Our Current Favorites in Charleston

 

Our friends joke that the only place we ever go on vacation is Charleston and generally speaking, they’re not wrong. It’s our home away from home and there’s always something new to explore or new restaurants to visit. Plus, it’s great to be so comfortable somewhere! We know what we like! We are heading back in a couple of months with all three kids and we are excited to be there in the “off season” with them, it will sort of encourage us to try new places we don’t get to when the pool and beach are calling (though we are excited to visit the beach then, too!).

I have an email that I send to friends visiting Charleston when they ask for recommendations and it was high time I tossed that on a blog post – the email has been forwarded so many times it’s crazy and sloppy to read!

Where to Stay:

We have stayed in super upscale places and we have stayed in run of the mill, average places. Here are a few we have enjoyed:

  • The Mills House (this was such a pleasant surprise, we thought she was super outdated).
  • Zero George (we lucked out right after it opened and splurged again for our 5-year anniversary).
  • The Restoration (they give you the most adorable breakfast basket!).
  • Ryder Hotel (small rooms, but recently remodeled)
  • Hyatt House (good location, less expensive)
  • Hotel Bennett – we haven’t stayed there, it’s a splurge, but it sounds incredible!
Where to Eat Breakfast or Brunch:
  • Miller’s All Day
  • Harken Cafe (ricotta biscuit OMG)
  • Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit (is it overrated? Maybe).
  • Babas on Cannon
  • Hall’s Chophouse Brunch
  • Obstinate Daughter Brunch (Sullivan’s Island)
  • The Longboard Brunch (Sullivan’s Island)
  • Coffee at the Daily
  • Coffee at the Rise (connected to the Restoration)
Where to Eat Lunch:
  • 167 Raw (listen, there’s no reservations. Depending on when you go there may be a tremendous wait, put your name in and go grab a drink elsewhere. The food is worth it and the vibes are legit).
  • Husk
  • Lewis BBQ
  • Saltwater Cowboy’s (Shem Creek, eat on the water – bar food).
  • Home Team BBQ (a few different locations, our fave is Sullivan’s).
  • Basic Kitchen
  • Rancho Lewis (the Mexican side of Lewis BBQ, so it’s next level).
  • Poe’s Tavern (great for easy lunch with kids).

Where to Eat Dinner:

  • 167 Sushi (takes reservations. Tiny in size and located in the original 167 spot.)
  • Darling Oyster Bar
  • Leon’s Oyster Shop (we love this place, easygoing vibes and so fun and delicious).
  • Little Jack’s Tavern
  • Post House Inn (Mt. Pleasant)
  • Sullivan’s Fish Camp (Sullivan’s Island)
  • Chubby Fish (no reservations and terrible for kids).
  • Melfi’s
  • The Ordinary
  • FIG (always freaking delicious)

Where to Drink:

  • Uptown Social/Bodega (fun, young, party)
  • Revelry Brewing
  • Edmund’s Oast (honestly great with kids)
  • Star’s Rooftop Deck is great
  • Little Palm (at Ryder Hotel)
  • Bar 167 opened recently and the small plates are good too.
  • The Rarebit is pretty cute and has great mules!
  • Pink Cactus for a marg

Where to Work Out:

  • The Works, The Works Cycle: I just love these places. Their product is incredible. Locations downtown and in Mt. Pleasant (cycle opens there soon).
  • CrossFit Rhapsody
  • Ethos looks like they have an amazing product offering and their branding is super.

I’m sure I’m missing some, but these are our personal faves and what we’ve liked! I won’t highlight where we have failed, but I should note we have had some bad experiences with Airbnb’s and the apartment rentals on Expedia, so we try to avoid those when possible! It’s easy to wander into tourist traps and I hate for anyone to waste a single meal there, so always feel free to reach out to me with any questions and I can either answer your questions or rely on Charleston friends to help! If you’re looking to shop, my personal faves are Pitt Street Kids in Mt. Pleasant, and Bennie and Coco on Sullivan’s Island. Obviously, King Street is full of good shopping and Georgia saves up all of her funds to shop at Pink Chicken a few times a year! I hope you enjoy our favorite place.

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