A Guide to

Dining in Downtown Charleston

Charleston is known for its history, shopping, and definitely–the amazing food scene! From seafood to fine dining to breweries and traditional Southern fare, Charleston is the place to be if you are a foodie. Below is a small guide to dining in Downtown Charleston.

Breakfast & Brunch

Sit Down Spots

millers all day

Millers All Day

Address: 120 King Street

Millers All Day is loved by locals and visitors for their delicious and lunch options along with fun and inventive cocktails, coffees, and a variety of artisanal pastries.

Daps Breakfast & Imbibe

Address: 280 Ashley Ave

This trendy breakfast spot serves up classic dishes like hash browns, pancakes, and egg sandwiches, paired with delicious coffee and cocktails. With a laid-back, hip atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a casual morning bite or a leisurely brunch.

tavern and table

Tavern & Table

Address: 100 Church Street, Mt. Pleasant

Take the leap of faith and head to Shem Creek for waterfront brunching! With fresh, delicious food and a breeze on your face, Tavern and Table is the perfect place to start the day!

Coffee Shops

Discover More Through our Café Guide

cru cafe

Cru Café

Address: 18 Pinckney Street

Cru Café is known for its gourmet comfort food. Cru Café was opened in 2002 by the renowned Le Cordon Bleu graduate, Chef John Zucker. The cafe is housed in a classic 18th-century Charleston single-style home and is consistently ranked as a top eatery by locals and tourists alike. Hours: Tuesday -Saturday 11 am-3 pm and 5-9 pm.

Mercantile & Mash

Mercantile & Mash

Address: 701 East Bay Street

Located in the historic Cigar Factory Mercantile, this gourmet emporium offers a coffee bar serving expertly brewed drinks alongside a delicious breakfast menu. With offerings ranging from pastries to grab-and-go items, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy a locally inspired breakfast and savor the authentic flavors of Charleston.

Lunch and Casual Bites

Trendy

Little Jack's Tavern

Address: 710 King St

This old-fashioned American tavern offers classic cocktails, fine spirits, great burgers, comfort food, fresh salads, cold beer, and quality wine. With all-day service and timeless appeal, it’s a welcoming neighborhood spot for any occasion.

share house

Share House

Address: 23 Ann St

From the team behind Uptown Social, Share House offers beach-inspired bites, the best Orange Crush south of the Mason-Dixon, and a laid-back coastal vibe. Enjoy share plates, smash burgers, and more in a lively, welcoming setting.

melfis

Melfi's

Address: 721 King Street

Melfi’s is a sophisticated Italian restaurant in downtown Charleston, offering fresh pasta, salads, Roman-style pizza, and larger plates. With a stylish bar, elegant tables, and a cozy pizza counter by wood-burning ovens, it’s perfect for a romantic dinner or a refined night out.

Southern

Magnolias

Magnolias

Address: 185 East Bay Street

Opened in 1990, Magnolias sparked a culinary renaissance in Charleston with its upscale Southern cuisine. For over 30 years, it has blended traditional Lowcountry ingredients with modern flair. Led by Culinary Arts Director Donald Drake, the menu features classics like Fried Green Tomatoes and Grilled Filet of Beef, alongside modern dishes like Lowcountry Bouillabaisse.

the palmetto cafe

The Palmetto Cafe

Address: 205 Meeting Street

The Palmetto Cafe offers a garden-inspired setting where the best local and regional ingredients highlight the area’s abundant flavors. Guests can enjoy a refined breakfast or brunch, featuring a mix of Lowcountry classics and French-inspired dishes, all served in a bright, welcoming atmosphere.

snob

Slightly North of Broad

Address: 192 East Bay Street

Slightly North of Broad, owned by the Hall family, offers a vibrant Lowcountry dining experience, combining fresh local ingredients with expert presentation. Known for its exceptional service, the restaurant features a menu of Southern classics with a modern twist.

Seafood

167 raw

Raw 167 Oyster Bar

Address: 193 King Street

Raw 176 is a New England-style Oyster Bar in the heart of historic Downtown. The menu highlights seafood offerings stretching from New Brunswick, Canada to the local waters in Charleston. In addition to an extensive raw bar menu, you will find small plates, tacos, and traditional sandwiches. Monday-Saturday 11 am-11 pm.

leons

Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop

Address: 698 King Street

Leon’s website says, “We do fried chicken, oysters, kick ass salads, cheap beer, soft serve, rosé on tap, tons of grower champagne, and decent cocktails – all in an old garage.” We don’t think we could come up with a better description! Leon’s opened in 2014 and is truly a neighborhood restaurant—open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Hours: Monday-Friday 11 am-10 pm.

Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar

Address: 205 East Bay Street

Located in Charleston’s historic district, Amen Street blends tradition and modernity in a 1851 building. Known for its fresh, locally sourced seafood and extensive raw bar, it offers a seasonally inspired menu. Just steps from the Market and Harbor, Amen Street honors the area’s rich history while providing exceptional seafood and southern hospitality.

Tempest

Tempest

Address: 32C N Market Street

Tempest on Market Street offers Coastal Modern-American cuisine. With a seasonal menu by Chefs Adam Hodgson and Jamie Lynch, it features raw and roasted dishes, including meats, pastas, and fresh produce, all using hyper-local, sustainable ingredients.

Dinner

Fine Dining

3-circa_2211_054

Circa 1886 Restaurant

Address: 149 Wentworth Street

Located in the original carriage house of the historic Wentworth Mansion® in downtown Charleston, Circa 1886 has long reigned as one of Charleston’s finest restaurants—a romantic backdrop for birthday celebrations and a quiet setting to entertain friends. For more than 20 years, Executive Chef Marc Collins has worked to create a special kind of culinary magic, elevating even an ordinary night out to spectacular new heights. Chef Marc’s menu combines a few Lowcountry favorites like Shrimp N’ Grits and two new tasting menus curated with imagination and a focus on combining flavors and textures to elevate each dish into superb art.

halls chophouse

Halls Chophouse

Address: 434 King Street

The Hall family opened the doors of Halls Chophouse Charleston in 2009 with a focus on serving the best steak, wine, and hearty family-style sides in addition to providing excellent service. Dinner is served 7 nights a week and a Gospel Brunch on Sundays, all with live music. Hours: Monday-Thursday 4-11 pm; Friday 4 pm-12 am; Saturday 11 am-12 am; Sunday 10 am-11 pm.

Peninsula Grill

Peninsula Grill

Address: 112 North Market Street

Located in Charleston’s Historic District, Peninsula Grill offers modern Southern cuisine with fresh seafood, prime steaks, and local produce. Known for its signature dessert and extensive wine list, the restaurant combines exceptional food, impeccable service, and a charming, moonlit garden setting for an unforgettable dining experience.

Seafood

The Establishment

The Establishment

Address: 28 Broad Street

The Establishment, located in the historic James Gregorie House on Broad Street, offers seafood-focused cuisine with a commitment to fresh, sustainable ingredients. The elegant space features two dining areas, a bar, private rooms, and an open kitchen. The menu showcases refined, balanced dishes that highlight local seafood, providing a memorable dining experience in downtown Charleston.

The Ordinary

The Ordinary

Address: 544 King Street

The Ordinary, located in a historic Charleston bank, is a Southern seafood hall and oyster bar celebrating the “merroir” of the Coastal Carolinas and East Coast. Supporting local fishermen and producers, the menu highlights fresh, regional seafood.

The Darling Oyster Bar

The Darling Oyster Bar

Address: 513 King Street

Located in a restored 115-year-old storefront on King Street, this vintage Charleston raw oyster bar celebrates the bounty of the sea and the joy of shared moments. With a 14-seat raw bar, a full-service bar, and delicious seasonal offerings, it’s a place for savoring fresh oysters and classic dishes in a lively, timeless setting.

Southern

Husk

Address: 76 Queen Street

Husk, located in downtown Charleston, has been a leader in Southern cuisine since 2011. The restaurant celebrates local flavors and traditions while incorporating global influences, offering a modern take on the seasonal bounty of the American South.

FIG

FIG

Address: 232 Meeting Street

At FIG, the focus is on pure flavor, quality ingredients, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for food lovers. Sourcing seasonal, soulful ingredients, the menu showcases honest, straightforward dishes that honor the Lowcountry. Beyond the food, FIG prides itself on educating staff to provide exceptional service, ensuring guests feel special, comfortable, and well cared for.

high cotton

High Cotton

Address: 199 E. Bay Street

High Cotton, owned by the Hall Family, boasts stylish dining rooms of heart pine floors and antique brick. Knowledgeable and gracious servers enhance the dining experience. High Cotton is known for expertly prepared dishes and a robust wine list. Hours: Monday-Saturday 4-11 pm; Sunday 10 am-10 pm.

