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Dining & Nightlife in Charleston/Downtown

Many come to Charleston with one thing on their mind: food. The best grits you'll ever have, prepared in ways you never imagined. Festive dockside oyster roasts. High-end Charleston restaurants. Outdoor cafés. Fresh from the dock seafood. Every meal is an event in itself. Prepared with perfection. Served with a warm smile. Enjoy.

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Veranda Lounge at The Loutrel

Your gathering place to swap stories and share city secrets over can’t-miss libations and small plates. In the company of our gracious staff, you’ll feel right at home!

Historic Charleston Supper Club

An 18th and 19th Century Charleston Dining Experience. A 6 course Supper narrated by historian Mike Hebb. The best way to learn a culture is to eat the food! Taste History!

Home Team BBQ - Downtown Charleston

With 3 locations serving award-winning barbecue, ever-evolving bar offerings, a family-friendly atmosphere, catering & live entertainment, it’s easy to root for Home Team BBQ!

1st Place Premium Sports Bar

Charleston's premium sports pub on King Street - providing luxurious surroundings, delicious pub fare and a collection of crisp craft beer.

Anson Restaurant

Long known for taking the best ingredients historic Charleston's seasons have to offer & crafting them into innovative turns on traditional Southern Cuisine.

Babas on Cannon

Inspired by cafés & bars of Europe. Welcoming folks in the morning for espresso & house-made pastries, at lunch for sandwiches & salads, & in the evening for cocktails & wine.

Basic Kitchen

Basic Kitchen uses tons of local produce and a rainbow of ingredients to create food that’s nourishing, healthful and delicious. Open for lunch + dinner M-Sat and Sun. brunch.

Bay Street Biergarten

In the atmosphere of a traditional Biergarten, enjoy Bavarian inspired, Southern-made cuisine alongside international beers on tap at the bar & directly at your table.

Beech

The basic necessities of a healthy diet including fresh: fruit, fish, rice and vegetables, sourced sustainably, locally and organically when possible. Fast-casual atmosphere.

Bodega

Chef brings favorite childhood sandwiches to life with menu of old school staples with a Charleston twist! These homemade Kaiser rolls are a must for the boat, beach or couch!

Bourbon N' Bubbles

Bourbon n’ Bubbles is Charleston’s luxury restaurant and bar. Located at the corner of King and Spring Streets, enjoy our offerings of shared plates & select southern entrees.

Brasserie la Banque

Located within the iconic 1 Broad Street corner building, Brasserie la Banque is an homage to traditional French cuisine in a lively environment.

Butcher & Bee

Honest-to-goodness eats made with locally sourced ingredients. Serving Middle Eastern-leaning menus for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.

California Dreaming

California Dreaming serves a mix of hearty American classics that are prepared from scratch daily. See for yourself why it's been an institution since 1987.

Carmella's Cafe & Dessert Bar

Carmella's on Historic East Bay St. features handmade ice creams, Italian ice, premium coffees, wine, adult dessert cocktails, pastries, cannolis, cookies, & gourmet desserts.

Caviar & Bananas Downtown

Extraordinary product offering, sourced locally and globally to create the ultimate culinary experience. Upscale, sophisticated environment that stimulates the five senses.

Charleston's Smallest Bar

With only 4 barstools inside, but plenty of seating outside on the alley, it’s a perfect spot to grab a drink before dinner or show next door at Charleston Music Hall.

Church and Union Charleston

New American cuisine by Top Chef Alum Jamie Lynch and Culinary Director Adam Hodgson. Cutting edge design, set in a casual yet refined atmosphere of a 104 year old church.

CO banh mi..noodles..bar

Saunter into the warm, urban atmosphere at CO and take your palate on a luxury flight to the Far East with exotic flavors for lunch, dinner, or after-hours cocktails.

Crust Wood Fired Pizza & Bailey's Oyster Bar

An infinitely customizable pizza menu (plus bar, pasta, sandwiches, and oysters) is just part of the story at Crust Wood Fired Pizza & Bailey's Oyster Bar! Perfect for groups!

