Charleston, South Carolina. Arguably, one of the most charming cities in the world. Pastel colored buildings line the streets, while friendly faces smile and say “hello” as you walk by. Brimming with development, yet historic at the same time. A booming restaurant scene, and the ocean as your backdrop. What more does one need in a city?!
Charleston, South Carolina proved to be one of my favorite places I’ve traveled to yet. I couldn’t seem to get over how friendly the locals really were. From the uber drivers that drove us to and from the airport, to the bartenders, to the people that we walked by on the street, to the waiters and waitresses in the restaurants, everyone really was so nice and friendly. I always thought that southern hospitality was something that’s made up, however, I can now tell you it’s not! The people seem genuinely interested in getting to know you, providing worthwhile recommendations, and finding out your story.
The food scene in Charleston is truly incredible. Honestly, the hardest thing about staying in Charleston, South Carolina was picking all of the restaurants to go to because there are so many amazing options. I didn’t get to go to all of the places on my list, but truthfully, you’d have to stay there a week to hit every single place.
Charleston, South Carolina Food & Travel Diary
Where We Stayed:
We usually stay in a hotel when we travel, but this time, decided to go with Airbnb, and I’m so glad we did! There’s something about immersing yourself in a city and taking on the perspective of a local that gets me so excited every time I travel; often times that doesn’t feel possible when staying in a hotel. You’re “sheltered” from what the city is actually like. You only see the filtered; the perfect parts;
Staying in this cute apartment on King Street in downtown Charleston made me feel like a local, and it was in the most perfect location for walking everywhere. We didn’t take a cab or Uber once, other than getting to and from the airport. If you’re visiting Charleston, South Carolina soon, I highly recommend this apartment. It was extremely clean, cute, and we had the easiest check in and out ever (the owner left the keys in a lock box for us and messaged us the lockbox code). I’m sometimes apprehensive about staying in an Airbnb, but as long as you make sure that there are great reviews and that you’ll have the entire place to yourself, it’s the easiest and most convenient thing, and often much less expensive than hotels.
Where We Ate & Drank
The Daily
Black Tap Coffee, now called Second State Coffee
Drinks and appetizers at 167 Raw
Oysters at 167 Raw
Breakfast/Coffee:
The Hominy Grill– Definitely has that “local” feel to it. Tucked away on a side street. I got the high rise biscuit with sausage gravy, and Geoff got the huevos ranchers. Both delicious, and this place is very reasonably priced, and quick service.
Black Tap Coffee now called Second State Coffee– Some of the best coffee I’ve ever had in my life, and this is coming from someone who’s a bit of a coffee snob. Do yourself a favor and get the pour-over coffee. What’s pour-over coffee? I’m still kind of learning about what it is, but long story short, it’s coffee that’s made to order. Two hundred degree water is poured over coffee grounds that are in a filter, and the coffee then drips from one container with a tiny hole at the bottom, to your mug or cup. Delicious and incredibly smooth. I probably could’ve drank it black. There’s also cold brew on tap, lavender lattes (didn’t get to try) and another favorite from other Black Tap Coffee lovers are the brown sugar lattes. The space is amazing and is very bright and inviting. It’s the kind of place that you’ll be content to stay for while, whether you’re enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend or are setting up shop to get a little bit of work done. A little bit of a hipster vibe, but not pretentious in the slightest.
The Daily– This is a must! If you’re familiar with Butcher & Bee (highly recommended but we didn’t get the chance to go), this is the sister restaurant of that, and is actually located in the spot that Butcher & Bee used to be located. It was a little bit of a walk for us from where we were staying, but we had been eating so much food (delicious, might I add) on this trip, that we didn’t mind getting a little bit of exercise. It’s a little bit of a different set up, as when we arrived, the counter that looks like it might be where you would order is actually where they’re cooking the food. There was then a little stand that looked like a host stand, where a girl was standing and taking orders. It’s not exactly waitress service, it’s more of an order at the counter type of place, although someone did bring our food outside to where we were sitting.
But back to the food! We got the sausage biscuit which was on one of the best biscuits I’ve ever had in my life, with pork sausage, and blueberry jam. Oh my gosh you guys, it was incredible. I swear I can taste it right now as I type this. That’s a must order. We also got the bacon english muffin that had smoked onion jam, pimento cheese, bacon, and a fried egg. Geoff got the power protein smoothie which was amazing and had vanilla protein powder, banana, almond butter, dates, chia seeds, and almond milk. What is it about smoothies that they always taste SO much better when you order them out? This was so bomb, and I’m still trying to make my smoothies at home taste even half as good. Naturally, I got the cold press mimosa because I love to get things going (lol) and it was huge and so good. The Daily makes their own fresh squeezed juices which are also available if that’s your thing.
Tricera Coffee– Tricera Coffee is essentially your average coffee place, with bagels and other baked goods. We went there because it was very close to where we were staying. If you have kids, this place is sure to be a hit because it has a dinosaur theme, including “dinosaur bones” on the wall. However, it doesn’t rank nearly as high as Black Tap if you’re a coffee snob type like me (oops).
