Visiting Charleston

This one isn't covered weekly but it's pretty frequent. Here's one string; there are others, including its listing under Places. It's a great place with a metric shit-ton of fun things to do! Cheers!

 

I unfortunately just moved away from Charleston and I must say it's one of the most charming cities I've ever been to. I would definitely check out Edmund's Oast and Husk, both are phenomenal restaurants in the city. I would check out Hank's for seafood and I love the Obstinate Daughter restaurant which is out in Sullivan's Island, about 15-20 min outside of the city. Westbrook and COAST are both good breweries to check out there as well. The Tattooed Moose has a decent selection of craft beer and a cool vibe. You definitely have to get the duck club sandwich if you head there. Craftsman Kitchen and Taphouse has solid food and a pretty solid beer selection. There's 426 on King street that does cocktails well, if you're looking for that as well.
Brunch is huge in Charleston and I loved Poogan's Porch and The Macintosh. Many of the restaurants in Charleston are chef-owned which makes a HUGE difference in the quality and the experience. There were so many I didn't list/can't remember that were great and to be honest, you can just stumble into almost anywhere downtown and there's a better chance than not that it is a good bar or restaurant.

 

The Gin Joint IMO makes the best drinks I've ever had period, they're not bartenders their professional mixologists. A stones throw from The Market.

Poogans Porch is good, Fleet Landing is also good, both right there around the Market area, 19 Rue De Jean I liked a lot. Hanks Seafood House is also amazing, and again it's a few blocks from the Market area. They have bike taxis too, so any place is within reach easily and affordably. Driving down town sucks, and the parking is a nightmare. Park your car when you get there and leave it there, unless your going to Westbrook or the like. Check out the the Battery area, very interesting architecture if your into that kinda stuff.

 

Revelry Brewing, Coast, and Westbrook are the main breweries to hit. Hall's is one of the top steakhouses in America.

 

So what would be your choice for a splurge restaurant in Charleston? Would like to take the wife out for dinner. Thanks.

 

Fig was fantastic. SNOB is another one I have had great meals at.

 

Just had the tasting menu at McCrady's with the wine pairings. The food and setting are magnificent. It ran to about $200 pp excluding tax and gratuities. Husk is a must. It's reasonably priced so just order a ton of stuff for the table. While you're there check out The Bar next door. They make some great cocktails. FIG also recommended. Cozy and casual, great drinks and wine list. Basically ordered the entire menu

 

The McIntosh is also amazing.

 

All great suggestions especially Edmond's Oast. I live here-Chas. is CRAZY busy-crowds everywhere-no parking-and bring LOTS of money!

 

I can second Figs. I've eaten there about 1/2 dozen times and never been less than impressed.

Its a great city, you should have a blast!

 

To the OP on this point...don't go anywhere downtown w/o a reservation unless you go at 5pm or 10pm and expect to be seated quickly. Even the "decent" places are on big wait unless you want to sit at the bar. That said, the "decent" places are usually a step or two above most cities decent restaurants.

Memorial day is also during Spoleto...even getting a room can be hard. We got married in Chucktown over Memorial Day weekend and had a glorious time trying to arrange 30+ rooms on one of the biggest weekends of the year.

 

Thanks for the great suggestions. Pretty sure my diet will be busted after a week in Charleston.

Any feedback on Circa 1886?

 

I live in Charleston and my wife and I love Circa 1886. Definitely our go to spot to splurge a little. You really can't go wrong with any of the previously mentioned suggestions, though.

 

Grill 226, unusual location, great food, probably a bit over priced, great food and service. It's a splurge because it will eat up $250 of your cash.

 

Check out the Gin Joint on East Bay, it's a 3 minute walk from The Market, small place but they make the best cocktails in the world, their Mint Julep is killer good. It's always a stop for us and a stumble back to the hotel. The bike taxis are super convienent too, an inexpensive way to get around considering the parking is awful and the roads congested at best, especially around the Market area.

 

http://highcottoncharleston.com/

 

Enjoyed this place too............among others.

http://www.pearlzoysterbar.com/home

 

I'd say McCrady's or Oak. High Cotton was always high on my list but I haven't been since they changed chefs, so I'm not sure how things are there now. Avoid Hall's. The Hyman's of beef.

 

Their in house beers aren't the greatest, but order 2 whites and at least 1 oyster shooter. Halfway through the first pint, bomb it. Damn tasty.