Horse-drawn carriages; Antebellum mansions; and grocery stores named Piggly Wiggly; Charleston excels at charming. Here is your 24-hour guide to keep you satiated from dawn to dusk to late night in the downtown area.
MORNING | Coffee & Breakfast
Photographs courtesy of Callie's Hot Little Biscuit
Callie's Hot Little Biscuit
"I was never a fan of biscuits, until now. They are great, fresh, and buttery."
FED Pro > Chef Paul Yellin of Cane Rhum Bar & Caribbean Kitchen
476 1/2 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
843.737.5159 | calliesbiscuits.com
Brown's Court Bakery
Housed in a building built in the 1800s, that was originally named Brown's Court, they sell coffee, fresh baked bread, pastries and specialty confections.
"The owner, David, bakes a really incredible consistent product. His baguette is the best in town."
FED Pro > Chef Josh Keeler of 492
99 Saint Philip Street, Charleston, SC 29403
T: 843.724.0833 | brownscourt.com
Photo Credit: Find. Eat. Drink.
Black Tap Coffee
Serving espresso drinks, including pour-over coffee, macchiato, cortado, lattes, and Japanese Style iced coffee.
"For their cappuccino. The Counter Culture coffee they roast always manages to be rich and robust with the most wonderful chocolate tones that keep me coming back."
FED Pro > Restaurateur Brooks Reitz of Leon's Oyster Shop, Little Jack's & Jack Rudy Cocktail Co
"I really like their cold brew iced coffee, it's not too strong or really bitter, just nice and mellow. You don’t get that jittery feeling when you drink too much of it."
FED Pro > Chef Josh Keeler of 492
70.5 Beaufain Street, Charleston, SC 29401
T: 843.793.4402 | www.blacktapcoffee.com
Shrimp & Grits at Marina Variety Store | Photo Credit: Find. Eat. Drink.
Marina Variety Store
Where boat captains and locals gather for breakfast and have been since 1963.
"Great for breakfast. It overlooks the harbor with all the boats and you can see the sun rise in a beautiful setting. It’s fabulous. I like to get an omelet, it could be Greek-style shrimp, spinach or portobello. I get grits and French crispy toast, that’s buttered and griddled."
FED Pro > Chef Robert Carter of Carter's Kitchen
"It's a great spot overlooking the Charleston marina and a solid joint to get the day moving with basic eggs always cooked perfectly. I love the staff and the coffee is bottomless and strong. A favorite spot for morning meetings or a mid-week breakfast journey."
FED Pro > Restaurateur Brooks Reitz of Leon's Oyster Shop, Little Jack's & Jack Rudy Cocktail Co
Motoryacht Southern Comfort
17 Lockwood Drive, Charleston, SC 29401
T: 843.723.6325 | www.varietystorerestaurant.com
FARMERS MARKET
Charleston Farmers Market
Farmers, food trucks and artisans. See what the lowcountry bounty has to offer and pick up a sandwich, coffee, juice or ice cream.
"I love this farmers' market. It's the best place to get the real vibe of the city with local producers. You can get everything from vegetables to eggs to unpasteurized milk."
FED Pro > Chef Nate Whiting
"You can get coffee or a fresh squeezed lemonade, have a little breakfast, then you get your groceries for the week. My favorite vendors are Zachary Farms for nice produce and Roti Rolls for Indian sandwiches."
FED Pro > Bartender Jackson Holland creator of Charleston Mix
Marion Square, 329 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403
www.charlestonfarmersmarket.com
SHOPPING
Photo Credit: Find. Eat. Drink.
Photograph Courtesy of goat. sheep. cow.
Cheeses | goat. sheep. cow.
"Their cheese selection is absolutely beautiful. Their setup is spot-on for a wine, cheese, and meat shop. I come here once a week for a cheese plate selection."
FED Pro > Chef Craig Deihl of Cypress
"For the best cheese selection in the area - bar none. Ask for a taste because the source so much unique stuff that you can't find elsewhere."
FED Pro > Chef Kevin Johnson of The Grocery
106 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401
T: 843.480.2526 | goatsheepcow.com
LUNCH | The Classics
Buttermilk Pie at Hominy Grill | Photo Credit: Squire Fox
Lowcountry | Hominy Grill
Southern specialities meant to taste like grandma's cooking - that is, if grandma had won a James Beard Best Chef Award like chef / owner Robert Stehling.
