I have been trying to keep my Charleston travel guide really up to date. If you are a long-time reader, you already know that prior to moving here, I was obsessed with this city for a very long time! Pre-pandemic, I would visit at least every other month. It started with that press trip several years ago, and I have been hooked ever since, even convincing (well, helping to convince… it wasn’t a lot of work) my parents to move to John’s Island. Now, I’m realizing my dream: I moved in April 2021, and my sister moved shortly after that. I bought my house in 2022, and I’ve loved making this city my home!
It’s hard to explain Charleston. But if you’ve never been, definitely add it to your list. It’s the absolute perfect weekend getaway.. the flight is just over an hour out of New York; so convenient!
In the meantime, today I’ve rounded up all of my favorite spots for you in one handy guide. I try to keep this post updated as I try more and more Charleston faves, old + new but I feel pretty confident that I’ve captured most of the best spots!
PS – this post also answers some frequently asked Charleston questions! and this post has my favorite hotels.
**Updated March 6, 2025**
Charleston City Guide
Where to Eat
These are all alphabetized. I felt like it wouldn’t be fair to list them in any other order… I have so many favorite spots!
Bar 167 is Raw 167’most concept.
Located around the block from the original, this is a fun little spot, focusing on Mediterranean cuisine. We were worried that the small menu wouldn’t be enough to eat but we were wrong. Everything we ate was delicious. If the truffle butter is available, get that!
Basic Kitchen is a classic favorite.
It’s delicious healthy food but also with yummy drinks (get the beet margarita and the salmon bowl!) I love how open and airy it is and everything on the menu is really really good! They have a great outdoor dining area… it feels a little bit like LA.
Bistronomy by Nico has such fun, interesting food (think escargot dumplings) and great cocktails.
I really like sitting at the bar for drinks and a few fun apps.
Chez Nous is a really interesting concept as they only serve a few things each day.
Two appetizers, two entries, and two desserts! The best way to know what they are serving is to check out their instagram account. The space is tiny so I usually go in a small group. The food is always delicious… I would definitely say this is a must-visit while in town.
Costa is a newer favorite with a locals sort of vibe
Great Italian food. I love to go early and sit at the bar.
Chubby fish may be the best meal I’ve had here in ages
But be warned: they don’t take reservations, and people start lining up to get a table at 4pm. That being said, I kinda think it’s worth it? The wagyu tartare is beyond (I love the nori + rice preparation), the amberjack crudo is so good… and you have to get a caviar sammich!
Establishment is a favorite I always forget about!
The food is always good (get any gnocchi they do!) and you can almost always get a reservation. And I almost always run into someone I know, which is fun. It’s a great spot.
FIG is another favorite favorite.
They recently remodeled the space. I haven’t been in to check it out yet, but I’m looking forward to it on my next trip. Everything on the menu is delicious. Everything. Listen to the waiters’ suggestions as they are all very knowledgeable. When I went for my mother’s birthday, they had just caught a fresh mackerel that day. I’m not usually into mackerel (I find it to be too fishy and oily) but the mackerel at FIG is epic. It melted in our mouths like butter… we ended up having to order another plate.
Hank’s has amazing seafood (I think they always win the award for best seafood in Charleston!).
It’s fancy… white linen table cloths and really, really good food (love their martinis!).
Honeysuckle Rose for a special night / tasting menu!
This is one of the best meals I’ve had in Charleston. Wow. It’s just so special. 8 courses, plus wine pairings! (For the non-drinkers they also make amazing mocktails). Truly just the most special and delicious. Sit at the chef’s table if you are able. More info on my Instagram in this post.
Husk
I think that Husk is a little bit overrated. That being said, if you are looking for a classic Charleston Brunch (think pimento cheese, biscuits, and something fried)… go here. The food is delicious, but it’s very, very heavy. I personally love their bar even more (it’s in a separate building, adjacent to the restaurant), as it is a great place to grab happy hour. The cocktails are so, so good!
La Farfalle has such incredible Italian food.
I can’t decide which I prefer: this or Melfi’s (also amazing Italian, with a New York-ish vibe!). If you go, be sure to get the whipped ricotta, it is insanely good. I also love the linguini with clam sauce.
