A unique dining experience awaits at Shokudô | Photo by Andrew Cebulka
Looking for the next new restaurant hitting the Holy City’s food scene? Check out these buzzy places to eat and drink in Charleston — plus, some spots coming soon. Keep tabs on this list to stay ahead of the culinary curve. And don’t forget to bookmark it.
December openings
Annie Mae’s Bakeshop, 185 St Philip St. | Bakery
After years of supplying restaurants with fresh breads and desserts, the team is giving locals a dedicated spot in downtown Charleston for house-made treats, hand-blended teas, and more.
Bar Weems, 1921 Reynolds Ave. | Ramen
Previously a pop-up, now a brick-and-mortar restaurant, delicious grub fills the menu. We’re fans of the shoyu ramen + wood ear mushrooms.
November openings
Shokudô, 479 King St. | Japanese cuisine
The former home of Macintosh and Maya has a new eatery. Leading the kitchen is Chef Masatomo Hamaya, who was born and raised in Japan and trained at a culinary school in Tokyo.
Novant Health foot and ankle specialist Dr. William Corey emphasizes that a gradual transition is key to getting the most out of this footwear. Runners and walkers new to zero-drop shoes should ease in slowly and consider their foot mechanics to enjoy the benefits safely.
Your favorite fictional treasure hunters are returning to the small screen soon. Outer Banks finished filming its fifth and final season in Charleston just before Christmas, and it will air on Netflix at some point next year. (Post and Courier)
Traffic
A portion of Mount Pleasant’s Pitt Street Bridge is temporarily closing. Crews will start digging around the bridge on Monday, Jan. 5 to uncover more information about the bridge’s construction. Expect disruption for around a week. (ABC 4)
Trending
Every new year, there’s typically an uptick in people searching for local gyms. If that’s on your radar entering 2026, there are lots of places to get a sweat on in the Holy City for people of all abilities.
Try This
Have you heard of Veganuary? Since 2014, millions of people across the globe have used January to reduce how many animal products they eat. If you want to take part, Charleston’s meat-free eats await.
Seasonal
Have you undecked the halls yet? When asked, 67% of our readers said they keep festive decorations around after the holiday is over. If you’re ready to ditch the decor, consider donating to a local charity.
Kids
It looks like mermaids are about to be part of our world again thanks to the South Carolina Aquarium. The facility is teasing an amphibian announcement, slated for next month. When we know more, you’ll know more.
Watch
Life can be loud, both in-person and online. Take a moment to pause, breathe, and enjoy the natural sounds of Shem Creek.
The Word
Betwixtmas. That’s the new word for the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve — aka a time period that many describe as feeling “meaningless.” If you’re struggling to fill your Betwixtmas, we recommend exploring our events calendar. (KVUE)
Read
Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It’s free to subscribe.*
Psst — today only, choose between a free Nighttime Nourisher or High Dose Hero with any purchase of Canary’s science-backed supplements. Think: waking up rested with energy, easing joint pain the natural way, or optimizing urinary tract health.*
A personalized weight loss plan from Noom. Begin the new year by trying Noom’s science-backed program that blends cutting-edge technology with expert coaching to drive lasting behavior change. Take this 5-minute quiz to receive a plan that’s tailored to your goals for 2026.
While I grumbled about New Year’s Eve socializing in yesterday’s newsletter, I forgot to clarify that I do adore the new year itself. Its renewed sense of optimism can provide a fresh start, new habits, and a revitalized outlook on life. Before then, how about one more night on the town tonight?
From my family to yours: Happy New Year. May it bring you many blessings, good health, and an abundance of love.
}})
