“Classic”: serving as a standard of excellence: of recognized value (traditional, enduring).
We recently asked y’all, “When you think of a “classic” local restaurant in Charleston, what comes to mind?” We were pleasantly surprised at the volume of mouth-watering responses we received.
To make your dinner (or lunch, brunch, dessert, etc.) time decision less daunting, we narrowed down the list to 14 restaurants that encompass history, classic dishes (like shrimp + grits) + a strong, local pull.
82 Queen, 82 Queen St.
Photo via @82queenchas
Type of food: Southern
Price range: $$$
Open for: Lunch, dinner, Sat. + Sun. brunch
82 Queen delivers handcrafted + sophisticated Southern cooking, focusing on locally-sourced ingredients + techniques.
Order this: She-crab soup (comes with a sherry floater)
Magnolias, 185 E Bay St.
Photo via @jens_wandering_
Type of food: Southern
Price range: $$$
Open for: Lunch, dinner, Sun. brunch
At Magnolias, critically acclaimed “upscale Southern cuisine” meets contemporary-style cooking.
Order this: Lowcountry bouillabaisse
Poogan’s Porch, 72 Queen St.
Photo via @findingmywayee
Type of food: Southern
Price range: $$$
Open for: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
This Charleston staple located in a historical downtown home dishes up classic Southern fare in the comfort of *not* your own home. Fun fact: Poogan was the name of the neighborhood dog that loved spending time on the porch.
Order this: Chicken + waffles
Fleet Landing, 186 Concord St.
Photo via @fleetlanding
Type of food: Seafood
Price range: $$
Open for: Lunch, dinner
Dubbed as Charleston’s ‘best waterfront dining’, Fleet Landing is known for providing exceptional fresh local seafood + phenomenal views right on the Cooper River.
Order this: Shrimp + grits (it was our champion, after all)
Martha Lou’s Kitchen, 1068 Morrison Dr.
Photo via @srplifestagram
Type of food: Soul food
Price range: $
Open for: Lunch, dinner
Martha Lou Gadsden creates a homey atmosphere for her customers – Famous patrons include Martha Stewart and Anthony Bourdain.
Order this: Fried chicken… obviously (and their corn bread)
Husk, 76 Queen St.
Photo via @crampedstyleblog
Type of food: American
Price range: $$$
Open for: Lunch, dinner, Sun. brunch
Husk focuses on dishes built around ingredients which are indigenous to the region, playing to what local purveyors have at any given week – i.e. this menu changes frequently for one of the freshest farm-to-table experiences you’ll ever have.
Order this: Any of their specials… or go for the Husk cheeseburger
Slightly North of Broad, 192 E Bay St.
Type of food: Southern
Price range: $$$
Open for: Lunch, dinner, Sun. brunch
Nestled in an 18th-century warehouse prominently displayed on East Bay St., S.N.O.B. is a classic Charleston restaurant that you have to try at least once.
Order this: Heritage Farms pork chop
Hank’s Seafood, 10 Hayne St.
Photo via @hanksseafood
Type of food: Seafood
Price range: $$$
Open for: Dinner
There is a reason that Hank’s Seafood has been awarded the ‘Best Seafood Restaurant in Charleston’ for 18 consecutive years. When stopping in for a bite, you’ll enjoy the freshness of a carefully-curated menu featuring caught-that-day entrees.
Order this: Seafood a la Wando
Page’s Okra Grill, 302 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant
Photo via @kimstein.fit
Type of food: Southern
Price range: $$
Open for: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Page’s Okra Grill – a certified locals hangout – is known for their generous portions + wide variety of food selections.
Order this: Filet Mignon Salisbury steak
Peninsula Grill, 112 N Market St.
Type of food: Southern
Price range: $$$$
Open for: Dinner
With a name like this, the Peninsula Grill encompasses the charm of Charleston in an upscale fine dining setting. Pro-Tip: Start the evening off by popping some bubbly at their champagne bar.
Order this: Coconut cake
39 Rue De Jean, 39 John St.
Photo via @39ruedejean
Type of food: French
Price range: $$
Open for: Lunch, dinner, Sun. brunch
39 Rue De Jean is the crème de la crème when it comes to the French food scene in Charleston. Sporting a menu dedicated exclusively to rosé, a surprising amount of sushi rolls, and an unbeatable ambiance (thanks to being nestled in the heart of downtown Charleston), it’s no surprise that it’s a local favorite.
Order this: Onion soup gratinée
Bowen’s Island Restaurant, 1870 Bowens Island Rd., James Island
Type of food: Seafood
Price range: $$
Open for: Dinner
Fresh local seafood, all you can eat oysters + a casual nautical setting on the water makes for a great night out on Folly Beach.
Order this: Frogmore stew
Jestine’s Kitchen, 251 Meeting St.
Photo via @lightlings
Type of food: Southern
Price range: $$
Open for: Lunch, dinner
Jestine’s Kitchen wears the crown when it comes to authentically home-cooked Southern cuisine. Expect large portions + a casual setting for this traditional soul food experience.
Order this: Pecan fried whiting
Fast and French, 98 Broad St.
Photo via @luxsimplified
Type of food: French
Price range: $
Open for: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Fast and French, also known as Gaulart & Maliclet, offers a unique French-inspired dining experience.
Order this: Fondue
