Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Callie's Hot Little Biscuit

    4.1 (1.8k reviews)
    Open • 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

    Order Callie's Hot Little Biscuit Takeout or Delivery

    Callie's Hot Little Biscuit Photos

    Business Info

    CALLIE'S HOT LITTLE BISCUIT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids

    You might also consider

    More like Callie's Hot Little Biscuit

    Recommended Reviews - Callie's Hot Little Biscuit

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Susan M.

    Callie's is an institution in Charleston's historic district. It's VERY small, and the line can be long, but it's worth the wait. You can get single or multi-paks of biscuits, biscuit sandwiches, biscuit mixes, etc. I had a biscuit, bacon, egg and cheese. It was huge and delicious! I had a coupon for two minis, so tried the blackberry and the shortbread. Both were so light and flaky and I bought several packages of mixes to take home. It's worth the wait if there is a line!

    Sausage biscuits and cheese biscuits are delicious
    Dale D.

    These hot little biscuits are delicious breakfast food. Legit aroma, taste, texture is what makes these buttermilk biscuits filled with sausage patties and others filled with cheese the best around town. You can't go wrong. I highly recommend Callie's Hot Little Biscuits!

    Komal R.

    We went the day after Thanksgiving and they were giving free bags of crackers to everyone. The lady at the counter is so nice and patient, she asks everyone if they need an explanation of the menu before ordering. We got the Blackberry and Pimento cheese with Jalapenos - both were quite filling and tasty. However, if I were to go back, I would just get the Pimento cheese with Jalapenos with a side of Blackberry jam because the sweet and savory combo was better than eating either of those alone :)

    Buttermilk, cinnamon and blackberry biscuits
    Abby W.

    When I think of the South, I think of biscuits and I knew that I had to make a quick stop at Callie's to grab a few biscuits to snack on during my trip. I wanted a mini sampler so I went for the 3 biscuits for $6 deal and tried the buttermilk, cinnamon and blackberry with honey, jam and cinnamon butter. The blackberry was the winner but the cinnamon a close second and, of course, buttermilk is always a classic. Had there been a non-pork gravy, I would have loved to try a biscuit and gravy combo as well.

    Lauren S.

    Callie's Hot Little Biscuit was the second stop on my Charleston foodie tour, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. We visited the Upper King Street location, and from the moment we walked in, it felt like classic Southern comfort. The biscuits are made with just four simple ingredients, but somehow they pack in so much flavor. We tried a few things, but the standouts were the bacon, egg & cheese buttermilk biscuit sandwich and the pimento cheese biscuit--honestly, one of the best versions of pimento cheese I've ever had. They also serve creamy Carolina grits in a biscuit bowl, which was such a cozy and delicious surprise. If you're into cooking, they sell their biscuit mix and even offer biscuit-making classes. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Charleston!

    On the day we went, the daily special was a delightful blast of peanut butter, Nutella, and banana. Very magical.
    Jeff N.

    On our last day in the Charleston area, I wanted to order my wife a gluten-free biscuit since she is celiac. Callie's is amazing. They offer both gluten and gluten-free biscuits, produced separately to avoid cross-contamination. Their breakfast sandwiches are out-of-this-world good. There is no dining room on King Street in this narrow take-out space. You can enjoy your sandwiches and biscuits at a narrow counter on the north side of the space, with the south side more for picking up swag and ordering your food at the front counter, deep down the hall-like room. Behind the counter is the baking area and kitchen, where the magic happens. Walking past the two fridges to the front counter, you see all the trophies showcasing the response to what they have created with the biscuits. As they say, "The proof is in the pudding." Only in biscuits. I enjoyed my Bacon, Egg, and Pimento Cheese biscuit sandwich with Carolina Honey, which was wonderful and magical. It allowed me to radiate with goodness in addition to the iced cold brew I drank. My wife enjoyed her gluten-free biscuit sandwich, which I believe she ordered with bacon, egg, and cheese (but cheddar, no pimento). On the day we went, the daily special was a delightful blast of peanut butter, Nutella, and banana, which I also ordered and found to be very magical. They were mini biscuits slathered with peanut butter and banana in the middle, with Nutella poured on top for an experience of spiritual culinary oneness. Callie's Hot Little Biscuit is a tremendous place to enjoy biscuits if you want to have a bona fide experience of how they are made in the South. They are warm, tasty, and full of happiness.

