Guidebook for North Charleston
Sightseeing
The South Carolina Aquarium, located in Charleston on the historic Charleston Harbor. It is home to more than ten thousand plants and animals including North American river otters, loggerhead sea turtles, alligators, great blue herons, owls, lined seahorses, jellyfish, pufferfish, green moray eels, horseshoe crabs, sea stars, pythons, and sharks. The largest exhibit in the Aquarium is the Great Ocean Tank, which extends from the first to the third floor of the Aquarium; it holds more than 385,000 US gallons of water and contains more than seven hundred animals. The Aquarium also features a Touch Tank, where patrons may touch horseshoe crabs, Atlantic stingrays, and other marine animals.
489 locals recommend
South Carolina Aquarium
100 Aquarium WharfThe South Carolina Aquarium, located in Charleston on the historic Charleston Harbor. It is home to more than ten thousand plants and animals including North American river otters, loggerhead sea turtles, alligators, great blue herons, owls, lined seahorses, jellyfish, pufferfish, green moray eels, horseshoe crabs, sea stars, pythons, and sharks. The largest exhibit in the Aquarium is the Great Ocean Tank, which extends from the first to the third floor of the Aquarium; it holds more than 385,000 US gallons of water and contains more than seven hundred animals. The Aquarium also features a Touch Tank, where patrons may touch horseshoe crabs, Atlantic stingrays, and other marine animals.
Food Scene
East Bay Deli - Dorchester
4405 Dorchester RdGreat NY style deli located a few miles from my house.
Great BBQ located in the Tanger Outlet Mall, just 2 miles from my house
15 locals recommend
Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q
288 King StGreat BBQ located in the Tanger Outlet Mall, just 2 miles from my house
Another amazing, yet completely local, BBQ restaurant! They usually have blues bands for live music or football and other sports on their TVs.
265 locals recommend
Home Team BBQ
2209 Middle StAnother amazing, yet completely local, BBQ restaurant! They usually have blues bands for live music or football and other sports on their TVs.
The best and most authentic Mexican food in Charleston! Homemade salsa and chips! The soft tacos are grilled and everything is cooked on the line right in front of you!
64 locals recommend
Santi's
1302 Meeting Street RdThe best and most authentic Mexican food in Charleston! Homemade salsa and chips! The soft tacos are grilled and everything is cooked on the line right in front of you!
Go downtown to our sprawling Upper Peninsula (NoMo) and visit The Tattooed Moose to have one of their famous Duck Club sandwiches! Featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives."
95 locals recommend
Tattooed Moose
4845 Morrison DrGo downtown to our sprawling Upper Peninsula (NoMo) and visit The Tattooed Moose to have one of their famous Duck Club sandwiches! Featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives."
A fine Beer Pub with fine food! Edmund's Oast was started by one of the owners of The Charleston Beer Exchange, forefathers of the Craft Beer movement here in Charleston!
142 locals recommend
Edmund's Oast
1081 Morrison DrA fine Beer Pub with fine food! Edmund's Oast was started by one of the owners of The Charleston Beer Exchange, forefathers of the Craft Beer movement here in Charleston!
Fantastic and rethought versions of southern cuisine. Husk is inside of an old, restored Victorian-style Charleston home located on Queen Street. Husk literally brings people to town just to eat here. As a result of that, reservations are highly recommended. Although, if you go for lunch, it's pretty easy to get seated, and they have an infamously delicious burger.
183 locals recommend
Husk
76 Queen StFantastic and rethought versions of southern cuisine. Husk is inside of an old, restored Victorian-style Charleston home located on Queen Street. Husk literally brings people to town just to eat here. As a result of that, reservations are highly recommended. Although, if you go for lunch, it's pretty easy to get seated, and they have an infamously delicious burger.
Probably the best shrimp and grits in town! Hominy Grill is known for their amazing and creative southern style breakfasts.
190 locals recommend
Hominy Grill
207 Rutledge AveProbably the best shrimp and grits in town! Hominy Grill is known for their amazing and creative southern style breakfasts.
The best place to grab brunch and then take a stroll out on Folly Beach. Great shrimp and grits, homemade parfaits that will leave you in awe of their wonderfulness, and the coffee bar is fantastic!
