Charleston food

Best Fried Chicken in Charleston

If there’s one thing Charleston does well, it’s fried chicken. This Southern delicacy is a must-have during a visit to the Holy City. Fried Chicken is a staple here, so much so that we have a day dedicated to celebrating the dish. While nothing beats your age-old family recipe, our local restaurants run a close second. Craving this down south dish? Well, you will be after reading our list of the best fried chicken Charleston has to offer.

Here’s a round-up of the best places to get fried Chicken in Charleston on National Fried Chicken day, Monday, July 6th.

Boxcar Betty’s

You’ll want to get a second helping after a visit to Boxcar Betty’s. The local’s favorite gourmet fried chicken sandwich is award-winning, actually. Betty’s took home Buzzfeed’s “Best of Sandwich Shops in SC” title in 2019. With locations in North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and West Ashley, you’re never too far from a Boxcar!

Leon’s Oyster Shop

Don’t be fooled by the Oyster Shop name, Leon’s features delicious fried chicken alongside they’re famous seafood. This old garage turned restaurant will leave you licking your fingers. If the table’s feeling hungry, order the Leon’s Big Chicken Platter for the whole bird and two large sides.

Dave’s Carry Out

If you aren’t paying attention, you might accidentally miss this hole in the wall restaurant. Nestled in the historic neighborhood on the corner of Morris and Coming, Dave’s Carry Out serves food for the soul. While they’re not open on Monday, you can stop in on Tuesday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. for their home recipe style fried chicken wings.

Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit

Buttermilk biscuits and petit fried chicken, can you think of anything better? Callie’s has it all at their King and Market street locations. You’ll want to add a side of pimento cheese to this decadent dish. Make sure to get em’ while their hot, Charleston!

Edmund’s Oast

Grab your lunch box, or should we say Edmond’s Oast’s “Lunchbox.” This fried chicken sammy is all the entre you could want and more. If you’re dining with friends, go for the “Porch Picnic,” as you won’t want to go hungry. Head to Edmund’s Oast on Morrison Drive from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. for a lip-smacking bite of fresh fried chicken.

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Charleston Farmers Markets to Check Out

Making plans for the weekend? Join local Lowcountry farmers as they open for essential goods as mini-markets during COVID-19. You don’t have to forgo your favorite stands and sellers. They’re now available under new guidelines and restrictions. With plenty of farm-fresh produce, you’re sure to find what you need while enjoying the displays.

Downtown Charleston

This farmers market is known for its music, delicious food, and lively atmosphere. Though its 2020 Opening Day is still TBD, its return will be filled with all of the above. You can find the sellers at Marion Square on King and Calhoun St. from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturdays, pending its return.

Mount Pleasant Farmers Market

Open as an essential farm goods supplier, the Mount Pleasant farmers market offers a festival-like atmosphere to their approach. The Coleman Boulevard gathering is still open for business during COVID-19, though their vendor list has since been limited. Join the band of vendors every Tuesday from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. for live music and organic crops.

Sea Island Farmers Market

As of May 17th, Sea Island’s back every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Hosted at Charleston Collegiate’s campus, this farmers market is a paradise for produce. Each vendor sells their goods as a way of bringing the community together. Check out their calendar to see what’s on the lineup.

James Island Farmers Market

Join James Island locals for “Sunday Brunch” behind The Pour House on Maybank Hwy. Recently voted best Pop-up Market by Charleston City Paper’s “best-of” awards, you can expect high-quality goods from this welcoming locale. Open from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for a Sunday-Funday you can enjoy with the family!

Eat & Drink

The Best Rooftop Bars in Charleston

Open-air restaurants are all the rage this summer, as establishments adhere to COVID-19 guidelines. Luckily, Charlestonians already love to dine outdoors. While many restaurants are finding ways to create more patio seating, nothing quite compares to a rooftop view. Here’s a roundup of the best rooftop bars in Charleston for the next time you decide to hit the town.

Stars Rooftop & Grill Room

This King Street beauty has a short, but sweet, rotating menu. With stellar drinks and a downtown view, this establishment is nothing short of fabulous. Locals love the weekend Brunch as it’s known iconically for their decadent selection. Pop a cork and cheer mimosas with friends on their open-air rooftop.