Leon’s Oyster Shop is one of my favorite places to grab lunch.
It’s best to go on a nice day… there’s lots of outdoor seating. Oysters, rosé, and the fried chicken sandwich. You don’t need much else in life.
Little Jack’s is owned by the same team that does Leon’s and it’s delicious.
This time around they went with a tavern type of vibe. Think burgers, truffle fries, yummy bar food. We call the Tavern Burger the “girl burger.” It’s the perfect size… not a slider, but not a full on burger. You’ll be able to eat the whole thing and still have room for dessert.
Maison has epic french food and maybe the best steak tartare I’ve ever eaten.
Seriously, so good. Same with their french onion soup preparation.
Malagon (by the same owners of Chez Nous) serves up incredibly delicious tapas.
I live for the white asparagus and any and all of their cured meats and cheeses.
Marbled & Fin is great for a fancy night.
I love it here. It’s definitely on the pricier side but it’s so special. Amazing steaks, crab legs, specialty cocktails . . . this is where you go when you want to impress!
Melfi’s
OMG the hype is real, this is some of the best Italian I’ve had in ages. Definitely get the Stretch Armstrong and the Cacio e Pepe! My girlfriends and I have lunch here at least once a month!
The Ordinary is one of my favorite spots.
The cocktails are delicious, the oysters are incredible, and don’t even get me started on the crab toast. They have a great happy hour, I love to sit at the bar with a pile of oysters, maybe the fish dip, and a glass of cold Sancerre.
The Palmetto Cafe at Charleston Place for Brunch
Oh my goodness the new brunch at The Palmetto Cafe/Charleston Place is just to die for! I have felt for a while that we were lacking in great brunch spots and this is heaven. A giant buffet with an omelette station, several carving stations, all the cheese and desserts… the greatest!
The Peninsula Grill
I have never eaten a full meal here, but go for the coconut cake. Just trust me. It’s incredible and they actually ship it worldwide.
Raw 167 is another spot that I am just obsessed with.
Great oysters, but my favorite things on the menu are the lobster roll and the tuna burger. The best thing to do is go with a like-minded friend or date (my sister is the perfect companion for this activity!) and split the two. If I were on death row, that would be my last meal.
Renzo is our family fav.
Best pizzas on the peninsula and great for kids. Their happy hour menu is top-notch.
Sorelle is really pretty and has great Italian.
This is Charleston’s new hot spot and just so incredibly beautiful. I love their Italian food. They have a proper dining room but my friends and I love to just sit at the bar.
Vern’s is the best.
Fresh, farm-to-table meals are just always so good. It’s great for dinner; unfortunately, they’ve stopped doing brunch. The Crudo is always exceptional, and if they have the salad with bread crumbs, get that. Honestly, everything they serve is to die for. Vern’s has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants in Charleston. I love the neighborhood feel; honestly, it reminds me a little bit of Brooklyn.
Xiao Bao Biscuit is another awesome spot for lunch.
The drinks are really delicious, and the cabbage pancake is unreal! Seriously. It sounds funny, but get it. It will change your relationship with cabbage forever!
The Zero George tasting menu is epic.
It’s a big splurge but so worthwhile. Perfect for special occasions.
Other Things to Do:
A tour with Walk & Talk tours is an absolute must. Tell Tyler I sent you! She is a wealth of knowledge and keeps things super interesting.
Go to the beach! Sullivan’s Island is my personal favorite but Folly Beach and Isle of Palms both have beautiful beaches.
Drive out to The Dunlin on Kiawah for a night away. This property is magical and it would be a fun getaway. I would recommend a Thursday as right now they’re doing Mahjong.
Speaking of Mahjong, Holy Mahj is always doing fun events.
Take in a lecture at the Charleston Library Society. We always have talented authors passing through.
Visit The Gibbes Art Museum! And two art galleries I love are George Gallery and Robert Lange.
Plan your trip around Spoleto — an incredible arts and music festival that takes up the last week of May and first week of June.
