48 Best Southern Restaurants in Charleston

“Always a fantastic time at Husk. It’s my go to spot when I’m in town. The bar team in the carriage house, Beau and Damian are rockstars and will make sure you are taken care of. Ryan’s warm hospitality is always great. Topped by the fantastic food and drinks! Don’t miss it!“

“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!“

“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. :)“

“Food was outstanding. The service was amazing.“

“Food was soooo good. Huge portions.“

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

“Can’t hold back any longer, after this 2nd time visit, I felt to give a full and honest review. If I can rate this higher than 5 stars I would, but I say, the food, the hospitality and atmosphere continue to amaze us. Our server Hannah made sure we knew the specials, the menu and food items before ordering. The fast and friendly service, prompt food service was spot on again. The quality and freshness is evident just by seeing how the food looks but the taste of fresh and wholesome is confirmed with each bite. From the biscuits, the eggs, and Ofcourse the low country comfort food of chicken/waffles & grits were really great and actually better than expected. The house infused Bloody Mary was the perfect brunch addition.
If you are in the Charleston area, this is a must visit. Located just across the street to the Mills House hotel, right off Queen St is the perfect location walkable convenient access from just about any area. Yes they are dog friendly on their porch areas.“

“My husband and I had the pleasure of celebrating our wedding reception at Circa 1886, and we truly could not have asked for a more wonderful experience! From the moment we arrived, the staff was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and attentive. Their exceptional service and attention to detail made our special evening feel effortless and truly memorable. We felt so well taken care of throughout our entire celebration. The food was absolutely phenomenal! The Angus Filet Mignon and the Peach Lacquered Ashley Farms Chicken Breast were both outstanding. Every bite was delicious, beautifully prepared, and a wonderful reflection of the quality and care that goes into the dining experience at Circa 1886. The elegant atmosphere, exceptional cuisine, and outstanding hospitality created the perfect setting for our intimate wedding reception. It was everything we had hoped for and so much more! A heartfelt thank you to the entire Circa 1886 team for making our wedding reception such a beautiful and unforgettable experience! We will forever cherish the memories made that evening and cannot wait to return for another special occasion. We wholeheartedly recommend Circa 1886 to anyone looking for an extraordinary dining experience. Truly five stars in every way! ❤️“

“Delicious meal & friendly staff“

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

“We were looking for an outdoor, casual atmosphere of our Charleston fav, Amen Street and lucked up to find her sister restaurant! Phenomenal local, outdoor atmosphere with delicious SC, coastal fish and sides! Perfect! Thank You and we will be back!“

“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!“

“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“

“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.“

“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 brunch. Wonderful friendly staff. Warm atmosphere.“

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

“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!!!“

“Excellent food and service.“

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

“At at Toast All Day!! Teri was an awesome bartender and took care of all our needs. Great food and 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!“

“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.“

“I got the bacon cheeseburger with a gluten free bun. It was amazing!“

“Great meal and awesome waitress“

“My wife and I could not have been happier with our wedding venue space and the wedding catering experience! Middleton Place organized a food tasting several months before the wedding that was thoughtful, personalized, and incredibly well executed. It gave us so much confidence leading into our wedding day, and we left knowing our guests were in for something special. On the wedding day, the food exceeded our expectations. Every dish was beautifully presented, absolutely delicious, and received rave reviews from our guests. The team’s attention to detail and commitment to quality truly helped make our celebration unforgettable. Charleston holds such a special place in our hearts, and we are incredibly grateful to have worked with a team that helped bring our wedding weekend vision to life. Thank you for everything—we would highly recommend Middleton Place to any couple looking for a gorgeous wedding venue, outstanding food, and exceptional service!“

“An excellent restaurant for anyone looking to experience authentic Southern cuisine in the heart of historic Charleston!

Poogan’s Porch is one of Charleston’s best-known dining establishments, combining Southern hospitality, traditional Lowcountry cooking, and the charm of a historic setting. Housed in a Victorian-era residence dating back to 1888, the restaurant has plenty of character and offers a memorable dining experience that feels connected to the city's history.

What I particularly appreciate about places like this is the opportunity to experience traditional Southern cooking rather than just another generic restaurant menu. Southern cuisine has a rich culinary heritage, shaped by African American cooking traditions, local ingredients, and generations of Lowcountry food culture. Dishes featuring shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and other regional specialties help tell that story through food.

