Local Flavor: where to eat and drink in Charleston, South Carolina

10.08.2024 - 07:35 / lonelyplanet.com

Aug 9, 2024 • 5 min read

Charleston delights all the senses – visually with its cobblestone streets and charming architecture, audibly with the local twang and, y'all...then there's the food, which is a sensory overload on every level. From its dives to its elaborate divines, there is something for every budget, palette and person in Charleston.

I'm a Virginia native and current Florida resident. Throughout my 38 years on planet Earth, Charleston has been the destination of choice on family road trips and, now that I'm an adult, a haven for long weekends with my wife and group outings with our dear friends. When I consider what keeps me coming back for more, it's Charleston's food scene more than any other aspect of the city.

There's a reason "The Holy City" has been dubbed "the food capital of the south." This is how to eat your way through the various neighborhoods and discover your own favorite spots to return to time and again.

That long, narrow shop on King Street with a line out the door since its 2014 opening? Yep, it's Callie's Hot Little Biscuit. Order any biscuit concoction with their pimiento cheese, blackberry jam, goat cheese or sausage gravy. The spot opens at 8am daily – you'll want to get there as early as possible to avoid the College of Charleston kids rolling out of bed late. If the line is heinous, there's another Callie's counter inside Charleston City Market about a mile southeast.

For a more sit-down affair, head south to the bustling intersection of King and Broad Streets to Millers All Day. Exuding the charm of a historic pharmacy-turned-poppin' modern bistro, their cream cheese icing-drenched cinnamon roll and frittata with whipped feta are among the crowd faves. Bodega – right behind the Charleston Visitor Center – also stands out for its party brunch vibe all week long, with a cereal milk latte and super large, shareable cocktails that can serve a large table.

I consider myself an easygoing person, but I will admit to being a complete coffee snob. Second State Coffee is the spot for freshly roasted beans and killer pour-overs in town, with beans sourced on the regular from the best coffee-producing nations. Its principal café is tucked in Harleston Village – about three blocks west of King Street – in an old, window-draped, house-gone-coffee shop for ultra-sunny vibes.

The Harbinger and Harken – sister cafes – get a special nod in this category for their country home ambiance and expansive baked goods (like the fluffy quiche with squash, sweet potato and more). Its expansive coffee selections – drip to creative lattes – feature beans from Greenville-bred Methodical Coffee, widely regarded as one of the best roasters in the country.

For an on-the-fly yet elegant deli experience, The