BABA’S ON CANNON
BREAKFAST/COCKTAILS
Styled after the old world cafés of Europe Baba’s prides themselves on serving classic espresso and proper apértivo service in the evening, including delicious wines, killer cocktails, and crave-able snacks
Our Recommendation: Your favorite coffee order paired with the very tall quiche with roasted fennel, conserved cherry tomatoes and gruyere.
THE DAILY
BREAKFAST
Eat and drink like a local at The Daily a neighborhood marketplace with fresh foods, beverages and goods sourced from our favorite farmers and artisans in the Charleston area.
Our Recommendation: Avocado toast is always your best bet.
MARINA VARIETY STORE
BREAKFAST
Located at City Marina, Marina Variety is a casual spot where you can enjoy a view of the water and a quality breakfast. Be sure to download the HOBA application on your iPhone for an impromptu boat ride after breakfast. There's nothing like seeing Charleston from the water!
Our Recommendation: The winning order is Lowcountry hash browns, topped with eggs and grilled local shrimp.
167 RAW
LUNCH/DINNER
Arrive early or be prepared to wait at this tiny raw bar with a big fan club. Still, even an hour seems a fair exchange for a place at the close-quartered marble bar inside, surrounded by Cape Cod vibes, friendly servers, and mounds of oysters waiting to be shucked—especially with a glass of Muscadet to pass the time.
Our Recommendation: Get there early and find a pal to go half and half on the Lobster Roll and Tuna Burger.
BOWENS ISLAND
LUNCH
It may be down and dirty, but the roast oysters, fried shrimp and Frogmore stew (seafood boil to those non-natives) at Bowens Island Restaurant have delighted generations of Charlestonians.
Our Recommendation: You will not be disappointed by any of the Lowcountry staples here.
LEON’S OYSTER SHOP
LUNCH/DINNER
An award-winning restaurant in downtown Charleston, serving fried chicken, oysters, beer, champagne and good atmosphere.
Our Recommendation: Char-Grilled Oysters and Peel 'N Eat Shrimp for the table.
LITTLE JACK’S TAVERN
LUNCH/DINNER
This intimate eatery is our go-to spot. Recognized for having the best burger in town, Little Jack's is only a block away from it's sister restaurant Leon's. Perhaps stop in for a Tavern Burger and then head on over to Leon's for a local brew and some oysters?
Our Recommendation: The Tavern Burger (not the double, just the regular, if you're still hungry after, you can always get another) + a side of Garlic and Herb Fries.
LEWIS BARBECUE
LUNCH
Pitmaster John Lewis brings his Texas-style barbecue to Charleston at this laid-back joint where the eats include cut-to-order brisket, hot guts (housemade sausage) and ribs, prepped in huge custom-built smokers.
Our Recommendation: Grab a chopped brisket sandwich and head outside.
RODNEY SCOTT’S BBQ
LUNCH
Everyday is a good day at Rodney Scott’s BBQ. Follow the smoke on Charleston’s Upper King St., and you’ll find true South Carolina whole-hog barbecue the way James Beard Award-Winning Pitmaster has been cooking since he was 11 years old.
Our Recommendation: The real magic here is in the ribs. Pair them with a side of hushpuppies and mac and cheese, and you’re in for a good time.
XIAO BAO BISCUIT
DINNER
XBB provides select dishes from China, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam prepared locally and inspired by the owners seven month honeymoon throughout Asia. Menu changes seasonally, with rotating daily specials and family style dinner service.
Our Recommendation: The crowd favorite is the Okonomiyaki, a Japanese cabbage pancake criss-crossed with drizzles of sriracha and Japanese mayo, then topped with a runny-yolk egg.
CHEZ NOUS
DINNER
Quite possibly the most charming neighborhood restaurant that Charleston has to offer. The daily changing bill of fare provides a choice of two appetizers, two entrées, and two desserts, crafted each day and served in the rustic space, which is simultaneously unassuming and special. Daily menus can be found on the Chez Nous Instagram page.
Our Recommendation: Order one of everything for the table!
FIG
DINNER
The community table at FIG may in fact be our favorite seat in all of Charleston. Helmed by two James Beard Award winning Chefs Mike Lata and Jason Stanhope, FIG has blossomed into one of the Southeast's top culinary destinations. For those wishing to play it safe, advance reservations are highly encouraged.
Our Recommendation: You really cannot go wrong but if you are fortunate enough to see the Tomato Tarte Tatin on the menu, order it!
MAISON
DINNER
The one-page food menu features a number of familiar French favorites that are as beautiful to look at as they are satisfying to eat.
Our Recommendation: The foie gras topped with pickled cherries and served with toasted brioche is a must-try
MALAGÓN
DINNER
From the team that created the much lovedChez Nous, comes Malagón, helmed by chef Juan Cassalett and focusing on authentic Spanish tapas with a menu that has something for everyone.
Our Recommendation: A little bit of everything.
THE DARLING OYSTER BAR
DINNER
The Darling, an energetic restaurant where fresh seafood is the star of the show. Blending classical preparations and exciting new flavors, The Darling pays careful attention to local ingredients and sustainability.
Our Recommendation: Here’s our tip: always go for a variety of oysters, since this place has a solid rotating selection.
THE ORDINARY
DINNER
Loyalists and in-the-know travelers are drawn to this local spot, where you can find creative, Southern-flecked seafood dishes like smoked oysters served alongside saltines and hot sauce, jumbo lump blue crab toast with lime and radish; and grilled New Orleans style bbq white shrimp.
Our Recommendation: Smoked Oysters + Saltines, Hot Sauce.
HARKEN
COFFEE & BREAKFAST