Unearth The Voyage
Charleston has earned its reputation as one of America’s greatest food cities, and nowhere does that shine brighter than in its Southern comfort food scene. From smoky barbecue joints to elegant Lowcountry dining rooms, the Holy City serves up soul-warming dishes that honor generations of tradition. Whether you’re craving perfectly fried chicken, creamy shrimp and grits, or slow-smoked ribs that fall off the bone, these restaurants deliver authentic flavors that’ll make you feel right at home.
1. Husk (Downtown)
Stepping into Husk feels like entering a Southern time capsule, but one where the past meets innovative cooking. Chef-driven menus change daily based on what local farmers and fishermen bring in, ensuring every visit offers something new.
The historic house setting adds charm to every meal, with creaky floors and vintage details creating an atmosphere that’s both fancy and welcoming. Their famous cheeseburger at the bar has achieved legendary status among locals and food critics alike.
Don’t skip the shrimp and grits, a dish that showcases why Husk has become a modern standard for what Southern cuisine can be. Reservations fill up fast, so plan ahead.
2. Poogan’s Porch (Downtown)
Since 1976, this beloved Victorian home has been serving comfort food that makes both tourists and Charleston natives feel like family. The story goes that a neighborhood dog named Poogan used to greet guests on the porch, and his spirit still watches over the place.
Their she-crab soup is silky perfection, rich with crab meat and just a hint of sherry that warms you from the inside out. The fried chicken arrives golden and crispy, with biscuits so fluffy they practically float off the plate.
Weekend brunch gets crowded, but the wait is worth it for food this good. The wraparound porch offers a peaceful spot to enjoy your meal.
3. Magnolias (Downtown)
When people talk about Charleston’s food revolution, Magnolias often comes up first. This upscale spot helped put Lowcountry cooking on the national map back in the 1990s and hasn’t slowed down since.
Their fried green tomatoes come topped with tangy remoulade, creating the perfect balance of crispy and creamy. Down South egg rolls stuff traditional collard greens and chicken into a crispy wrapper, proving that fusion can honor tradition.
The shrimp and grits here set the standard that other restaurants try to match. Service is polished but never stuffy, making special occasions feel even more memorable. Make reservations for dinner, especially during tourist season.
4. Slightly North of Broad (S.N.O.B.) (Downtown)
The playful acronym tells you this place doesn’t take itself too seriously, even though the food is seriously delicious. An open kitchen lets you watch chefs work their magic while the dining room buzzes with energy and conversation.
Local farmers and fishermen supply most ingredients, ensuring freshness in every bite of their famous shrimp and grits. The country ham-wrapped quail is an adventurous choice that pays off with layers of smoky, savory flavor.
Lunch crowds pack the place with business folks and shoppers, while dinner brings a more relaxed vibe. The Lowcountry soul shines through in every carefully crafted dish on the rotating menu.
5. 82 Queen (French Quarter)
Romance practically floats through the air in the beautiful garden courtyard, where Spanish moss and twinkling lights create magic after sunset. This French Quarter gem has been charming diners for decades with gracious Southern hospitality that feels genuine, never forced.
The she-crab soup flight lets you sample three different preparations of Charleston’s signature soup, each with its own personality. Their jambalaya brings Louisiana flavor to the Lowcountry with perfectly seasoned rice, plump shrimp, and spicy andouille sausage.
Multiple dining rooms mean you can choose your atmosphere, from intimate corners to lively gathering spaces. It’s a popular spot for proposals and anniversaries for good reason.
6. Fleet Landing (Waterfront)
Watching boats glide across Charleston Harbor while eating fresh seafood feels like the ultimate Lowcountry experience. This restored naval building honors its military past while serving some of the best waterfront dining in the city.
Their shrimp and grits benefit from seafood so fresh it was probably swimming that morning. Fried seafood platters arrive overflowing with crispy fish, shrimp, and oysters alongside classic Southern sides.
Outdoor seating is prime real estate during nice weather, offering breezes and views that make every meal feel like a mini vacation. Sunset dinners here are particularly spectacular, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.
7. The Glass Onion (West Ashley)
A daily blackboard menu means you never quite know what delicious surprises await, but you can bet everything will be made from locally sourced ingredients. This West Ashley favorite treats Southern comfort food with the respect it deserves, elevating home-style cooking without losing its soul.
Fried green tomatoes topped with pimento cheese is Southern perfection on a plate, tangy and creamy and crispy all at once. The catfish is always fresh, never fishy, with a cornmeal crust that shatters satisfyingly.
Seasonal sides change with what’s growing, so you might find butter beans in summer or collards in winter. Lines form early for weekend brunch.
8. Leon’s Oyster Shop (Upper King)
Part oyster bar, part fried chicken joint, all delicious. This Upper King charmer earned praise from the MICHELIN Guide for delivering exceptional value alongside exceptional taste.
