I was recently in Charleston, S.C., a city I love.
I’ve written about Charleston several times here, but I am sure some people might wonder, what do I recommend for anyone visiting Charleston? Here’s a short list for the start of 2025. It’s far from exhausting.
- Maison. Simply the best French food I’ve eaten anywhere in North America, save Le Bernardin. Sit at the bar: the bartenders are tremendous. Get them to make you a french negroni to start, and then have them recommend wine by the glass as you go. The salmon tartar is a great starter, as is the french onion croquet. Not sure about things? Get the steak frites. But it pay to try something a bit more adventurous. And if you want more French food, hit up
- Fast and French. If Maison is fine dining, this is fun dining. Go for lunch and rub elbows in their cozy downtown space. If it’s too cozy, you need to go to…
- The Ordinary. Make it easy and get a seafood tower. Get a table on the second floor if you can and look out over the place. But no where is a bad seat. It’s a big place.
- Renzo’s has delicious pizza and great wines, though it is not a big place, so you may have to wait. Speaking of that, you should try to go to…
- Chubbyfish (shown above) if you can ever get in, it’s superb. It may be easier to head over to…
- Santis for margueritas and TexMex food. It’s a super fun atmosphere too.
- Ted’s Butcher Block makes superb sandwiches every day of the week and on Saturdays, superb burgers. Grab some meat and cheese and wine to bring home for later. If you need options, then….
- Cow Sheep Cow also has excellent provisions, including cheese and wine. Need a corkscrew? They have great ones. Likewise, go to…
- Monarch Wines for a bottle of something special. After that, go next door to…
- Harbinger and grab a coffee and a cookie. Or head over to…
- Sightsee, which also has amazing coffee. A beautiful space too. Then head downtown to wander along…
- King St. So much to see here, but make sure you pop into…
- Candlefish. It’s a great place for souvenirs and gifts. I recommend their library for a classic candle, though everything there is great. Speaking of great products…
- J Stark is loaded with them. You can’t go wrong with any of their bags or wallets. Even their key chains are wonderful. While you are in that part of Charleston, grab some food at…
- EVO or Odd Duck. Or if you are driving and hungry, go to…
- Cookout. Their hamburgers and chili fries can’t be beat. Love milkshakes? Then you definitely need to go.
- Munkle is just one of the great local brewers there. Stop by for a pint. If you are lucky…
- Doughboyz will be onsite selling their pizzas from their truck. Get the pepperoni. You’ll be glad you did. Did I forget…
- Rodney’s or Lewis’s for BBQ? I did not. Nor should you.
- Hampton Park is never a bad idea, either. Grab a coffee from Sightsee or Harbinger and then wander around or just snag a bench and relax.
A long list, and I could easily double it. Go to Charleston when you can.
Smart People I Know 