8 of the Absolute Best Downtown Charleston Restaurants
Downtown Charleston restaurants emit nothing but class. The restaurants here represent the evolving culinary scene that’s going on in Charleston. They offer plenty of traditional dishes, but new-generation restaurants are coming up with a deliciously diverse menu. We have compiled a list of spots in Downtown Charleston that showcases the fantastic food scene in this city.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on July 11, 2022 and last updated on April 10, 2023. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink around Charleston, check out our city page.
photo credit: Yelp
Poogan’s Porch
72 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States
(843) 577 2337
Poogan’s Porch is one of the oldest independent food establishments in Charleston. They mainly offer Lowcountry cuisines with a fresh twist. The restaurant is in a restored Victorian house, providing an intimate space for brunch and dinner. Their signature buttermilk fried chicken is a must-try. The restaurant offers a variety of appetizers, entrees, salads, and cocktail options. Start your meal off with some pimento cheese fritters and go for the braised lamb shank or the daily fresh catch for dinner.
photo credit: usarestaurants.info
Magnolias
185 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States
(843) 577-7771
Magnolias has been offering upscale southern cuisine since 1990. They paved the way for many other restaurants in the area. At Magnolias they blend modern fair with traditional cooking techniques and ingredients to make their flavorful dishes. Grilled pork chops, roasted Atlantic salmon, and bistro steak are some of the popular dishes on their dinner menu. You can also have brunch or lunch here. They have one of the most elaborate wine lists and a few beer and cocktail selections.
photo credit: vrconcierge.com
Church and Union Charleston
32B N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States
(843) 937-8666
Church and Union is one of the best Downtown Charleston restaurants and is ideal if you’re eating with a group or just having date night. You should expect meals like handmade braided ravioli, fried chicken, and pan-seared scallops. Be sure to try some of the specialty cocktails they offer here. The sophisticated ambiance here combined with their creative dishes is what keeps tourists and locals alike coming back.
photo credit: tripadvisor.com
Slightly North of Broad
192 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States
(843) 723-3424
This establishment presents fine dining in a cozy and welcoming environment. There is live music nightly that makes the place feel alive. They have created a unique culinary experience for locals to enjoy time and time again along with visitors and first timers. They use fresh local ingredients to prepare everything on the menu and their menus change daily depending on the ingredients available. The menu includes options like shrimp and grits, grilled salmon salad, BBQ tuna, and pan-roasted duck breasts. They also serve cocktails and a large selection of wine to enjoy during your meal.
photo credit:https: tripadvisor.com
FIG
232 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States
(843) 805-5900
FIG is a local neighborhood restaurant in Downtown Charleston with an elevated take on southern classics. They have seasonal offerings on the menu that are always so fresh and tasty and it’s fun to try something new. The service here is top notch and even if you are not here for a special occasion, you’ll feel like you are. For dinner try some of their main entrees including sautéed mutton snapper, corn flour dusted triggerfish, and pork tenderloin Milanese. Enjoy a nice glass of wine with you meal or one of their specialty cocktails.
photo credit: usarestaurants.info
Husk
76 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401, United Stated
(843) 577 2500
Husk is a celebration of southern classics and they like to explore ingredient-driven cuisines, that’s why their menu is ever changing. Their indoor cocktail lounge is revolutionary and a great space to just hand out with a cocktail and some good company. The century-old exposed bricks on their outside patio give the restaurant a unique and comfortable vibe. Since their menu changes seasonally, it’s a good idea to check online and make sure a few items catch your eye. They menu consists of “first” and “supper” and there’s usually a nice handful of options for each. Make sure to save room for dessert because there is usually some kind of tasty cake or ice cream on the menu!
Anson Restaurant
12 Anson St, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 577-0551
If you’re ready for a sexy and classy evening, look no further than Anson. Their wine list is top-notch (with certain selections even available in half-bottles), as are their cocktails, but it’s all about the food.
Start off with the Crispy Brussels Sprouts (with fish sauce, chilis, scallions, and cashews) or the Fried Green Tomatoes (with bacon jam and pimento cheese…quit drooling). Then attack the entrees with gusto and chow down on the Pan Seared Scallops (with sweet corn succotash, shishitos, scallion, tomato, and a miso vinaigrette) or the Filet Mignon (with roasted tomato, parmesan, gruyere, and chimichurri…maybe some Chili Crisp Butter while you’re at it). If you somehow still have room, treat yourself to the Pecan Pie A’La Mode or the Duck Fat Apple Streusel with vanilla ice cream and thyme caramel.
Felix Cocktails et Cuisine
550 King St #100, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 203-6297
What if instead of walking through downtown Charleston you were walking through Paris? Imagine no longer because this charming French brasserie is as dreamy as anywhere you’d encounter along the Seine.
The Brasserie Club is simple but executed perfectly, with impossibly juicy grilled chicken, thick-cut bacon, tomato, arugula, parisian ham, and a jalapeno-leek aioli with a perfect kick on a buttery brioche with a side of fabulous pommes frites. The Raclette Burger is another treat, with two short rib and brisket patties, caramelized onion, raclette, and dijonnaise on a sesame bun with the frites. If you and your date are feeling like lighter fare, check out the Salade de Chèvre Chaud: tossed arugula, candied pecans, pickled onion, and champagne vinaigrette served with warm chèvre toast points that are an absolute flavor bomb. Don’t forget to enjoy the Espresso Martini, Smokeshow, or Gin Old Fashioned to give your meal a perfect accompaniment.
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