A Local’s Guide to Charleston
Food scene
This is the best dessert spot in town! If you like giant slices of cake and espresso martinis, this is your spot. It’s a little fancy, and can sometimes have a line out the door, but it’s worth the wait.
34 locals recommend
Carmella's
198 E Bay StThis is the best dessert spot in town! If you like giant slices of cake and espresso martinis, this is your spot. It’s a little fancy, and can sometimes have a line out the door, but it’s worth the wait.
This place is in an old auto body garage! The atmosphere can’t be beat! They serve fried chicken, oysters, and all the fixins! A perfect down south meal.
230 locals recommend
Leon's
698 King StThis place is in an old auto body garage! The atmosphere can’t be beat! They serve fried chicken, oysters, and all the fixins! A perfect down south meal.
Home Team BBQ
2209 Middle StTry the burger!!!!
Poogan's Smokehouse
188 E Bay StOff the beaten path! Located in the old cigar factory! Best seafood in town! Try the squid ink mussels!!
17 locals recommend
Rappahannock Oyster Bar
701 E Bay StOff the beaten path! Located in the old cigar factory! Best seafood in town! Try the squid ink mussels!!
Truly the best meal and beat service I’ve had in my life. Try to get a reservation as soon as possible! They’re quite popular.
306 locals recommend
Halls Chophouse
434 King StTruly the best meal and beat service I’ve had in my life. Try to get a reservation as soon as possible! They’re quite popular.
Millers All Day
120 King StPerfect spot for brunch and mimosas!
If you’re heading to Folly Beach, this little outdoor dive bar is the perfect stop for some juicy tacos, local brews, and live music! My favorite spot in Charleston.
103 locals recommend
Chico Feo
122 E Ashley AveIf you’re heading to Folly Beach, this little outdoor dive bar is the perfect stop for some juicy tacos, local brews, and live music! My favorite spot in Charleston.
Nightlife
Best bars to encounter live music and party vibes.
This place has an incredible house band! They play everything from James Brown to Bruno Mars! This is the kind of place that serves you fancy cocktails in a nice glass, but the building is over 120 years old, so it doesn’t look fancy from the outside. The dance floor is always hopping and there’s a food truck right outside. You should know there’s probably a cover at the door and the AC sucks. Trust me, it’s still incredible.
50 locals recommend
The Commodore
504 Meeting StThis place has an incredible house band! They play everything from James Brown to Bruno Mars! This is the kind of place that serves you fancy cocktails in a nice glass, but the building is over 120 years old, so it doesn’t look fancy from the outside. The dance floor is always hopping and there’s a food truck right outside. You should know there’s probably a cover at the door and the AC sucks. Trust me, it’s still incredible.
This place has some of the best drinks in town. It’s above a bar/restaurant called Macintosh. So look for Macintosh and there will be a door to the left leading up a flight of stairs to cocktail club. They normally have live music and the staff is great! Macintosh is also a great time and has awesome food!
209 locals recommend
The Cocktail Club
479 King StThis place has some of the best drinks in town. It’s above a bar/restaurant called Macintosh. So look for Macintosh and there will be a door to the left leading up a flight of stairs to cocktail club. They normally have live music and the staff is great! Macintosh is also a great time and has awesome food!
Container Bar
2130 Mt Pleasant StOff the beaten path. Super intimate! Dark and moody. The owner is the bartender and this place is incredible!
Dalila's
441 Meeting StOff the beaten path. Super intimate! Dark and moody. The owner is the bartender and this place is incredible!
Breweries
Family-run and local, all of these spots are exceptional and unique.
The owners is a young guy named Hunter, he has a real passion for beer and he is likely behind the bar. They’re all happy to answer questions for you! The outdoor space is great here and you can take your dogs! Try the “Banana Hammock” Hefeweizen
Tideland Brewing
4155 Dorchester RoadThe owners is a young guy named Hunter, he has a real passion for beer and he is likely behind the bar. They’re all happy to answer questions for you! The outdoor space is great here and you can take your dogs! Try the “Banana Hammock” Hefeweizen
This place has 32 beers on tap! My favorite is their a Juicy IPA. They also have some killer hibachi! Be sure to check out the lounge upstairs.
Brewlab
2200 Heriot StreetThis place has 32 beers on tap! My favorite is their a Juicy IPA. They also have some killer hibachi! Be sure to check out the lounge upstairs.
Sightseeing
Shem creek is just a short drive away into Mt. Pleasant. It’s a tidal creek lined with shrimp boats and catamarans. You can rent paddle boards or kayaks or even book a booze cruise here. All of the seafood restaurants at Shem Creek feature rooftop decks and waterfront patios. You’re sure to see some dolphins and a lot of rowdy locals. Best sunset in town!
99 locals recommend
Shem Creek
Shem creek is just a short drive away into Mt. Pleasant. It’s a tidal creek lined with shrimp boats and catamarans. You can rent paddle boards or kayaks or even book a booze cruise here. All of the seafood restaurants at Shem Creek feature rooftop decks and waterfront patios. You’re sure to see some dolphins and a lot of rowdy locals. Best sunset in town!
This is the southern tip of the downtown peninsula. It’s where the first shots of the civil war were fired, pirates were hung, and thousands of people took their engagement photos. Free to enter, this beautiful park hosts breathtaking views of the Charleston harbor. The historic architecture of the homes here can take you back in time!
627 locals recommend
The Battery
This is the southern tip of the downtown peninsula. It’s where the first shots of the civil war were fired, pirates were hung, and thousands of people took their engagement photos. Free to enter, this beautiful park hosts breathtaking views of the Charleston harbor. The historic architecture of the homes here can take you back in time!
The historic market downtown is filled with local vendors! Best place to taste local goodies and shop for some sweetgrass baskets!
364 locals recommend
Historic Charleston City Market
188 Meeting StThe historic market downtown is filled with local vendors! Best place to taste local goodies and shop for some sweetgrass baskets!
Boone Hall Plantation
1235 Long Point RoadThey filmed the Notebook here...enough said.