170 locals recommend
Lost Dog Cafe
106 W Huron AveThe best place to grab brunch and then take a stroll out on Folly Beach. Great shrimp and grits, homemade parfaits that will leave you in awe of their wonderfulness, and the coffee bar is fantastic!
Mom & Pop style Pizza place. Great pizza and homemade baklava (sweet Greek couple owns the business)!
Charleston House of Pizza
5031 Dorchester RoadMom & Pop style Pizza place. Great pizza and homemade baklava (sweet Greek couple owns the business)!
AH-mazing Texas Brisket right here in the low country! This is by far my favorite barbecue restaurant in town.
186 locals recommend
Lewis Barbecue
464 N Nassau StAH-mazing Texas Brisket right here in the low country! This is by far my favorite barbecue restaurant in town.
Classic Coffee is a locally owned business. They roast their own beans and have their own custom blends. Classic Coffee is located in the trendy Avondale neighborhood here in Charleston.
21 locals recommend
Highfalutin Coffee Roasters
27 Magnolia RdClassic Coffee is a locally owned business. They roast their own beans and have their own custom blends. Classic Coffee is located in the trendy Avondale neighborhood here in Charleston.
Have you been dying for some cajun food? Go to LoLA (Lowcountry/Louisiana)! Their food will make you think you are right on Bourbon Street with a big bowl of Jambalaya or crawfish étouffée! They import the crawfish right from the gulf coast!
55 locals recommend
LoLA
4830 O'Hear AveHave you been dying for some cajun food? Go to LoLA (Lowcountry/Louisiana)! Their food will make you think you are right on Bourbon Street with a big bowl of Jambalaya or crawfish étouffée! They import the crawfish right from the gulf coast!
If you like pho, like me, you'll love Lotus! They have a nice spread of amazing Vietnamese dishes that will leave you so full you'll need a wheelbarrow to get back to your car!
22 locals recommend
Lotus Vietnamese Cuisine
1070A E Montague AveIf you like pho, like me, you'll love Lotus! They have a nice spread of amazing Vietnamese dishes that will leave you so full you'll need a wheelbarrow to get back to your car!
Workshop is so much more than just a restaurant. It's actually six restaurants and a coffee shop (Bad Wolf Coffee)! Workshop is sort of a "fancy foodcourt". It's the newest and hippest spot in Charleston where you'll find locals only. It is located in a business park just over the King Street extension. Built to be a test kitchen for start-ups and up-in-coming restauranteurs in the Charleston area, owners and chefs take up a residency in one of the kitchens on a trial basis to test new menus or just to get the word out about their business. And now, there is even a brand new Edmound's Oast Tap Room for your craft brew lovin' pleasure!
23 locals recommend
Workshop
1503 King StWorkshop is so much more than just a restaurant. It's actually six restaurants and a coffee shop (Bad Wolf Coffee)! Workshop is sort of a "fancy foodcourt". It's the newest and hippest spot in Charleston where you'll find locals only. It is located in a business park just over the King Street extension. Built to be a test kitchen for start-ups and up-in-coming restauranteurs in the Charleston area, owners and chefs take up a residency in one of the kitchens on a trial basis to test new menus or just to get the word out about their business. And now, there is even a brand new Edmound's Oast Tap Room for your craft brew lovin' pleasure!
If you saw the Charleston season of Top Chef, then you've probably heard about Rodney Scott and his Whole Hog BBQ. Rodney Scott is kind of a legend in South Carolina. Originally from Hemingway, SC, Rodney has been making SC Whole Hog BBQ for over 30 years! People used to drive to Hemingway (which is 2 hrs. from Charleston) just to try Rodney's BBQ. They come from all over, actually, he'll tell you! They still do, but now that he is on King Street in Charleston, now they just have to wait in line!
153 locals recommend
Rodney Scott's BBQ - Charleston
1011 King StreetIf you saw the Charleston season of Top Chef, then you've probably heard about Rodney Scott and his Whole Hog BBQ. Rodney Scott is kind of a legend in South Carolina. Originally from Hemingway, SC, Rodney has been making SC Whole Hog BBQ for over 30 years! People used to drive to Hemingway (which is 2 hrs. from Charleston) just to try Rodney's BBQ. They come from all over, actually, he'll tell you! They still do, but now that he is on King Street in Charleston, now they just have to wait in line!
