A Guide to

Dining in Downtown Charleston

Charleston is known for its history, shopping, and definitely–the amazing food scene! From seafood to fine dining to breweries and traditional Southern fare, Charleston is the place to be if you are a foodie. Below is a small guide to dining in Downtown Charleston.

Breweries

edmunds oast

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co.

Address: 1505 King St. #115

Edmund’s Oast is a production brewery and taproom restaurant. All of the beers distributed in more than eight states are brewed at this facility. The adjoining taproom restaurant features an all-day casual food menu, 20 house-brewed beers on tap, wine, and cocktails. In addition, you can purchase cans, growlers, crowlers, and merchandise to go. They also have an outdoor patio in a large courtyard. Hours: Monday-Sunday 11 am-9 pm.

rusty bull

Rusty Bull Brewing Co.

Address: 337 King Street

Rusty Bull has an extensive list of beer, ciders, selzers, and teas. They also have a food menu that includes small bites, salads, big bites, and happy hour Monday-Friday 4-7. In addition, they host a variety of events.  Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 am-9 pm; Friday-Saturday 11 am-10 pm; Sunday 11 am-8 pm.

Casual

millers all day

Millers All Day

Address: 199 E. Bay Street

Millers All Day is loved by locals and visitors for their delicious and lunch options along with fun and inventive cocktails, coffees, and a variety of artisanal pastries.

cru cafe

Cru Café

Address: 18 Pinckney Street

Cru Café is known for its gourmet comfort food. Cru Café was opened in 2002 by the renowned Le Cordon Bleu graduate, Chef John Zucker. The cafe is housed in a classic 18th-century Charleston single-style home and is consistently ranked as a top eatery by locals and tourists alike. Hours: Tuesday -Saturday 11 am-3 pm and 5-9 pm.

basic kitchen

Basic Kitchen

Address: 82 Wentworth Street

Basic Kitchen is a popular spot for those looking for diverse flavors using local produce. Some of the ingredients used include whole grains and legumes, a rainbow of spices and vinegars, healthful oils, wild-caught seafood, and sustainably raised meat. Basic Kitchen is housed in A historic building with floor-to-ceiling windows houses Basic Kitchen. They also have a covered courtyard filled with plants and herbs used by the kitchen. They offer a rotating daily menu featuring simple, seasonal, and delightful dishes as well as a seasonal cocktail program, complete with mocktails. They are open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday 10 am-3 pm u0026amp; 5-9 pm, and brunch and dinner Saturday and Sunday.

Fine Dining

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Circa 1886 Restaurant

Address: 149 Wentworth Street

Located in the original carriage house of the historic Wentworth Mansion® in downtown Charleston, Circa 1886 has long reigned as one of Charleston’s finest restaurants—a romantic backdrop for birthday celebrations and a quiet setting to entertain friends. For more than 20 years, Executive Chef Marc Collins has worked to create a special kind of culinary magic, elevating even an ordinary night out to spectacular new heights. Chef Marc’s menu combines a few Lowcountry favorites like Shrimp N’ Grits and two new tasting menus curated with imagination and a focus on combining flavors and textures to elevate each dish into superb art.

halls chophouse

Halls Chophouse

Address: 149 Wentworth Street

The Hall family opened the doors of Halls Chophouse Charleston in 2009 with a focus on serving the best steak, wine, and hearty family-style sides in addition to providing excellent service. Dinner is served 7 nights a week and a Gospel Brunch on Sundays, all with live music. Hours: Monday-Thursday 4-11 pm; Friday 4 pm-12 am; Saturday 11 am-12 am; Sunday 10 am-11 pm.

Seafood

167 raw

Raw 167 Oyster Bar

Address: 193 King Street

Raw 176 is a New England-style Oyster Bar in the heart of historic Downtown. The menu highlights seafood offerings stretching from New Brunswick, Canada to the local waters in Charleston. In addition to an extensive raw bar menu, you will find small plates, tacos, and traditional sandwiches. Monday-Saturday 11 am-11 pm.

leons

Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop

Address: 698 King Street

Leon’s website says, “We do fried chicken, oysters, kick ass salads, cheap beer, soft serve, rosé on tap, frozen Gu0026amp;T’s, tons of grower champagne, and decent cocktails – all in an old garage.” We don’t think we could come up with a better description! Leon’s opened in 2014 and is truly a neighborhood restaurant—open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Hours: Monday-Friday 11 am-10 pm.

Southern

82 queen

82 Queen

Address: 82 Queen Street

82 Queen is opened more than 30 years ago and is nestled in Charleston’s historic French Quarter. They are known for gracious Southern hospitality and “Lowcountry” cuisine–inspired by African, French, Caribbean, and Anglo-Saxon flavors. Monday-Sunday 11:30 am-2:30 pm and 5:30-10 pm.

high cotton

High Cotton

Address: 199 E. Bay Street

High Cotton, owned by the Hall Family, boasts stylish dining rooms of heart pine floors and antique brick. Knowledgeable and gracious servers enhance the dining experience. High Cotton is known for expertly prepared dishes and a robust wine list. Hours: Monday-Saturday 4-11 pm; Sunday 10 am-10 pm.