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The Best Spots for Barbecue in Charleston

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No one is surprised when they hear about the rise of Charleston’s food scene, and the expanse of barbecue restaurants is no exception. These five Charleston barbecue restaurants will give you plenty of southern food that you’ll be hungry to write home about.

Lewis Barbecue

Just two years ago, John Lewis changed the barbecue scene here in Charleston. Having established himself as a prized pitmaster in Austin, TX, he made his way to the Holy City to make his mark on Charleston with the opening of Lewis Barbecue. Welding the custom-designed smokers himself, Lewis wakes up at 4 a.m. to tend the fire that slow cooks meat for 18 hours.

 

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Welcome to the Monday morning smoke show. #pitcrew

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Rodney Scott’s

Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ is deep-rooted in heritage and tradition. At a young age, Scott learned to cook whole hog barbecue watching his family do the same in the hog pits they built behind their convenience store in Hemingway, SC.

Word got out about how good the smoked meats the Scott’s were selling out of their convenience store was and people began traveling hours each week just to try it. With so much popularity, Rodney Scott decided to leave the family business and open up his own BBQ joint here in Charleston in 2016. In 2018, Rodney was named the James Beard Best Chef in the Southeast for his restaurant.

Home Team BBQ

With several locations, now expanding as far as Aspen, CO, Home Team BBQ is a fresh and local-minded restaurant right down to their sauces. With experimentation always in mind, the Home Team crew is constantly looking for new and innovative ways to use smoked meats. With award-winning dishes, an expansive bar, and a fun, family-friendly environment, Home Team is the whole package!

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How much for one rib?

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Smoke BBQ

In the heart of Charleston on upper King Street is Smoke BBQ. Smoke is one of the most diverse options of the Charleston BBQ scene. With plenty to choose from, including tacos and pastrami that is cooked 16 hours, Smoke stands out in the crowd. Check it out the next time you’re downtown and looking for some southern barbecue.

Swig & Swine

Swig & Swine features classic, all-wood smoked barbecue that delivers the juiciest smoked meats the Lowcountry has to offer. With four locations in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and West Ashley, Swig & Swine restaurants are serving up to barbecue lovers all around.

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An Afternoon in the French Quarter

An afternoon spent in historic downtown Charleston is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re lucky enough to call the Lowcountry home or just stopping by for a visit, downtown Charleston provides the perfect setting for a summer afternoon. Just make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes while out exploring (we’re headed for cobblestone streets!) and get ready to enjoy the French Quarter.

Located on the southeastern corner of the peninsula (and with Broad, Meeting, East Bay, and South Market streets acting as its perimeters), the French Quarter gets its name from the French Huguenots that settled in the area seeking religious freedom. The historical significance of the area is apparent throughout the neighborhood, with well-known and well-loved churches peppering every street, including the French Huguenot and St. Philip’s Episcopal churches.

 

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Good morning from #Charleston

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History isn’t the only thing this charming area has to offer. The French Quarter is filled with delicious spots to grab a bite to eat, so start your afternoon by heading to lunch at Minero on East Bay St., where you’ll find a variety of affordable, quality, and casual Mexican dishes. If you’re feeling up to the challenge, you can even try to tackle their biggest menu item, simply named The Burrito, that is packed with flavorful and fresh ingredients. Also in the area are a few timeless Charleston classics such as Brown Dog Deli on Broad St. or Poogan’s Smokehouse on East Bay St. Both places offer quick lunch options so that you can move on to enjoying the rest of your afternoon.

 

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Taco game strong at Charleston Wine & Food. 🌮📷: @katkinsman

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After lunch, stroll down the cobblestone streets, popping into the countless art galleries that you’ll find on every street within the French Quarter. Narrow streets like Church, Cumberland, Chalmers, and Queen are full of galleries as well as Gallery Row on Broad. (We know, we’re shocked they have art galleries there too.) Wherever you go, you’re guaranteed to find something unlike any other, as many places support a combination of both well-known and up-and-coming artists.

