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Best Casual Local Restaurants in Charleston, SC

Sometimes you want great food without the fuss. These are the best casual restaurants in Charleston, SC — the local favorites where regulars eat twice a week.

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Best Casual Local Restaurants in Charleston, SC

91% Confidence
#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.

James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant DesignBon Appétit Best New RestaurantsEater Carolinas 'Essential Restaurants'
#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.

Multiple 'Best Sandwich in Charleston' awardsCharleston City Paper Best of Charleston repeat winnerThe Duck Club sandwich is a Charleston cult item
#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.

Southern Living 'Best BBQ in Charleston'Food Network and Travel Channel featuresMultiple locations across the Charleston area
Full Ranking
#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)
#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
#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)
#13
Dave's Carry-Out $ Low-key local seafood institution serving Lowco…
TripAdvisor #169 in Charleston with 4.5/5 (72 reviews)
#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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Top 3 Charleston Food Voices

The writers and creators shaping how Charleston thinks about food. Follow them for the deepest coverage of the local dining scene.

#1 Food Journalist

Hanna Raskin

@hanna_raskin

James Beard Award-winning food journalist and founder of The Food Section, an independent publication covering food and drink across the American South. Formerly the food editor and chief critic at The Post & Courier.

James Beard Award The Food Section Post & Courier
thefoodsection.com →
#2 Food Writer & Photographer

Jai Jones

@jaieats

Charleston-based food writer and photographer whose work appears in The Infatuation, Food & Wine, Conde Nast Traveler, Garden & Gun, Resy, and The Post & Courier. Creator of the Jai Eats platform covering Lowcountry dining.

The Infatuation Food & Wine Conde Nast Traveler Garden & Gun
jaieats.com →
#3 Food Content Creator

Tara Bannon

@charleston_foodie

The largest Charleston-focused food account on Instagram with 42,000+ followers. Covers restaurant openings, local favorites, and hidden gems across the Lowcountry with a focus on what's worth eating right now.

42K+ followers #charleston_foodie
@charleston_foodie on Instagram →