25 Essential Charleston Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Charleston.
Hyman's Seafood
South Carolina
Vast seafood spot & deli spread over most of a city block in buildings that date back to the 1890s.
The Ordinary
South Carolina
This 1920s bank now houses an upscale seafood restaurant with high ceilings, large windows & a bar.
EGY Dough
South Carolina
an everyday essential favorite for readers tracking Charleston's most persuasive pizza restaurant rooms, anchored by a Beam Score of 87.5.
The Rooftop at the Vendue
Charleston, South Carolina
Stylish rooftop bar offering imaginative craft cocktails, sandwiches & light bites with city views.
Charleston Crab House
Charleston, South Carolina
Casual eatery with a convivial atmosphere, serving a crab-heavy menu of classic seafood.
Sunrise Bistro of Johns Island, SC
Charleston, South Carolina
Cafe-style stop with comfort food, from American breakfasts to gnocchi to Greek specialties.
Boxcar Betty's
Charleston, South Carolina
Creative fried chicken sandwiches, plus fries, floats & pickles offered in retro counter-serve digs.
Hank's Seafood Restaurant
Charleston, South Carolina
Bustling eatery & bar serving up seafood, including raw-bar items, in a grand, classic setting.
D'Allesandro's Pizza
Charleston, South Carolina
Neighborhood pizzeria offering lots of sauce & topping options, plus happy hour & lunch specials.
Burwell's Stone Fire Grill - Prime Steak & Fresh Seafood
Charleston, South Carolina
Refined American & steakhouse fare offered in elegant, contemporary accommodations.
Pearlz Oyster Bar
Charleston, South Carolina
Relaxed, light-filled eatery with outdoor seating serving classic seafood, raw bites & burgers.
Rappahannock Oyster Bar
Charleston, South Carolina
Expansive, lively destination for oysters & hearty entrees, with a copper bar for cocktails & wine.
The Establishment
Charleston, South Carolina
Stylish seafood restaurant offering classic Southern dishes alongside beer, wine & bourbon drinks.
Legend Deli
Charleston, South Carolina
Service options: Outdoor seating, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Breakfast, Lunch.
Indaco
Charleston, South Carolina
Rustic eatery starring Italian fare & wood-fired pizzas, hand-crafted pasta, cured sausages & wines.
Toast! All Day Meeting Street
Charleston, South Carolina
Easygoing eatery known for its breakfast, serving Southern classics in a convivial setting.
Eggs Up Grill
Charleston, South Carolina
Relaxed chain serving a menu of breakfast, burgers & sandwiches in a colorful setting.
Home Team BBQ
Charleston, South Carolina
Bustling tavern serving generous portions of smoked meat & Southern sides, plus frequent live music.
FIG
Charleston, South Carolina
Elevated takes on Southern classics with seasonal ingredients served in an upscale-bistro setting.
Chicken Salad Chick
Charleston, South Carolina
Chain outlet specializing in many different types of chicken salads, plus sandwiches, soups & sides.
Garage 75
Charleston, South Carolina
Easygoing eatery offering hearty pub grub classics alongside drinks, billiards & sports on TV.
Bricco Bracco
Charleston, South Carolina
Classic pastas & other homestyle Italian dishes served in a comfortable setting with a full bar.
Charleston Crab House
Charleston, South Carolina
Casual eatery with a convivial atmosphere, serving a crab-heavy menu of classic seafood.
Aji Asian Bistro
Charleston, South Carolina
Neighborhood hibachi grill & sushi specialist serving bento boxes, noodle bowls & wok-fried rice.
Melvin's BBQ - Mt Pleasant
Charleston, South Carolina
Family-friendly BBQ eatery serving ribs & other Southern dishes in casual, woodsy surrounds.