Totally Underrated Restaurants in Charleston, SC
Some restaurants get all the hype. We wanted to shine some light on a few of the underrated restaurants that we’ve stumbled upon in Charleston. While they might not have thousands of reviews on them, these under-the-radar, hidden gems have amazing food and have mastered the art of Southern hospitality. Check out this article to find out 6 of our favorite underrated restaurants in Charleston, SC.
The Gathering Cafe
100 Central Ave, Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 879-9331
The Gathering café is hidden in the West Ashley neighborhood of Charleston. It’s a health food restaurant where you’ll find comfort food made with organic ingredients. The cheerful space offers inside and outside dining. Indulge in such things as chili, soup, and avocado toast to start. Then, move on to salads and entrees, such as a Caprese salad or a bowl of panang curry. When you’re on the go, there are plenty of items already prepared for you to grab and check out. You’ll also find various beers and wines available, and they have a happy hour from 3 to 6 PM every day.
Workmen’s Cafe
1717N Grimball Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
(843) 406-0120
If you ask anyone in the know about the soul food scene in Charleston, they’ll tell you to visit Workmen’s Café. You can visit for dine-in or takeout. It’s a simple restaurant that looks like a house with a big front porch. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, you could easily drive right past it. Once inside, you’re greeted with a menu board that features the seafood fry of the day as well as a few blue plate specials. Enjoy hearty plates of food that can include meatloaf, country BBQ ribs, or fried shrimp. The location is casual, with everything set up like a cafeteria line-up. They’re closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, so be sure to pop in for lunch during the week so you don’t miss out on this amazing find.
Early Bird Diner
1644 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 277-2353
Most people focus on looking for lunch and dinner restaurants. However, one of the most underrated restaurants in all of Charleston is the Early Bird Diner. It’s a classic all-American diner where you can have breakfast all day long. The dining room has a funky art design, and most of the art on the walls is for sale, too. The menu encompasses everything from chicken & waffles to shrimp & grits. They have the kind of biscuits & gravy that you’ll dream about. They are open seven days a week, but they close by 2 PM, so be sure you get in there before they’ve closed up shop for the day.
Magnolias
185 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 577-7771
Magnolias is just outside of the French Quarter in Charleston. The sophisticated restaurant features a refined take on traditional Southern cuisine. It is the perfect place for date night with its white linen-covered tables and exposed wood beam ceilings. Enjoy lunch, dinner, or even brunch on the weekends. Most of the menu is made from scratch, including their house made potato chips. We highly recommend the crab cake sandwich. If you’re feeling a bit hungrier, indulge in their pecan-crusted snapper when it’s on the menu. Try to save room for dessert because they have some incredible options, such as a southern pecan pie with bourbon caramel. If you want a true souvenir, grab one of their cookbooks for sale before you leave the restaurant.
Stella’s
114 St Philip St A, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 400-0026
You either know about Stella’s, or you don’t. And with the incredible dishes offered at this Greek restaurant, it’s a place you should check out right away. The laid-back restaurant features dishes of all sizes, ranging from Lamb Frites to hearty dishes like Moussaka and Pikelia. You’ll find all of the Mediterranean classics as well as a few house specialties. Don’t miss out on their specialty cocktails as well as their wine by the glass and carafe. They’re open Monday through Saturday and they even have brunch on Saturday’s! To be sure you get a table for dinner, you’ll want to make a reservation.
@boxcarbettys
Boxcar Betty’s
1922 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407
(843) 225-7470
Boxcar Betty’s isn’t usually discussed in any of the travel guides of Charleston, and that may be as a result of it being inside of a boxcar rather than a posh hotel. Don’t let the location fool you. The food is delicious, as any local will easily tell you. The restaurant is known for its creative take on fried chicken sandwiches, including your ability to choose the sauce, cheese, and toppings for your sandwich. You’ll also find some other amazing items on the menu. We love the fried pickles and the ice cream floats. The interior has a rustic country vibe where you’ll order at the counter and then can grab a seat anywhere. Be sure you check out some of their merchandise before you leave, too! A true hidden gem!
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Charleston page, here!
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