A Comprehensive* Guide to Charleston
Wooohhweee y’all! This almost (*see disclaimer) comprehensive Charleston list has been curated from multiple visits over the years. Just 3 ½-4 hours from Charlotte (I have only ever made it in 3 hours flat, once, and I left at 5:30 a.m. from Charleston back to Charlotte), “Chucktown” is a wonderful escape whether you are looking for an amazing culinary scene, beautiful beaches, or perhaps, both.
Unlike previous 2-3 day guides, I’d rather provide a list of my favorite stay, eat, and drink, so that you can compile your best itinerary (and you’ll find each location within Charleston is listed as well)…you really can’t go wrong.
STAY
First, it’s important to choose your vibe.
Beach? Isle of Palm, Sullivans, Folly. Sullivan’s is the closest to downtown at about 18 minutes, followed by Isle of Palms and Folly at about 22, with some parts of IOP clocking in at 30 minutes or more.
An Airbnb is going to be your best bet for any of the above, or Wild Dunes if you love a resort (though they have options for houses, too). Wild Dunes is very family oriented. If a few beach bars are your vibe, try to stay closer to The Windjammer (see below) if you can see the general location of your property before booking.
Downtown?
There are a few options from your major hotel brands like Marriott, including the Renaissance Charleston Historic District. We stayed here for the Cooper River Bridge 10k Run in April of 2022 and had a great experience. The location is very central and walkable.
We stayed at Hotel Bennett over the 4th of July and absolutely loved our stay. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and we had a little balcony area, too. Hotel Bennett was also extra dog friendly, and even gave Fitz some treats, spa spray, and a bandana!
EAT
One will always eat well in Charleston. Here goes.
167 Raw | Downtown: We went here with a plan…put our name down and go somewhere to drink for 2-3 hours, and to our surprise, there was no wait on the actual 4th of July, but don’t expect that. 167 lives up to the hype – some of the best oysters and seafood we had all trip.
FIG | Downtown: Reservations open 4 weeks to the day at 12 noon. If you call at 12:03 p.m. you will likely have 2 options: 6:15 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. Call right at noon or be ready on RESY. Top 10 meals I have probably had in this life; service was impeccable. Eggplant & foie gras to start. Lowcountry bourride to split. Plus the Yukon gold potato puree. The menu changes nightly but those are steadfast.
The Obstinate Daughter | Sullivan’s Island: Fun fact is that outside dining is first come, first serve – highly recommend this eclectic restaurant.
Maison | Downtown: A chic French bistro that served fabulous escargot.
The Ordinary | Downtown: Another must plan ahead!!! Get ready to drink some rum with the best oysters you’ve ever had.
Poogan’s Porch | Downtown: Have dined here on two separate occasions in Charleston. The food is really good—order the shrimp & grits. This is a *great* option if you are looking for large group dining. It is next door to Husk, so a good option for cocktails pre.
Pavilion Bar | Downtown: Have experienced two vibes on this classic rooftop: once for lunch, the other for cocktails. The rooftop is very Instagrammable.
Chico Feo | Folly Beach: If you are staying in Folly you’ll want to eat here more than once; I guarantee it.
Acme Low Country Kitchen | IOP: This was walking distance to a house we rented one year and we ate here for breakfast almost every day, but honestly their food is solid at all times of day, including dinner.
Long Island Café | IOP: If you are in IOP for a week, and no one cooks at your house, then you’re going to need to bookmark this strip mall café that is actually quite good, and boasts a 4.7 star rating on google (at time of publishing).
Oak Steakhouse | Downtown: I have not eaten at this location, but at the one in Charlotte. Justin had his bachelor dinner here, so I’m including this if you are planning a bachelor/bachelorette party and need a large dining space. We love it!
Page’s Okra Grill | Mount Pleasant: Totally worth the wait for brunch. Check to see if they are accepting reservations. Insane bloody mary bar and mimosa pitchers!
Hometeam BBQ | Various: There are a few locations in Charleston, the one in Sullivan’s is a favorite!
Basic Kitchen | Downtown: The cutest vibe, easy and approachable health-forward menu; but they also serve cocktails 😉. Highly recommend reservations.
Big Bad Breakfast | Downtown: It is what it is.
Verde | Downtown: Sometimes on vacation, you just want a big salad—and nothing fancy. This fast casual spot was the place.
Frannie & The Fox | Downtown: They do not have gluten free bread, but this cute spot located in Hotel Emeline is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Post House Inn | Mount Pleasant: A cozy, elevated dinner experience in the Old Village of Mount Pleasant. *There are also 7 rooms here if you are looking for a quiet getaway.
Slightly North of Broad | Downtown: OH EM GEE THE GLUTEN FREE BISCUITS FOR BRUNCH. Also, this place is classic Charleston.
DRINKS
Little Palm Bar | Downtown: Located in the Ryder Hotel this spot has the BEST cocktails and cutest vibe. It’s poolside and an indoor-outdoor bar. We love it here.
The Dewberry Hotel | Downtown: Y’all, hands down, the best Negroni(s) ever. There are two on the menu that I love equally, the Fiore de Negroni and the Clay Pot Aged Negroni. Ironically have only drank in their living room downstairs which is flawless, and on their outside patio…they have a rooftop we have not yet ventured to.
Bistro A Vin | Downtown: We only drank here but they have food, too! Excellent wine list, wonderful service. 10/10.
Sullivan’s COOP | Sullivan’s Island: Putting this here for drinks because *even though* they serve food, you’re likely just there for their signature frose! The salad was good, though.
Shem Creek Bar & Grill | Mount Pleasant: Right on the water, a really fun spot for drinks!
Husk | Downtown: Including on the drinks list, because we only had cocktails here. It’s a classic; but when we ate at the location in Greenville, we thought it was just okay. But not sure we would put this on our list for food!
The Windjammer | IOP: The funnest beach front bar.
Blind Tiger | Downtown: Close to Oak if you want a place for drinks. Cute courtyard; can pull a late night crowd.
Poe’s Tavern | Sullivan’s Island: An institution!
Fiat Lux | Downtown, Hotel Bennett Rooftop: Decent (lol) views of Charleston and a cozy bar setting with TVs if you are in town for a sports game, this it the best place to watch if you want something quieter!
Camellias | Downtown, Hotel Bennett Champagne Bar: A champagne bar that is completely millennial pink—loved every minute.
Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer | Downtown: They have matcha! And the best courtyard if you have a dog with you.
Clerks Coffee Company | Downtown: They also have GF pastries if you can get there in time! Solid coffee spot – a nice walk depending on where you are staying!
Uncork Charleston | Downtown: Love this quaint wine & cheese bar!
DO
HyLo Fitness | Mount Pleasant & West Ashley: This was an awesome workout; bike, rower, TRX…all the gym toys.
Run The Battery | Downtown: Historic landmark
*DISCLAIMER
There is still so much to do eat & drink in Charleston; namely I have never been to brunch at Hall’s. We couldn’t get into the The Darling Oyster Bar. Can’t believe I haven’t had a Negroni at The Gin Joint. And Chubby Fish, well, that one is definitely for another time.