    Egg, bacon and cheese biscuit sandwich
    Maria M.

    We ordered online for quick pick up (had heard the lines can be long). We picked up our order of 3 biscuits...one fried chicken biscuit, one with blackberry preserves and goat cheese, and one bacon/egg/cheese. These biscuits sandwiches were amazing! The bacon/egg/cheese one had to be eaten with a fork because it crumbled. The fried chicken biscuit could be eaten like a sandwich and was my favorite one. It was absolutely perfect...the chicken was cooked perfectly and the biscuit was a perfect complement to the richness of the fried chicken. We saved the goat cheese and blackberry preserves until later and ate it for dessert. It was also fantastic! Perfect amount of both cheese and preserves. I wish I lived in Charleston so I could try all their biscuit sandwiches.

    Jennifer F.

    There is no seating, but there is a bar that you can stand at to eat. It is all street parking here. You order at the counter and then everything is in a to-go box. They also have merch that you can buy. The biscuits were 10 out of 10. Everything you want in a biscuit. They are mini sizes so I got basically every flavor to try. Some you'll like more than others, depending on your taste buds. The sweet tea was also very good.

    Stephanie R.

    One of the highlights of my Charleston trip! I love that you can get 3 mini biscuits (great for plane snacks btw) and there are so many sweet and savory options! The lemonade was delicious! So many good sandwiches to choose from (loved the fried chicken and pimiento cheese option).

    Frank J.

    Would give a 3.5 if I could. Honestly a great biscuit chicken sandwich but chicken wasn't very crispy. Biscuits were soft. Overall sandwich was expensive too. Nice employees.

    Jessica H.

    Come hungry!! This place is such a cute little shop with the most delicious biscuits anywhere. Great vibe. Super friendly service. Delicious food.

    Outside - we almost missed the door!
    Jenny R.

    Super buttery and fluffy biscuits made fresh when you order. Be prepared for a wait - this location is very small & tight and was busy on a week day morning. I couldn't imagine how it'd be on a weekend! The cheese on the bacon, egg & cheese is shredded instead of sliced which made it a little messier to eat, but adding the honey with it was a great decision. We also tried a few of the little biscuits - the blackberry was my favorite (buttery, sweet yet tart, and a crunch of sugar coating the outside), followed by the cinnamon and then the cheese & chives.

    Grits with bacon and pimento cheese in a biscuit cup
    Sheridan S.

    A must stop when in Charleston. This hits every southern food craving at once - creamy grits, flaky biscuits, and spicy pimento cheese. Everything here is good.

    See all

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Annalyle A.

    Annalyle A.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Abby W.
    2479
    1696
    1662

    7 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Allison G.

    Allison G.

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of NY J.
    2
    20
    12

    28 days ago

    Cute little store in the heart of Charleston. It was quick as easy and good!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Allison G.

    Allison G.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Annalyle A.

    Annalyle A.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Allison G.

    Allison G.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Allison G.

    Allison G.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jessica H.
    72
    196
    418

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    The chicken biscuit was soo delicious. There was a bit if a line but it moved pretty quick.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Allison G.

    Allison G.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Elayne D.
    30
    145
    236

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tim C.
    390
    1007
    678

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Allison G.

    Allison G.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Great biscuits. Nice little spot in Charleston. Always fresh and delicious! Anytime we are in Charleston we stop!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Allison G.

    Allison G.

    Thank you Taylor! We hope to see you in again soon!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Annalyle A.

    Annalyle A.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Carrie M.

    Carrie M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Very good biscuits. Made fresh that day. Breakfast sandwiches were made to order. Staff were amazing

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Allison G.

    Allison G.

    Thank you Shauna!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Annalyle A.

    Annalyle A.

    Thank you James for visiting! We hope to see you again soon!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Allison G.

    Allison G.

    Thank you Phuong!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Allison G.

    Allison G.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Allison G.

