Bakehouse
Stop in for the coffee, stay for the delicious seasonal desserts: heavenly sweet 'n' salty brownies, cheesecake bars, and whoopie pies.
Hanna
5 Best Restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is blessed with a bevy of Southern-inflected selections, from barbecue parlors to fish shacks to casual places serving Lowcountry fare like shrimp and grits. If you'd like to try something new, there are plenty of places serving updated, inspired versions of classic dishes. Before you leave, you'll definitely see why Charleston is considered one of the greatest food cities in the world.
The city's dining scene status continues to rise, boosted by a group of James Beard Foundation repeat award winners. Robert Stehling of Hominy Grill, Mike Lata of FIG and The Ordinary, Jason Stanhope of FIG, and Sean Brock of McCrady's and Husk each earned the designation of Best Chef: Southeast, in successive years. The city boasts other prodigious talents, too: Alex Lira of Bar Normandy, Jeremiah Bacon of the Macintosh, Michelle Weaver of Charleston Grill, Ken Vedrinski of Trattoria Lucca, Jacques Larson of Wild Olive and The Obstinate Daughter, and Josh Walker of Xiao Bao Biscuit. It's the establishment of the New South, circa now.
As for attire, Charleston invites a crisp yet casual atmosphere. Don't forget, it was recognized as the Most Mannerly City in the country by Marjabelle Young Stewart, which means that residents are slow to judge (or, at the least, that they're doing so very quietly). On the whole, the city encourages comfort and unhurried, easy pacing. The result is an idyllic setting in which to enjoy oysters on the half shell and other homegrown delicacies from the land and sea that jointly grant the city its impressive culinary standing.
Bitty & Beau's
Grab a latte at this charming coffee shop that's staffed by people with developmental disabilities.
Glazed
Three words: maple bacon doughnuts. If that's not enough to get you in the door, any number of other creative options—think raspberry Nutella or berries and mascarpone—should do the trick. Mark Remi and the late Allison Smith opened their sweetheart of a store because they suspected there was an untapped enthusiasm for artisanal doughnuts. The verdict? Unqualified success. There are 7 to 10 varieties daily, filled with homemade jam and other fillings. Just name your flavor.
Recommended Fodor's Video
The Harbinger Cafe & Bakery
The Harbinger serves lovely salads, but once you approach the welcoming coffee counter—outfitted with an always-gleaming pastry case—it's hard not to think of dessert first. The selection varies seasonally, but anything made with tahini is a sure bet.
Weltons Tiny Bakeshop
Charleston's resident European-style bakehouse, Weltons is acclaimed for its breads and sweet morning treats. The menu changes weekly, but if any of the loaves are made with benne—the West African sesame seed that looms large in historic Lowcountry cuisine—snag one.
