Updated: 5 September 2019. Charleston just never disappoints! I keep coming here, and I find new places to eat, great places to shop, and we always thoroughly enjoy our time. This trip we had an additional party – the sweetest little 3 week old. 🙂 In addition to the great restaurants I listed from last year’s trip, I’ve added a few additional spots in blue. Enjoy!
Here are my foodie highlights:
1. Started off at Vintage for drinks and a light meal on North King. We ended up getting a cheese and charcuterie plate along with a couple French 75s. I’m a self-proclaimed French 75 expert, and these did not disappoint! The space is quite lovely and real swanky. It’s a great lounge vibe, so if you want to start your night off well, start here for something cool and low-key.
2. Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits. If you’re in the South, you gotta try some biscuits, and these are great. Grab a small three pack and choose from a variety of kinds, to include my favorites, cinnamon, shortbread, and buttermilk. Some mornings you’ll find a line out this tiny store front. It’s worth the wait though. I made sure to stop by the Market location this trip and grabbed three biscuits to go. The cinnamon and blackberry were my faves this year!
3. Fig. When we went on the Napa Wine Train and met some Charleston College alumni, the woman’s recommendation for top restaurant was Fig. I had heard about this place before when I stayed at the the Indigo Inn, which is practically next to it, but I couldn’t get a reservation. This place books up quickly (not Open Table), but I was lucky enough to grab a spot last minute thanks to Hurricane Florence cancellations. The restaurant is quiet, unassuming, but definitely classy. Hands down favorite was the ricotta gnocchi. Pouches of pure heaven. I’ll never have gnocchi without thinking fondly of Fig. Their fish chowder was great too. I would definitely recommend it, and the service was fantastic.
4. Husk. This is a Charleston staple, and if you ask 10 people what restaurant recommendations they have, 9 will recommend Husk as a must. It was great, and the service and food were quite nice. Their bar is a separate area that is worth going to especially if you enjoy some good bourbons and whiskeys. The bar has a cabin type feel downstairs.
During this trip, we stopped for a drink in the early evening and sat outside with our two doggies and baby boy. Great, relaxed outdoor sitting area. If you want a small bite and relaxed drink, make sure to stop by here.
5. I previously had Hominy Grill listed, but sadly, it is no longer in business. However, on our latest trip, we had a great dinner at Eli’s Table. With a baby in tow this time, we opted for the outdoor seating. It was amazing weather and perfect to sit outside and enjoy an evening dinner. We had the duck and waffles and shrimp and grits, two signature dishes. Great options, delicious, and wonderful service. They even graced us with prosecco at the end of our dinner in celebration of our new baby.
6. Josephine Wine Bar – I cannot say enough about this place. It was absolutely divine. The cocktails are spot on, decor is chic, not overdone, but completely hip yet comfortable, and the food is superb. This new spot is a MUST for visitors who want some good drinks, quality food, and just a great time. Friday nights get busy, so opt for the serene patio for quiet drinks. The figs are a complete surprise but superb. The second night I ordered the burrata, which is also a surprise with the pickled cherries on top. My favorite meal was the Handcut Pappardelle with duck “carnitas.” Perfection. I will absolutely continue to come back here next time. Service was fantastic as well. Everyone was very nice, and as the owner was lighting the candles outside on the patio, she ensured all the patrons were enjoying their experience.
7. Chubby Fish – Another great find and new spot in Charleston – also near the north end of King Street, but a couple blocks over, off the beaten path. If you like seafood, this place is a must. It’s small, intimate, and the food is amazing. I had the swordfish steak, and I was speechless. I paired it with a couple glasses of Soave (ode to my time in Valpolicella region). The service is also friendly and extremely chatty. Sat in front of the kitchen, which became a little warm, but it was a great experience and incredible, fresh seafood.
8. Brown Dog Deli – If you want to get a nice sandwich for lunch, make sure to stop by the Brown Dog Deli. While they have the classic deli sandwiches, make sure to try a few unique ones like the Fab Four or the Pig n’ Fig. They are very dog friendly too, so walk on inside to the outdoor patio, and they’ll bring some nice ice water for your pups to cool off and drink.
Other NOTABLE Spots and Moments:
This time we stayed at the John Rutledge Inn, and I cannot say enough great things about this adorable hotel/inn. This is our second time staying here, and we will continue to come here whenever we opt for a hotel. Last year we stayed at a house rental, but since we only came for two nights, we decided to come back to the lovely John Rutledge. With two dogs and a baby, they provided dog bowls, treats, and a pack and play in our room upon our arrival. You get to enjoy a wonderful morning breakfast in the courtyard or main house and evening drinks/food in the main house. It’s closer to the historic parts of downtown Charleston, so it makes for a fabulous spot for morning strolls (near Battery Park) or shopping along King Street. This will continue to be our go-to spot in Charleston.
Directly across the parking lot of the John Rutledge Inn on King Street is a wonderful restaurant to go for breakfast or lunch, Miller’s All-Day. With a cool retro vibe, this restaurant offers great classic and southern options for breakfast and lunch, excellent cocktails, and delectible treats for those with a sweet tooth.
If you’re visiting the city on a Saturday, make sure to swing by the Charleston Farmer’s Market. You can check out some nice little shops and get some breakfast while you’re enjoying the sites. I particularly enjoyed the Charleston Crepe Company (🍌 + Nutella) and the Semilla Contemporary Mexican (🥓 🍳 🌯 w/🥑).
Since we were staying more South this visit, we stopped by Bin 152 again. It’s a relaxed, quiet spot to enjoy some vino. I really love this place. It has tons of wine options and charcuterie plates. The servers are so knowledgeable, and it’s just a great locale to have a glass (or two) of wine. Come early or late (they are open till 2am!). We even brought our little guy with us, and he chilled in his stroller while we relaxed with a glass of wine. If I lived here, I would come here all the time.
I stopped by Prohibition for a drink, or two, at the bar, and I have to say, the cocktail was quite good. If you like a fresh drink, try the Dartery. The bartenders are very chill and even look out for the patrons, as one young lady was getting a bit too much attention from some older men, so he moved her down to the other side of the bar.
During an afternoon at the house, we enjoyed opening a bottle of Cabernet Franc from St. Francis Winery. (See Sonoma/Napa blog)
Finally, if you are a YETI fan, make sure to stop by their fairly new brick and mortar YETI store on King Street. Currently, there are only two actual YETI stores in the U.S. It’s fun to walk around and check out all the new items. They have a bar inside, and you can grab a drink while you wait or walk around the store. You can bring your dog inside too if you have your furry friend with you. If you’re military, show your military ID and save 20%! You can’t beat it.
