167 Raw 
https://167raw.com/charleston/  
Highly regarded seafood restaurant with some of the best oysters that members of the NSSGA staff have ever had!  The original restaurant is in Massachusetts.  They do NOT take advance reservations and people do line up early to get in. Most nights, the wait is at least an hour. 

The Darling 
https://thedarling.com/  
Fresh seafood, friendly service, low key. 
Reservations open now via OpenTable

The Ordinary 
https://eattheordinary.com/  
It’s difficult to get reservations at this restaurant and the bar is always full.  Must like oysters and good fresh fish to go here!
Reservations go live daily at 12 pm EST, 4 weeks in advance 
 
Halls Chophouse 
https://www.hallschophouse.com/charleston-menus/ 
It has a great reputation on the tourist boards.  One recommendation is to go here for a cocktail at the bar and people-watch, maybe order the steak nachos, and move on.  Or end up here later at night! 
** Special consideration for those arriving to Charleston early – they do a Sunday Gospel Brunch and we’ve heard it’s AMAZING. 
Reservations open now

Church & Union 
https://churchandunioncharleston.com/  
Location is super cool, food is terrific. 
Reservations open now via OpenTable

FIG 
https://eatatfig.com/  
The communal table is great!  This is a long-time Charleston restaurant and never disappoints! 
Reservations go live daily at 12 pm EST, 4 weeks in advance (up to 6 guests)

High Cotton 
https://www.highcottoncharleston.com/  
Classic southern fare. 
Reservations open now

Husk 
https://huskrestaurant.com/home/  
Classic southern fare. 
Reservations open now via Resy

Slightly North of Broad 
https://www.snobcharleston.com/  
The classic, of course! 
​​​​​​​Reservations open now via Resy

Oak Steakhouse 
https://www.oaksteakhouserestaurant.com/location/oak-steakhouse-charleston/  
If you’re looking for a good steak in Charleston, this is the place to go!  Highly recommend trying this over Halls.
​​​​​​​Reservations open now via OpenTable 

Warehouse – The Lux 
https://wearewarehouse.com/  
For foodie lovers!  Fun, casual space, but super upscale food.  Not super touristy. 
​​​​​​​Reservations open now via OpenTable

Hank’s Seafood Restaurant 
https://hanksseafoodrestaurant.com/  
Best fancy fish in Charleston.  If you’re looking for a nice, classy old school seafood meal, you can’t beat Hank’s! 
​​​​​​​Reservations open now via Resy

Wild Common 
https://www.wildcommoncharleston.com/  
For foodies looking for that special tasting menu experience! 
Reservations go live daily 4 weeks in advance via Resy

Vern’s 
https://www.vernschs.com/  
Run by the chef at McCrady’s who basically founded the culinary scene in Charleston! 
Reservations go live daily at 12 pm EST, 30 days in advance via Resy

Chez Nous 
https://www.cheznouschs.com/  
We’ve heard it’s amazing, but haven’t been! 
Reservations go live 4 weeks in advance

Circa 1886 
https://www.circa1886.com/  
They describe themselves as luxurious elegance, the most romantic restaurant, if not a tad haunted!  Would be a good spot for some diners looking for classic Charleston food in an intimate, fancy setting. 
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Reservations open now via Resy

Butcher & Bee 
https://butcherandbee.com/locations/charleston  
Delicious! 
Reservations go live 30 days in advance via Resy

Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit 
https://calliesbiscuits.com/  
The only option if looking for a non-sit down breakfast. 
Does not take reservations

Holey City Bagels 
https://www.holeycitybagels.com/  
Speaks for itself! 
Does not take reservations

Little Jack’s Tavern 
https://littlejackstavern.com/  
Next to Leon’s, so we end up here when the line is too long at Leon’s – amazing hangover place.  Cab recommended.
Reservations go live 30 days in advance via Resy 

Leon’s 
https://leonsoystershop.com/  
Senator Tim Scott holds his oyster fry here – great daytime spot.  Cab recommended.
Reservations go live daily 4 weeks in advance via Resy, but only for parties of six or more

Rodney Scott’s BBQ or Lewis BBQ 
https://www.rodneyscottsbbq.com/  
https://www.lewisbarbecue.com/  
Long lines for the best BBQ in the South! 
Does not take reservations

Pink Cactus
https://www.pinkcactuschs.com/ 
The name says it, alright!  Great margaritas too! 
Reservations open now via Resy

The Rarebit 
https://www.instagram.com/the_rarebit/?hl=en  
Mid-century modern at it’s greatest! 
Does not take reservations

Edmund’s Oast 
https://edmundsoast.com/  
Attracts a younger crowd, and fun for day drinking! 
Reservations open now, only for groups of 8-16

89 Queen 
https://82queen.com/  
Brunch at it’s classic southern best!  Also great for dinner. 
Reservations open now via Resy

Poogan’s Porch 
https://www.poogansporch.com/  
Always a great place for lunch or dinner.  Not too fancy and the food won’t disappoint!
Reservations open now via Resy 

Virginia’s on King 
https://www.holycityhospitality.com/virginias-on-king/  
Great for people not looking to go too far. 
​​​​​​​Reservations open now via OpenTable

The Grocery 
https://thegrocerycharleston.com/  
Also a great dinner spot; the green tomato martini hits the spot!  (Clyburn held a dinner here.)
​​​​​​​Reservations open now via Resy 

39 Rue de Jean 
https://www.holycityhospitality.com/39-rue-de-jean/  
It is a local spot hiding in a tourist destination.  Classic French food. 
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Reservations open now via OpenTable

Zero George 
https://zerogeorge.com/zero-restaurant-bar/  
You can also drop $$$$ for an amazing, one-of-a-kind dinner here.  Not sure if it gets crowded for drinks.  If you’re looking for an activity during the day, they offer fantastic cooking classes! 
Reservations go live daily 4 weeks in advance

Vendue Inn Rooftop 
https://www.rooftopcharleston.com/  
Does not take reservations

Scotty Doesn’t Know Speakeasy 
https://scottydoesntknowspeakeasy.com/  
This place is amazing!  Very cozy – groups have curtains between them.  Can host anything from intimate dates to groups of 15 or more. 
Only open from Wednesday-Saturday

Prohibition 
https://www.prohibitioncharleston.com/  
Great cocktail bar! 
Reservations open now via OpenTable

The Belmont 
https://www.thebelmontcharleston.com/  
Not to be confused with the hotel – their website says it all “Classic cocktails for classy people” 
Does not take reservations 

Bin 152 Wine Bar 
https://www.bin152.com/  
Always has people in it.  Great casual break from shopping destination
Does not take reservations 

The Gin Joint 
https://www.theginjoint.com/  
Does not take reservations

Vintage Lounge 
https://www.vintagechs.com/  
Great wine bar – did a wine tasting event there once.  The meat and cheese was amazing too!
Reservations go live daily 4 weeks in advance 

Bar Vauté 
https://www.brasserielabanque.com/bar-vaute/  
Newer post-COVID cocktail lounge in an old bank building – super intimate and cozy! 
Reservations open now via OpenTable

• If anyone wants to go to the beach, Sullivan’s Island comes to mind.  The Obstinate Daughter is AMAZING.  Recommendation: the Farro salad with chicken! 
• Shem Creek – Saltwater Cowboy is always a big hit, especially if you’re looking for an activity – you can rent kayaks and paddle with dolphins!  Trash can nachos are a must!