Hey friends! I wanted to share a concise guide to some of the best restaurants in Charleston that we discovered over a long weekend, plus a few tourist highlights like where to stay and what to see. If you’re planning a trip to Charleston, I hope this roundup helps you plan. It covers standout dining options, lighter spots, a great pre-race meal, where we stayed, and a few must-see places around the historic district.
Thank you to everyone who shared recommendations before our trip — there are so many great restaurants and attractions in Charleston that one weekend won’t cover them all. We focused on a mix of specialty dining, classic Southern comfort, and a few lighter options so we could enjoy everything without feeling overloaded.
Best Food / Special Occasion Dinner Spot: Husk
Husk is the restaurant most people recommend when you say you’re headed to Charleston. Set in a beautifully restored historic house, Husk serves locally inspired Southern cuisine with a modern touch. We began at the adjacent bar, which doesn’t require a reservation and is a cozy, lively spot for cocktails before dinner.
For dinner we tried a beet and strawberry salad that was fresh and flavorful. My main was Cornmeal Dusted Catfish with red rice, pepper bacon, heirloom kale, Meyer lemon, and chilies — perfectly crisp outside and light rather than greasy. The dish’s southern flavors were balanced and refined. My companion’s Striploin with mushrooms, tatsoi, turnip, shishito peppers, and peanut miso was inventive and well-executed. Husk’s cornbread was savory with a pleasant smoky note. Dessert was fine but not as memorable as the rest of the meal.
Best Brunch: Sunday Gospel Brunch at Halls Chophouse
Halls Chophouse is known for excellent steaks and service, and their Sunday Gospel Brunch is a fun, lively option with live gospel music. The food is hearty — we enjoyed popovers to start and a rich main of salmon cakes with fried eggs and arugula. The service was exceptionally friendly and attentive, making it a great brunch choice in Charleston.
Light Meals and Healthy Snacks: Verde and Whisk
If you want salads, bowls, or fresh juices, Verde is a solid build-your-own salad option comparable to national salad chains, perfect for a lighter meal. For juices and smoothies, Whisk Coffee and Juice Bar offers a wide selection of fresh-pressed juices and a salad bar — we loved their “Ginger Zinger” (apple, kale, collards, carrot, orange, ginger, and turmeric) after a day of Southern indulgence.
Best Southern Comfort Food: Hominy Grill
Hominy Grill is a classic spot for Southern comfort dishes. After our race, we went for Shrimp and Grits and a biscuit, and both were excellent. The menu delivers familiar Southern flavors — think hearty, satisfying plates executed well. The ribs were a standout choice for my companion, and I enjoyed a fresh salad alongside the richer items.
Ambiance & Off-the-Beaten-Path: Edmund’s Oast
Edmund’s Oast is slightly north of downtown but worth the trip for its lively atmosphere and extensive beer selection. They offer tasting pours and unique beers — even a PB&J-flavored brew — and a menu of shareable dishes. Highlights included cornbread, pickled vegetables, and a smoked trout dish with sauerkraut, beets, potatoes, and dill.
Runner-Friendly Pre-Race Dinner: Joe Pasta
The night before our half marathon we wanted something simple and familiar. Joe Pasta is a casual pasta joint with a customizable pasta option where you pick the pasta, protein, sauce, and add-ins. It’s busy and basic, but ideal the night before a race — I went with penne, chicken, red sauce, and vegetables for a predictable, comforting meal that didn’t upset my stomach.
Where to Stay
We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott Charleston Historic District, which is conveniently located within walking distance of many attractions and offers an in-house breakfast option. The concierge service there was especially valuable; our concierge provided a helpful map of historic downtown and secured a reservation at Husk when it seemed impossible to get one. Staying downtown made it easy to explore alleys, parks, and shops on foot.
What to See in Charleston
Historic downtown has countless picturesque spots. The Unitarian Church Graveyard is atmospheric and worth visiting — enter through an archway of trees between King Street addresses. Charming alleys such as Stolls Alley, Philadelphia Alley, Ropemaker’s Lane, and Lodge Alley are ideal for a leisurely stroll and great photos. The Battery along the waterfront is a scenic park with grand historic homes and a pleasant walking trail. For shopping, King Street offers a mix of boutiques and familiar stores.
That’s our Charleston recap. We enjoyed a range of restaurants from classic Southern comfort to inventive modern cuisine, plus some lighter and runner-friendly choices. If you’ve been to Charleston, I’d love to hear other recommendations to try next time.
—
Please note that there are affiliate links in this post.