Culinary Institute of Charleston (CIC)

Taste the future of Charleston's culinary scene in the Culinary Institute of Charleston's student-run restaurants, Relish and 181 Palmer. Reservations: OpenTable.com.

Edmund's Oast

Edmund’s Oast restaurant is a a rare combination of brewery, locally and seasonally driven menu, impressive cocktail and wine lists, outdoor courtyard and covered event space.

Edmund's Oast Brewing Co.

Edmund's Oast Brewing Co. is a 20,000 square foot brewery, restaurant, and taproom produces a variety of beers packaged in cans, bottles, and kegs for wide-reaching wholesale.

El Jefe Texican Cantina

Signature Ribeye Taco; marinated for 7 days, the "Nitro-Rita" voted Charleston's Best Margarita and a Mechanical Bull, what's not to love about this Texican inspired Cantina.

Eleve

Discover modern American cuisine with a coastal influence while enjoying spectacular views of Charleston at our vibrant rooftop bar and restaurant.

Felix Cocktails et Cuisine

Experience Paris in one of upper King Street's newest favorites. Félix offers a beautiful atmosphere to enjoy creative cocktails and delightful small plates.

FIG

James Beard winning Chef serves up seasonal cuisine, focusing on fresh, local sustainable product. Featured in Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, Food Network and The New York Times.

Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar

Historic downtown's Best Waterfront Dining on the Charleston Harbor. Sustainable seafood and waterfront views from the wrap-around deck and chic dining room.

Galpao Gaucho

Galpão Gaucho is an authentic Brazilian Steakhouse in downtown Charleston. We feature a gourmet salad bar and 17 unlimited selections of meat, carved tableside by our Gauchos

Graft

Graft is a wine shop and wine bar now open in Charleston. Created by two long-time friends, it is a celebration of good wine, community, and great times.

Grill 225

This fine dining establishment stockpiles accolades, like Fodor’s Choice. A member of “Great Steakhouses of North America,” seafood and live lobsters flown in daily.

Handy & Hot

Helmed by award-winning chef, TV personality & cookbook author, Vivian Howard, Handy & Hot is a small batch bakeshop located at 68 Wentworth Street open daily from 7am – 4pm.

Hannibal's Kitchen

One of Charleston’s popular legacy businesses, Hannibal’s Kitchen has been serving up authentic gullah geechee cuisine since the 80’s from shrimp & crab rice to okra soup!

Harold's Cabin

Community-driven at heart, the locally owned neighborhood eatery serves inventive cocktails & elevated pub fare in an intimate atmosphere, or al fresco in the rooftop garden.

Herd Provisions

Offering a rustic version of neo-American bistro fare, we feature grass-fed meat that comes directly from our farm. Open for lunch/brunch, happy hour & dinner Tuesday-Sunday.

Hero Doughnuts & Buns

Hero Doughnuts and Buns is a favorite stop for breakfast, coffee, lunch & snacks, serving Brioche-Style doughnuts, burgers, salads, coffee drinks and more on Calhoun Street.

Hot Little Biscuit

Callie's grab & go eatery serves a variety of piping hot, award winning biscuits, pimento cheese sandwiches, and locally inspired breakfast, lunch, and late night treats.

Indaco

Located on Charleston’s Upper King Street, Indaco serves rustic Italian cuisine, including wood-fired pizzas and hand-crafted pastas, plus a well-rounded beverage program.

Iron Rose & The Black Door Café

Tucked inside the walled courtyard at The Mills House, Iron Rose brings elevated Southern Coastal Fare to the historic French Quarter, with indoor and outdoor dining.

Le Farfalle

Authentic historic district Italian restaurant, Chef Michael Toscano serves up lunch, brunch and dinner with modern Italian style. Impressive wine and craft cocktail program.