    Allison G.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Annalyle A.

    Annalyle A.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 44

    Callie's Hot Little Biscuit Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Callie's Hot Little Biscuit

    For an out of towner - can someone recommend a nice area nearby to sit and eat these? Thanks!

    Just down King St is Marion Square. A beautiful green space. By the way go to Marion Square for the open air farmers market, also Enjoy!

    Planning to visit Charleston later this week and wanted to know if you make your biscuits with lard and eggs in the dough? We are vegetarian and also don't consume any form of eggs.

    We do not include eggs or lard in our dough, but we do use cream cheese and buttermilk. We are looking forward to seeing you at Callie's Hot Little Biscuit!

    I have a dairy intolerance and buttermilk is the worst. Are there any biscuits made without buttermilk?

    Yes, they have shortcake biscuits. They're yummy! Although those will still have diary (cream) in them.

    Do you offer turkey bacon or sausage products?

    We do not offer turkey bacon and our sausage is made of pork. We do have vegetarian options like roasted tomatoes, avocados, eggs, and cheese!

    Do you offer gluten free biscuits?

    We do not!

    Do you happen to have any dairy free options?

    Hi Ryan! Unfortunately, we do not have any dairy free options on the menu, However, we can always do toast and fried eggs with bacon and sausage upon request and we have honey and a handful of jams. We can do scrambled eggs without dairy, but please… 

    View All 9 Questions

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Breakfast & Brunch 4,327 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Poogan's Porch - Pimiento Cheese Fritters

    Poogan's Porch

    4.1(5.1k reviews)
    0.9 mi•French Quarter
    •$$

    It's been 11 years since I posted my last review for this place. I was concerned when I made the…read morereservation that maybe it had lost its luster since I was last here. Happily, I was wrong! Everything went extremely well from the check-in experience, to the food, and the service. Our reservation was for 6:30pm but we got there a full hour early. They gave us a table immediately, no problem. Our server was Maisie and she was wonderful. Patient. Attentive. Super friendly. We ordered drinks and the Pimento Cheese Fritters. They were incredible! We also tried the She Crab Bisque and it was over the top! Delicious and full of lump crab meat. When Maisie brought us our first plates, she asked us if we were considering the pork chop, which is exactly what we were interested in. She said there were only two left and held one for us. This is the kind of excellent service she provided throughout the meal. The pork chop was cooked to perfection, tender and juicy with a wonderful wood smoked flavor. The whipped potatoes and roasted heirloom baby carrots were the perfect accompaniment. Nothing has changed inside or out since my last visit. The vibe is Charleston laid back and comfortable. I'm so glad I came back.

    Poogan's Porch was a solid pick. I'd last been the 15-20 years ago, before I met my hubby. For his…read morefirst time in this town, I figured I'd try it again. It was Labor Day and things seemed on the quiet side in town. The ambience was great and we were on the second floor. We got right to the libations (he had a Malbec and I, the cider they had available). And then the entrees - hubby got the shrimp and grits, that's usually my dish but I was glad he got it so I could taste. I got the fried chicken, with hoppin John over white rice, and collards. So good! And I wasn't even hungry but I had to test the "award winning" and "famous" labels on our dishes. The chicken is a huge serving - 4 pieces of juicy, tasty chicken - an entire quarter. The hoppin John was good - I just wish there were more hoppin John and less rice. Service was 5 star. Donte was a real treat and looked after us well. For dessert, I was hoping for bread pudding, but it wasn't on the menu, and everyone in the dining room was ordering the banana pudding so we got that to share. It is a large serving, enough for two. The presentation was cute, the taste was regular, and I didn't taste a hint of alcohol (it was a bourbon or some other alcohol).

    Photos
    Poogan's Porch - Hardwood floors and colonial decor

    Hardwood floors and colonial decor

    Poogan's Porch - Fried Green Tomatoes

    Fried Green Tomatoes

    Poogan's Porch - Barbecue pork slider, and collard greens

    See all

    Barbecue pork slider, and collard greens

    Florence’s Lowcountry Kitchen - Menu!

