Where to Eat and Drink in Charleston, South Carolina

Coffee (and a bite)

Take a break from King Street shopping and duck into the peaceful courtyard at Kudu Coffee and Craft Beer, just off Marion Square. Sip a beverage sourced from the local Springbok Coffee Roasters, or one of about a dozen brews on tap - ideal for occasions when late-morning coffee morphs into afternoon drinks.

Just over the Ravenel Bridge in Mount Pleasant is Vintage Coffee Café, my neighborhood go-to for a lavender latte and outdoor seating. It has a small playground for kids and is across the street from the farmer’s market, held Tuesdays in April through November. Bonus: The Sweet Jessamine Flower Truck sometimes sets up shop in the parking lot.

About 11 miles from downtown, the John’s Island location of Island Provisions is tucked in the back of a busy plaza. Escape here to grab a caffeinated beverage, on-tap kombucha, smoothie or beer and wine to go. Try the quiche with crème fraiche or the avocado toast (opt in for the optional three-minute egg).

The Outpost at Isle of Palms marina is more of a market with coffee than a coffee shop, but check out the great selection of local products, grab a drink or bite and sit on the patio overlooking the Intercoastal. A Friday morning spent here sets the tone for a beach weekend.

Avocado toast at Island Provisions

Brunch

Sullivan’s Island is a popular brunch spot with restaurants lining Middle Street, a few blocks from the beach. I like Poe’s Tavern for its connection to the writer (Annabelle Lee burger, anyone?). Arrive early: reservations aren’t accepted and the line forms quickly. Do make reservations if you're dining down the street at Obstinate Daughter. However, foodies flock here for wood-fired pizzas, pastas and seafood.

Husk’s inviting southern style porch and cocktails in the courtyard at The Mills House

Several Charleston restaurants specialize in all-day breakfast and brunch. My picks: Bodega, for the New Yorker in me who craves an elevated breakfast sandwich, Big Bad Breakfast for gluttonous portions and lazy afternoons and Millers All Day for a proper boozy Southern brunch (and hot honey chicken).

Craving something more traditional? Husk has an inviting front porch, a cocktail list including a rum punch recipe dating back to 1792 (one server described it as a “sophisticated Long Island Iced Tea”) and an ever-changing menu. My last visit had me sampling my husband’s rabbit pot pie. Head across the street for a drink in the Mills House Hotel’s courtyard or on its rooftop.

Spice things up at Home Team BBQ

Dinner

North King Street is home to a handful of popular restaurants, but for a quiet date night I head to French bistro Maison. The shareable food is consistently good, as is the wine. Opt for a table on the Paris-themed patio.

It’s easy to miss Herd Provisions (it resembles a small white house) but this Rutledge Ave. gem shouldn’t be overlooked. It's known for its high-quality meats, including what is arguably the best burger in town. Despite outside appearances, Herd has a spacious bar and patio and an on-site butcher.

There’s no shortage of fancier steakhouses in Charleston, including institutions such as Halls Chophouse and Oak Steakhouse. Grill 225 at the Market Pavilion Hotel is another prime choice. The rooftop view is as good as the filet.

Barbeque lovers also have many options. Downtown, Home Team (Carolina style) and Lewis Barbeque (Texas-style) sit adjacent to one another. Both deliver when it comes to all of the meat, but my standouts are Home Team’s wings and Lewis’ brisket. And when in Charleston, try the collard greens.

John’s Island is home to a handful of restaurants worth the short trip from downtown, including Blu Oyster Sushi and Seafood and The Royal Tern (dinner only). There’s lots of goodness at both places, but oysters are a must (in fact, local oyster restaurants would need their own guide).

Acme Lowcountry Kitchen on Isle of Palms gets creative with regional staples like shrimp and grits, fried-green tomatoes and local seafood. It’s also a great pick if you want to be by the beach, without the beachy kitsch.

View from Fish House at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina

Waterfront Restaurants

Take in the harbor (and dolphins, if you’re lucky) at any restaurant along Mount Pleasant’s Shem Creek, with options ranging from laid-back to upscale. Saltwater Cowboys falls in between, with an atmosphere that suits families, couples or a night out. But if you’re avoiding big crowds, avoid this area.

Islander 71 on Isle of Palms offers family-friendly dining with views of the intercoastal and live music. I like the multiple decks for sunset viewing, the large grass space for child’s play and the crab dip skillet with fried saltines.

To the north on Daniel Island, The Kingstide overlooks the Wando River. Think fewer children, more upscale. It has two spacious decks, a rooftop bar and a seafood-dominated menu (even the Reuben is made with trout).

Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina is where I go for vacation vibes. It boasts multiple pools, palm trees, fire pits, a tiki bar and two restaurants. Order the tuna-packed poke bowl from the Reel Bar and grab an Adirondack chair or have a more formal (but still casual) meal at the Fish House for a front-row view of the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier.

The Thoroughbred Club at Charleston Place

Snacks, sweets and cocktails

It’s easy to find a good biscuit place in Charleston, but I like Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit for the hospitality. The manager once reopened the shop after closing to serve my anxious visitors. They have savory and sweet options, but I prefer a plain biscuit topped with pimento, the popular local cheese.

Ice cream is a necessity on warmer Charleston days. If you’re visiting Waterfront Park pop into the nearby Tinto y Crema Beyond its selection of house-made gelatos and sorbets they serve specialty coffees, beer, wine and my favorite: frosé with a champagne floater.

Speaking of frosé, Co-op goes all-in on the frosty beverage, and you have to admire its commitment. You can’t decide on a flavor? No problem! They serve flights. The shop has locations on Sullivan’s Island and Isles of Palms, and a pink flamingo-themed décor that makes me smile.

If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll go nuts for Crazy Mason in Mount Pleasant. The milkshakes are massive and playful. Picture a mason jar with a slice of red velvet cake perched on top, or a birthday themed shake topped with a cupcake and lollipop.

Charleston’s craft beer scene is also worth exploring. Downtown is home to at least a dozen breweries, including Edmond’s Oast, The Frothy Beard and Revelry Brewing Co. It may seem counterintuitive, but most of the area breweries are very family friendly, with outdoor spaces for game-playing, oyster roasts and markets.

For cocktails and Southern Hospitality at its very best, try the bar at one of the city’s luxury or boutique hotels. Many boast rooftop bars, including Hotel Bennett, The Mills House and Restoration Hotel. The storied Thoroughbred Club, in the lobby of Charleston Place hotel, serves classic cocktails and offers afternoon tea service (children welcome).

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Charleston. In need of further inspiration? Check out Melanie Panchal’s guide, Girls Trip to Charleston.