Leon's Oyster Shop

A fried chicken & oyster joint on Upper King. A well loved neighborhood restaurant, with lighter updates on classic Southern fare, cheap beer and expensive champagne.

Lewis Barbecue

Award-winning, Texas-style barbecue from legendary Pitmaster John Lewis. Open daily for lunch + dinner. Offering catering + shipping. 464 N. Nassau St | lewisbarbecue.com.

Little Jack's Tavern

A friendly neighborhood joint with classic cocktails and smart updates to classic tavern fare. Think burgers, fresh fish, generous salads and nightly steak offerings.

Little Palm

A breezy, poolside restaurant and cocktail bar with a lively, spirited environment offering fresh, vibrant cocktails and seasonal, ingredient-driven dishes

Maya

Maya is a Mexican eatery with a coastal-inspired outdoor patio. The menu includes a variety of regional, authentic dishes plus cocktails focused on fresh, seasonal flavors.

Melfi's

Clubby, classic Italian restaurant in downtown with fresh pasta, salads, larger plates, and Roman-ish thin crust pizza. Intimate for 2 or a proper adults evening on the town.

Mercantile and Mash

Located at the Cigar Factory, Mercantile is a food + retail emporium offering breakfast, lunch, coffee and more. Bar Mash is a cozy spot for a well crafted beverage + bite.

MESU

MESU is a lively urban spot with a dual cuisine of both Mexican and Sushi. Tequila infusions complement Sake Sangrias with a full cocktail list.

Millers All Day

Millers All Day celebrates breakfast and brunch with timeless food and drinks in a centuries-old King Street building outfitted with a midcentury modern aesthetic.

MUSE Restaurant & Wine Bar

A locals' favorite set in a historic home reminiscent of an Italian villa with terrace. Homemade pasta & bread, fresh fish, savory meat dishes & extensive wine list.

O-Ku

O-Ku celebrates authentic Asian cuisine, focusing on unique ingredients & presentations, including signature nigiri, Omakase experience & well rounded sake and beverage list.

Oak Steakhouse

Oak offers a remarkable menu featuring Certified Angus Beef cuts and locally-sourced seafood, complemented with superior service and expansive wine program.

Park & Grove

A restaurant that celebrates Charleston's beautiful Hampton Park with a seasonal menu offering dishes such as house-made pastas, gourmet hot dogs & a local catch of the day.

Peninsula Grill

Your enchanted evening awaits. The Four Diamond ranked Peninsula Grill serves the finest ingredients in a resplendent garden setting. Charleston's premier culinary experience.

Pink Cactus Charleston

Join us for lunch or dinner to try our authentic Oaxacan cuisine on our laid-back outdoor patio. Don't miss our tamales, tacos, enchiladas, tortas, quesadillas & margaritas!

Port of Call Food + Brew Hall

A collection of 6 artisanal eateries, accompanied by a modern Biergarten providing local brews & spirits. Located along the historic Charleston City Market at 99 S. Market St.

Rancho Lewis

Pitmaster John Lewis pays homage to the culture and cuisine of the West Texas/New Mexico region with Rancho Lewis, a border-food-meets-cowboy-cookin' restaurant and bar.

Raw Lab

Rab Lab is a luxury 9 course Chef’s Table experience for up to 12 guests at a time, where the focus is on the most sustainable, responsible and healthy seafood choices.

Republic Garden & Lounge

Republic Garden & Lounge is a modern venue setting the gold standard in hospitality through great food and drinks, luxurious surroundings and exceptional personalized service.

Ritual

Charleston's largest rooftop restaurant & bar offering locally sourced seafood with an international flair. Join us for rooftop lunch, dinner, cocktails and late night DJs.

Rodney Scott's BBQ

Rodney Scott's BBQ serves true South Carolina whole-hog barbecue alongside Southern favorites in a lively, upbeat atmosphere in Charleston.

Rutledge Cab Co.

Rutledge Cab Co-voted “Best American Restaurant” 2 years running and “Best Burger” by several media outlets. Guests love our all day/night menu including breakfast anytime.

