#1
Leon's Oyster Shop
$$ - $$$
Upper King
Why #1 Bib Gourmand fried chicken + oysters — the locals' institution that critics love too
Beloved Upper King oyster bar and fried chicken counter housed in a converted auto-shop, serving natural wine, wood-roasted oysters, and Nashville hot chicken in Charleston's most admired casual room.
Address698 King St, Charleston, SC 29403Downtown / Westside /
HoursDaily 11am-10pm
Walk-inYes (reservations only for parties of 6-12)
Price$$
Dress codeCasual
SignatureFried Chicken and Chargrilled Oysters /
James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant DesignBon Appétit Best New RestaurantsEater Carolinas 'Essential Restaurants'
#2
The Grocery
$$
Cannonborough
Why #2 The Grocery is a neighborhood Charleston restaurant centered on seasonal ingredients from local farmers, fishermen, foragers, and artisans
The Grocery is a neighborhood Charleston restaurant centered on seasonal ingredients from local farmers, fishermen, foragers, and artisans, with Chef Kevin Johnson at the helm. Its identity blends Southern and Mediterranean influences, house-made preservation, and a wood-burning oven in a former furniture warehouse setting.
Address4 Cannon St, Charleston, SC 29403
HoursDinner Tuesday-Sunday, opening at 5:00
ReservationsTakes reservations (per Yelp); official site does not state a policy in the fetched page
Walk-inCheck on arrival
Price$$
SignatureHouse-made charcuterie; evolving seasonal menu; Southern and Mediterranean-influenced dishes; in-house canned produce; wood-fired oven items
Verified Charleston operatorJune 2026 podium
#3
Jackrabbit Filly
$$
Park Circle, North Charleston
Why #3 Jackrabbit Filly is Shuai and Corrie Wang’s brick-and-mortar restaurant in Park Circle, North Charleston, serving heritage-driven New Chines
Jackrabbit Filly is Shuai and Corrie Wang’s brick-and-mortar restaurant in Park Circle, North Charleston, serving heritage-driven New Chinese American food with a playful, polished edge. Charleston City Paper highlights dishes like pork and cabbage dumplings and karaage, while OpenTable describes the restaurant as award-winning and a Diners’ Top Pick.
Address1083 E Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
HoursWed–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm; Wed–Sat lunch 11:00 am–3:00 pm; Wed–Sat bar 3:00 pm–5:00 pm; Fri–Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
ReservationsReservations available on OpenTable; bookable online
Walk-inWalk-ins not clearly stated; OpenTable indicates reservations are available, and the restaurant also offers takeout/delivery via online ordering
Price$$
SignaturePork and cabbage dumplings; karaage
Verified Charleston operatorJune 2026 podium
Also strong in this category
These restaurants previously held a podium slot and remain strong picks. Full profiles preserved below.
#4
Tattooed Moose
$
Upper King
Why #2 Duck fat fries, dive bar energy, and the burger that started a cult
View full profile
#2
Tattooed Moose
$
Upper King
Why #2 Duck fat fries, dive bar energy, and the burger that started a cult
Beloved dive bar and sandwich shop on Upper King famous for the Duck Club sandwich, craft beers, and an unapologetically local, no-frills atmosphere.
Address4845 Chateau Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405Park Circle / Johns Island
HoursDaily 11:30am-2am; Sun brunch 11:30-3; kitchen 'til 12am (Sun-Thu) or 1am (Fri-Sat)
ReservationsWalk-in only. No reservations taken.
Walk-inYes
Price$$
Dress codeCasual
SignatureMike's Famous Duck Club™ and Duck Fat Fries
Multiple 'Best Sandwich in Charleston' awardsCharleston City Paper Best of Charleston repeat winnerThe Duck Club sandwich is a Charleston cult item
#5
Home Team BBQ
$$ - $$$
Multiple (West Ashley flagship; Sullivan's Island; Upper King)
Why #3 Gamechanger cocktails + dry-rubbed wings — the social BBQ spot
View full profile
#3
Home Team BBQ
$$ - $$$
Multiple (West Ashley flagship; Sullivan's Island; Upper King)
Why #3 Gamechanger cocktails + dry-rubbed wings — the social BBQ spot
Award-winning Charleston BBQ institution with multiple locations serving smoked meats, creative cocktails, and live music that defines the Lowcountry backyard cookout experience.
Address126 Williman St, Charleston, SC 29403Downtown Charleston / East Central
HoursMon-Sun 11am-12am; full menu until 10pm; late night 10pm-12am
ReservationsWalk-in only. No reservations taken.
Walk-inYes
Price$$
Dress codeCasual
SignatureFiery Ron's Smoked Chicken Wings / Pulled Pork
Southern Living 'Best BBQ in Charleston'Food Network and Travel Channel featuresMultiple locations across the Charleston area
#4
Edmund's Original (formerly Edmund's Oast)
$$ - $$$
American tavern and gastropub on Morrison Drive…
Eater Carolinas 'Essential Restaurants'
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#5
The Grocery
$$ - $$$
Farm-to-table neighborhood gathering place by c…
TripAdvisor #39 in Charleston with 4.4/5 (714 reviews)
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#6
Hannibal's Kitchen
$
A James Island soul food institution that has '…
40+ years in operation — one of Charleston's oldest …
New
#7
Lost Isle
$$ - $$$
Fire-to-table outdoor restaurant under pecan tr…
Southern Living Restaurant of the Year (2024)
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#8
Jack of Cups Saloon
$
Cozy Folly Beach staple with a globally inspire…
Charleston City Paper Best of Charleston winner (mul…
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#9
The Royal American
$
Neighborhood bar and live music venue on Morris…
Open since 2011 — one of Charleston's most establish…
—
#10
Lillian's Petite Market & Eatery
$$ - $$$
Community-centered Westside café, bar, and mark…
Condé Nast Traveler mention
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#11
Basic Kitchen
$$ - $$$
Pioneering whole-foods and plant-forward restau…
TripAdvisor #80 in Charleston (4.3/5, 181 reviews) —…
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#12
Boxcar Betty's
$
West Ashley purveyor of gourmet fried chicken s…
TripAdvisor #22 in Charleston with 4.5/5 (432 reviews)
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#13
Dave's Carry-Out
$
Low-key local seafood institution serving Lowco…
TripAdvisor #169 in Charleston with 4.5/5 (72 reviews)
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#14
Queen Street Grocery & Cafe
$
Neighborhood café and local institution in the …
Voted 'Best Corner Store' by customers
—
#15
Berkeley's Sandwiches + Suppers
$
Casual neighborhood sandwich and supper spot ne…
Condé Nast Traveler feature
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