"I send every visitor to Hominy Grill. Amidst all of the trends in dining, Robert Stehling has stuck to his guns and continues to produce the only truly Lowcountry restaurant."
FED Pro > Chef Kevin Johnson of The Grocery
"For their shrimp and grits. Robert Stehling is doing great, updated Southern classics with a deep respect for tradition and technique. Weekend brunch is mobbed, there’s a nice outdoor terrace if the weather's good. Super-casual."
FED Pro > Matt & Ted Lee of Lee Brothers Boiled Peanut Catalogue
207 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC 29403
T: 843.937.0930 | hominygrill.com
Photo courtesy of Martha Lou's Kitchen
Southern & Soul | Martha Lou's Kitchen
A tiny, pink-painted soul food shack where you can dine in or take out. Martha Lou has been cooking lowcountry dishes for decades and the years have brought her a loyal following.
"It’s a cinderblock building, tiny, only has about 5 or 6 booths, a home stove and one employee, Martha. You walk in, she greets you, asks you how your day is, how hungry you are, and what you want to drink. You feel like you’re sitting in her dining room at her house and she’s cooking for you."
FED Pro > Chef Sean Brock of Husk, McCrady's, Minero and Husk Nashville
"If you are looking for fried chicken, because really, who isn't, Martha Lou's cannot be beat."
FED Pro > Pastry Chef Cynthia Wong of Butcher & Bee
1068 Morrison Drive, Charleston, SC 29403
T: 843.577.9583 | marthalouskitchen.com
Cash only
LUNCH | The Newcomers
Photograph courtesy of Leon's Oyster Shop
Seafood | Leon's Oyster Shop
Located in a renovated auto paint and body shop that was named Leon’s.
"Leon's brought chargrilled oysters, a New Orleans classic, to Charleston. The atmosphere is super cool and they have great cocktails, like the elderflower gin and tonic, and a fantastic wine list that pairs beautifully with seafood as well as their signature fried chicken. This is a spot where you can hang out all day long."
FED Pro > Chef Nico Romo of Nico
698 King Street, Charleston, SC 29401
T: 843.531.6500 | leonsoystershop.com
Photograph courtesy of Butcher and Bee
Sandwiches | Butcher and Bee
Elevating the art of sandwich making using premium regional ingredients. Their menu changes daily and they're open late on the weekends.
"I like to come here for their vegetable plate. It's a hidden gem of their already fun and ever changing menu."
FED Pro > Restaurateur Brooks Reitz of Leon's Oyster Shop, Little Jack's & Jack Rudy Cocktail Co
"In addition to lunch, they have a huge late night food game. They are always changing what they are doing and it's also bring your own beer. It’s fun to meet up with friends after work or when the bars are closing to finish off the night with some fun and food."
FED Pro > Chef Kevin Getzewich of Indaco
1085 Morrison Drive, Charleston, SC 29403
T: 843.619.0202 | butcherandbee.com
BOOK A TABLE
AFTERNOON SWEET SHOPS
Photograph Courtesy of Sugar Bakeshop
Sugar Bakeshop
Two New York City architects turned bakers are charming the South with their sweet cakes, cookies, tarts and pies.
"Their caramel cake is probably the best one around. It’s a light layered cake with a caramel icing on it, really intense and sugary."
FED Pro > Chef Robert Stehling of Hominy Grill
"Small little petit fours, cupcakes and sweets. Their cookies are just phenomenal."
FED Pro > Chef Robert Carter of Carter's Kitchen
59 Cannon Street, Charleston, SC 29403
T: 843.579.2891 | www.sugarbake.com
Photograph courtesy of Wildflour Pastry
WildFlour Pastry
"Their Sunday morning cinnamon rolls are legendary. But only available on Sunday mornings and there’s a line out the door. Fantastic! They’re just decadent, cinnamony, yeasty, warm, sticky and gooey - just fabulous."
FED Pro > Chef Robert Carter of Carter's Kitchen
73 Spring Street, Charleston, SC 29403
T: 843.327.2621 | www.wildflourpastrycharleston.com
AFTERNOON BOOZY TASTINGS & TOURS
Palmetto Brewery
The oldest production micro-brewery in the state of South Carolina.
"For their Espresso Porter, a rich espresso-type beer. They make it with Charleston Coffee Roasters, which is right outside of their backdoor."
FED Pro > Chef Craig Deihl of Cypress
289 Huger Street, Charleston, SC 29403
T: 843.937.0903 | www.palmettobrewery.com
Coast Brewing Company
A family-owned local brewery using organic ingredients. Their beer styles change with the seasons.