Bertha's Kitchen is yet another secret spot thats off the beaten path. Located in the Neck area of Charleston, Bertha's Kitchen was recently awarded the James Beard America's Classic Award for their "beloved regional restaurants, distinguished by their timeless appeal". Bertha's Kitchen is the definition of Soul Food. As the name suggests, Bertha's is unique among it's peers who hold the prestigious title of American Classic, in that it is known as being owned and operated by women. Albertha Grant opened the restaurant in 1981, but it now belongs to her three daughters. They do fried chicken, whiting, and pork chops, cabbage, yams, green beans, bread pudding, and even pigs feet!
19 locals recommend
Bertha's Kitchen
2332 Meeting Street RdBertha's Kitchen is yet another secret spot thats off the beaten path. Located in the Neck area of Charleston, Bertha's Kitchen was recently awarded the James Beard America's Classic Award for their "beloved regional restaurants, distinguished by their timeless appeal". Bertha's Kitchen is the definition of Soul Food. As the name suggests, Bertha's is unique among it's peers who hold the prestigious title of American Classic, in that it is known as being owned and operated by women. Albertha Grant opened the restaurant in 1981, but it now belongs to her three daughters. They do fried chicken, whiting, and pork chops, cabbage, yams, green beans, bread pudding, and even pigs feet!
Known for their ever-revolving menu and their hand-crafted sandwiches sourced from the finest local ingredients.
119 locals recommend
Butcher & Bee
1085 Morrison DrKnown for their ever-revolving menu and their hand-crafted sandwiches sourced from the finest local ingredients.
This is my favorite Mexican place here in North Charleston. The Al Pastor is to die for!
La Nortena Taqueria & Mexican Grill
6275 Rivers AveThis is my favorite Mexican place here in North Charleston. The Al Pastor is to die for!
Rutledge Cab Co. is one of my most favorite restaurants in Charleston. Located in the North part of the peninsula, RCC is a place with amazing, yet decently priced food. It has a great atmosphere. It's a casual place to meet up with friends. They serve breakfast all day long, as stipulated by owner, and Charleston Local, Bill Murray! Whether you go for brunch and take a stroll down to Hampton Park to walk off a few calories, or meet up with friends for happy hour and some acoustic live tunes, Rutledge Cab Co. is the place to go!
78 locals recommend
Rutledge Cab Company
1300 Rutledge AveRutledge Cab Co. is one of my most favorite restaurants in Charleston. Located in the North part of the peninsula, RCC is a place with amazing, yet decently priced food. It has a great atmosphere. It's a casual place to meet up with friends. They serve breakfast all day long, as stipulated by owner, and Charleston Local, Bill Murray! Whether you go for brunch and take a stroll down to Hampton Park to walk off a few calories, or meet up with friends for happy hour and some acoustic live tunes, Rutledge Cab Co. is the place to go!
This place has all the locals talking, and the secrets gotten out to the tourists as well! A tiny little spot, and I do mean tiny; I think they can only seat about 8 -10 people. It's well worth the wait out front in their little street-side patio. Once you get inside, expect to be served some of the best oysters, lobster rolls, fish tacos, ceviche & more that you've ever had!
154 locals recommend
167 Raw
193 King StThis place has all the locals talking, and the secrets gotten out to the tourists as well! A tiny little spot, and I do mean tiny; I think they can only seat about 8 -10 people. It's well worth the wait out front in their little street-side patio. Once you get inside, expect to be served some of the best oysters, lobster rolls, fish tacos, ceviche & more that you've ever had!
Hall's Chophouse on King Street is the stuff legends are made of. Go for an amazing steak or decadently delicious seafood, Hall's Chophouse will not disappoint. If you're the type of person who turns away from a place like Ruth's Chris Steakhouse because of its corporate chain restaurant appeal, then Hall's is where you will be calling home. Locally and family owned, there is a good chance that one of Hall sons will be greeting you as you walk in. They have a Sunday Gospel Brunch for the family.