After stopping into a few galleries, be sure to take a stroll over to Charleston Waterfront Park on Vendue Range for a great view of the Charleston Harbor and the Cooper River. Stop for a quick picture, enjoy the swings by the sea, and be sure to keep your eye out for some playful dolphins in the water below!

Finish off your afternoon with happy hour at one of the many bars throughout the French Quarter. The Blind Tiger Pub on Broad St. has $10 mimosa carafes (who says they’re just for brunch?!), but also plenty of cocktails and beers to choose from. For a sky-high view of the Holy City, check out the rooftop bar at The Vendue, which has been named the best rooftop bar every year since 2007 by the Charleston City Paper. For something off the beaten path, The Griffon Pub is your spot. The first thing visitors might be surprised by are the walls covered in dollar bills and the unique feel of the pub, providing an atmosphere that is both comfortable and special to Charleston.

 

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Rooftop on the rocks. Join us tonight for Happy Hour from 4-7pm.

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While Charleston is full of beautiful neighborhoods, it’s hard to beat an afternoon spent in the French Quarter.

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The Best Greek Food Restaurants in Charleston

Featured Image: Manny’s Restaurant

Greek food is not only wildly popular but also known to be extremely healthy. Luckily, Charleston has plenty of options for a top-class Mediterranean dining experience. Check out our top 5 here:find

#5: Platia Food Truck

This colorful food truck can be found conveniently parked right downtown on Spring Street. With incredible Greek classics, this restaurant on wheels has become a local favorite. Offering up all of the traditional meals from pita wraps to souvlaki, they’ve mastered their own twist on authentic Greek food making this an easy start to the list. Stop by for a fast and delicious bite.

4. Kairos Greek Kitchen

This counter-service Greek restaurant has locations in both West Ashley and Mount Pleasant, making it easier for you to get your Greek fix wherever you are in Charleston. With tons of options for salads and protein bowls, you can’t go wrong with this build-your-own-meal. Kairos is classic, customizable and, of course, tasty.

3. PaPa ZuZu’s

PaPa ZuZu’s is a local favorite, sitting in the heart of Mount Pleasant. Featuring authentic appetizers, salads, gyros and pita wraps, there is no shortage of variety at PaPa ZuZu’s! This restaurant will serve you some of the freshest food in the Holy City. It’s no surprise why Papa ZuZu’s is one of the best greek restaurants in Charleston.

2. Stella’s

 

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Another one from the Holy City. This evening. Stewed octopus, local okra, tomatoes, parsley, white wine, garlic, lemon. ✨

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Greek comfort food has been mastered at the downtown restaurant Stella’s. They feature options for meze (the Greek equivalent of tapas,) salads, and main entrees. With authentic Greek-style meats, including a fish of the day, Stella’s is one of Charleston’s finest for sure.

1. Manny’s Mediterranean Grille

Located in West Ashley, Manny’s has been a Charleston mainstay for over 25 years. With great food and a fun atmosphere, Manny’s offers every authentic Greek dish you could want. Using original family recipes, you simply can’t go wrong with a stop by Manny’s, putting it at the top of our list for the top Greek restaurants in Charleston!

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A Charleston Staple, the History of Shrimp and Grits

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A fresh seafood staple and this soulful Southern side have historically come together to create the perfect dish that we call shrimp and grits. We all know of it as one of the South’s most delicious staple meals – but how did shrimp and grits gain its popularity in the Lowcountry?

The answer is easy. The history of shrimp and grits started right here in the Lowcountry. The fancier, more sophisticated versions of the meal that we see today were not the beginning of shrimp and grits. The meal started as an easy dish for laborers on the coast to make. Fishermen would bring the ground corn to make grits and combine them in a single pot with what they caught that day, which was often shrimp, and boil it all with some salty seawater.

With two ingredients so available to those here in Charleston, the dish easily became a cultural icon. What was originally called “breakfast shrimp” or “shrimp and hominy” in some old cookbooks, became more widely known as shrimp and grits and was adopted into esteemed, local restaurants.

