50 Best American Restaurants in Charleston

“Tried and true for 20 years. Absolutely best restaurant in Charleston. Food always incredible, service always perfect.“

“Delicious meal & friendly staff“

“Best restaurant in Charleston! It really is a must!“

“Vern’s Restaurant in downtown Charleston truly exceeded our expectations and left us with an unforgettable dining experience. The food was exceptional—quite possibly the best meal we have ever had.“

“Edmund’s Original is one of our favorite restaurants in Charleston. It’s the perfect mix of quality and price, with a team that always makes us feel right at home. I can’t speak highly enough of this place. Whenever someone comes to visit from out of town, we bring them to EO so they can get a taste of what we’re fortunate to enjoy regularly. The food is phenomenal - from the fried chicken to the burger to the steak, and everything in between. The beer selection is top notch. In-house developed cocktails are creative, while the classics are on point if that’s more your speed. The chocolate cake and an espresso martini are the perfect touch to finish it all off! Oh, and don’t sleep on the special events they host! When the chef teams up with other chef’s from around the state, they always deliver a unique and delicious experience!“

“Me and my daughter had been traveling all night (and looked like we had been). We stopped here because we were starving and needed to kill time until we could check into our hotel. The staff was so friendly to us. I felt like we were under dressed (it was Easter) but no one seemed to judge us for it. As for the food - amazing!!!!! I got the fried artichoke sandwich and it was sooooo good. The fries were also very good. This place has such a good vibe. I wish we were in town longer so we could enjoy it again.“

“I would definitely recommend S.N.O.B. for the quality of their food only. My friends and I were there on March 24, 2025, during an unexpected cold snap. We're from Florida and the weather was cold, windy and brutal. The four of us were seated at a table that was almost smack dab in front of the entrance door. Thus, people were constantly coming in and out. The manager should have had enough forethought to not place a table there, let alone sit people there in low fifty degree weather and high winds. We just wanted to get our food and get out.“

“We LOVED our lunch visit a few weeks ago! great service, excellent food, loads of fun!“

“We had the most amazing night celebrating our 10th anniversary. The entire team went above and beyond and we left feeling so filled with joy—and OUTSTANDING food. Flavors that we never will forget and memories for a lifetime. WC team, thank you for making our first night in Charleston one we will never forget.“

“Yummy vegan options!, great service, and cute decor.“

“We had a lovely dinner at The James. I have a restricted diet and they wendy out if their way to make sure I was accommodated. There were 4 of us and everyone enjoyed our evening. Our server, Jessica was first class as were everyone we came in contact with. Would highly recommend The James.“

“Great music, happy hour, and staff!“

“Leon's is literally in my dreams! My boyfriend and I went there for the first time three years ago. It blew our minds! Affordable, delicious food, and such a fun atmosphere. We returned a couple of times on the same trip. We live in NJ... and set up a trip last year JUST to go to Leons. I am actually scared to post a review because I selfishly want to keep it a secret for my boyfriend and I. Man, if you like chicken and oysters... you cannot go wrong. Damn, now I need to set up another trip. :)“

“Great food; great service“

“I recommend it but do not order Navhos🤢“

“An entertaining chef, creative and exceptionally well-executed cuisine, a pleasingly funky ambience, and the delight at watching a fine chef at work, which equals a terrific experience.“

“I have no clue on who the owners are, but I can tell you that all of their food is made with Love ❤️. You can see it and you can taste it. Everything I have ever had has always been so delicious. This place is a Charleston Gem and I pray this little place continues to Thrive and Prosper. Charleston Loves You❤️❤️“

“Fantastic atmosphere. Saturday brunch with Beth, server as pleasant as con be. Highly recommend Shrimp and grits with Bloody Mary. A must when visiting Savannah.“

“This is the best burger I've had in Charleston. I rate them on the same standard....Meat, American cheese, and bun. Only additions allowed are grilled onions, jalapeños, ketchup and mustard if you partake. Heavys is great but this one wins out based on the burger and better fries (came out piping hot!).“

“best drag show/brunch EVER! and our server Kahlil was amazing! 🤩“

“Lunch at the Charleston location on 17 was off the hook good! Go get some.“

“Stopped in to wait for a friend who was staying at the hotel and man, their she-crab soup is better than I remember! Always a good idea to visit here for a quick drink or a bite. There was also a pianist playing that was very chill. Great vibes.“

“Food was excellent! Our server was excellent as well. We will be back!“

“Great burgers and drinks. Staff is wonderful!“

“The staff was amazing. It was our anniversary and the GM personally came to our table and poured us a glass of Champaign to celebrate. They also gave us a free dessert. The hostess, wait staff, and GM all took time to wish us a happy anniversary. The food was amazing as well! Overall it was a great dining experience!“