Take a candle-making class at Candlefish.
Pampering:
I go to Varnish Lane for my nails. For hair (cut and highlights), I see Stefanie Hattaway and absolutely love her.
For facials, I go to Anna Brigid. She is the best. I also like Ella Ora and Spa Azure and have heard really good things about the facials at Rawlins Studio too. For Botox, I see Becky at The Repaire Room. For waxing I go to European Wax Center – it’s nothing special but gets the job done. I’d love to find a spot on peninsula!
My Favorite Bookstores:
Buxton Books is a classic. It really has that neighborhood, local feel… and I love that they have so many fun events.
Blue Bicycle Books is my personal favorite bookstore in Charleston as they focus on used, rare, and local books!
Where to Drink
The Belmont is an old fav.
Amazing cocktails. I usually will have a Negroni, although last time I went, we all got piña coladas which was totally weird (they’re on the menu!!) but also awesome.
Bin 152 is an amazing wine bar.
I wish we had one in New York… I’d be there every night! It’s owned by the same team that does Chez Nous, and their selection is really really good. I go here a lot, too! (It’s right around the corner from The Mills House, so kinda perfect if you stay there!)
Graft may be my new fav wine bar?
I love their wines, their personal recommendations, their Extra Sauce wine membership (great if you are a local), and their fun happy hours!
Vintage Lounge is another fun cocktail bar.
This is probably my favorite true bar in Charleston. I love their cocktails and it’s such a pretty space! This is probably my favorite spot for a cocktail.
Sorelle is so fun
The bar at Sorelle is first come first serve and you can have dinner there if you’d like. Great bartenders, and also just the prettiest spot!
The Blind Tiger is just a great, fun dive bar (with a really pretty patio out back!).
Henry’s makes for a fun night.
It’s one bar with tons of different rooms all with different concepts. You feel a little bit like you are in a boozy party treehouse. I may be a little too old for it but it’s a fun place to go every now and again for a very specific type of night.
The Watch (the rooftop bar at The Restoration Hotel) is a great spot to grab a drink.
They have two large patios and an indoor space too which is nice when it’s hot out. The views of the city are amazing!
Where to Shop
So, the big shocker here for me initially was that Charleston has some really gooooood shopping. King Street pretty much has everything you could ever want or need. That being said, I never thought I’d be saving up to come shop in Charleston which is the case. I know it sounds nuts but I have better luck shopping here than in New York!
Hampden Clothing is my go-to.
Stacy, the owner, has the best eye. She brings in amazing designers that haven’t even hit New York’s best boutiques yet. She has an incredible eye, and it shows. You will walk in, and want everything in the store. Not to worry, the staff will have you covered. My sister and I both rely on Evelyn, our spirit animal who is both the store manager and one of the lead stylists… but the entire team is very knowledgable and helpful. I feel like all of my best investment pieces come from Hampden. Every time my sister and I visit, the one thing we have to do is pay Hampden a visit.
Croghan’s Jewel Box is a Charleston institution and a must-visit.
They carry the most incredible range of estate jewels, but then there’s also the Goldbugs line (made in house) – so many beautiful pieces! I wear these drop earrings constantly.
Beckett Boutique has a beautiful mix of contemporary clothing.
Beau and & Ro is the ultimate for pretty dresses.
They have their own private label line, too. The Annika is one of my favorite silhouettes.The selection is smaller than Hampden but everything is meticulously selected… so many pretty things!
Hart
Hart’s been a favorite for jewelry forever now. And she has such a cute store!
Super Saturday
Seriously cool vintage wares. They always seem to have fun pop-ups passing through. A nice afternoon would be to go here and then grab a glass of wine at Graft.
Coffee/Breakfast:
Alcove
Alcove Market just launched this February and it is the cutest spot to grab coffee or breakfast. It’s located in the Jasper (a luxury apartment building) but it’s at ground level, open to anyone. It’s right by Colonial Lake which is a fun spot to walk.
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits
There is nothing better than one of her warm delicious biscuits. Nothing. Fun fact: they have cream cheese inside the dough which keeps them extra moist and yummy.
