rls recommendations

Over the past 18 years we've heard a lot of reviews and we've eaten a lot of food. Here are our curated favorites

restaurants

167 raw

Our #1 recommendation when people ask where to eat. Fantastic and inventive flavors. Extremely fresh seafood. The crispy oysters might be one of the best tasting dishes in Charleston.

fig

FIG stands for Food Is Good, and they aren't kidding. One of the simplest and freshest menus in town. Make your reservations early or try to get a seat at the bar, its always booked. Tomato Tartine is devine.

leons

Charleston in a nutshell, friendly, southern, hip and casual. The frozen gin and tonics and heavenly fried chicken sandwich will surely hit the spot.

stellas

One of the warmest restaurants in town. You feel as though theres a 300 lb Greek grandmother in the kitchen making food for her beloved family. You had us at flaming cheese.

edmunds oast

If you love craft beer and world class food, this is your spot. Theres a 3000 sq ft outdoor post and beam bowery bar that is one of the best vibes in town. Although their beer board is impressive, their own in house brews are some of the best in the US.

chez nous

Romantic doesn't do it justice. A tiny french restaurant that changes its menu daily, Chez Nous will make you feel like getting down on one knee and proposing even if you've been married for decades.

Vern's

A casual, French-inspired neighborhood restaurant. The Rabbit Campanelli is the go-to you don’t want to miss.

Chubby Fish

A chef-driven, dock to table concept, offering Lowcountry seafood in a fresh, innovative way. Show up 15 minutes before opening, or expect to wait!

The Obstinate Daughter

Located on Sullivan's island, one of the most charming restaurants in the Charleston area. Make sure to try the farro with brussel sprouts, it'll change your life.

Coffee Shops

Harken Cafe

A Little piece of magic a few blocks from the gallery on Queen St. They have the best coffee in town and make sure to try the tea time cookie, you wont regret it.

Baba’s on Meeting

A glamorous but casual cafe with European vibes. The peanut mocha, the quiche, the banana bread… whatever catches your eye, you won’t be disappointed. 

Harbinger Cafe

Equally as charming as it's sister cafe Harken, just located in a different part of town. The Harbinger is a whimsical space full of plants, Instagram-worthy shelves full of treasures, and cozy seating.

bakeries / pastries

Weltons Tiny Bakeshop

Adorable little spot making really special, seasonally inspired, European influenced treats. Only open Friday, Saturdays and Sundays 10AM-2PM so plan accordingly. 

Sugar Bakeshop

Small batch bakery. Pop in for a cupcake, cookie or other rotating slice of deliciousness. They often sell out so stay flexible and curious! Closed Sundays. 

Brown's Court Bakery

Danishes, bagel bombs, muffins, fresh baked bread...and almost always a cute dog sighting. Take out only.

cocktails / drinking

The gin Joint

1940's gin fizzes, 80 rums on hand and bartenders sporting suspenders, what else could you ask for. They also will make you a special cocktail if you give them three adjectives.

husk's bar

Even more chamring then the resturaunt next door, you'll find ancient brick and dried okra onthe walls. They'll make you a bourbon cocktail so beautiful you might just take the first 5 minutes to stare at it.

Bin 152

A small french wine bar with an excellent curated selection of wines as well as cheese and charcuterie. SIt in the window and watch the charm of Charleston stroll by while feeling the full European vibe of Bin 152.

breweries

Edmunds Oast brewery

The godfathers of the Charleston beer scene. Making some of the best beer in town, their brewery is an easy-going large space with a never ending supply of good brews.

Charles-towne Fermentory

IPA kings. Every beer they make is top notch but their IPA's are the crown jewels. Maser, Mars Express, and Sungazer are all worth a try.

Revelry

With their fun filled rooftop, this brewery is a great place to hang with friends. Left Loosey is a go-to favorite but their revolving small batch beer is the ones to look for.

rooftop bars/restaurants

the citrus club

The Dewberry is just as cool as a hotel can get and their rooftop is just as special. On a hot day, the endless breeze up will make you want to never leave.

The Watch

One of the best panoramic rooftop views of Charleston, offering an array of options from Truffle Fries to Braised Short Rib Cavatelli.

the vendue rooftop

Across the street from the gallery, you'll find the Vendue. Art hotel on the bottom, fun filled bar on the roof, what more could you ask for.

breakfast

Millers All Day

This place feels a little like the diners every small town has mixed with a foodies gourmet menu that makes all your favorite dishes feel grown up. Great place to start the day if you were out having too much fun the night before.

The Daily

Pop in and grab something delicious in a place that also happens to have some of the freshest ingredients possible. There are a bunch of market-like provisions to grab along the way and bring home.

harken cafe

Have we mentioned how much we love this place. The Butter Me up breakfast sandwich and all of their morning pastries are heaven in your mouth.

Brunch

Poogan's Porch

A few blocks away from our Gallery is Charleston’s oldest independent culinary establishment, in a beautifully restored Victorian house. Offering daily brunch,and known for their Shrimp and Grits.

husk

Think southern, think local, think James Beard level dining. This place was put on the map by Charleston's most beloved chef Sean Brock, who created a restaurant where every single ingredient comes from the american south.

halls Chophouse

Gospel brunch with fresh popovers instead of bread, need we say more. This place oozes class and spirit at the same time. Listen to a piano player and some beautiful voices while dining on traditional southern brunch fare.

lunch

Butcher and Bee

This place is a go to for a diverse menu with unique flavors. Next door to Edumunds Oast, the outside courtyard just feels right while the food is farm fresh and ever changing.

167 raw

We can't say enough about this place, its our number one recommmendation for lunch or dinner. Lobster tostada? Yes. Margarite? Yes. Tuna burger? Yes.

Leons

If you're in a good mood and want to stay in a good mood, Leon's is your spot. Known for the fired chicken sandwich, frozen gin and tonics and the coldest soft serve ice cream ever.

hotels

The Dewberry

A hip luxury hotel with old world charm. A great lobby bar as well as one of the best rooftops in town.

The Charleston place

The definition of class. This hotel is luxurious and right in the heart of the city. Charleston Grill, their in house restaurant, is one of the finest meals in the city.

the bennett

Relatively new, this 5 start hotel is as stylish and posh as they come. It has a European flair with refined textures everywhere you look.

boutique hotels

zero george

This hotel and its restaurant are about as charming as it gets. Its nestled in and oozes a refined quaintness. Sit on the porch and enjoy the perfect glass a wine and you'll feel the charm wash over you.

wentworth mansion

Romance and style makes this hotel one for memory making. You'll feel the essence of Charleston around every corner.

the pinch

This luxury boutique hotel offers a smart blend of historic ambiance, modern amenities and residential style. It feels fresh and friendly, just like Charleston.

best local food website

Eater CArolinas

Your one stop shop for all things food in Charleston.