Best Places to Eat in Charleston: My Tried-and-True Favorites

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 charming city known for its rich history, picturesque streets, and—most importantly—one of the best food scenes in the country. While new restaurants constantly pop up, there are a few favorites I always return to (and crave when I’m away!).

This list isn’t necessarily about the trendiest spots or the most high-end ambiances—though Charleston has plenty of those. Instead, these are my tried-and-true favorites based on food quality, taste, and consistency.

167 Raw

• Food Style: New England-style oyster bar
• What to Order: The shrimp tacos are a must-try, and the halibut ceviche is an outstanding appetizer. If you’re visiting during soft-shell crab season, don’t miss their soft crab sandwich!

Lewis BBQ

• Food Style: Texas-style BBQ
• What to Order: Any meat of your choice is guaranteed to be delicious! The mac ‘n’ cheese and collard greens are excellent sides. Pro tip: Ask for the brisket nachos—you won’t regret it!

Acme Lowcountry Kitchen

• Food Style: Southern, coastal cuisine
• What to Order: They have a vast selection of shrimp and grits variations. I also love their She Crab Soup and daily fish specials. A standout dish from years ago was a rainbow trout with vanilla strawberry sauce—I still dream about it!

Vicious Biscuit

• Food Style: Huge Southern biscuit sandwiches
• What to Order: My favorite is the Vicious, but you can’t go wrong with any option. Also, don’t forget to stop by their jam bar!

Boxcar Betty’s

• Food Style: Fast, hearty Southern-style sandwiches
• What to Order: Try the Boxcar or the stuffed mushroom salad. Their fried green tomatoes are also a fantastic appetizer or side.

Notable Mentions

If you’re looking for more incredible eats in Charleston, here are a few other spots worth checking out:

• Jackrabbit Filly – Creative Asian-Southern fusion
• Saveurs du Monde Cafe – Authentic French pastries and coffee
• Page’s Okra Grill – A local favorite for Lowcountry classics
• Poogan’s Porch – Famous for their biscuits and Southern comfort food
• Toni’s Detroit Style Pizza – Amazing deep-dish pizza
• Verde – Fresh, healthy salads and grain bowls
• Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe – A must-visit for decadent desserts

Final Thoughts

Charleston is an ever-evolving food city, but these restaurants remain my go-to spots for consistently amazing meals. While I don’t have as many photos of these places as I’d like (since many visits predate my reviewing and documenting days), I look forward to updating this list the next time I’m in town!

Let me know in the comments—what are your favorite places to eat in Charleston?