The fried chicken is legendary, arriving perfectly crispy with meat so juicy it practically melts. Char-grilled oysters bubble with garlic butter and parmesan, offering a smoky twist on raw bar classics. Scalloped potatoes come creamy and golden, the ultimate comfort side dish.
The casual vibe and reasonable prices make it popular with younger crowds and families alike. Weekend waits can stretch long, but the fast-casual style means turnover happens quickly. Don’t leave without trying their soft-serve ice cream for dessert.
9. Rodney Scott’s BBQ (North Central)
A James Beard Award sits proudly on the wall, proof that Rodney Scott’s whole-hog barbecue has reached the highest levels of American cooking. The pitmaster’s dedication to traditional wood-fired methods creates smoky, tender meat that needs minimal sauce.
Pulled pork plates come piled high with meat that’s been cooking low and slow for hours. Spare ribs fall off the bone, leaving your fingers sticky and your taste buds dancing.
Collard greens simmer with just the right amount of vinegar tang, while banana pudding provides the sweet finish every barbecue meal deserves. The no-frills atmosphere keeps the focus where it belongs: on the food.
10. Millers All Day (King Street + James Island)
Breakfast lovers rejoice because Millers serves morning comfort all day long at two convenient locations. Biscuits here are the real deal, fluffy and buttery, perfect vehicles for country ham or fried chicken.
The grits bowl lets you customize your Southern staple with toppings ranging from shrimp to pork belly. Their fried chicken biscuit has developed a cult following, combining crispy poultry with soft bread and a drizzle of honey.
Don’t overlook the pie selection, which changes seasonally but always delivers home-baked goodness. The casual atmosphere welcomes everyone from construction workers to families with messy toddlers. Coffee is strong and refills come quickly.
11. Page’s Okra Grill (Mount Pleasant)
Families pack this Mount Pleasant favorite for hearty portions and friendly service that makes everyone feel welcome. The menu covers breakfast, brunch, lunch, and supper, ensuring you can satisfy Southern comfort cravings any time of day.
Chicken and waffles arrive as a sweet and savory masterpiece, with crispy poultry perched atop fluffy Belgian waffles. Their shrimp and grits compete with downtown versions at half the price.
Sweet potato pancakes offer a uniquely Southern breakfast twist, naturally sweet and perfectly fluffy. Kids eat free on certain nights, making it budget-friendly for big families. Weekend brunch lines move steadily, and the wait is always worth it.
12. Nigel’s Good Food (Multiple Locations)
Their motto says it all: just what your soul needs. Gullah-inspired dishes honor the African American cooking traditions that shaped Lowcountry cuisine, delivering flavors that run deep with history and heart.
Geechie wings are sticky, spicy, and impossible to stop eating once you start. The shrimp and grits here bring authentic Gullah preparation methods to every creamy, satisfying bite. Lowcountry boil arrives as a glorious mess of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes, perfect for sharing.
Multiple locations around Charleston make it easy to get your fix. The casual atmosphere and generous portions mean you’ll leave full and happy without emptying your wallet.
13. Gillie’s Seafood (James Island)
Just minutes from downtown, this family-run gem serves Lowcountry and soul food with the kind of care that only comes from generational recipes. Locals know Gillie’s as the spot for authentic flavors without the tourist prices.
Seafood platters overflow with fried fish, shrimp, and oysters, all caught locally and fried to golden perfection. Red rice, a Lowcountry staple, gets its color and flavor from tomatoes and spices, serving as the perfect side.
Mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy comfort in a bowl, the kind that reminds you of family dinners. The no-nonsense atmosphere keeps things real, focusing on good food rather than fancy decor.
14. Swig & Swine (West Ashley & Area)
All-wood smoking creates the kind of deep, complex flavors that barbecue fanatics dream about. This local favorite has expanded to multiple locations because Charleston couldn’t get enough of their smoky goodness.
Pork belly is melt-in-your-mouth tender with a caramelized bark that adds textural contrast. Brisket slices reveal perfect smoke rings, proof of hours spent tending the fire. Hash and rice, a South Carolina specialty, offers a unique alternative to typical barbecue sides.
Banana pudding provides the sweet, creamy finish that barbecue meals demand. The casual setup means you can come as you are, whether that’s dressed up or straight from the beach.
15. Home Team BBQ (Downtown)
Barbecue purists and wing lovers unite at this crowd-pleasing spot that does both exceptionally well. The late-night menu means you can satisfy barbecue cravings even after other restaurants close.
Dry-rub wings with Alabama white sauce offer a tangy, creamy twist on traditional buffalo wings that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew. Pulled pork is smoky and tender, needing just a splash of their house sauce to reach perfection.
Mac and cheese is rich and creamy, the ultimate comfort side. The lively atmosphere includes games and sports on TV, making it perfect for casual gatherings with friends. Multiple locations mean you’re never far from good barbecue.
