Where to Eat in Charleston, SC: 5 Restaurants I Go Back to Again & Again
- May 30, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 26
Charleston has been part of my travel story for as long as I can remember. I grew up in North Carolina, but with family from South Carolina, trips to the Charleston area were a regular part of my summers growing up. Over the years, that has meant trying a lot of Charleston restaurants — from waterfront seafood spots and Southern brunches to casual places I'd happily plan an afternoon around.
More recently, I traveled back to Charleston for a bachelorette trip that I was in charge of planning, and naturally, food was a major part of the itinerary. I knew I wanted to take my friends to some of the places I've loved from previous trips while revisiting a few longtime favorites myself.
There are countless incredible restaurants in Charleston, but these are five places I personally find myself recommending — and returning to — again and again.
MY FAVORITE CHARLESTON, SC FOOD SPOTS
SALTWATER COWBOYS
If you ask me where to eat around Charleston, Saltwater Cowboys is probably the first place I'm going to tell you about.
Located directly on Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, it's one of those places where the setting is just as much a part of the experience as the food. Grab a table outside and you'll have views straight across the water while boats make their way along the creek.
Some of my personal favorites are the Trash Can Nachos, salty boiled peanuts, and fish tacos. They also have a full bar with plenty of cocktails if you're looking to settle in for the afternoon.
On weekends, the atmosphere can get especially lively, and they often have music or a DJ. There's both indoor and outdoor seating, but if the weather cooperates, I'd choose a spot outside every time.
Make an afternoon of Shem Creek
Don't immediately leave after you eat! One of my favorite things about this area is being able to walk along the creek afterward. There are several other bars and restaurants nearby, so it's easy to turn dinner into an evening of walking the waterfront and stopping somewhere else for a cocktail.
Best for: Waterfront views, casual dinner, drinks with friends
Area: Shem Creek / Mount Pleasant
THE LOST DOG CAFE
If your Charleston trip includes a morning on Folly Beach, The Lost Dog Cafe is such a fun place to start the day.
It's a cozy, laid-back café that fits perfectly into the beach-town atmosphere of Folly. The menu has plenty of Southern-inspired breakfast and brunch options, whether you're craving fluffy pancakes topped with fresh fruit or something savory.
And because we're in South Carolina, a cup of she-crab soup with a mason jar of sweet tea is never a bad idea.
The Lost Dog can get busy on weekends, so don't be surprised if there's a wait. In my experience, though, the line moves fairly quickly. There's seating both inside and on the outdoor patio.
Wanderland Tip
Give yourself some extra time after breakfast to explore Folly Beach rather than driving straight back into Charleston. Walk around town, browse the little shops, or head toward the beach before continuing your day.
Best for: Brunch before a beach day
Area: Folly Beach
FUEL CHARLESTON
For something casual in downtown Charleston, Fuel is one of my favorite lunch stops.
Part of the charm is the setting: the restaurant is housed in a converted former gas station, giving it a completely different feel from the historic buildings and traditional Southern restaurants you'll find throughout much of Charleston.
My go-to is the Island Rice Bowl, loaded with beans, slaw, and plenty of flavor. You can customize it with different protein options, including cauliflower if you're looking for a vegetarian option.
The tacos are another solid choice, but whatever you order, I'd recommend starting with the roasted corn chowder. Fuel makes a great midday stop when you're spending the day exploring downtown and want something casual before heading back out.
Best for: Casual lunch, groups, a break from sightseeing
Area: Downtown Charleston
FLEET LANDING
If you're looking for seafood and waterfront views without leaving downtown Charleston, put Fleet Landing on your list.
The restaurant sits directly along the Charleston waterfront, making it an especially pretty option around dinner when you can enjoy the view while eating.
The menu leans into the Southern coastal food you'd hope to find on a trip to Charleston. You'll find dishes like shrimp and grits, Carolina lump crab cakes, and Lowcountry seafood pasta alongside plenty of other seafood options.
Pair dinner with one of their cocktails, and you've got a classic Charleston waterfront evening without having to venture outside downtown.
If you know you want to eat here during a busy weekend, I'd recommend planning ahead rather than leaving dinner completely up to chance.
Best for: Waterfront dinner, seafood, date night
Area: Downtown Charleston
PAGE'S OKRA GRILL
There is one restaurant ritual I seem to have every time I'm back in Charleston:
I don't leave without going to Page's Okra Grill.
Page's is one of my favorite places for a proper Southern brunch, and the dish that keeps bringing me back is their award-winning shrimp and grits.
The menu is packed with the kind of indulgent Southern breakfast dishes that make choosing just one slightly difficult. Depending on the menu when you visit, you'll find everything from beignets and waffles to seafood and other Southern favorites.
And I'm definitely not the only person who loves this place.
Wait times can stretch beyond an hour during popular weekend brunch times, so I'd either arrive early or go knowing you may need to wait. For me, it's one of those places where the meal at the end is worth it.
Best for: Southern brunch, shrimp and grits
Area: Mount Pleasant
Which Charleston Restaurant Should You Choose?
If you don't have time to visit all five, here's how I'd narrow it down:
For my overall favorite: Saltwater Cowboys
For brunch: Page's Okra Grill
For a Folly Beach morning: The Lost Dog Cafe
For a casual downtown lunch: Fuel
For a waterfront dinner downtown: Fleet Landing
But part of what makes Charleston such a great food destination is that you really don't have to choose just one.
If you're planning a long weekend, I'd mix restaurants in downtown Charleston with stops in Mount Pleasant, Shem Creek, and Folly Beach. You'll get to experience several different sides of the Charleston area — and, obviously, eat extremely well while doing it.
Charleston is a destination I'll always find a reason to return to, and I'm already looking forward to discovering what makes it onto this list next.
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