Located on Kings Street, Halls Chophouse pampers its patrons with an impressive selection of traditional American eats and refreshing cocktails in a fine dining setting. The food menu features everything from prime-aged steaks, fresh salads, and soups to succulent chops, appetizing seafood, and decadent desserts. The family-friendly establishment also boasts a special bar menu that includes a decent range of classic pub grubs. Group dining is encouraged here.
167 Raw Oyster Bar welcomes patrons to its chic abode with the aroma of fresh seafood wafting through its doors. The New England-style oyster bar in Downtown Charleston features elegant lights, high bar stools, and elegant metallic shelves decked with the finest bottles of wine and spirits. The exceptional seafood is sourced from the waters of the East Coast and the shores of Charleston itself. While the bar offers a daily selection of oysters, neck clams, and caviar, the kitchen whips out small accompaniments like crudos and tacos to go with the seafood. The drinks include local beers, wine, and craft cocktails.
Located in historic Lodge Alley, one of the oldest streets in Charleston and a part of the French Quarter, Magnolias opened in 1990, quickly became a favorite of locals, and is still a place to see and be seen. Adorned with specially commissioned expressionistic oil paintings, it offers a variety of dining experiences, from the intimate Gallery to the bistro style Chefs Room. The menu concentrates on down south dishes with a sophisticated flair: Shellfish Over Grits and Carolina Carpetbagger Filet are just two of the many delectable offerings. Brunch is also offered on Sundays.
A former US Navy debarkation point built in 1942, Fleet Landing lay vacant after World War II. Located on the eastern waterfront side of the Historic District, the 6000 square-foot (557 square-meter) concrete building was purchased by Tradd Newton in 2004. He opened this one-story, nautical-themed restaurant with Chef Drew Hedlund, whose menu includes classic and contemporary Southern fare, with an emphasis on seafood. Blue Plate lunch specials are offered daily as well as a children's menu. The interior furnishings are casual and maritime chic. Diners can enjoy a panoramic view of Charleston Harbor from inside the establishment or outside on the welcoming deck.
A true Texan Pit Master who has been honing his skill since he was 18, John Lewis opened this barbecue joint in 2016. He custom designs his smokers himself and tends to pit fires at unearthly hours, such is his single-minded dedication to meat. The interior of Lewis Barbecue is a cozy, well-lit place that exudes a simple, quaint charm. The ample outdoor seating has tables and benches set up on gravel. The menu features a variety of meats like beef briskets and turkey breast along with classic sides and sandwiches. The bar menu features a fine selection of cocktails, draft beer, and canned drinks.
This popular restaurant is serving some of the best seafood around. This place has made a lot of best-of lists for seafood, and you can order dishes that are fried, broiled, Cajun, Caribbean Jerk and more. Try the restaurant's specialty, the crispy flounder; a whole bone in flounder scored and fried. There are chicken and pasta dishes on the menu as well, if you just can't handle seafood. Plus, the restaurant is a celebrity favorite, boasting visits from everybody from Metallica to Oprah, so you may catch a glimpse of a star. The owners take customer service very seriously and go out of their way to ensure a positive dining experience. Reservations are not accepted so arrive early. Parking is available in the Omni parking garage.
FIG
Offering one of the most comfortable ambiances in Charleston, FIG is a friendly restaurant on Meeting Street, whose name is an abbreviation for their slogan, 'Food is Good' This eatery has simplistic interiors, community tables, and a bar that serves up a variety of local pours. Famous for their farm-fresh dishes and excellent sea-food, FIG is also known for its rotating menu that often changes to reflect delicious seasonal flavors. Specialties include Lamb Tartare, Lowcountry Bourride, and Sautéed B-Liner Snapper. Staying true to its name, FIG offers decadent dessert options like Lime Cream Puffs and Chocolate Budino.
Slightly North of Broad is a restaurant that is popular with just about everyone in Charleston, including the locals. Celebrities, politicians, tourists and residents come in every day to feast together on a modern twist on Southern cooking that has become known as maverick Southern cuisine. Menu offerings include Corn Cakes and Caviar, Pad Thai with Dixie Clams, Maverick Shrimp and more. Reservations are suggested for six or more.