    Florence’s Lowcountry Kitchen

    4.5(46 reviews)
    5.2 mi

    Before I visited SC, I said there were three kinds of food I wanted to try: Fresh seafood, BBQ and…read moreLowcountry cuisine. I'm glad I did some research and found Florence's. I ordered the 1/2 honey fried chicken w/ mac & cheese and collard greens. For dessert, we shared pecan pie. The chicken was moist & delicious from being brined and seasoning in the batter. The batter was crunchy, and perfectly applied so you didn't bite into a hunk of just batter. Likewise, the sides were some of the best I had during my trip to SC. Lastly, the pecan pie was really good also. However, I was expecting a bigger & taller slice. Regarding the ambiance, its smart casual here. The decor is fancier vs the down home cooking. Danielle took very good care of us. She was friendly & attentive. Florence's did the trick for us. We had eaten a lot of raw seafood and BBQ. This Lowcountry cuisine gave us a nice change of pace during our trip.

    I was excited to try this new spot. The updated decor and inviting atmosphere looked great…read more We started off with the fried green tomatoes and tomato pie. My friend said the tomato pie was really good but it's all cheese and tomatoes. The fried green tomatoes were crispy but needed seasoning. They were incredibly bland. For the main dish she ordered the smash burger and I ordered the fish and grits. She took one bite of the smash burger and sent it back saying it tasted like a frozen burger you'd get at Walmart. The fish and grits were ok. They too were bland and needed salt. A LOT of salt or any other seasoning. The okra, Lima beans and corn that come in this dish also tasted like it came out of a frozen bag. There is no seasoning in this dish whatsoever. Unfortunately this place was a miss and we won't be returning. Also the bathrooms look like a porta potty. You know the cheap plastic that porta potties are made out of? Yeah that's what the stalls are made out of. It looks so cheap and a big contrast from the rest of the restaurant. The staff was nice but they also look like they hate working here.

    Photos
    Florence’s Lowcountry Kitchen - Inside

    Inside

    Florence’s Lowcountry Kitchen - Yummy southern apps and She Crab soup

    Yummy southern apps and She Crab soup

    Florence’s Lowcountry Kitchen - Florence's Lowcountry Kitchen logo

    See all

    Florence's Lowcountry Kitchen logo

    Husk - Fried Chicken

    Husk

    4.0(3.6k reviews)
    0.9 mi•French Quarter
    •$$$

    Wow so tasty!!!! We had a 5:15 reservation and it was bright and airy in there. We got placed at…read moretable 25, which is right next to the fireplace (unlit), but we had the perk of the mantel to leave a menu for more. Garden Party cocktail -- yum!!! Not spicy, but good flavor. Scallop dumplings -- if I was at home, I'd bring the bowl to my mouth and drink the remaining sauce. Pastrami -- fell apart in your mouth. So good! Tilefish -- wow. The corn mash and miso sauce paired with it 11/10. Potatoes were candied and had a great popcorn rice to top it off. Soo good!! While we had a fabulous experience at FIG last night, I know there is a lot out there highlighting both. If you're torn between the two, hopefully this helps... think of FIG as more dark, moody, white table cloths, fine dining, a lot of seafood options. Husk is more bright, more casual while still remaining nice, more meat options here. Both fabulous, just depends what you're looking for! Bathroom was clean and well kept, which I think says a lot about a restaurant.

    Decided to celebrate our anniversary in Charleston, and landed at Husk- conveniently located across…read morethe street from our hotel. So many fine dining establishments to choose from in town, and we were not disappointed with our choice. We were led up a flight of steps and out onto a cute balcony with about 6 tables. Our server was friendly and attentive. We started with cocktails and wine, then opted for the collard cabbage pancake topped with crabmeat, scallions and jalapenos. We've eaten collards many different ways- but this was a fun preparation. Very tasty! We ordered the rabbit sausage and corn dish which was amazingly different and the brisket topped with a bbq and peppercorn glaze and potato salad, which were both also very good! Highly recommend checking out their menu.

    Photos
    Husk - Main Floor Dining area!!

    Main Floor Dining area!!