"They brew a beer called Bulls Bay Oyster Stout with local oysters."
FED Pro > Chef Craig Deihl of Cypress
"They are very big into reducing their carbon footprint. These guys are kicking out amazing IPAs, great lagers and pilsners."
FED Pro > Bartender Jackson Holland creator of Charleston Mix
"They have great attention to detail and it has never become mass produced."
FED Pro > Chef Josh Keeler of 492
1250 N 2nd Street, North Charleston, SC 29405
T: 843.343.4727 | coastbrewing.com
EARLY EVENING
Photo Credit: Find. Eat. Drink.
COCKTAILS
The Gin Joint | Photo Credit: Find. Eat. Drink.
The Gin Joint
Owners Joe and MariElena Raya learned the ropes at The Culinary Institute of America, Blackberry Farm, The Four Seasons Palm Beach, The Breakers Hotel, and Robert’s of Charleston before opening their speakeasy cocktail lounge.
"I’ve never had better cocktails anywhere. They’ve got great palates since they are chefs and they look at cocktails like dishes and you taste that and it’s just so good."
FED Pro > Chef Sean Brock of Husk, McCrady's, Minero, Husk Nashville
"Having a cocktail here is like eating a dish that a chef has created. They do snacks like soft pretzels and a fish stick dish with fish mousse and tarragon cream. It’s so simple, but it’s really good."
FED Pro > Chef Josh Keeler of 492
182 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401
T: 843.577.6111 | theginjoint.com
Barrel-Aged Manhattan & Broadbent Country Ham | Photo Credit: Find. Eat. Drink.
The Bar at Husk
"For the bourbon lover this is where you come to. They probably have anywhere between 70 to 90 bourbons depending on the time of year and what’s available. Some are a limited release and aren’t available all the time. The bar is in a separate building from the restaurant, so you can’t have dinner here. But they have lighters apps like Benton's ham."
FED Pro > Bartender Jackson Holland creator of Charleston Mix
76 Queen Street, Charleston, SC 29401
T: 843.577.2500 | www.huskrestaurant.com/about/bar
The Rarebit
This spot covers all the bases. You can enjoy all-day breakfast and hearty American fare like Chicken and Waffles, Country Fried Steak and a daily Blue Plate Special, but also craft cocktails, house-made sodas, beer, and wine.
"For their masterfully prepared variations on classic cocktails, including their stellar version of the Greyhound and Moscow Mule, which has me drinking vodka again in a serious way."
FED Pro > Restaurateur Brooks Reitz of Leon's Oyster Shop, Little Jack's & Jack Rudy Cocktail Co
474 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
T: 843.974.5483 | therarebit.com
DINNER
Photographs Courtesy of The Ordinary
Seafood | The Ordinary
From James Beard Award-winning chef Mike Lata, this Upper King District seafood house takes advantage of Charleston's coastal waters with a raw bar featuring local oysters, regional fish and shellfish.
"It’s a beautiful space with impeccable service. The skate wing terrine is not only incredibly tasty, but innovative. Chef Lata has this ability to take a very recognizable ingredient and present it to you in a way that you’ve never thought of before."
FED Pro > Chef Josh Keeler of 492
"Champagne and caviar service at The Ordinary is an absolute must! It's an experience that feels very grown up and special, but does not break the bank."
FED Pro > Pastry Chef Cynthia Wong of Butcher & Bee
544 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
T: 843.414.7060 | eattheordinary.com
BOOK A TABLE
Xiao Bao Biscuit | Photo Credit: Find. Eat. Drink.
Okonomiyaki at Xiao Bao Biscuit | Photo Credit: Find. Eat. Drink.
Asian Fusion | Xiao Bao Biscuit
Asian Soul Food with dishes from China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Menu changes seasonally with rotating daily specials.
"It’s really different than anything else in Charleston. After slinging bacon all day, I just want something vegetable and something that doesn’t look like Southern food. I like to get the cabbage pancake (Okonomiyaki) with shredded cabbage and carrots. They char it nicely in the bottom of the pan and send it out to you really hot."
FED Pro > Chef Robert Stehling of Hominy Grill
"They do Asian comfort food, things that you wouldn’t typically see in a Japanese or Chinese restaurant, but things that you eat at a Chinese grandmother’s house. Their mapo tofu is really good. They do a Japanese pancake called Okonomiyaki, and it's taking the the town by storm."