The Rooftop Bar at The Vendue

Enjoy al fresco lunch on the highrise patio at this chic hotel. For lively atmosphere and Southern architecture views, join the folks at the Vendue. On hotter days, a Strawberry Basil Lemonade will quench your thirst. Their plethora of seating offers options for parties of all sizes.

The Watch

You’ll forget to check your watch as time spent on the rooftop of the Restoration Hotel is time well spent. Guests will want to head to the restaurant at sunset for an incredible Holy City golden hour. As you soak up the last of the sun, share appetizers while picking through their selection of sweet libations.

Revelry Brewing

Calling all IPA drinkers! This rooftop brewery is young, lively, and perfect for an evening escape. Their large selection of home-brewed beer is iconic in this city. Crack a cold one safely outdoors at this large beer garden.

Red’s Ice House

Ditch downtown and head to Shem Creek for sunset drinks at Reds. The motto here? “Inside is boring!” Enjoy this laid back setting for seafood and drinks as you watch boats float by. The occasional dolphin even makes an appearance along the creek!

Eat & Drink

National Doughnut Day

National doughnut day is nearly upon us. Every June 5th, doughnut shops across the country pass out sugary bites, free of charge. The holiday was originally created not as a marketing ploy, but rather a way to boost morale for soldiers in World War I back in 1938. Considering we could all use a reason to celebrate, here’s a round-up of participating doughnut shops in Charleston.

Krispy Kreme

Over these last few months, time has seemed to be on a course of its own. Days feel like weeks and weeks feel like days. The good news? Krispy Kreme gets it. Instead of celebrating national doughnut day on its usual June 5th, this year you can get your favorite doughnut, free of charge from June 1st – 5th. Limited to one doughnut per person. For more information visit here.

Dunkin’ Donuts

As if we needed another excuse to go to Dunkin! This national donut day they’re offering what they call, “The Sweet Treat American Deserves.” Participating locations will be offering a free donut of your choosing with any beverage purchase on June 5th. You’ll want to stop in quick before they run out of your favorite sprinkled treat. In case you can’t make it on the 5th, order off GrubHub from June 6th-7th for a free half dozen on all orders $10 or more. Interested in free donuts for a year? All it takes is your best slogan ideas answering the question, “What does The Donut Party stand for to you?” To enter, use the #DunkinDonutPartySweepstakes on Instagram. For more information visit here.

Duck Donuts

Not one, not two, but three days of celebrating is in store for Duck Donuts’ lovers. From June 5th – 7th all online, app, or carry-out orders will be receiving a free cinnamon sugar donut. And if you download their rewards app prior to June 4th, a second cinnamon sugar donut will be headed home with you! For more information visit here.

Eat & Drink

Results Are In: The Top 10 Overall Restaurants In Charleston

Featured Image Source: Peninsula Grill Facebook

The results are in and OpenTable users have spoken.

Each month OpenTable reads hundreds of thousands of reviews and sorts the results by category to help users discover new, delicious food.

Here are the top ten restaurants to try in Charleston according to OpenTable users:

1. McCrady’s Restaurant

McCrady’s is a tasting-menu-only restaurant located in historic downtown, Charleston. A meal here is $125 per person and is worth the splurge. The restaurant holds the honor of a AAA Five-Diamond Award and is one of Wine Enthusiast’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants in America. Looking to pair a glass of wine with your food? Alcoholic pairings are $80 per person and $160 per person for reserve pairings.

2. Charleston Grill

Located in the fabulous Charleston Place Hotel, Charleston Grill offers Lowcountry cuisine with a French accent. If you’re really looking to go all out and make for an impressively romantic evening, you can dine in the private Vinter’s Room featuring walls of glass-fronted wine cellars showing off their magnificent collection from around the world.

3. Cru Cafe

Looking for some comfort food? Try Cru Cafe. It’s a favorite among tourists and locals and is in a classic single-style Charleston home off the beaten path. It’s consistently ranked as one of the top eateries in Charleston and we can see why.

4. Peninsula Grill

Peninsula Grill is truly a Charleston gem. With delicious food, a beautiful courtyard to dine in, and a fabulous champagne room offering some of the world’s best champagne, it’s no surprise Peninsula Grill made the list. It’s been recognized by several publications including Conde Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, The New York Times, Southern Living, Travel + Leisure, and others.

