City Digest: Charleston

Jul 7

BRUNCH & LUNCH

Basic Kitchen: Basic brunch, but in the best way. Weather permitting, sit outside on the back patio. Enjoy bowls, sandwiches or salads and a slice of their famous GF banana bread for the table.
Queen St. Grocery: We ventured over here one morning and saw all of the locals (including hungover College of Charleston students) wait in line for delicious crepes, pressed sandwiches and refreshing smoothies. Homey and delicious, it’s a perfect stop before a day of sightseeing. If you’re into picnicking, this is a great option to stock up on local ingredients and snacks.
Leon’s Oyster Shop: Industrial auto-body shop known for southern style seafood
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit: Known as the-best-of-the best, Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits are shipped all over the world and are known as the iconic Southern treat. Stop by one of two locations (be prepared for a line) in Charleston for a variety of breakfast sammy options. Our favorite was the BLT biscuit sandwich with arugula, bacon, lemon basil mayo and roasted tomatoes.

DINNER

167 Raw: Everything you’d want out of a contemporary seafood restaurant - oysters, lobster rolls, fish tacos and more. It can be tough to squeeze in a table on a weekend night. Put your name in and walk to The Watch for a rooftop drink while you wait for a table.
Brasserie La Banque: Beautiful upscale French bistro with awesome, lively atmosphere. Classic French menu, but they just do it so well. Slip down to Bar Vaute after dinner for a night cap in the restaurant's hot-spot, speakeasy bar.
The Ordinary: 1920s bank turned high-end seafood restaurant with high ceilings and windows. Go for the seafood tower and espresso martini.
The Grocery: Local eatery with a rotating seasonal menu, including things like warm octopus salad, tater tots and caviar and duck liver mousse. A great place for family and bigger groups.
Husk: A historic Charleston spoke serving up a fancy southern menu. It’s a colonial home with a wrap-around porch on both levels and it’s just gotta be the most picturesque restaurant I ever did see…

COFFEE & TREATS

Harken Cafe: Our favorite coffee shop… we returned three times on our three day trip. Full coffee bar and extensive spread of homemade muffins, biscuits and scones. Pro tip: stop by Harken, buy an iced matcha latte and use the restroom (its wallpaper is worth seeing and perhaps photographing).
Clerk’s Coffee: In the Emiline hotel. I wouldn’t say this is the most unique coffee experience, but it’s got everything you’d want and it’s beautiful there. Good if you’re looking for a place to do some work while visiting Charleston.
Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe: Pies, milkshakes, espresso martini desserts, floats. It’s got everything. It’s open until 11pm on Friday/Saturday should you choose this direction over another cocktail.

HAPPY HOUR

The Watch: Would recommend starting your trip here…. Sip on craft cocktails and take in panoramic views of Charleston (preferably at Golden Hour). The bar also serves brunch, lunch and dinner if that’s your vibe.
The Vendue: Expansive rooftop bar on top of the The Vendue hotel - which is smack dab in the middle of downtown Charleston. Apparently it’s the first rooftop bar in Charleston… and seems to be a hot spot for big groups (cough: bachelorette parties). Worth trying for a bevy or two!
Vintage Lounge: Wine bar with Euro-flare. Try the $10 “Blind” glass and make your best bet. If you’re correct, your tab will be cleared.
Prohibition: Bar/restaurant with live music and award-winning cocktails. After 9pm it’s the perfect dancy spot for a group.
Baba’s: Patio bar with European bites and to-go cocktails.
Frannie & The Fox: Located in the adorable boutique Emiline hotel, Frannie & The Fox is a trendy patio restaurant. Settle into the cozy cushions with an Aperol Spritz and take in the twinkly lights and picture-perfect aesthetic.
Blind Tiger Pub: Big pub with outdoor backyard with beer flights and laid back cocktails. Great for happy hour without the fuss.