FED Pro > Chef Josh Keeler of 492
"They are thinking outside of the box. It’s an old gas station that’s been converted and they're serving Asian soul food. The Okonomiyaki is like the world's best hashbrowns."
FED Pro > Chef Jacques Larson of Wild Olive, The Obstinate Daughter
224 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC 29401
T: 843.743.3880 | xiaobaobiscuit.com
Pickled Shrimp & Root Baking Co. Rye Bread at Edmund's Oast | Photo Credit: Find. Eat. Drink.
Edmund's Oast
"The beer selection is wonderfully curated and never boring. The shrimp toast and ricotta toast are among my favorites."
FED Pro > Restaurateur Brooks Reitz of Leon's Oyster Shop, Little Jack's & Jack Rudy Cocktail Co
"They have forty-eight beers on tap, some of which they brew themselves. Their wine list is also great. Put simply, if you can't find something you like to drink here, you need to take a good hard look at yourself."
FED Pro > Bartender Drew Childers of Harold's Cabin
1081 Morrison Drive, Charleston, SC 29403
T: 843.727.1145 | edmundsoast.com
BOOK A TABLE
LATE NIGHT
Photograph courtesy of Taco Boy
Mexican | Taco Boy
Margaritas, tequila flights and a large Mexican street food menu.
"For guacamole and frozen screwdrivers."
FED Pro > Restaurateur Brooks Reitz of Leon's Oyster Shop, Little Jack's & Jack Rudy Cocktail Co
Open until 2am
217 Huger Street, Charleston, SC 29403
T: 843.789.3333 | www.tacoboy.net
Photo Credit: Find. Eat. Drink.
Pop-Tarts & Cocktails | The Belmont
Craft cocktails, upscale scotches, bourbons, eclectic beer and wine. They offer cheeses, meats and sandwiches to go with your imbibing.
"They also have home-made pop tarts."
FED Pro > Matt & Ted Lee of Lee Brothers Boiled Peanut Catalogue
"End the night with a neat whiskey here. They also have the best soda water in town."
FED Pro > Restaurateur Brooks Reitz of Leon's Oyster Shop, Little Jack's & Jack Rudy Cocktail Co
"It has a speakeasy vibe to it and they are always creating new and interesting cocktails. They also have a nice beer selection and they offer small meat and cheese boards. There is always a movie playing on a projector screen -- something from days past that really sets the interesting mood they are going for."
FED Pro > Chef Kevin Getzewich of Indaco
"They definitely have the classics down, Old Fashioneds and Martinis are good here. Get here early as it's sitting room only and they fill up quickly. They also have a solid whiskey selection to choose from."
FED Pro > Bartender Jim McCourt of Prohibition
Open until 2am
511 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
www.thebelmontcharleston.com
Duck Club Sandwich & Beer | Tattooed Moose
It's a little pub with a big moose head mounted on the wall and a good beer list with craft, can, bottled and draft picks. Mike's Famous Duck Club is a triple decker sandwich with duck confit, apple-smoked bacon, and smoked cheddar on sweet Hawaiian bread.
"They have the pinnacle of bar fare with wings and all kinds of crunchy, salty snacks. Their Duck Club is unbelievable. It's awesome. They serve late, so it's a good chef hangout. Good beers too."
FED Pro > Chef Nate Whiting
"A great beer selection, great food, and the Duck Club is a wonderful sandwich."
FED Pro > Bartender Jackson Holland creator of Charleston Mix
Open until 2am
1137 Morrison Drive, Charleston, SC 29403
T: 843.277.2990 | tattooedmoose.com
Gastropub | Closed For Business
Think beer bar with pub grub American food. But here they offer an eclectic draught beer selection with forty-two taps of unusual, rare and one-of-a-kind beers from South Carolina and beyond.
"I come here late for a beer."
FED Pro > Restaurateur Brooks Reitz of Leon's Oyster Shop, Little Jack's & Jack Rudy Cocktail Co
"They have 42 beers on tap, cool bar food, and a swag atmosphere"
FED Pro > Chef Kevin Getzewich of Indaco
"Amazing selection of craft beers on draft and daily beer flight options. The overall ambiance is loaded with squirrel and other small critter taxidermy, old signs, some strangers in framed family photos, just eye candy for days. Think more upscale pub food with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients and flavors."
FED Pro > Bartender Megan Deschaine of 492
Open until 2am
453 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
T: 843.853.8466 | www.closed4business.com