“Beautiful restaurant with Fabulous food and service! Look forward to our next visit.“

“My husband and I both tried the Classic. What a great chicken sandwich! It was delicious! We are going back tomorrow to try their smash burger 🍔“

“Shout out to Candice and team for a great event. The planning was easy and the staff was really great. It is hard to manage 200 for luncheon. I did it for many years and there are always little additions or changes the day of and this team handled it all with speed and grace. Events here will not be disappointed. It’s a well oiled machine. Thanks to all! David, Renee, Candice - everyone.“

“Had brunch today. Food was good. The chicken and waffle was really tasty.“

“Mike’s Charleston Historic Supper Club and the Colonial Tavern Table are the most unique food tours available in Charleston. Mike combines his love of history with delicious food. The historic venue is so unique, the way Mike ties the history of Charleston into the history of the food is so informative and fun. It was also really fun getting ti know the other guests. This is definitely one of the best food experiences offered in Charleston!!“

“The staff is very friendly. Food was delicious.“

“The food is wonderful. Perfect experience ❤️“

“Outstanding service and an excellent dinner from start to finish. The blackened salmon gyro was absolutely delicious, and the cookie brownie sundae we shared was truly unforgettable. A fantastic experience all around.“

“Dinner was very good & everyone was so very nice. Had reservations & they seated us at 5. It was Mothers Day& graduation week so they were really busy BUT no one made us feel rushed. We will definitely come back..“

“Our dinner at Husk Patio and Bar was perfect! Be aware that this is not the main Husk restaurant- it is an offshoot just next to the restaurant. We made reservations and are not disappointed! Great service- shout out to Ocue for being highly attentive and helpful. The food was amazing!!“

“I would give the harlow 6 out if 5 stars if I could! From the service to the menu, the multiple oyster choices, the happy hours, the many specials, quality of the drinks, the happy, personable culture of the staff, the many heat lamps keeping the little outdoor garden oasis toasty and cozy, and the staff has nearly no turnover, and lots of Charleston restaurants have stupendous food, but what makes the harlow stand alone as a best of the best, is an obvious comeraderie amongst them coupled with the tastiest crab Mac n cheese in the universe along with their other delicious fare!“

“Big Shout Out to Tina our server today at Metro Diner ! She was Wonderful! She came right over with a beautiful smile and took our beverage order. We told her we knew what we wanted. She had no problem taking our food order. She even made a suggestion to my husband that saved him a few cents. She was a ray of Sunshine. She was very attentive. She checked on us several times. The food is great! The staff is great! Their cooks know what they are doing!! You can aee they all work as a team ! We have never had a bad meal there!!“

“We were given a tip on this restaurant. While tough to get a table it was quickly obvious why. We had the rabbit roulade and the steak w wild mushrooms, but just as good as the main courses were the lamb dumpling appetizers. It was also a beautiful, refined atmosphere with top notice service.“

“I loved the vibes and atmosphere. Food and drinks were amazing. Our bartender, Pepe was phenomenal and will definitely be back next time we’re in Charleston!!“

“Excellent service! The atmosphere was an amazing place to grab a drink and/or eat for the evening while socializing.“

“Excellent food and service.“

“Too bad I can't leave 10 stars... Without a doubt, the best food in West Ashley! Celebrated Thanksgiving day lunch with them this year and what a treat... Couldn't have been better!

Glad to see that they are now serving breakfast and lunch daily, with a nice brunch for Sunday.

P.S.: They have the best Fried Chicken in the Lowcountry! The homemade salads are also to die for.“

“Amazing food, cozy atmosphere and wonderful. friendly staff!! Highly recommend!!“

“I love this place! The new manager, Kelly, is fantastic. Positive changes are happening under new manager! The food is great and the beer is cold!“

“It’s elegance with a friendly hostess and professional wait staff! Throughly enjoyed the hot rock starter and our entrées. Super location and overall fabulous experience. Beautiful bar for cocktails as well. Very recommended if you eat and enjoy fine quality meats. Great for a date night experience.“

“Good food friendly staff food and drink specials like Trivia night“

“Just stopped by to check the place out. The staff was friendly and inviting for sure! Would definitely go back considering they have nights that are laid back and nights that are packed. Julian handles himself with professionalism and skill behind the bar!“

“Great place to dine with a large or small group. Delicious food with great service. We had a group of 34 and everything went smoothly. Highly recommended!!“