    Husk - Deviled Eggs

    Deviled Eggs

    Husk - Drinks: Bloody Mary, Mimosa

    See all

    Drinks: Bloody Mary, Mimosa

    Slightly North of Broad - Apple Pie

    Slightly North of Broad

    4.4(2k reviews)
    1.0 mi•French Quarter
    •$$$

    We walked into SNOB for a casual lunch, and it turned into one of those unexpectedly elevated…read moreCharleston moments that remind you this city does hospitality better than most. The service was fantastic -- warm, attentive, and confidently polished, even for a walk‑in midday meal. The food came out with that refined Lowcountry touch SNOB is known for. The star of the table was the chicken liver -- cooked to absolute perfection. Silky, rich, and beautifully seasoned, it had that "pause mid‑bite" quality because it was that good. No pâté, no frills -- just expertly prepared chicken liver that showed real skill in the kitchen. Everything about lunch felt elevated yet relaxed, the kind of meal that makes you say, "Okay, SNOB... I see you." It's absolutely worth stopping in, whether you plan ahead or wander in like we did.

    SNOB was the first restaurant we ate at after arriving in Charleston, and it came highly…read morerecommended by our friends who live in the area. Since it's owned by the same Hall family behind Hall's Chophouse, we were excited to give it a try. We had reservations but asked if we could sit at the bar instead, which ended up being a great choice. Our bartender was incredibly sweet and helpful when it came to choosing what to order and made us feel welcome from the start. There was also live music that night, which my husband was especially excited about since they were playing 80s covers. The menu focuses on Lowcountry cuisine, and everything we ordered was delicious. We started with the clams and then shared the pork chop and BBQ tuna. Every dish was perfectly cooked and full of flavor. The cocktails were smooth, well made, and paired perfectly with the meal. To make the evening even more special, our bartender brought us two glasses of bubbles to celebrate my birthday, which was such a thoughtful gesture. Great food, great drinks, live music, and genuinely excellent service. It was the perfect way to kick off our Charleston trip. Also I forgot to mention that the shrimp and grits here are supposed to be the best in town!

    Photos
    Slightly North of Broad
    Slightly North of Broad - PAN SEARED NEW BEDFORD SCALLOPS: carolina gold rice, curly kale, corn, red miso, toasted benne seed

    PAN SEARED NEW BEDFORD SCALLOPS: carolina gold rice, curly kale, corn, red miso, toasted benne seed

    Slightly North of Broad - Sea Island Beef Sliders

    See all

    Sea Island Beef Sliders

    The Peacock - Fried Chicken Sandwich

    The Peacock

    4.5(232 reviews)
    0.9 mi•French Quarter
    •$$$

    Excellent food. Killer cocktails. And an awesome staff that is always courteous, attentive, and…read morefun. If you're getting food, definitely try the blistered green beans, poutine, and the farmer's salad (which is like a Cobb salad/bowl, it's amazing) *but* my all-time fave is the fried chicken sandwich - it's honestly one of the best l've ever had in Charleston. Also, this place is huge so they were able to accommodate my friend's post-wedding party (about 20 people) at the last minute and we had a blast. Everywhere else we tried to go either didn't have the space for us or were closing so it totally made our night! We just made sure to call ahead to check and they were more than happy to have us - the bride was happy so you know it was good :) Bottom line, the Peacock is a local gem hidden in plain sight on East Bay and, as a local, it's become one of my top go-to's in Charleston. You can't beat the prices (seriously), ambience, quality, and awesome staff. They also have live music every week so they know how to keep it classy and lively at the same time. I highly recommend checking it out!

    For a Sunday Brunch experience I was expecting more. Online reviews, videos and word of mouth have…read moredone nothing but rave how amazing this restaurant was. To be honest, I found it all to be underwhelming and overpriced. My friend and I sat at the bar for a cocktail and two lite bites (the salmon app and chicken tenders) and while it was good- there was nothing outstanding about the food. The roof was closed so we weren't able to check out that. The staff was friendly albeit a bit out of it for being as dead as they were. I was at the bar for maybe 10 minutes or so before anyone ever walked over to me (there was also no hostess at the door for when I was trying to check in for my reservation.) I'm not sure if it was just an off day but the experience didn't leave me wanting to go back. The interior is nice, seats are comfortable etc and it all was very clean.