Smokin Rose

Smokin Rose is Charleston's 1st Cigar Speakeasy... Unique boutique cigar retail store with a cozy lounge area. Which features boutique cigars, bourbon, and food.

Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar

Featuring Lowcountry specialties reminiscent of the old south. Award-winning shrimp & grits and Certified SC farm fresh ingredients artfully prepared by Chef James.

Taco Boy - Downtown

Skip siesta. Let’s fiesta. Charleston’s ultimate taqueria, serving casual Mexican-style fare for brunch, lunch, and dinner—tacos, guac, cold margs, tequila flights, and more.

Ted's Butcherblock

A neighborhood butcher shop & cafe offering premium quality meats, seafood & charcuterie, award-winning sandwiches, prepared foods, wines & craft beer. Tues-Sat, 11am - 7pm.

Tempest

“Best New Restaurant” in the country by USA Today 10Best. Upscale dining featuring hyper-local seafood, with a seasonal menu curated by Chefs Jamie Lynch and Adam Hodgson.

The Alley

The Alley offers an experience unique to Charleston. In addition to 8 bowling lanes and arcade games, the space features a 150 seat restaurant, 40ft bar and event space.

The Brick Charleston

A favorite neighborhood tavern where locals gather to watch their favorite teams, listen to live music, and play bar games on patio. Kitchen is open until 1am every night.

The Cocktail Club

Tucked away on Charleston’s bustling upper King Street, The Cocktail Club is a stylish speakeasy-style bar with rooftop terrace, dedicated to the art of the craft cocktail.

The Grocery

An ingredient inspired menu rooted in Southern and Mediterranean flavors. Small bites to family style portions. A warm setting boasts an open kitchen and wood-burning oven.

The Honey Hive

Charleston’s newest elevated dessert and savory brunch spot. Full cocktail menu, open late, woman owned and operated. Try the signature Kinsey cake!

The Ordinary

A James Beard nominated convivial seafood hall and oyster bar, helmed by award-winning Chef Mike Lata. Lata supports local and regional fisherman, farmers and producers.

The Pass

A small sandwich shop with all of your vacay food needs. At night, The Pass transforms into an eight course chef’s tasting for small groups.

The Rise Coffee Bar

Located on Wentworth Street, The Rise is an effortless, sip and stroll coffee shop that offers guests the finest selection of local coffees, teas, and homemade pastries.

The Sweetgrass Lounge

The Sweetgrass Lounge is an elevated lounge in downtown Charleston and the official flagship of Sweet Grass Vodka, an award-winning local brand for world’s smoothest vodka.

Uncork Charleston

Modern wine bar located on historic King Street. 40 curated wines on tap, craft beers and fine spirits. Our charcuterie and cheese Selections are bound to entice every palate.

Uptown Social

Iconic and lively location that includes a rooftop bar with classic design and festive atmosphere. NEW outdoor dining space, happy hours, appetizers and more.

Verde - Downtown

Fresh, bright, and satisfying healthy food. Create your own salad or wrap from over 45 toppings & handmade dressings or choose one of our signature creations.

Vern's

Vern’s is an intimate and inviting neighborhood bistro serving up modern American cuisine and thoughtful beverage pairings by husband-and-wife duo Dano and Bethany Heinze.

Vintage Lounge

A wine bar offering a curated selection of charcuterie, cheese & small plates. In addition to our award-winning interiors, we feature live music & a beautiful patio.

Well Hung Vineyard

Named for a wine industry term for grapes hanging low, five of our wines have won medals. Try out our amazing lunch and dinner, wines and cocktails in the historic market!

Wild Common

Anything but common, Wild Common is Charleston's wildly unique and unforgettable culinary experience. Led by Executive Chef Orlando Pagán.

Zero Restaurant + Bar

Led by our team of Chef Vinson Petrillo, Zero weaves together warm hospitality with the highest quality ingredients to provide an experience as much as a meal.

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