Make a reservation first. This will very much improve your experience…read more Poogan's is a staple when it comes to downtown Charleston dining for us. One of the oldest in Charleston and super cute from the outside in. I also love that they named the place after their loyal pupper dog. For my taste, Poogan's makes one of the best shrimp and grits I've ever had. They also have phenomenal she crab soup, pimento cheese fritters with bacon jam, and collards. My friends got the fried chicken which I hadn't had before and the fry was literally perfect. Not too thick but a major crunch. We will continue to bring our friends and family here when showing them downtown.

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).

Thank you for a great experience during our lunch on a Friday afternoon. Despite the restaurant…read morebeing packed with people, the three of us were seated immediately, and our waitress was pleasant and attentive. The food was excellent overall. We especially enjoyed the fried green tomatoes, with their crispy crust. I also had the pan seared sea scallops along with a cup of blue crab soup. The scallops were perfectly seared, and the brandied apple bacon cream sauce was rich and flavorful. Both dishes were worth ordering again, and I would definitely return.

I had dinner at Magnolias yesterday, and once again, it did not disappoint. Magnolias is one of my…read morefavorite restaurants in downtown Charleston. I arrived around 4:00 when they opened, which was perfect for a relaxing early dinner. I started with the collard green egg rolls, followed by the halibut with seasoned rice, shrimp, and vegetables corn, lima beans, and green beans. Everything was absolutely delicious. I enjoyed a beverage with dinner. The service was impeccable. I believe my waitress was Anna, and she was awesome attentive, welcoming, and made my solo dining experience just as enjoyable. The atmosphere was wonderful, with families and visitors enjoying downtown Charleston, and it was simply a great vibe. Whether you're a Charleston local or visiting the city, I highly recommend Magnolias for brunch or dinner. It continues to be one of my favorite downtown restaurants.

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.

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.

If you're looking for true southern flavors, executed to perfection, you have to go to Husk! This…read moreis by far one of the best restaurants I've been to in Charleston, and perhaps my favorite place I've been to this year so far! Every single detail is well thought out; the ingredients are locally sourced and of the best quality; the ambience is classy & inviting, perfect for a date night or intimate dinner with friends & family. The service is top of the line & they will go out of their way to give you the absolute best experience possible! The pastrami brisket is out of this world! It is so tender and packed with flavor! The potato salad is light & I love how small the bits are so you get a great bite every time! The deviled eggs are a fun shareable, & will probably be the best you've ever had! The ribs are also fall off the bone tender & have a great tang! The carrots are a great side to share for the table & if you're an Old Fashioned fan, you will absolutely enjoy Husk's!

We ate here our first night visiting Charleston and couldn't have asked for a better experience!…read moreJoe was unbelievable and made us feel so taken care of! Food was unbelievable, cocktails were great! we wanted to eat here every day for the rest of our trip! 100% recommend!

Jo was so nice! Food was amazing! Got the shrimp and grits and key lime pie was soooo good!read more

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!

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.

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.

I stop in for lunch whenever I can. have never been disappointed. the portions are good sized,…read moreservice and the kitchen is prompt and prices are reasonable. you cannot go wrong here. as a side note Okra is one of the few restaurants in our area that does not nick you for a 3% credit card fee. a big plus in my opinion. this fee started during Covid and has not gone away. combined with our exorbitant local sales tax (11%), results in a lot of overhead in your bill.

Here at Page's Okra Grill off of Coleman in Mt. Pleasant. I like the large space inside and…read moreoutside. Large outside Bar area as well with laid back atmosphere. Hostess met us and seated us right away. We ordered the Fried Chicken and Waffles and the Crab Cakes with Collards and Cole Slaw. Food was amazing! Easy 5 Stars !!

We went in around 3:00pm and sat at the bar. We got fried tomato, crab cake, and crab soup. All of…read morethis was incredible and delicious, it was not heavy at all. Like most bar seating you kinda have to seat yourself cause the bartender was also the server. The ambiance is a vibe if you have a good conversation buddy or if you're going to work, free wifi. Also inrelated but our bartender was also cute so def a win

We visited 82 Queen during our 35th anniversary trip to Charleston, SC, and it ended up being one…read moreof the highlights of our dining experience in the city. I started with the she-crab soup, a Charleston staple that 82 Queen advertises as an award-winning dish. During our five days in Charleston, it seemed like just about every restaurant had she-crab soup on the menu, but I waited until visiting 82 Queen to finally give it a try. I don't have any other she-crab soup to compare it to, but I can say it was absolutely delicious. Consider me a fan. After five days of enjoying Charleston's incredible food scene, we were looking for a lighter lunch since we were planning to splurge later that evening at Halls Chophouse. My wife and I split the southern tomato pie and the chicken salad wrap, and the combination was perfect. Both dishes were fresh, flavorful, and exactly what we were looking for at that point in our trip. We chose to sit inside because of the humidity, and from our table we had a wonderful view overlooking the courtyard. Surrounded by mature trees, brick pathways, and historic Charleston charm, it provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxed and enjoyable lunch. The food was excellent, the service was top-notch, and the ambiance was outstanding. Everything came together to create a memorable experience. 82 Queen delivered exactly the kind of classic Charleston lunch we were hoping for. If you're visiting Charleston, it's well worth a stop and was easily one of the standout dining experiences of our trip.