306 locals recommend
Halls Chophouse
434 King StHall's Chophouse on King Street is the stuff legends are made of. Go for an amazing steak or decadently delicious seafood, Hall's Chophouse will not disappoint. If you're the type of person who turns away from a place like Ruth's Chris Steakhouse because of its corporate chain restaurant appeal, then Hall's is where you will be calling home. Locally and family owned, there is a good chance that one of Hall sons will be greeting you as you walk in. They have a Sunday Gospel Brunch for the family.
This is a cozy neighborhood spot with elevated food & wine from France and around Europe. I literally copied that from Google because I've never been there! I'm not made out of money, you know!
100 locals recommend
Chez Nous
6 Payne CtThis is a cozy neighborhood spot with elevated food & wine from France and around Europe. I literally copied that from Google because I've never been there! I'm not made out of money, you know!
This place is walking distance from my house. Its no frills, but decent food at a decent price, and it's open late. They have a wide range of food to choose from.
NICKS GYROS & PHILLYS
5115 Dorchester RoadThis place is walking distance from my house. Its no frills, but decent food at a decent price, and it's open late. They have a wide range of food to choose from.
Taco Bell
5647 Dorchester Road4th meal! I won't hate it if you brought me a few tacos on your way back!
Do you like amazing Italian food? Then, fuggeddaboudit, Fratello's Italian Tavern will take you out! This fine dining spot is located right across the street from DIG In The Park in Park Circle.
40 locals recommend
Fratello's Italian Tavern
1050 E Montague AveDo you like amazing Italian food? Then, fuggeddaboudit, Fratello's Italian Tavern will take you out! This fine dining spot is located right across the street from DIG In The Park in Park Circle.
Extra Virgin Oven, is what EVO stands for. This is a quaint wood-fired-style pizzeria. It's almost like a pizza bistro, really. EVO has some amazing pizza. They use seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. EVO has a great little side walk dining set-up too. If you meats on your pizza, get the Pork Trifecta. If you're all about that veg-life, then I suggest you try the Pistachio Pesto. You will be in heaven!
165 locals recommend
EVO Pizzeria
1075 E Montague AveExtra Virgin Oven, is what EVO stands for. This is a quaint wood-fired-style pizzeria. It's almost like a pizza bistro, really. EVO has some amazing pizza. They use seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. EVO has a great little side walk dining set-up too. If you meats on your pizza, get the Pork Trifecta. If you're all about that veg-life, then I suggest you try the Pistachio Pesto. You will be in heaven!
Second State Coffee
70.5 Beaufain StGreat little local coffee spot downtown.
Kudu is located downtown off of King Street. It's a local spot with a nice vibe. Chill inside or out, in their bricked in outdoor patio. Kudu also has craft beer on tap.
109 locals recommend
Kudu Coffee and Craft Beer
4 Vanderhorst StKudu is located downtown off of King Street. It's a local spot with a nice vibe. Chill inside or out, in their bricked in outdoor patio. Kudu also has craft beer on tap.
Getting Around
Greyhound Bus Lines
4565 Gaynor AvenueThe bus station on Dorchester road, located 3 miles from my house
The Amtrak Station is located a little over 3 miles from my house.
7 locals recommend
Charleston station
The Amtrak Station is located a little over 3 miles from my house.
Everything Else
Charleston International Airport, located 3 miles from my home.
50 locals recommend
Charleston International Airport
5500 International BlvdCharleston International Airport, located 3 miles from my home.
Planet Fitness
5060 Dorchester RdBrand new gym that just opened up and it's only a five minute walk from my house!
Shopping
Outlet Mall shopping, located just 2 miles from my home. There are a variety of restaurants located there as well: Five Guys, Jimmy Johns, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sake Steak House, Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q
32 locals recommend
Tanger Outlets station
Outlet Mall shopping, located just 2 miles from my home. There are a variety of restaurants located there as well: Five Guys, Jimmy Johns, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sake Steak House, Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q
Upper King Street is known for the many great bars and restaurants of our city! Prohibition, HoM, The Ordinary, John King, Republic, Proof, Hall's Chop House, Indaco, Stars Restaurant, The Macintosh, AC's Bar and Grill, O-Ku, and more! Lower King Street has all the shopping that you could desire in Charleston: H & M, M. Dumas & Sons, Lululemon, Apple King Street, J. Crew, Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, Club Monaco, The Shops at Belmond Charleston Place, Forever 21, Candlefish, and much, much more!
