Top Foodie Spots in Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston will always hold a special place in my heart. I lived there full-time for two years after college (and occasionally for about two more years while I was travel nursing). It’s a small, charming city with one of the best food scenes in the country. While there is a consistent flow of new restaurants in and out of the area, there are a few places that I frequently return to while I’m in town (and crave when I’m not!)

This list is not necessarily based on the best ambiances. There are MANY spots in Charleston have high-end, hip ambiances (and many have mediocre, overpriced food), if that’s what you’re looking for. These spots are my tried-and-true favorites based on food quality, taste & consistency.

1. 167 raw
   • Food style: New England style oyster bar
   • Recommendations: It’s hard to pick what to eat when every option is fantastic! My favorites are the shrimp tacos for meal and halibut ceviche for appetizer. If you’re there during soft crab season, I really enjoy their soft crab sandwich!
2. Lewis BBQ
   • Food style: Texas-styled BBQ
   • Recommendations: Whatever your meat of choice is, it won’t disappoint! The mac n’cheese and collard greens are great side dishes. (P.S. Ask for the brisket nachos)
3. Acme Lowcountry Kitchen
   • Food style: Southern, coastal food
   • Recommendations: Everything is great here and they have a wild selection of different shrimp and grits. I love the She Crab Soup and any daily fish specials. One of my favorite dishes was a rainbow trout with vanilla strawberry sauce they had a few years back, haven’t seen it back on the menu – but it’s something I still dream about!
4. Viscous Biscuit
   • Food style: *HUGE* southern biscuit sandwiches
   • Recommendations: My favorite is the Vicious, but they have plenty of options. Be sure to stop by their jam bar!
5. Boxcar Betty’s
   • Food style: Fast, hearty southern-style sandwiches
   • Recommendations: Get the Boxcar or the stuffed mushroom salad! The fried tomatoes are also very good as an appetizer or side.

Notable mentions: Jackrabbit Filly, Saveurs du Monde cafe, Page’s Okra Grill, Poogan’s Porch, Toni’s Detroit Style Pizza, Verde, Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe

**Disclaimer** Unfortunately, photos of these spots are limited as many experiences were before I started to review and document. I look forward to updating more next time I’m in town!