    Photos
    The Peacock - Downstairs bar

    Downstairs bar

    The Peacock - Truffle Fries

    Truffle Fries

    The Peacock - Upstairs bar

    See all

    Upstairs bar

    Leon's Fine Poultry and Oysters

    Leon's Fine Poultry and Oysters

    4.2(1.5k reviews)
    0.7 mi
    •$$

    If you're looking for a Charleston spot that's worth the hype, make Leon's Oyster Shop your next…read morestop. I finally made it to Leon's, and it absolutely lived up to the experience. Famous for its oysters and fried chicken, this Charleston favorite has a vibrant green entrance you can't miss, with cozy indoor seating plus patios in both the front and back that give off relaxed, coastal vibes. We started with the smoked mahi dip, and I honestly couldn't stop eating it--it was my favorite dish of the day. We also ordered two rounds of the chargrilled oysters, and they disappeared almost instantly. For our entrées, we shared the famous fried chicken, and whenever I see a whole fish on the menu, I'm ordering it. The branzino was cooked perfectly--flavorful, tender, and definitely worth it. To cool off, we grabbed one of their frozen drinks, which was the perfect refreshing treat on a hot Charleston day. One tip: get there early because this place fills up fast. If Leon's isn't on your Charleston food list yet, it should be. I already can't wait to go back!

    Leon's makes a fantastic first impression. The atmosphere is exactly what you'd hope for from a…read moremodern Charleston restaurant--lively, beautiful, and effortlessly welcoming. The design is thoughtfully executed, the space feels comfortable even when it's busy, and the service is friendly, attentive, and impressively fast. I also appreciated a small but important detail: despite how popular the restaurant is, there are plenty of restrooms and no long lines. Little things like that genuinely improve the guest experience. Unfortunately, that's where most of my praise ends. I intentionally ordered many of the restaurant's signature dishes because I wanted to judge the restaurant as a whole rather than base my opinion on one successful plate. The food simply doesn't live up to the expectations created by the photos. Everything looks noticeably less refined and less appetizing once it reaches the table. The fried chicken was just ordinary chicken in a heavy, greasy breading. The oysters were fresh and enjoyable with no complaints there. The famous salad turned out to be mostly a large bowl of cabbage, while the avocado and mandarin seemed more decorative than meaningful. Most of the flavor came from mint and an overly acidic vinaigrette that dominated the dish. The fish sandwich was the biggest disappointment. The issue wasn't the fish itself but the composition of the sandwich. The dry, stale bun completely overpowered everything else, while the basic vegetables did nothing to complement or elevate the fish. Instead of highlighting the main ingredient, the sandwich buried it, which defeats the entire purpose of a great fish sandwich. The Korean smashed cucumber salad tasted primarily of vinegar and sesame oil with very little depth, while the hush puppies were dry and lacked the rich corn flavor that usually makes them memorable. Even the drinks reinforced the same impression. The beer was good, but charging $8 for what felt like half of a standard pour once again made the value feel questionable. This brings me to the biggest issue with Leon's. It feels like the restaurant invests far more in its atmosphere, interior design, and photogenic image than in its food. It's a place that looks incredible in pictures and is easy to recommend for the setting, but much harder to recommend for the cuisine itself. High prices are not a problem when they are backed by exceptional cooking. Here, however, it felt as though I was paying for the restaurant's reputation, constant stream of tourists, and social media appeal rather than for truly outstanding food. I would happily come back for a beer, enjoy the patio, and spend an evening with friends. But I wouldn't return specifically for the food. For a restaurant with such a strong reputation, that's the greatest disappointment of all.

    Photos
    Leon's Fine Poultry and Oysters - Cool restrooms

    Cool restrooms

    Leon's Fine Poultry and Oysters - Smoked Mahi Dip

    Smoked Mahi Dip

    Leon's Fine Poultry and Oysters - Raw Oysters    varieties

    See all

    Raw Oysters varieties

    Callie's Hot Little Biscuit - breakfast_brunch - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...