Charleston Restaurants

Charleston is blessed with a bevy of Southern-inflected selections, from barbecue parlors to fish shacks to casual places serving Lowcountry fare like shrimp and grits. If you'd like to try something new, there are plenty of places serving updated, inspired versions of classic dishes. Before you leave, you'll definitely see why Charleston is considered one of the greatest food cities in the world.

The city's dining scene status continues to rise, boosted by a group of James Beard Foundation repeat award winners. Robert Stehling of Hominy Grill, Mike Lata of FIG and The Ordinary, Jason Stanhope of FIG, and Sean Brock of McCrady's and Husk each earned the designation of Best Chef: Southeast, in successive years. The city boasts other prodigious talents, too: Alex Lira of Bar Normandy, Jeremiah Bacon of the Macintosh, Michelle Weaver of Charleston Grill, Ken Vedrinski of Trattoria Lucca, Jacques Larson of Wild Olive and The Obstinate Daughter, and Josh Walker of Xiao Bao Biscuit. It's the establishment of the New South, circa now.

As for attire, Charleston invites a crisp yet casual atmosphere. Don't forget, it was recognized as the Most Mannerly City in the country by Marjabelle Young Stewart, which means that residents are slow to judge (or, at the least, that they're doing so very quietly). On the whole, the city encourages comfort and unhurried, easy pacing. The result is an idyllic setting in which to enjoy oysters on the half shell and other homegrown delicacies from the land and sea that jointly grant the city its impressive culinary standing.

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  • 1. Briny Swine

    $$

    Begin your meal here with a half-dozen raw oysters, then fill up with a platter of ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. That's the concept behind this raw bar BBQ joint set in envious digs directly on the water. It's a sister concept by the chef/owner of nearby Ella & Ollie's.

    3731 Docksite Rd., Edisto Beach, South Carolina, 29438, USA
    843-631–1460

    Known For

    • BBQ tator tot nachos smothered in pulled pork
    • Tuna poke tostada from the raw bar
    • Views across the creek and salt marsh

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch Tues. and Wed.
  • 2. Old Post Office Restaurant

    $$$

    The old metal cages remain at this converted post office, but instead of mail you'll find Southern-inspired fare like a savory shrimp and grits that ups the ante with scallops. The seafood averse can opt for a filet mignon burger or a Carolina rib eye. When there's a piano man in the upstairs bar, so much the better.

    1442 Hwy. 174, Edisto Island, South Carolina, 29438, USA
    843-869–2339

    Known For

    • Relaxed upscale dining out in the country
    • Local seafood cooked near the source
    • Lively local scene on weekends

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Jan., Sun., and Mon. No lunch, Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
  • 3. Pressley's at the Marina

    $$$

    This relaxed waterfront spot offers up fare from land and sea alike. Start off with hush puppies served with sweet honey butter and a bowl of she-crab soup, then move on to the Edisto Creek shrimp basket or the fresh catch of the day. Sit on the deck when weather permits, and there's live music on the weekends. Add a specialty cocktail to start and a slice of key lime pie to finish and you have vacation dining done right.

    3702 Docksite Rd., Edisto Island, South Carolina, 29438, USA
    843-869–9226

    Known For

    • Waterfront dining with a horizon view across the marsh
    • Hopping bar scene on Friday and Saturday night
    • Thursday theme menus during winter
  • 4. Whaley's

    $$

    This 1940s-era filling station—the pumps are still outside—has been converted into a fun and eclectic bar and restaurant where you're sure to find some local color. The menu ranges from bar food like buffalo wings and burgers to local shrimp, crab cakes, and pan-seared mahi-mahi. While the interior is a bit rough around the edges, with concrete floors and bathrooms outside, the beer inventory consists of microbrews, and the Monday night karaoke is a lively mix of locals and visitors. For fine dining, look to the Firefly Flounder topped with mango chutney and a sweet-tea glaze. Blues and rock bands regularly play on the weekends.

    2801 Myrtle St., Edisto Island, South Carolina, 29438, USA
    843-869–2161

    Known For

    • A packed house for live bands on Friday and Saturday night
    • Delicious seafood and pub grub
    • Great microbrew menu

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, May only be open Tues.–Sat. off-season
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