49 Best Southern Restaurants near Johns Island

“We went to see the Angel Oak today and decided to try this amazing place for lunch. Attentive staff, kind to my child, food was excellent! It’s so cozy inside and delicious choices for lunch.“

“My husband and I Love Krazy Owls !!!! The Entire staff is Excellent ! Great Cusine ❤️ and More importantly The Owner Al Always goes out of His way to be helpful!!!!! It Is Obvious He Genuinely Cares about His Customers!!!! Mark and I are Always Made To Feel Like Family! We Highly Recommend Krazy Owls To All !!!!“

“Resort restaurant that nails the food and decor. But ...

You gotta give guests water immediately after they are seated. The captain can do this. It's pretty hot in August, so the guests will notice this. Easy thing to fix.

On the plus side, we were at the Dunlin for a special occasion and Linette's recognized it. That was awesome.“

“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. :)“

“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!“

“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.“

“Delicious meal & friendly staff“

“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! ❤️“

“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!“

“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“

“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..“

“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!!!“

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

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

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

“Excellent food and service.“

“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.“

“It was my first time here. It definitely gives family vibes. The food was good. I had white rice, sweet kennel corn, bbq ribs and yams with a sweet tea. My only issue was the yams were hard and undercooked.

As for the location the parking lot was small and shared with another business/church. On a busy day I know it's hectic so go on a slow day if your eating in.“

“a fun new experience with good food.“

“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!“

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

“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.“

“Great meal and awesome waitress“

“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!“

“My wife and I ate at the weekend buffet. We arrived early and were sat down immediately. Sylvie was super nice and attentive. The food was amazing. My wife loved the stuffed French toast. I highly recommend the shrimp and grits. It's rich and creamy and easily the best shrimp and grits I have ever eaten!“

“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 !!“

“Awesome BBQ. The folks are so kind.“

“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 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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“Amazing Experience! Highly recommend.“

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

“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.“

“This has lately become our BBQ go-to in West Ashley. Great food and good value for the money. We moved here from Arkansas (with some really great BBQ spots) a decade ago, and this is as close to our favorite BBQ joints back there as it gets. Oh, and one of the best burgers around, too!“

“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.“

“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 :)“

“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!!“