but I will try and incorporate more real life posts and maybe a little less shopping.  I will also work on a Home Tour that was a big request from lots of you.  I feel like every room in my house is still a work in progress but I am sure most of you are the same way!  I feel refreshed with all the new ideas you guys gave me so thank you!!

Several of you asked for a Best of Charleston post and I have been meaning to do this to fill my Charleston Recommendations tab up top.  Today I am going to focus just on restaurants and then I will do another shopping and activities post.

These are some of my favorite restaurants and if I had personal pictures from my meals  I tried to include those too (all photos below are mine).  I do have to say most of these places are not super fancy.   I don't dine regularly at the expensive places DT, there are some fabulous ones though.  These places are not too expensive, most can be kid friendly too, and all have amazing food.  You will not be disappointed by of these places below.  Locals if you have a favorite restaurant I didn't include I would love to hear your thoughts!

BUTCHER AND BEE

654 King Street

This is one of my favorite lunch spots.  I pick up lunch to-go from here often.  The menu regularly changes but the kale slaw and Mezze Plate are always my go-to.  The Mezze plate is always vegetarian and changes weekly.  All the ingredients are so fresh and most are from local farms.  Everything I have had here is great.

BOXCAR BETTY'S

 1922 Savannah Highway

If you want a fried chicken sandwich that will blow your mind you must hit up Boxcar Betty's. This sandwich is like no other.  You can build your own but I love the Boxcar which is fried chicken, pimento cheese, and peach slaw.   I am drooling thinking about this baby, their fries are pretty awesome too.

XAO BAO BISCUIT

224 Rutledge Street

This is an awesome lunch or dinner spot.  The menu here also regularly changes but the Cabbage Pancake is always on the menu and a must.  Make sure you get it with the bacon, candied pork, and fried egg- trust me.  The black bean chicken is another favorite (pictured below).  They also have some tasty specialty cocktails.

 BAN BAH MI

162 Spring Street

This is a small spot you are better to get your food to go or visit their food truck at the Farmers Market on Saturdays.  Their tacos are amazing.  The five spice pork and braised beef are my favorites I always get one of each.  and try their Chinese Spice Iced Tea it is delicious.

HEART

1622 Highland Ave

This restaurant is located on James Island not far from where we live.  It is delicious, I actually had my Sprinkle for Frances here.  They use all fresh and local ingredients and switch up the menu often.  The flatbreads and veggie burger are my favorites here.  and if you like chicken livers they are awesome at Heart.

 THE GLASS ONION

1219 Savannah Highway

This is a must for brunch or lunch.  Their omelettes are so good and I swear they have the best Shrimp Po Boy in town.  Also delicious is  their homemade pimento cheese sandwich, fries with Bearnaise, and the Garden Salad with pickled veggies.  I always order a side of the Garden Salad.

LEE LEES HOT KITCHEN

218 President Street

If you love Asian Food this place is a must eat.  It is fresh not greasy and always full of amazing flavor.  They also have some awesome cocktails as well.  I love the ginger beef, green bean chicken and the dumplings.

PARK CAFE

730 Rutledge Ave

This is the cutest little restaurant, they have a really cool wall filled with live plants.  A great spot for breakfast or lunch.  I love their avocado toast, kale salad, veggie scramble, and mushroom sandwich.  Last time I ate here Bill Murray was at the table beside me:)

BIN152

152 King Street

This is hands down my favorite spot for wine in town.  Their charcuterie plate is out of this world good.  Huge wine selection as well and the staff is super helpful in helping to pick out wine and cheese selections.

LEONS OYSTER SHOP

698 King Street

This is a fairly new Restaurant and I just love the atmosphere here.  Plus they serve draft Rose in carafes, enough said.  Delicious fried chicken and shrimp sandwiches and great sides.

TWO BURROUGHS LARDER

186 Comming Street

This is kind of off the beaten path but worth a trip. They focus on using all local and fresh ingredients.  I am obsessed with their noodle bowl, it is out of this world good.  They only serve their elusive cheeseburger on Wednesdays and it is worth the trip.   The cheeseburger is two fresh patties covered in the most ridiculous cheese sauce- pure goodness I tell you.

A really cool place with a eclectic menu.

GLAZED 

481 King Street

For all you doughnut lovers this place is must stop for breakfast.  My two recommendations are the Maple Bacon Doughnut and The Purple Goat.

CALLIES HOT LITTLE BISCUIT

476 1/2 King Street

This is another great breakfast spot, no room for seating though you just pick up to-go.  I love the country ham biscuit and the grits bowl.  I also recommend picking up a container of her dillious dip and pimento cheese both are fabulous.  I frequently buy both and use them when I am entertaining.

THE OBSTINATE DAUGHTER

2063 Middle Street

If you are vacationing out near the Isle of Palms/ Sullivans Island area you must try this place.  The interior is gorgeous and I am still dreaming about the salads and pizza I ate there.

Worth the Mention (a few other favorites) :

TACO BOY \\ 217 Huger Street

Great Mexican and Margaritas.  They have a great outdoor patio and this place is super kid friendly.

SUGAR \\ 59 1/2 Cannon Street

The most delicious cupcakes and cookies in town.  I love their Ginger Molasses cookie and almond cupcakes.

MONZA \\ 451 King Street

Awesome fresh wood fire oven pizza.

DELLZ DELI \\ 1 A Cannon Street

This is a hole in the wall, no seating room but the best wraps in town.  I love their Hummer wrap which is Black Bean Hummus filled with veggies and this awesome green goddess sauce. 

Blend Juice Bar \\ 320 E West Coleman Blvd

I am hooked on this juice bar in Mt Pleasant.  I love their Green Juice and Green Sweetie Smoothie.  A great stop on your way to the beach.

There are so many fabulous restaurants in Charleston, these are just a few of my favorites.  We are so lucky to live in a town filled with such great food choices.