252 locals recommend
King Street
King StreetUpper King Street is known for the many great bars and restaurants of our city! Prohibition, HoM, The Ordinary, John King, Republic, Proof, Hall's Chop House, Indaco, Stars Restaurant, The Macintosh, AC's Bar and Grill, O-Ku, and more! Lower King Street has all the shopping that you could desire in Charleston: H & M, M. Dumas & Sons, Lululemon, Apple King Street, J. Crew, Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, Club Monaco, The Shops at Belmond Charleston Place, Forever 21, Candlefish, and much, much more!
Essentials
Supercenter, located in Tanger Outlet Mall, just 3 miles from my home.
47 locals recommend
Walmart Supercenter
4920 Centre Pointe DrSupercenter, located in Tanger Outlet Mall, just 3 miles from my home.
Family Dollar
3575 Maybank HwyWalking distance from my house.
This is walking distance from my house. It's located in the same shopping center as the new Planet Fitness, and Dollar General. It's a low budget grocery store that has mostly generic brand stuff. They do have some pretty good and fresh produce, as well as a meat and dairy section.
Save A Lot
4411 Durant AveThis is walking distance from my house. It's located in the same shopping center as the new Planet Fitness, and Dollar General. It's a low budget grocery store that has mostly generic brand stuff. They do have some pretty good and fresh produce, as well as a meat and dairy section.
Publix is the closest upper-end grocery store near by. It is about a six mile drive up Dorchester road from my house. They have good produce and meat selections.
15 locals recommend
Publix Super Market at Palmetto Pavilion
8409 Dorchester RdPublix is the closest upper-end grocery store near by. It is about a six mile drive up Dorchester road from my house. They have good produce and meat selections.
Harris Teeter is my go-to, but its about three miles further than the Publix that is on Dorchester Rd. That's about an 8 - 9 mile drive from my house.
9 locals recommend
Harris Teeter
9500 Dorchester RdHarris Teeter is my go-to, but its about three miles further than the Publix that is on Dorchester Rd. That's about an 8 - 9 mile drive from my house.
If Sav-A-Lot is not your jam, and you just need some essentials, head to Food Lion. There is also a Bi-Lo across the street from Food Lion, but I rank these grocery stores about mid-level. They don't always have the good meat and produce selections that I like, but their proximity to my house makes it convenient to shop.
24 locals recommend
Food Lion
1213 Remount RdIf Sav-A-Lot is not your jam, and you just need some essentials, head to Food Lion. There is also a Bi-Lo across the street from Food Lion, but I rank these grocery stores about mid-level. They don't always have the good meat and produce selections that I like, but their proximity to my house makes it convenient to shop.
If Sav-A-Lot is not your jam, and you just need some essentials, head to Bi-Lo. There is also a Food Lion across the street from Bi-Lo, but I rank these grocery stores about mid-level. They don't always have the good meat and produce selections that I like, but their proximity to my house makes it convenient to shop.
BI-LO
4391 Dorchester RoadIf Sav-A-Lot is not your jam, and you just need some essentials, head to Bi-Lo. There is also a Food Lion across the street from Bi-Lo, but I rank these grocery stores about mid-level. They don't always have the good meat and produce selections that I like, but their proximity to my house makes it convenient to shop.
This convenience store is the one you passed by when you turned into my neighborhood, unless you came from the airport, it's one more light up. Cheap gas and convenient items on-the-go!
Kangaroo Express
5098 Dorchester RdThis convenience store is the one you passed by when you turned into my neighborhood, unless you came from the airport, it's one more light up. Cheap gas and convenient items on-the-go!
Arts & Culture
Coming to town for a concert? Great! The Coliseum and PAC are less than 2 miles from my home.
55 locals recommend
The North Charleston Performing Arts Center
5001 Coliseum DrComing to town for a concert? Great! The Coliseum and PAC are less than 2 miles from my home.