Best Eats in Charleston, SC?

Eating Out

Posted by Carey Jones, September 9, 2009 at 11:14 AM

Hi Serious Eaters,

I'm headed to Charleston (and Hilton Head) for a long weekend and I'd love some expert recommendations on the best eats around. Looking less for fine dining, more for local favorites and lowcountry cuisine—on or off the beaten path, as long as it's seriously delicious (and something I can't find up North!).

Thanks, all!

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7 Comments:

I'm sure there are less touristy places, but we loved Jestine's Kitchen when we were there 3 years ago. All our food was great including the fried green tomatoes and fish n' grits... but if you go, make sure someone at the table orders the fried chicken..my kids still talk about it and they only ate the leftovers I brought home.

Abis144 at 12:24PM on 09/09/09

SNOB, (Slightly North of Broad) is middle of the road in price, but high end in value and food excellence - I love it.

Hominy Grill is another great place, especially for Sunday brunch.

I know Nathan's is considered "touristy & not real" by the locals, but I have enjoyed every single meal we have eaten there - the wait looks endless but actually moves along at a fair clip.

I always enjoy the little places out on Folly Beach for shrimp boil, oysters and fried food, and for a real experience of local cuisine, try Bowen's Island - fresh, delicious seafood, in an old run down shack (when I was there in July, I noticed a big, beautiful restaurant being built, so soon that authentic charm will be gone.

Enjoy your trip - it is probably my favourite place in North America.

bareneed at 12:37PM on 09/09/09

@Carey Jones - forgot to mention, type in Charleston, S.C., in the search area on the top right hand side of the red bar - there are older posts concerning your query. Also, if you are in Savannah, just a short trip from Hilton Head, you must try, "Mrs.Wilkes Boarding House" for lunch - ask at the Information center, or, Google it - it is so famous it is just word of mouth - a wonderful experience and well worth the effort.

bareneed at 1:11PM on 09/09/09

I'm from S.C. and take my wife on special occasions to F.I.G. ( Food Is Good ) The Charleston Grill (featured on PBS), Hanks (great upscale seafood near the Market) and The Peninsula Grill for dinner. For a great inexpensive lunch try Fast & French on Broad St. or Crew Cafe on Pinkney St. SNOB is okay but not in the same league as some I've mentioned. Jestines is just another soul food restaurant. Bowens Island is great when local oysters are in season. I too like the Hominy Grill.

For a great meal on HHI get reservations at the Ole Fort Pub and dine outside while the sun sets on Shull Creek. Trust me and order the chicken dish whatever it is. I can't wait to go back!

If you have the time eat a weekday lunch at Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House in Savannah. It's great and so is Paula Dean's. I can't decide which I like best. Southern cuisine at it's best!

Poultrygeist at 5:31PM on 09/09/09

Had a great dinner in May at Cru Cafe; lovely porch and terrific menu. Lunch at SNOB was good, albeit crowded. A rooftop drink at the Vendue Inn is nice before dinner.

memt77 at 5:20PM on 09/10/09

hominy grill is good casual. a little more upscale but not completely breaking the bank go to High Cotton!! Can't recommend this rest. enough.

lkong at 10:52PM on 09/10/09

Cru cafe is great for lunch... have not been for dinner. Tratorria Lucca is excellent for Italian. They do a family style prix fixe dinner on Sunday nights, so depending on your mood you might want to try it or avoid it (it's a set menu). SNOB was good, but not as good as what I expected from all the hype, although the setting was very nice. Definitely check out the rooftop bar at the Market Pavillion Hotel. It's awesome.

flavacrisp at 12:52PM on 09/11/09

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