The Daily is a great little spot for coffee and a grab and go breakfast.
Addicted to their breakfast burrito and the whipped feta toast.
Harbinger has great coffee and is the CUTEST little cafe.
Perfect place to sit and people watch and get some work done!
The Rise at The Restoration Hotel is another great spot for coffee.
I love their croissants!
Second State Coffee (formerly Black Tap) has great coffee.
It’s a fun spot to work and the quiche is amazing too!
Sorelle’s Mercato
Great lattes and pastries!
Baba’s on Cannon
This is an absolute favorite. Great coffee, great snacks (the ham and butter sandwich is just the most satisfying?), and also fun for drinks later in the day.
Sightsee Coffee Shop
This is such a sweet little spot. Really great coffee and a cute little shop in back too.
Where to Stay:
For hotels, you want to read this blog post — it has my favorites all in one place!
The Dewberry is my personal favorite.
This is where you stay if you want a luxury experience. The rooms, the bathrooms, every element is perfect. I love their lobby bar and they also have one of the best rooftops in Charleston with The Citrus Club.
Guesthouse is the perfect hybrid of home meets hotel.
It’s a collection of beautiful rental houses and apartments, all with a beautiful courtyard in the middle. The vibe is very similar to a hotel but you get more space, a kitchen, your own entrance, more privacy, etc. I did a longer post about them but I LOVE this space.
86 Cannon is the sweetest little B&B.
It’s a charming little bed & breakfast with just a few rooms. The owners are so kind and they have two beautiful dogs! You can see more of the property in this blog post.
The Restoration Hotel.
I love this spot. They have big, cozy rooms, beautiful decor (the library downstairs is incredible with its fireplace and cobalt blue chairs) and the coffee shop (Rise) is one of my favorites. They also have a fantastic rooftop bar (The Watch) which is perfect for watching the sunset with a glass of wine.
The Planter’s Inn.
The Planter’s Inn is a favorite as it is luxurious yet charming, cozy, and very central. The perfect mix! The Peninsula Grill is also attached, meaning you can grab that yummy coconut cake on your way home! The only downside is that they don’t have very many rooms so getting a reservation can be hard (and expensive). But the service, cute rooms, and convenient location make it worth it.
Zero George is one of the most beautiful hotels in Charleston, and has been ranked one of Conde Nast’s best hotels.
I am absolutely obsessed. They also have a great restaurant. It is a bit of a hike to town and less central than the other two hotels I mention, but the beautiful space makes up for it.
But also make sure you visit Sullivan’s Island!
Poe’s Tavern is chill and relaxed and the perfect burger joint. It’s also dedicated to Edgar Allen Poe, which is pretty awesome. Get the burger.
The Obstinate Daughter is so delicious that it’s worth driving to Sullivan’s, even if you don’t have other plans there. I accidentally ordered the frittata (long story) and it was amazing. On another visit, we had the polenta fries (scrumptious) and I had the shrimp roll (like a lobster roll but maybe even better?) It’s a must. The line can be intimidating… bring a tiny snack to hold you over.
Coop has the best frosé. And so many flavors too. LOVE.
Home Team BBQ is my fav casual spot! Great pulled pork and tater tots, the salads are surprisingly good (I know, I know, who gets a salad at a sports bar, apparently me!) and the Game Changer is my favorite (very strong!) frozen drink.
Goldbug is my latest jewelry obsession. The designer/owner Ashley Reid Martin creates the most gorgeous (lightweight) brass pieces… perfect for summer/Charleston’s humid climate where you want your accessories to be as lightweight as possible. The photos on her website don’t do the product justice, but her earrings are beyonnnd.
And also John’s Island!
The Lost Isle is great for dinner. It gets packed, so go early.
The Wild Olive is by the same team that does The Obstinate Daughter and is absolutely delicious! My dad actually works there a few days a week. It’s some of the best Italian food I’ve ever had.
The Southern General is a little spot in a mall but has an incredible turkey sandwich. My mom and I like to split the turkey pesto sandwich.
I’m so happy that Minero (formerly downtown) reopened on John’s Island. Favorite Mexican!