Eating Your Way through Charleston: All You Need to Know About Local Eats
Charleston, South Carolina’s culinary scene has been on the rise in recent years. From amazing Southern food to highly anticipated new additions and everything in between, there are plenty of mouthwatering options to explore in this Southern city that you shouldn’t miss out on. With the countless options the city has to offer, you’ll have no trouble finding a great restaurant that offers something for everyone in your party.
Halls Chophouse
Rated by locals as one of Charleston’s best restaurants, Halls Chophouse is located on King Street, downtown. Offering fine dining and award-winning steak, they have a variety of fresh seafood as well. With two levels of dining including an upstairs eatery and bar, as well a dining space on the main floor, there are plenty of great places to enjoy your meal. Their menu includes items such as oysters, shrimp cocktails, and filet mignon. Another popular addition to the great food is their Sunday Gospel Brunch. This faith-filled event features great food and gospel tunes that everyone can sing along to. Known as one of Charleston’s best restaurants, this upscale southern bistro is a great place to enjoy lunch or dinner while visiting Charleston, South Carolina.
Magnolias Charleston
Since the opening of Magnolias in 1990, this upscale downtown Charleston restaurant has remained one of South Carolina’s most popular dining destinations. The restaurant features a menu with traditional Lowcountry cuisines like shellfish over grits and fried green tomatoes that pair perfectly with its upscale Southern charm. It also serves an a la carte menu with items such as beef tenderloin and scallops. This high-end Charleston eatery is known to specialize in innovative southern dishes like their Down South Egg Roll stuffed with collard greens and their Spicy Shrimp and Sausage. You can even enjoy some of their famous brunch offerings on Sundays from 11 am to 3:30 pm when they serve delicious noontime entrees.From lunchtime to late nights, Magnolias makes it easy to find great food and enjoy what Charleston has to offer.
Leon’s Oyster Shop
As one of Charleston’s most popular restaurants, Leon’s Oyster Shop is a well-known seafood restaurant that serves up some of Charleston’s best seafood in the city. Located on King St, Leon’s offers an extensive menu with everything from shrimp scampi to French oysters. There’s even a rose on tap, champagne, and signature cocktails. Located in an old body shop, this modern industrial-styled restaurant serves as a great location for date night or family lunch. Sit at the oyster bar for a first-class dining experience or grab a seat at one of their cozy booths for a more relaxed vibe. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. This favorite Charleston eatery has something for everyone. Reservations are recommended but not required, so don’t wait too long before trying out these amazing food options.
The Grocery
Located on bustling King Street, The Grocery features a menu of seasonal Southern dishes and specialty cocktails in an upscale but comfortable atmosphere. The Grocery is currently on the rise as one of Charleston’s most popular downtown restaurants and receives praise from tourists and locals alike. The restaurant features an elegant but relaxed atmosphere, with large open windows that allow natural light to flood in while you dine. Some of the menu items include Lowcountry Seafood Pilau, Smoked Capicola, and Bolognese Bianco. This modern eatery also boats an impressive beverage list complete with signature cocktails wine and draught beer. As its name suggests, a visit to The Grocery was created to serve as a gathering space for locals, farmers, and artisans all coming together under one roof. Committed to providing quality sourced meals to the Charleston area, The Grocery has established itself as a staple within Charleston’s ever-growing food scene and is a great place to add to your list for local eats.
Queology Barbecue
Queology is a beloved barbeque joint, located in downtown Charleston. Queology offers a variety of different meats, including beef brisket, pork shoulder, and ribs (with dry rubs or sauces), all of which are smoked low and slow for hours until tender. This southern dive has signature sauces for patrons to choose from including their Kansas City Special, Memphis Sweet, and Orangeburg Mustard. Some of their sides include mac ‘n cheese, home-cut french fries, and their signature Honkytonk Salad and are just as delicious as its main entrees. Be sure to save room for dessert. Quelogy serves a southern-style peach cobbler that diners love. This restaurant also has received several awards for its outstanding barbecue cuisine, such as Grand Champion at The Commissioners Cup, Southern Flame Food Fest, Grand Champion, and 1st Place Pork at Sam’s Club National BBQ Tour. If you are looking to enjoy award-winning barbecue with family and friends with a homey atmosphere then be sure to check out Queology Barbecue.
If you’re planning on visiting Charleston, there’s one thing that you won’t be able to avoid–eating out. Fortunately, the food in Charleston is incredible, so no matter where you go you’ll find something delicious and memorable. Whether you want casual local fare or someplace a little more upscale, make sure you take some time to check out some of these Charleston restaurants and see why Charleston continues to rank among America’s most beloved cities for tourists.
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