12 quintessential Charleston courtyards
October has arrived– and, as usual, it forgot to bring with it the other staples of autumn. We’re still weeks, if not months away from getting that cool fall breeze.
In my humble opinion, however, October in the Lowcountry does have its perks: one, the humidity feels slightly less oppressive than it was back in September, and two, my fall allergies haven’t kicked in quite as much as they will in November. So I opt to embrace the faux-fall air with one of my favorite activities: dining al-fresco. And what better place to do that than in one of Charleston’s hidden courtyards?
By definition, a courtyard is essentially an outdoor space defined by the walls of surrounding buildings. And little defines the Holy City’s charm better than a courtyard.
Read on to learn where you can find these ‘secret garden’-esque hideaways around CHS.
Bars + Restaurants
Peninsula Grill
📍112 North Market St.

Courtyard at the Peninsula Grill | Photo by @seersuckerandtweed
The Palmetto Cafe
📍 205 Meeting St.

Courtyard at the Palmetto Cafe | Photo by @downeastliving
Brown Dog Deli
📍 40 Broad St.
82 Queen
📍82 Queen St.
Sermet’s Courtyard
📍115 River Landing Dr. #101, Daniel Island

Sermet’s Courtyard on Daniel Island is located near the banks of the Wando River + is a great place to stop for lunch after a casual stroll by the water. | Photo by @ivvycheng
Blind Tiger Pub
📍36-38 Broad St.

The courtyard at Blind Tiger | Photo by @just_jackson
Workshop + Edmund’s Oast Brewery Co.
📍1503 King St. Ext.

The courtyard outside Workshop + Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. | Photo by @dictionarydesigns
Cafes + Specialty Shops
Huriyali
📍401 Huger St.

Courtyard at Huriyali | Photo by @southvestgroup
Christophe Artisan Chocolatier
📍90 Society St.

The courtyard at Christophe Artisan Chocolatier | Photo by @pcmesher
Kudu Coffee + Craft Beer
📍4 Vanderhorst St.

You want coffee but your friend wants craft beer... what do you do? Enjoy both in Kudu Coffee + Craft Beer’s quiet courtyard next to a tranquil fountain. | Photo by @hayleysykes5
Hotels
Zero George
📍0 George St.

Courtyard at Zero George | Photo by @5thandmagnolia
Kings Courtyard Inn
📍198 King St.

The Kings Courtyard Inn | Photo by aesthetically__pleasing__
//
Can’t get enough of Charleston’s charming little oases? Try exploring a few of the city’s many pocket parks around downtown.
What’s your favorite place to go to escape the madness of the day-to-day? Let me know in the comments below.
– Jen