One interesting fact is that the restaurant takes its name from Poogan, a neighborhood dog who became a familiar presence outside the building in the 1970s. The restaurant opened in 1976, and Poogan eventually became part of its identity. It is a charming piece of local history that gives the establishment a personality beyond its menu.

The atmosphere is another major part of the appeal. The historic house, traditional architectural details, and welcoming Southern character make it a particularly enjoyable place to sit down for a meal while exploring Charleston. The location on Queen Street is also excellent, with beautiful historic streets and architecture nearby that are well worth exploring on foot.

Overall, Poogan’s Porch is a wonderful choice for visitors who appreciate historic buildings, Southern culinary traditions, and restaurants with a genuine sense of place. Charleston has no shortage of dining options, but places like this offer something beyond the food itself: a connection to the city's character and heritage. Definitely worth considering when visiting this beautiful historic city.“

“Absoluetly phenominal tacos. Too many great options to try in one trip, so no doubt you'll be back. I grabbed 3 diffefent ones but the the firecracker shrimp and fried chicken ones absoluetly stand out and I wish i lived closer. Great service, friendly an attentive staff, and a clean, welcoming environment. Well worth the trip!“

“I had lunch with a friend and the food was absolutely delicious. I started with the fried green tomatoes, followed by the turkey club sandwich and fried and I ended it with the butter cake with ice cream topped with candied nuts and drizzle with caramel sauce.

My server was Sylvie, she was an absolute delight, she was very friendly and her upbeat attitude and every time she visited our table she was smiling. She truly loves her job and it shows.

As an out of state day visitor she definitely made this visit a delight.

Thank you.“

“a fun new experience with good food.“

“Awesome BBQ. The folks are so kind.“

“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 !!“

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

“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!“

“The aqua terrace bar is a really nice spot for a cocktail. The view is nice. The atmosphere is great. The bartender was awesome. Super friendly. They were having technical difficulties the night I was there so they didn't have food. So I can't rate that. But the drinks were great. The location was great.“

“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.“

“Food was outstanding. The service was amazing.“

“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.“

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

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

“The food was great. Everything came out together. Everything was amazing. It was very flavorful and delicious.
The service was great, they were really nice. They had the answers to the questions and they helped us out with some of the things we didn't know.
The atmosphere is really nice. A lot of really decorated cool walls. A lot of pictures of the local community. The outside is really nice and decorated. Everything was really clean. The bathrooms were cleaned. A really good experience. The prices were not too bad. I would recommend it for anybody in that area.“

“My boyfriend and I went to Trotter’s on this past Sunday for breakfast. I love that it is always clean. The food is always fresh and hot and the service is always good and it’s not bad for the price you have like grits eggs you get sausage biscuits and gravy, French toast, shrimp, and gravy even hash then is someone who can make you your own personalized omelette. You can also get fresh fruit orange juice whatever you want to drink they also have brunch from 12 to 2 so that is also another option if we miss breakfast definitely.“

“I ate here two years ago. I was impressed then, and I remain satisfied. it's such a beautiful, quaint place. the service is great.“

“they are always delicious, no matter what time I go. love the wide variety of comfort food.“

“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!!“

“I placed an online order this morning and they called me a few minutes later to tell me they were out of burnt ends for the sandwich I ordered..I told the girl working to just replace it with something she recommended. I ended up getting back to our AirBnB and was missing some of the other food I had ordered but went back later and they 100% took care of us. The ribs are amazing and so were the wings! 10/10 service and the food was great too! Next time we are in the area we will definitely return :)“

“Kienna and Destiny went above and beyond today Saturday May 16th 2026. I had to dog sit on this side of town and decided to stop by to eat in this Bojangles because I had an hour to burn. The ladies and even the staff in the back were very efficient, friendly considering they are in pants in a building which has an air conditioner that is broken. I don't see one single box fan or similar and no portable air conditioner for the dining area.last read of the temperature was at 90 degrees. Come on Bojangles they probably are underpaid and overworked to begin with.“

“I haven’t been here in a few years and this was my first time coming back in a long time and I have to say the food and service was great! Sure, they are kind of pricey but it is definitely worth it in my opinion. I will definitely be back!“