Charleston, SC Grub & Nightlife Guide

I graduated from The College of Charleston on the five-year plan in 2014, and got to know the city very well during my time there—especially the food and nightlife portion. During that period I went through like seven BlackBerries, at least two of which probably fell out on one of my friend’s Rickshaws (I was super responsible in college🙄)—so unfortunately I don’t have many photos, but I’ve done my best. I also wasn’t a ‘real’ photographer yet at that time; these photos were taken circa 2014 and earlier.

Since one of my friends is traveling to Charleston for a bachelor party soon and wanted recommendations, I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to do a post!

I have attempted to organize and prioritize as much as possible, so if you only have a little bit of time, try to go to the first places listed in each category.

I don’t drink anymore, but let’s start with my favorite places to drink. Safe to assume everywhere except the dive bar section will be equipped with craft cocktails.

• The Cocktail Club
  • Order the “Cloak and Dagger” cocktail, if they still have it!

• The Belmont
  • A small bar on King Street with major 1920’s vibes-they play old black and white films on the back wall!

• Prohibition
  • I ordered some sort of blueberry and waffles situation from here once and I never forgot it. It was that good.

• Stars Rooftop & Grill Room
  • Love.

• Warehouse
  • Tucked away somewhat from the madness of King Street.
  • Has pool table!

• Blind Tiger [Pub]
  • This place seems to go on forever. The only way I can describe it is like, a trippy bar playground, which is probably a horrible description.

• Pearlz Oyster Bar
  • Oyster shooters, baby.

Dive Bars:

• A.C.’s [Bar & Grill]
  • Has pool table and plays good music. Also great for late night eats. I recommend their chili cheese fries. Just don’t order the “Death Burger,” and you’ll be fine.

• Recovery Room [Tavern]
  • A bit of a walk off King (if you’re walking), but this is a cheap and fun dive bar with pool table and other amenities.

• The Tattooed Moose
  • I would stick to the downtown location, just because it has character. I don’t remember what I used to get here, though.

—> Stuck on King Street late night and need some food? Check out The Rarebit-they serve breakfast in a dimly lit ambiance until 2 a.m.!

• Muse [Restaurant & Wine Bar]
  • Only a few people seem to know about their late night menu on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. Yes, that’s only a two hour window, two nights of the week-but trust me, this Margherita pizza is worth it. I called them just to make sure they still do it!
  • The bartender who usually works here is a super friendly and cool guy!

• Loggerhead’s Beach Grill (Folly Beach)
  • Two words: Melon Colada.

Lunch

• Taco Boy (Locations in Downtown & Folly Beach)
  • Not only are the tacos bomb, but the décor is also on point! Great place to sit outside and drink the best mango margarita I’ve had to date😍. They also have a Folly Beach location!

• Five Loaves Cafe
  • TRY THE SOUPS. I suggest the “Soup Sampler of Three Pours.” They also have a Mount Pleasant location! Summerville, too, but if you’re in the general area of Charleston, don’t worry about that third location for now.

• Monza Pizza Bar
  • The specials here are always delish, and obviously the pizza’s good, too!

• Mellow Mushroom
  • I mean, you have to go here. Psychedelic décor, awesome pizza. You can sit outside if it’s nice. Randomly their french press coffee was the best I’ve ever had. They have locations all over Charleston, but I suggest the one on King Street (downtown).

• Brown Dog Deli
  • I think it’s the “Wes’ French Onion Grilled Cheese” that I was so obsessed with.

• Dellz Uptown
  • Great vegan options, but please don’t let that sway you if you’re not vegan! Just try one of my recommendations: Dellz Jazzy Pizza, Tummy Yummy Mahi Wrap, Beach Bum Wrap. I miss the owners of this place!

• Santi’s [Restaurante Mexicano]
  • They also have a Mount Pleasant location! Wonderful wallet-friendly Mexican cuisine.

• Fuel Charleston
  • Stop in for some chill Caribbean food. I love their porch!

• CO
  • Great Vietnamese cuisine!

• Triangle Char & Bar(West Ashley)
  • IF they have it, there is a spaghetti squash shrimp feta dish that is to die for. I just got off the phone with them and pleaded that they keep it on the menu!

Dinner

• Indaco
  • GO HERE. I used to love getting their pasta specials and a peach Bellini!

• Cuoco Pazzo(Mount Pleasant)
  • Possibly my favorite little hole in the wall Italian spot, Cuoco Pazzo (translation: “crazy cook” in Italian) exists in a small shopping center on the right as you cross over the Ravanel bridge.
  • I highly recommend the eggplant parmesan, and can honestly say it’s the best I’ve ever had.

Desserts/Coffee/Quick Bites

• FreshBerry
  • You may have had Pinkberry, but I assure you, this is not the same thing. Get their “FreshBerry Tart” with rainbow sprinkles (the perfect combination of sweet and tart) and thank me later. Their smoothies are also bomb. Unfortunately, this chain doesn’t have many locations, so I suggest you pop in at this one!

• Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer
  • They have this grab and go prosciutto, brie, and arugula sandwich that was so good I started making it at home! And if you’re a coffee fanatic, their coffee is also on point.

Fine dining

• The Ordinary
  • Seafood for days, and I love the ambiance here!

• Hall’s Chophouse
  • Just get whatever. You’ll like it.

• Peninsula Grill
  • Also just get whatever, and you’ll like it.

• Hank’s Seafood Restaurant
  • The linguine and clam sauce was my favorite, but they no longer have it on the menu:(

I want to honorably mention one dope stay on the Isle of Palms called the “Casa Banana.” I was lucky enough to meet some people and tour it one night, and it was a seriously unforgettable experience. This massive stay is uniquely decorated, complete with a jungle room and themed barbie dolls on some of the walls. Trust me, it’s a sight worth seeing or staying in if you get the chance.

Need a quick souvenir, A.K.A. bottle of wine? Stop in Queen Street Grocery. I have to shout this place out as well, for their great wine selection, and because the owner is super sweet!

Notable touristy things to see:

• Arthur Ravanel Jr. Bridge
• Angel Oak
• Folly Beach

R.I.P. Tsunami and their dolla Blue Moon Nights. I will just say that as much as you may think you like Blue Moons, it’s actually difficult to drink more than two🤢

Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps!