41 Best Southern Restaurants in Charleston

“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. :)“

“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.“

“We went for lunch, there were so many great choices! We had the Pimento Cheese for an appetizer and it did not disappoint. My friend and I shared the Chicken Tenders and Classic Vegetarian plate full of great southern veggies. Delish! The atmosphere was inviting and the service was great. Definitely highly recommend!“

“I have mixed feelings. Our first visit was over a decade ago and it was wonderful. Our anniversary was yesterday and it was an ok experience. We sat in the courtyard AB’s was placed under the above heater. We started smelling gas and the heat never reached the table area. So we were freezing. The appetizers were wonderful. The couple got seated next to us ten minutes after us and received their food first. Was told about different and best food options and a dessert menu. We were not given either. Bbq in the shrimp and grits was over powering any other flavor. Husband got fish and grits and it was excellent. Not a 0 but I’m in no hurry to go back or recommend to anyone else. Ruined my anniversary to be honest….“

“We had our Christmas Day meal at Poogan's Porch and it was delicious! The service was attentive and knowledgeable. The food was very good. They did not server their standard menu as it was Christmas. I had the Fritters, Beef Loin, and Banana Pudding. My dining partner had the She Crab Soup, Turkey Platter, and Pecan Pie. She said it was by far the best She Crab she has ever had and the Turkey was moist and delicious (tough to do with all white meat). My fritters were one of the best bites I have ever had. The Bacon Jam really made the dish shine. The beef loin was very classic Christmas and was fantastic. Banana pudding was one of the better I have ever had. We went back on Saturday to get one togo! Looking forward on trying Poogan's Porch again soon. We want to try the brunch menu! This place gets very busy and is in a super cute, but very old house. I would recommend reservations.“

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

“The food was amazing the crystal was an amazing server prompt attentive ever though the whole restaurant was slammed 10 out of 10 would ear here again“

“What a quaint place!! From the food to the service, everything was great! Servings were generous & the Orange juice was yummy!! Can’t wait to go back next time I’m on the Island. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“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❤️❤️“

“Casually stopped in for dinner once last week and was back 3 times the same week. Delicious food, fast service, awesome atmosphere, dog friendly!! Loved everything I have tried so far!“

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

“My favorite birthday cake is coconut. My daughter got me one of your 12 pound coconut cakes for my 70th birthday. Absolutely the best coconut cake I’ve ever had. Highly recommend !“

“Jenn was the best waitress I have ever had and I go to restaurants for fun. She was caring and was passionate! The buffalo Brussels sprouts were amazing and the shrimp Gnocchi was to die for!!! 10/10 would recommend and ask for Jenn!!!“

“Wonderful fine dining - great atmosphere and some of the best food ever.“

“WOW! Very pleasantly surprised! The food was amazing! Daniel was the perfect host, explaining all the different foods and we were never rushed! We were visiting our son, his family and we’re from Florida. We’ll be back! I wish I could give it 10 Stars!“

“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..“

“Delicious meal & friendly staff“

“Natalie was amazing. Great food recommendations! Nice conversation and vibe. Enjoyed the experience.“

“literally everything we had here tonight was fantastic. the calamari strips are some of the best calamari I have ever had. the drinks were wonderful. I had this seard fish with the succotash which was so good. my boyfriend had the pot roast melt and loved it. the owner was absolutely fantastic. we will definitely be back repeatedly!“

“Delicious brunch. Wonderful friendly staff. Warm atmosphere.“

“The food was incredible and our server, Courtney B was outstanding!! Courtney helped us select the perfect items and she made it fun!! Awesome!“

“Excellent food and service.“

“We had such a wonderful night!! Our waitress was Julianne(hope I spelled that correctly) she was amazing and every dish we had was perfect! 😍“

“This was an experience we should have done years ago. Everyone was awesome. Great atmosphere, great food and the wait staff went above and beyond. I recommend this for any special occasion. We will do this again.“

“a fun new experience with good food.“

“I knocked a star off only because my ribs the day before were not tender. Everything else was perfect. I came back 24 hours later to give it one more try with the family and everything was perfect. Great food and prices aren't too bad.“

“just a great experience, food , wine and service.“

“Visited here to see the light show and it was very beautiful. There was one food truck and one drink truck. I would have given it 5 stars if there were more options like hot cocoa and coffee because it was cold out. Also, the beer and wine were too expensive. One beer should not cost the amount of a 6-pack at the grocery store.“

“Visited this place with my bf!! Very good food!! Was greeted by a lovely host who gave us a menu to order being that we were ordering to go!! Then we ended up placing our order with the very nice bartender behind the counter. Not even 5mins he acknowledged us so we just ended up placing our order with him. Food came out fast and correct as well. Will be returning!!!! With or without my bf lol !!!“

“I'll tell ya! Ducked into this Gem of a restaurant to get out of the rain🌧 I Had the Forporksmen my wife (3Putt) enjoyed the Pork belly pastrami. Portions are generous, Fantastic flavors, and homemade chips. Not a healthy lunch, Not a balanced lunch...but that may have been effected by the Burbon😉!“

“Some of the best food ever! If in Charleston, it is a must. Love the Charleston Carb House!“

“Omar and the chef were great. Wings are incredible! Service Top Notch !it has been a long time since we have been able to say that !!“

“Great meal and awesome waitress“

“Awesome BBQ. The folks are so kind.“

“amazing food amazing staff get the fried chicken“

“Will start by saying we have enjoyed the Swamp Fox very much, particularly for brunch. Last night was part of restaurant week so it was very busy and service was slow despite the wait staff trying to be attentive. Long wait for drinks, long wait for meals, had to ask for table to be cleared after dinner with dirty dishes staring at us for much too long. 3 hours for a typical 1.5 hour dinner. Fortunately we were catching up with friends and had plenty of time to talk! Waitress recognized the constant delay and apologized. Normally they are not as busy but last night, it showed.“

“Delicious biscuits! I had a sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit - it was flaky and flavorful. The lady at the counter was friendly, sweet, and kind; she even gave me a sticker, and a card to entice me to come back. I also bought some mixes, and a package of their sausage biscuits (for later). We even went to a nearby Publix store for their pimento cheese (they were out at the shop). Yum!“

“Some of the best food ever! If in Charleston, it is a must. Love the Charleston Carb House!“

“The Smokehouse Platter and extra side of Brisket was AMAZING! Chance was Great dealing with us older couple from Colorado and Carolina transplants! Thank you Paul the rub on the ribs was unforgettable! Cheers with another Jameson Orange 🥃🥃“

“The food was excellent. I had the Bogarden omelette with ham, my husband had a BYO breakfast sandwich & My SIL had the ham & cheese omelette. The portions are large enough to share, the veggies were fresh and full of flavor and there was a large drink selection. It is a small indoor seating area but a back patio and tables on the sidewalk provided plenty of seating for this unique and fun cafe. Coffee & water were self serve and plentiful but if you are a coffee snob/connoisseur… bring your own.“

“wonderful place to unwind and socialize. the cook has amazing specials“