CHARLESTON RECS

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!

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.



 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.


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.


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.


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.


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.



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.


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:)


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.


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.


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.


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.



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.



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

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

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. 


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.





4 comments:

Jaclyn said...

This looks like a fabulous list! I'm excited to try some of these on our family get-a-way to Charleston! Do you have any recommendations for activities to do with toddlers while traveling in the winter months? The aquarium is top of our list! Thanks so much! Jaclyn

Mother Henn said...

We spent our Easter break in Charleston and ate our way through many of your recommendations. We started off with Boxcar Betty's and the most amazing chicken sandwich and pickled, fried green tomatoes ever! We made our way to Vintage and devoured the prosciutto, fig jam, brie, and balsamic toast. This was the perfect little spot for our kids to play and for us to sip coffee and chill as we worked our way to Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms. Breakfast one morning was out of this world good as we enjoyed the pimento cheese and fried green tomato eggs benedict at the Marina Variety store. On the day we checked out, we stopped for brunch at The Glass Onion before heading home. You were right about the shrimp po boy! We even bought some local art while there.
I have to say, we couldn't pick a favorite! Loved every single thing we tried from your list. Tried to get to Heart, but missed their open hours. Guess we'll save that and several others for our next trip. Thanks for sharing your recs!

Sara said...

Hi Natalie, one of my favorite parts of your blog are your food/cooking posts, so I take your Charleston recommendations seriously! Planning a trip to Charleston, and would love to hear if you have favorite neighborhoods/hotels to stay at. Could be a great blog post, too :) Thanks, Sara

Meg said...

We rolled into Charleston and needed dinner asap. I looked at your recs and we headed straight to Taco Boy.
Awesome place. Great food and drinks. That patio! After 600 miles of driving that day - it was perfect spot.
Thank you for sharing