Best restaurants in Charleston

Legend Deli

Counter-order deli on George Street slinging sandwiches and cold beer steps from the College of Charleston.

Lewis Barbecue

Texas-style brisket and hot guts in a big open-air pit yard on the upper peninsula.

Home Team BBQ

Bustling tavern serving generous portions of smoked meat & Southern sides, plus frequent live music.

Alvin Ord's Sandwich Shop - James Island

Counter sandwich shop on Folly Road where James Island locals queue for deli-built subs at lunch.

Swig & Swine

House-smoked meats & creative sides served in a funky BBQ spot with outdoor seating, beer & bourbon.

Page's Okra Grill

Generous portions of casual Southern-focused home cooking are served all day at this lively eatery.

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint

Tennessee whole-hog pit barbecue outfit on Highland Ave, with live music and cold beer to back it up.

Metro Diner

Local diner chain serving classic American breakfast & lunch fare in a warm atmosphere.

Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream & Sandwich Cafe- Mt. Pleasant

Local chain serving ice cream & shakes, plus sandwiches & sides, in a low-key, retro space.

Rodney Scott's BBQ

Whole-hog pitmaster Rodney Scott's flagship. Wood-burned pork, white bread, hot sauce.

Circe's Grotto

Tucked-away sandwich shop on Wentworth Street serving lunch with outdoor seating and coffee.

Home Team BBQ

Bustling tavern serving generous portions of smoked meat & Southern sides, plus frequent live music.

Thailicious Thai Cuisine and Hotpot

Thai kitchen and hot pot spot tucked into a Magwood Drive strip center, serving beer alongside build-your-own broth pots and Bangkok staples.

Bon Banh Mi Southeast Asian Kitchen

Bright counter-serve spot offering build-your-own banh mi sandwiches, tacos & salads.

Thai Elephants Restaurant (James Island)

Casual place with ornate, traditional decor offering classic Thai dishes as well as Japanese sushi.

Porchetta Shop

Counter-service spot on President Street built around porchetta sandwiches, with coffee and rotating small plates.

Hugh-Baby's BBQ & Burger Shop

Counter-service burger and BBQ joint on St. Andrews Blvd, slinging smash burgers and smoked meats to West Ashley regulars.

By the Grace of GRITS Catering

North Charleston catering operation specializing in Southern comfort food and barbecue for weddings and private events.

King BBQ

Chinese-run barbecue spot on Carver Avenue in North Charleston, pulling steady locals with smoked meat and a full bar.

Mango Tree Thai Cafe

Neighborhood Thai spot on Huger Street serving curries, noodles, and beer in a low-key strip mall setting.

ThaiZapp Restaurant and bar

Straightforward restaurant offering traditional Thai cuisine, including chicken satay & dumplings.

Dukes Barbecue

Casual restaurant dishing up Southern barbecue classics at a buffet or via a drive-thru.

Frothy Beard Brewing Company

West Ashley craft brewery slinging pizza and wings alongside rotating house beers in a casual, family-friendly taproom.

The Grit Counter - North Charleston

Counter-service spot on W Montague dishing grits bowls, burgers, and seafood in no-frills North Charleston digs.

Swig & Swine Mount Pleasant

Pit-smoked barbecue joint off SC-41 in Mount Pleasant, with beer, wine, and a loyal following of 873 reviewers.

Crust Wood Fired Pizza

Wood-fired Neapolitan pies and Italian wine on Maybank Highway, tucked into a James Island strip mall.

Basil Park Circle

Traditional & contemporary Thai dishes like curries in a stylish small-chain outpost.

East Bay Deli - West Ashley

Local deli chain doling out made-to-order sandwiches along with salads, baked potatoes & hot dogs.

Tasty Thai & Sushi

Neighborhood strip-mall Thai and sushi spot on Coleman Boulevard, steady enough to earn loyal Mt. Pleasant regulars over the years.

Mellow Mushroom Charleston - West Ashley

Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas.

KING STREET FOODS

Fast-casual counter on King Street serving sushi burritos and poke bowls where Hawaiian and Japanese overlap.

Caviar & Bananas - Gourmet Market & Cafe

Gourmet market & cafe offering a range of eats, including sandwiches, salads & pastries.

Poogan's Smokehouse

Industrial-chic hot spot serving locally sourced, traditional Southern BBQ & stylish cocktails.

Melvin's BBQ - James Island

Family-friendly BBQ eatery serving ribs & other Southern dishes in casual, woodsy surrounds.

Swig & Swine

Woody's Pizza

Casual quick-serve shop serving pizzas, subs & salads near the beach.

Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q

Laid-back chain known for slow-cooked BBQ & cheese biscuits, plus burgers, salads & classic sides.

Melvin's BBQ - Mt Pleasant

Family-friendly BBQ eatery serving ribs & other Southern dishes in casual, woodsy surrounds.

Southern Roots Smokehouse

Low-key outlet for smoked meats & classic sides served in a rustic BBQ spot with beers & cocktails.

CO Restaurant

Hip choice for contemporary twists on Southeast Asian staples like pho, banh mi & dumplings.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Health-conscious cafe chain featuring a menu of custom smoothies, sandwiches & wraps.

Belle Station Sports Bar & Grill

Neighborhood sports bar off Highway 17 with pizza, sandwiches, and dog-friendly patio in the Belle Hall corridor.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Health-conscious cafe chain featuring a menu of custom smoothies, sandwiches & wraps.

Bessinger's BBQ

Landmark no-frills barbecue joint with meat slow-cooked in a wood-fire pit, plus outdoor seating.