Moscow Mules at The Rarebit
Breakfast Sandwiches at The Daily
167 Raw
167 Raw
The Macintosh
Lunch:
167 Raw– The BEST lobster roll of my life. And this is coming from a Maine girl who has grown up on lobster rolls… Like to the point where I consider myself a connoisseur of sorts. I tell Geoff all the time that I can simply look at a lobster roll and tell whether it will be good or not (one of my many talents lol). Unfortunately, I didn’t get a picture of it because it was gone in two seconds, but it was fresh lobster (like Maine-fresh, and better than anything I’ve had in Boston) with a little bit of mayo. It had a buttery and flaky, split top bun. Basically, it was your traditional New England lobster roll. Nothing fancy or fussy; exactly how it should be, and I’ve been craving it since we went.
The good news – there is also a 167 Raw on Nantucket (although it’s a food truck), so you’ll know where to find me this summer – double fisting lobster rolls with a glass of rose. If lobster rolls aren’t your thing, there are also East Coast and West Coast oysters, beer and wine, and other raw bar items. While they do have other things than seafood, I will say that if you’re with someone who doesn’t like seafood, you may want to pass on this place (gasp!) as the majority of the menu is seafood items. But… you may want to drag this person along anyways because this place is amazing and one of my absolute favorite places we went during our time in Charleston!
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit– A Charleston MUST! Shout out to my girl Katherine from Styled Sugar Plum for recommending this place, because it was in one word – bomb. The lines at this place get crazy, but I can tell you that it’s completely worth it. We were legitimately 10 feet from walking in the door of this place when 20 senior citizens who were on a tour walked in front of us haha!! We waited and it was completely worth it.
My biggest regret – not going back to this place the morning before we left and buying myself a dozen biscuits. Unnecessary, yes, but completely justified if you try these biscuits. We both got biscuits that had a piece of fried chicken, a fried egg, and sausage gravy on top. I can’t even explain how delicious it was. I needed a shower after because it was so messy and I had it everywhere. Definitely on my list of top 10 best things I’ve ever eaten (which is a running list in my head lol). We went here for lunch, but you could totally make it your breakfast as well.
167 Raw
Sugar Bakeshop is the cutest spot to grab a cupcake or cookie! I got a lime cupcake and a strawberry one and they were both delicious.
Drinks
Stars Rooftop– During the day, this place is a beautiful sunny spot that’s casual, care free, and the perfect location for a round of drinks. There’s plenty of space at the bar, as well as high top tables to stand at, and couch-like, low-sitting tables you can sit at as well. At night, this place turns into more of a college type bar, so what time you decide to go just depends on what scene you’re into!
The Rarebit– The best Moscow Mule in Charleston (according to the locals) and it did not disappoint. It was definitely the best Moscow Mule I’ve ever had. The Rarebit makes their own ginger beer, which makes all of the difference in making this Moscow Mule taste refreshing and delicious. For the breakfast lovers, The Rarebit also serves breakfast all day!
Rooftop at Vendue– Another great rooftop in Charleston, although in my opinion, not as nice of a spot as Stars. The rooftop is huge with plenty of seating.
The Gin Joint– Great spot on East Bay Street to grab drinks. The Gin Joint has unique drinks as well as appetizers (pad thai popcorn anyone)?! I was undecided on a drink, so I got the “bartender’s choice” where you pick two words from a list, and a drink is concocted for you.
Four Ninety Two– One of my favorite post-dinner drink spots we went to while in Charleston. Four Ninety Two is located on King Street, across the street from The Darling Oyster Bar. They have a large patio with plenty of seating, and fire pits. The night we were there, there was the best band playing (The Lowhills). Seriously, this woman had the best voice ever, and I was so content. It was the best. If you’re in Charleston, they play again on March 16th at Four Ninety Two. Seriously, GO! They’re amazing. I could listen to them play for hours.
Macintosh– They have a bacon happy hour menu, enough said. Great cocktails and appetizers!
Craftsmen Kitchen & Tap House– Amazing cocktails, especially if you’re not much of a beer drinker like me. I got this peach sangria type drink that was delicious. Also tried pig ears here!!!! They were very crispy strips that were fried and covered in cinnamon and sugar. I’m a major bacon lover, but this got me a little. I tried not to think about it too much haha.
The Darling Oyster Bar
Sugar Bakeshop
Magnolia’s
At 167 Raw. If you can find this beer anywhere, GET IT. It tastes like an orange Izze! So delicious. (T.W. Pitchers Radler)
Dinner
Magnolia’s– A truly delicious meal, however, I will say that I felt like it had a bit of an old-fashioned vibe. We were surrounded by people my grandparents’ age. If you’re looking for a more hip vibe, this may not be your type of place, but if you’re looking for a delicious Southern meal that feels a bit fancy, you’ll love it. We got the crab cakes (so amazing), I got the duck (equally delicious), and Geoff got the filet. Everything was delicious, and the service was perfect.
The Darling Oyster Bar– A fantastic spot on King Street (across the street from Four Ninety Two). If you’re craving seafood, this is an amazing spot. While I’m not an oyster fan, Geoff got a half dozen and loved them. We both got the scallops and it was absolutely delicious!
Restaurants We Wanted to Go to But Didn’t Get the Chance To Visit:
- Husk
- Butcher & Bee
- Paw Paw
- The Ordinary
- FIG
- The Rise
- Poogan’s Porch
- Xiao Bao Biscuit
- Leon’s Oyster Shop
Have you ever been to Charleston or a city where the people were so friendly you felt right at home? Tell me in the comments!
Ah I love Charleston so much, great photos! I seriously want to retire there. So glad you enjoyed it so much!!
xx Tess | Sequins are the New Black
Aw thank you for stopping by and reading lady!! Charleston proved to be soooo amazing. I would LOVE to retire there one day! xoxo