5. Circa 1886

If there’s one thing we can say about Circa 1886, it’s that Circa 1886 is unlike any other Charleston restaurant. Inspired by dishes from around the world, Chef Marc Collins curated a menu that offers a Lowcountry spin on many well-known dishes.

6. Ella & Ollie’s

One of the two restaurants on the list that is not in downtown, Charleston, Ella & Ollie’s is located on Edisto Island and is a cute southern seafood restaurant. Their food is so loved that they opened a second space next door using the same inspiration and ingredients to create tacos unlike any other.

7. Indaco

Indaco is the only Italian restaurant in Charleston to make the list and we can’t argue it. Indaco offers a great atmosphere, delicious dishes, and one-of-a-kind cocktails that make for a great birthday dinner, anniversary, or just a regular night.

8. Oak Steakhouse

There is no shortage of amazing steakhouses in Charleston and with Oak being the only steakhouse on the list, it’s obviously a must-eat in the Lowcountry. With an exquisite selection of signature cuts, delicious seafood specialties, and a great selection of vegetarian options, Oak Steakhouse has earned its spot on this list.

9. 843 Korean BBQ & Sushi House

The second of the two restaurants not in downtown, Charleston, 843 Korean BBQ & Sushi House is located in North Charleston. It’s dinner and a show at this restaurant as the chefs prepare your dinner right at your table. More of a sushi fan? Try one of their delicate sushi rolls prepared by sushi artists.

10. The Macintosh

Closing out the list is The Macintosh, known for their local ingredients. Executive Chef and partner Jeremiah Bacon creates his menu using seasonal ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. And, once you finish your dinner and drinks here you can head upstairs to its sister lounge, Cocktail Club for a delicious cocktail.

Which one will you try first?

To view the list and make a reservation visit OpenTable, here.

Eat & Drink

5 Charleston Oyster Happy Hours That Are A Shuckin’ Good Time

What’s better than happy hour? Happy hour with oysters.

Here are a few of our favorite oyster happy hours around Charleston:

Chubby Fish

Tucked away in Charleston’s Historic Elliotborough neighborhood, Chubby Fish proudly serves local sustainable seafood and produce. For happy hour, Tuesday through Saturday locally-sourced, shucked-to-order oysters are only $1. Even better, you can pair them with $2 Tecates or $6 glasses of Oysterman wine from French importer Frederick Corriher.

The Darling Oyster Bar

Located on King Street, pedestrians can see the stunning interior of the Darling Oyster Bar from the huge windows looking into the restaurant. During the week, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., select oysters are only $1. Sit at the raw bar for a great view of King Street while enjoying a $2 Miller High Life Pony alongside your dollar oysters.

Rappahannock Oyster Bar

Tucked away in the newly renovated 19th-century cigar factory, Rappahannock Oyster Bar offers half-off oysters from its Virginia farms and $1 dollar select oysters Monday through Friday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Discounted bar snacks, as well as beer and wine selections, go along great with the bivalves.

The Ordinary

Known for its top class seafood, at top class prices, Charleston residents and visitors can experience the well-known seafood mecca with half-price oysters from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.

Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar

It’s hard to find a better-priced dozen of half-shells than Amen Street with dozens during happy hour (4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays) only costing $9.95. Pair that with house liquor drinks for $3 or High Life Bottles for $2 and there’s no better deal on the peninsula.

Next time you and your co-workers want to have an after work adult beverage head to one of these Charleston oyster happy hours and pair your favorite seafood with a delicious beverage.

Happy shuckin’

Eat & Drink

These Italian Restaurants Have The BEST Pasta In Charleston

Charleston has plenty of places for you to get your fix on all things pasta. You might not be in Italy, but go to any of these restaurants and you’ll think you were transported straight to an authentic Italian homemade meal in the heart of the land of pasta. Whether you go for a creamy white sauce, a hearty red meat sauce, or a spaghetti dish complemented with the catch of the day, these Charleston locations will have you begging for another serving of noodles.

Juliet

Juliet is a restaurant inspired by classic Italian dishes located on Upper King Street. According to Tripadvisor, Juliet is home to the best pasta dishes EVER. Take advantage of their Happy Hour everyday from 4pm to 6pm.

Indaco

Indaco serves rustic Italian cuisine by Executive Chef Michael Holler. Wood-fired pizzas, hand-crafted pastas, house-made salami and cured sausages fill the restaurant’s menu which can be enjoyed family-style or a la carte. With community tables, an open kitchen, and a comfortable atmosphere, Indaco is the perfect place to unwind with family, friends, or your significant other.

Monza

One of Charleston’s favorite Italian restaurants just got a whole new look. Monza, located in the heart of King Street, has expanded into what was its sister restaurant, Closed For Business. Be the first to try Monza’s new pasta menu when it reopens this month.

Melfi’s

Stay ahead of the Foodies and reserve your next meal at Charleston’s newest Italian restaurant Melfi’s. It’s all the rage to the Charleston locals with its sophisticated interior. Its long wooden bar, a variety of linen-draped dining tables, and an intimate pizza counter where guests can watch the action surrounding two wood burning ovens, makes it the perfect night out on the town.

Fulton 5

Looking for a romantic date night in Charleston? Walk through the heart of Charleston’s historic district and stumble upon this quaint Italian restaurant. A locals favorite spot, Fulton 5 is a must go for authentic Italian pastas from their tortellini to their Cavatelli.

Trattoria Lucca

Tucked away in a quiet corner of downtown Charleston’s Elliotborough neighborhood lies chef Ken Vedrinski’s charming Italian eatery, Trattoria Lucca. Inspired by the ancient Tuscan city of Lucca, a place renowned for its olive oils, Trattoria Lucca brings the essence of Italian cuisine to the Lowcountry. The dinner menu changes nightly depending on the local ingredients of the day.

Pan E Vino

This tiny Italian restaurant is tucked away in Downtown Charleston. The food is served with the perfect intimate atmosphere with lanterns hanging from an old live oak in the outdoor courtyard providing a dining experience like no other in Charleston. Owned by an Italian family from Northern Italy, you won’t be disappointed by these authentic pasta dishes.

We promise, these dishes won’t disappoint.

Eat & Drink

Wine Down At One Of These Awesome Charleston Wine Bars

Image Source: Uncork Charleston

Wine Wednesday, Sparkling Sunday, Merlot Mondays. Any day is a wine day if you want it to be.

Grab a friend, bae, or just a glass for yourself at one of these Charleston wine spots:

Bin 152

This Thursday July 26th, Bin 152 will be hosting Brian Lynch, the National Sales Director of Kermit Lynch. We will be featuring Cru Beaujolais wines and offering 3 & 5 ounce pours as well as flights. This is a great opportunity to taste these wines side by side and get in depth knowledge about the producers. We look forward to seeing everyone! #kermitlynch #crubeaujolais #bin152winebar

54 Likes, 2 Comments – Bin 152 (@bin152winebar) on Instagram: “This Thursday July 26th, Bin 152 will be hosting Brian Lynch, the National Sales Director of Kermit…”

Not just a wine bar, Bin 152 is also a cheese bar, art gallery, and antique market. This favorite wine spot is located in the French Quarter of downtown Charleston within walking distance of several inns and hotels. They offer over 40 different wines by the glass, 200 different wines by the bottle, and 40 different cheeses and charcuterie. Their hours are Monday through Sunday, 4 pm to 2 am.

Uncork Charleston

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Uncork is the self-proclaimed spot for “The Curious Explorer”. They offer wines from around the world and the staff is always available for great recommendations and insights. They have a selection of cheeses, charcuterie, small plates, and desserts for you to choose from. Happy hour is every Wednesday through Friday, 5 pm to 7 pm with 15% off all pours. They also offer 20% off food for all government employees.

Avondale Wine & Cheese

Avondale Wine & Cheese is located in Avondale right across the Ashley River from downtown Charleston. Avondale Wine & Cheese is a wine and cheese bar with a variety of wines, cheeses, and gift baskets. While their wine comes from all around the world, a few of their cheeses are actually locally made. They serve red, white, and sparkling wine by the glass or bottle.

The Wine Bar

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It’s all in the name; this is The Wine Bar. Located in Mt. Pleasant, The Wine Bar offers over 100 wines, 25 craft beers to choose from, and chocolates. Yes, you read that right. They have a selection of chocolates you can bite into while enjoying your vino. Happy hour is every Monday through Thursday, 4 pm to 7 pm and they have free wi-fi (work and wine?).

With so many new wine bars popping up around the city it was hard to choose just a few. Didn’t see your favorite on this list? Next time you’re at your favorite wine spot take a picture and tag us in it. We want to know about all the best wine bars in Charleston.

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