Today this dish has taken many variations from the original two ingredients. World class chefs in the Holy City have made this dish their own and brought a lot of attention from national and international news outlets. The Wall Street Journal even recognized these local restaurants as must-go-tos for shrimp and grits: Husk, Early Bird Diner, Red Drum, Nana’s Seafood & Soul and The Swamp Fox.

As The Charleston Insider says “all shrimp and grits are not created equal.” Some grits are cooked in milk, some in the traditional salt water. Some dishes have bacon, some have ham. Some have cheese, some have papers. Regardless of what type of shrimp and grits you’re eating, if you’re in Charleston, it’s safe to say that it will be one of your favorite meals of all time.

Eat & Drink

The Best Spots for Fresh Seafood in Charleston

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With Charleston being surrounded by water, it’s no surprise that seafood here is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. With tons of options for seafood restaurants, it may be hard to narrow down just where to go, so here are some of our favorite spots around town.

Crosby’s Fish and Shrimp Co.

Starting off this list is not a restaurant, but Charleston’s premier fish market. Located on Folly Rd., Crosby’s has a long-standing reputation of being one of the finest suppliers of seafood in the Lowcountry. They feature an ever-changing, yet always high-quality, massive selection of fresh seafood from the Charleston area local fishermen for you to take home and enjoy with the family. While you’re there, be sure to order any number of fresh-cooked seafood selections they have on their menu – from soft shell crab sandwiches to fried flounder.

Coast Bar & Grill

Coast is located in the alley off of John St and is widely regarded as one of the best seafood spots in Charleston. Listed by Explore Charleston as one of the 24 best spots to get oysters in the Holy City, Coast also brings its own style and flair to seafood with a wood-burning grill which gives their fresh catch of the day a different and amazing flavor.

Fleet Landing
Located literally on a dock extending into the water in Charleston’s historic district, Fleet Landing has been a local favorite for a number of years. With daily fresh catches, fried seafood platters, and plenty of good ol’ fried Southern food to go around, Fleet Landing is family-friendly and well known as a great place to go where there’s something on the menu for everyone.

167 Raw

One of Charleston’s newest and most popular restaurants, 167 Raw offers up a unique seafood experience. Located on East Bay St., their menu features a selection of oysters, samplers, fish tacos, and plenty more. However, 167 Raw is particularly lauded for its famous Lobster Roll, which many consider to be one of the best in Charleston.

The Darling Oyster Bar

Found on Upper King and one of the newest restaurants on this list is The Darling Oyster Bar. As the name suggests, their raw bar is their main feature and they usually have several different types of oysters from a variety of locations every night. Check them out for happy hour for dollar oysters and $2 Miller High Life ponies. In addition, they also have several hot entrees including a fresh market catch.

Hank’s Seafood Restaurant

Right in the middle of downtown Charleston, just a short walk from the Market on Hayne St. is Hank’s Seafood, which has been considered the standard for seafood in Charleston for years. With an expansive menu featuring tons of different options, you can’t go wrong at Hank’s. Their grilled swordfish with fried okra is a particular favorite amongst long-time fans. Hank’s has certainly earned its high reputation and is one of the best places to stop in The Holy City.

The Ordinary

On Upper King sits The Ordinary, a beautiful restaurant with a bar that is always packed with people. The Ordinary is anything but and features an extensive raw bar, both hot and cold appetizers and entrees, a fantastic lineup of daily specials and their signature shellfish tower. The Ordinary has been critically acclaimed as one of the best overall restaurants Charleston has to offer.

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Best Dessert Spots in Charleston

Featured Image: Peace Pie

Charleston is famous for its fantastic restaurants and bars, and those with a sweet tooth will find plenty of great places to get dessert as well. Check out our favorite dessert spots in the Holy City.

1. Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe
With locations both downtown on Market St and one in West Ashley, Kaminsky’s remains a Charleston classic. With delicious pies, cakes, cheesecakes, and even dessert-inspired martinis, Kaminsky’s has it all.

2. Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar
Carmella’s is one of Charleston’s premier dessert spots. Located on East Bay St, Carmella’s serves up both classic desserts and Italian specialties. Cannolis, gelato, sorbets, cakes, even drunken milkshakes are found here at Carmella’s.

3. Peace Pie
With two locations on Meeting St and King St, Peace Pie specializes in dessert with a twist, large ice cream sandwiches with pie filling. In 2017, Buzzfeed ranked this popular spot with the 18th best ice cream sandwich in the country. These unique creations are sure to please any dessert lover. The “Key Lime Pie” is particularly popular.

4. Saffron Cafe and Bakery
Found on East Bay St. in the heart of Downtown Charleston, Saffron serves up plenty of delicious dessert options. With tons of unique desserts and pastries, Saffron remains one of the top spots to sweeten up your Charleston visit. Try out their award-winning deserts or stop in for their Sunday buffet.

5. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Located on Upper King St, Jeni’s has a variety of ice cream flavors and options. From your classic flavors to unique options such as “goat cheese with red cherries,” there is something at Jeni’s for everyone. And with their home-made waffle cones and high-quality ingredients, Jeni’s more than deserves a spot on this list.

Eat & Drink

Best Things To Do in Charleston On a Rainy Day

Yes, it’s true. Even as America’s No. 1 city, Charleston still has its fair share of rainy days. When it’s a little too rainy to go to the beach, take a stroll down by the Battery or grab a drink at one of Charleston’s (many) rooftop bars, there’s still so much to explore in the Holy City. Take a peek at our top 5 rainy day activities below:

1. SC Aquarium: Take a trip to the SC Aquarium for a fun day indoors. Rain or shine, there are plenty of animals to see at the Aquarium. You can take a tour of the state of the art sea turtle hospital, visit the touch tank, or even stand out on the covered patio to try and spot some dolphins in the water below!

2. Museums: Charleston is chock-full of museums, so choose wisely and head out for a day of entertainment and education. Two local favorites are the Gibbes Museum, where you’ll find art, gardens and a charming little cafe, and the Charleston Museum, which claims the title as America’s first and oldest museum.

3. USS Yorktown: Spend the day in Mt. Pleasant on the USS Yorktown, one of the US Navy’s retired WWII battleships. A national historic monument, the USS Yorktown is home to the Medal of Honor Museum and the Vietnam Experience Exhibit.

4. The Alley: Food, drinks and fun – what more could you ask for on a rainy day? Head to The Alley for some bowling, pool and quality time with friends as you wait for the rain to pass. Be sure to get an order of their loaded tater tots too, you won’t regret it!

5. Escape Rooms: Take a trip to Escape in 60 or Escape Game Charleston with a few friends to see if you can beat the clock. An hour’s worth of riddles, puzzles and challenges awaits!

Even though Charleston is mostly known for sunny temps, plenty of beaches and beauty that can be found no matter where you walk, there are still plenty of things to do if it happens to rain. If your favorite rainy day activity isn’t included in our list above, let us know by clicking here!

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martini spots

The 5 Best Martini Spots in Charleston

The martini is one of the most iconic cocktails in the world dating back to the 1800s. Throughout the years it was often seen swooshing around in the hands of movie stars and singers, such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. The strong cocktail is known to make the drinker look and feel more confident and relaxed. Order it dry, wet, dirty, with a twist, shaken or stirred and hold it up proud.

Below we’ve ranked the best places to find a Martini in Charleston.

1. Halls Chophouse

What to order: Key Lime Martini, Sweet, and Spicy Martini, Jalapeno martini

2. High Cotton Restaurant

What to order: Katie’s Last Word, Espresso Martini

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Happy Hour #pineapplevodkamartini #chs

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3. Market Pavilion Rooftop Bar

What to order: Espresso Martini, Sweet Tea  Martini

4. O-Ku

What to order:  Habanero Vodka Martini, Sugar & Spice Martini

5. Grill 225

What to order: Sweet Tea Nitrotini, Chocolate Nitrotini

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Nitrotinis 🍸🌬

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