When people think of Charleston cuisine, barbecue and Lowcountry seafood boils are often the first dishes that come to mind. But travelers are in for a culinary surprise when visiting the city! From trendy boutique bistros and upscale international eateries to cozy spots serving traditional Southern classics, Charleston’s food scene is sure to leave you wanting seconds.
As I planned my trip, one thing immediately stood out: almost no chain restaurants to be found on Charleston’s peninsula, home to many of the city’s historic sites. Instead, the area is filled with local eateries that focus on fresh ingredients and showcase the best of both land and sea. And the food is not the only standout. Charleston’s restaurants are also about providing the perfect ambiance – from cozy cafés and diners to elegant establishments, there is a place for every mood and occasion.
By a stroke of luck, my trip to Charleston landed during the final weekend of the city’s Restaurant Week. For those unfamiliar with the concept, it’s a dining event where participating restaurants offer a prix-fixe menu at a great value. I usually stick to a daily special or just an entree when dining out, but the Restaurant Week menus were an opportunity to indulge in delicious appetizers and sweet desserts.
Vegetarians take note. While some meals may appear vegetarian or pescatarian-friendly at first glance, they are actually prepared with lard or bacon grease. The challenges of visiting a Southern town!
82 Queen
The 82 Queen, self-described as “Quintessential Lowcountry”, is a culinary gem that travelers will come across in seemingly every travel guide and best-of list. The way I would best describe the 82 Queen is elevated Southern comfort food. This restaurant was participating in Restaurant Week and was offering a 2-course lunch for $25 or a 3-course dinner for $50.
I arrived at the 82 Queen on a Friday at 5:00 PM and, fortunately, was able to get a table without a reservation. My table was tucked away in a quiet corner of the patio, a perfect way to end a long day of sightseeing. For this meal, I decided to splurge and opted for the three-course dinner, accompanied by a glass of wine. My choices – she-crab soup, barbecue shrimp and grits (minus the bacon), and a limoncello mascarpone cake. Wow, this meal was phenomenal! All three dishes were flavorful, well prepared, and memorable. Regarding the service, it was as impeccable as the food.
This restaurant is a definite must-try, and I highly recommend it. For the budget-conscious travelers, I suggest either visiting for lunch or ordering the appetizer portion of the signature dishes during dinner.
82 Queen is one of Charleston’s more popular restaurants, so reservations are recommended for brunch and dinner.
MESU
MESU made its way to my must-try list of restaurants because its concept piqued my curiosity; the fusion of two cuisines you wouldn’t normally expect together – Mexican and Sushi. The menu is a blend of traditional Mexican dishes alongside a selection of rolls and nigiri. MESU has a fun, laid-back atmosphere, and on the Saturday evening I visited, the place was packed with Charleston’s younger crowd.
MESU was also participating in Restaurant Week, offering a 3-course dinner for $30. I ordered the taco side salad, shrimp tempura sushi, and a turtle cheesecake. The taco salad was my favorite part of the meal, with a great flavor profile and a delicious chipotle lime ranch dressing. The sushi and cheesecake were good, but I was a bit underwhelmed by the roll. The table next to me ordered a few sushi dishes that looked appetizing, so maybe the shrimp tempura dish was not the best choice.
Bourbon N’ Bubbles
For the final night of Restaurant Week, I made my way to Bourbon N’ Bubbles. After a very long day of sightseeing, I was looking for a quiet spot near my hotel, and this was the perfect place. Bourbon N’ Bubbles boasts a sleek, elegant interior, making it an ideal spot to unwind with a drink or enjoy a romantic date.
Bourbon N’ Bubbles’ Restaurant Week menu consisted of a 3-course meal for $45, and on that Sunday, drinks were half-off. I started my evening with a refreshing Charleston 75, which was a mix of Bourbon, St. Germain, fresh lemon juice, and sparkling rosé. For my meal, I chose the S.C. cornbread, shrimp n grits, and for dessert, a lemon-flavored cake. The cornbread had an interesting flavor profile, and it was my first time eating a food item topped with gold leaves! The entree and dessert were also excellent, and overall, the meal was satisfying.
Between the splendid atmosphere and delicious food, I recommend travelers stop by Bourbon N’ Bubbles.
Hyman’s Seafood
Hyman’s Seafood is a Charleston landmark that has been owned and operated by the same family for over 100 years. The restaurant’s walls are lined with photographs and memorabilia that showcase its long, storied history. Each table features a plaque noting which celebrity once dined there. The best way to describe Hyman’s Seafood is simple, comforting food served with a side of Southern hospitality and history.
I stopped at Hyman’s Seafood for a late lunch, and the hostess promptly greeted me with a smile and a fresh, hot hushpuppy – a perfect welcome! Picking a dish was a bit of a challenge, as Hyman’s Seafood has an extensive menu, but in the end, I finally decided on the salmon (catch of the day), prepared with a light Cajun seasoning, accompanied by a side of southern red rice and hushpuppies. To start the meal, I got coleslaw and yes, more hushpuppies. The salmon and rice were excellent and very flavorful, and the hushpuppies were perfect. Sadly, the coleslaw was a bit bland and a low point to an otherwise wonderful meal.
Travelers looking for a delicious, satisfying meal – and amazing hushpuppies – should stop by Hyman’s Seafood while exploring the city.
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