Support Us Button Widget

Hidden in plain sight

Courtyard at the Palmetto Cafe

Courtyard at the Palmetto Cafe | Photo by @downeastliving

Table of Contents

12 quintessential Charleston courtyards

October has arrivedand, 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.

entrance to peninsula grill courtyard

Courtyard at the Peninsula Grill | Photo by @seersuckerandtweed

The Palmetto Cafe
📍 205 Meeting St.

palmetto cafe courtyard

Courtyard at the Palmetto Cafe | Photo by @downeastliving

Brown Dog Deli
📍 40 Broad St.

courtyard at brown dog deli

The courtyard at Brown Dog Deli | Photo by the CHStoday team

82 Queen
📍82 Queen St.

The courtyard at 82 Queen

The courtyard at 82 Queen is known as the ‘Queen’s Terrace’ | Photo by @alexisashleyt

Sermet’s Courtyard
📍115 River Landing Dr. #101, Daniel Island

courtyard at sermet's courtyard

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

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.

The courtyard outside Workshop + Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. | Photo by @dictionarydesigns

Cafes + Specialty Shops

Huriyali
📍401 Huger St.

Courtyard at Huriyali

Courtyard at Huriyali | Photo by @southvestgroup

Christophe Artisan Chocolatier
📍90 Society St.

The courtyard at Christophe Artisan Chocolatier

The courtyard at Christophe Artisan Chocolatier | Photo by @pcmesher

Kudu Coffee + Craft Beer
📍4 Vanderhorst St.

courtyard at kudu coffee and craft beer

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

Courtyard at Zero George | Photo by @5thandmagnolia

Kings Courtyard Inn
📍198 King St.

the courtyard at kings courtyard inn

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

More from CHStoday
We want to know — which Holy CIty restaurant or meal sparks nostalgia in your heart and belly, and why?
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.
The City of Charleston’s Lowcountry Lowline project has been in the works for years and is set to
Whether you’re planing to dine in or carry-out, we’ve rounded up some options for Thanksgiving dinner in Charleston that don’t involve getting the kitchen dirty.
Thanks to the Beyond Our Gates Foundation, 173 children will receive custom bikes, helmets, locks, and bike pumps in a upcoming giveaway.
Join Charleston’s top bartenders as they compete for the best tequila cocktail while supporting Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
This Veterans Day you may consider supporting one of the several veteran-focused organizations in the Lowcountry that work all year to support veterans.
The approval of a tax increment financing district will help fund the high-profile development on the edge of the eastern Charleston Peninsula.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Here’s the need-to-know information. 🗳
This well-known John Ravenel House is located in historic downtown Charleston and is on the market for the first time in almost a decade.