Fun and Unique Dining in Charleston, SC
From food halls and markets to rotating chefs in one kitchen, Charleston has quite a few unique ways to enjoy a meal. Sure it’s nice to sit down and know what you’re going to order at a restaurant, but it’s fun to switch it up every now and then. Next time you want to wander around a market full of options or try an unexpected five course meal, be sure to check out our list of 7 fun and unique dining experiences in Charleston, SC.
Port of Call Food & Brew Hall
99 S Market St Suite 5, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 473-4832
Port of Call is the one and only traditional food hall in Charleston. We love the sprawling size of it, and it seems like new restaurants are popping up inside it all the time. Countless beers are on tap, and you can also order specialty cocktails. Tables and picnic benches are set up inside as well as out. The outdoor patio is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your canine companion to enjoy some of the culinary treasures that are found here.
Charleston City Market
188 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 937-0920
There’s a significant amount of history at the City Market as it was established in the 1790s. It stretches four city blocks, providing you with access to countless vendors. You can shop for art and décor as you also dine on locally-made pretzels, truffles, and other delicious foods. The market is open during the day and night, and the Great Hall provides you with a number of dining options ranging from bourbon-glazed shrimp to biscuits to pastries. And you won’t want to miss out on some of the neighboring restaurants for a more intimate dining experience, too.
Mercantile and Mash
701 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 793-2636
Located in the Cigar Factory, Mercantile and Mash is so much more than a restaurant. It’s a chance to explore a bit of everything. There’s a whiskey bar, coffee, and wine. There are also butcher shops, a large dining menu, and even a small grocery store. You can find something no matter if you want to have the chefs create something or if you want to buy the ingredients and be the chef at home. If you choose to hang out, they have plenty of games to occupy your time.
St. George Food Truck Park
5817 W Jim Bilton Blvd, Charleston, SC 29477
St. George Food Truck Park is a bit different, but we love it all the same. Lunch is served Monday through Friday at the park from a variety of different trucks. The lineup can vary, offering some of the best food that Charleston has to offer. It’s a chance to explore some of the up-and-coming chefs while also being one of the first to try the latest food trends. Picnic tables are set up in the area, too, so you can enjoy what you’ve ordered from the trucks without leaving the premises.
Charleston Farmers Market
329 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 724-7305
The Charleston Farmers Market is a must-try place since it’s been held in Marion Square since 1989. The weekly market opens every Saturday, providing you with access to all of the local creations. Whether you’re in the mood for food, dessert, or just crafts, you’ll find it here. The vendors are constantly changing, so it’s an opportunity to see what the locals are creating for the season. Espresso, pastries, and BBQ are some of the mainstays. We highly recommend stopping by to see what you can find to satisfy your culinary curiosities.
Caviar & Bananas
51 George St, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 577-7757
It sounds like an odd combination but hear us out. The eclectic café might as well be multiple restaurants because of the market and café that offers everything from sandwiches and salads to fresh pastries. You can order from different stations and come together in the small dining area in the middle. They’re open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week. As a bonus, you can order online so that the food is ready when you arrive.
R. Kitchen
212 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 789-4342
R. Kitchen has a unique concept that we love. It is a single restaurant, but the chefs rotate. This means that every time you come here, it’s a completely different dining experience. 5-course menus rotate seasonally along with the chef. The open kitchen allows you to see the culinary art in progress, and a counter seating area gives you a front-row seat to the action. It’s a small space, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere that we highly recommend you check out at least once.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Charleston page, here!
Featured Blog Posts
Essential Sports Bars in Charleston, SC
The big game calls for cold beverages, great food, and plenty of seating near a big screen. So when we want to cheer along our team or just catch up with the latest sporting events, we love to snag a barstool at one of these awesome sports bars in Charleston!
The Best Hot Dog Spots in Charleston, SC
Hot dogs are one of the most American foods you can possibly want. We’ve discovered some amazing hot dog spots in Charleston, many of which have put a unique spin on the classic hotdog. Whether you’re looking for a vegan dog, a chili-topped dog, or a pretzel bun, you’ll find a delicious hot dog in Charleston with this list.
The Absolute Best Bars and Nightlife on King Street in Charleston, South Carolina
A night out on the town in the charming city of Charleston, South Carolina means a visit to famous King Street. The bars on King Street are known for their fun atmosphere, delicious food and tasty drinks in their historic locations. Let’s take a look at the bars on King Street that you should visit when you have a free night in Charleston.
13 Absurdly Delicious North Charleston Restaurants
Home to a wide variety of restaurants, North Charleston is a veritable foodies paradise. From low country favorites to the freshest seafood around, let’s take a look at 9 of the best spots to grab a bite when you are just north of this stunning southern coastal city.