Anson Restaurant

Anson Restaurant

Address: 12 Anson Street

Anson Restaurant offers innovative twists on traditional Southern cuisine, thoughtfully crafted from the best seasonal ingredients Charleston has to offer. Serving casual, high-quality dishes Tuesday through Saturday, starting at 5 p.m., Anson celebrates the flavors of the Lowcountry with every meal.

Dessert

Sugar Bakeshop

Sugar Bakeshop

Address: 59 Cannon St

This cozy, local bakery offers a delightful selection of freshly baked treats, from creative cupcakes and cookies to fruit tarts. Cakes and pies are available by pre-order, and the patio is the perfect spot to enjoy your sweets.

circa dessert

Circa 1886 Restaurant

Address: 149 Wentworth Street

Under the expertise of Executive Pastry Chef Ashley Cardona, Circa 1886 masterfully balances delicacy and flavor. Drawing from her Southern heritage, Chef Cardona crafts modern Southern desserts that are as artful as they are delicious.

the archer

The Archer

Address: 601 Meeting Street

The Archer may keep their dessert selection small, but it’s all about quality over quantity. Their menu features just two desserts, but each is unforgettable. Pictured above is their indulgent Bread Pudding, drenched in rich bourbon caramel—pure decadence on a plate.

Off Track Ice Cream

Off Track Ice Cream

Address: 6 Beaufain St

Located just off King Street in downtown Charleston, Off Track Ice Cream crafts traditional and vegan ice cream from scratch, featuring both classic and creative flavors. Using only clean, high-quality ingredients sourced locally from the Lowcountry and beyond, they offer a fresh and delicious take on everyone’s favorite treat.

Drinks

Breweries

Discover More Through our Brewery Guide

edmunds oast

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co.

Address: 1505 King St. #115

Edmund’s Oast is a production brewery and taproom restaurant. All of the beers distributed in more than eight states are brewed at this facility. The adjoining taproom restaurant features an all-day casual food menu, 20 house-brewed beers on tap, wine, and cocktails. In addition, you can purchase cans, growlers, crowlers, and merchandise to go. They also have an outdoor patio in a large courtyard. Hours: Monday-Sunday 11 am-9 pm.

rusty bull

Rusty Bull Brewing Co.

Address: 337 King Street

Rusty Bull has an extensive list of beer, ciders, selzers, and teas. They also have a food menu that includes small bites, salads, big bites, and happy hour Monday-Friday 4-7. In addition, they host a variety of events.  Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 am-9 pm; Friday-Saturday 11 am-10 pm; Sunday 11 am-8 pm.

Cocktails

blind tiger

Blind Tiger Pub

Address: 36-38 Broad Street

Housed in a historic alehouse dating back to 1803, Blind Tiger Pub pays homage to Charleston’s past with upscale bar fare, craft cocktails, and a charming brick-walled courtyard. Named after the illicit “Blind Tigers” of the 1890s, this iconic spot offers outdoor seating, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps Charleston’s spirited tradition alive.

cocktail club

The Cocktail Club

Address: 479 King Street

Found on upper King Street, The Cocktail Club is an upscale lounge devoted to craft cocktails. Their impressive selection includes house-made infusions, rare liquors, and farm-to-shaker drinks made with fresh-squeezed juices and modern ingredients.

Wine

Discover More Through our Wine Guide

graft

Graft Wine Shop

Address: 700b King Street

Opened by two good friends, Graft Wine Shop & Wine Bar is great for a quick snack, glass, or bottle of wine. Located on upper King Street, this charming wine shop has an assortment of different wines to try. Along with the wine, their menu is complete with light snacks, cheese, meat, and tinned seafood.

roseline wine bar

Roseline

Address: 125 1/2 Line Street

Roseline is a lively neighborhood hangout in downtown Charleston, named for its location on the corner of Rose and Line Street. With a cozy interior of just 429 square feet, it offers a curated selection of beer, wine, and other beverages. True to its mission to “keep Charleston small,” Roseline invites locals and visitors alike to enjoy the charm of an authentic local spot.