Best of the Holy City 2025

Best of the Holy City 2025

Best Authentic American

Stono Market and Tomato Shed Café

stonofarmmarket.com

Set on a live-oak canopied Lowcountry road, Stono Market and Tomato Shed Café sells prepared and unprepared foods, locally made crafts, sauces, grits, honey, jellies, jams, gifts and more. Stop by for the tomato pie; stay for everything else.

Best Barbecue

Lewis Barbecue Charleston

lewisbarbecue.com

You’ll smell Lewis Barbecue before you see it, and that’s a compliment. With custom-made smokers manned by John Lewis himself, inside you’ll find true Central Texas barbecue cut to order, delicious sides and a solid case of the meat sweats.

Best Coffee Shop

Coastal Coffee Roasters

coastalcoffeeroasters.com

Life’s too short to drink bad coffee. So says Coastal Coffee Roasters, which roasts its beans locally to bring their passion for great coffee to life. At their downtown Summerville store and café, their coffee is changing lives — or at least mornings.

Best French

39 Rue de Jean

holycityhospitality.com/39-rue-de-jean

If you’re seeking Parisian-inspired food and cocktails, try 39 Rue de Jean. Inspired by late 1800s Brasseries and serving fresh seafood, French classics, custom cocktails and the best steak frites in town, this local favorite will transport you straight to Paris.

Best Greek/Mediterranean

Stella’s Charleston

stellascharleston.com

Whether you’re missing Yia Yia’s famous souvlaki or hoping to relive your summer vacay to Corfu, Stella’s Charleston has got you. Honoring rustic and modern Greek cuisine, they serve an expansive menu made with the freshest ingredients to satisfy your Mediterranean craving.

Best Hawaiian

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

hawaiianbarbecue.com

The signature Asian American fusion restaurant with its take on the classic Hawaiian plate lunch that began in California has found a home here. The fresh, culturally commingling flavors of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue infuse every meal with the warmth of aloha and ohana.

Best Healthy/Organic

Five Loaves Café

fiveloavescafe.com

Five Loaves Café works to create a healthier, more sustainable and responsible ways to feed your family. With a full menu of fresh salads, tempting sandwiches and international dinner plates (Thai Coconut Hot Pot, anyone?), you can eat a meal that is healthy and delicious.

Best West Asian

Ma’am Saab

maamsaabchs.com

Ma’am Saab is the home of elevated Pakistani cuisine. Featuring a focused menu with a modern take on classic West Asian dishes, you’ll find curries and Naan, Paneer and samosas, all tucked away in the heart of downtown Charleston.

Best Italian

Wild Olive

wildolive.com

With the freshest locally sourced ingredients, the chefs at Wild Olive create artisanal variations of regional Italian classics. From house-made pastas and focaccia to ragus that could have come from Nona’s kitchen, no one leaves Wild Olive less than satisfied.

Best Japanese

Osaka Asian Bistro

charlestonosakasc.com

If you’re looking for an authentic Japanese restaurant influenced by French culinary techniques, you’ve found Osaka Asian Bistro. Offering a sophisticated menu of Japanese classics like Gyoza and Yaki Udon, paired with an extensive sushi list, Osaka aims for meticulous perfection.

Best Latin/Spanish

Los Reyes Mexican Restaurant

losreyesmexican.com

With three locations across North Charleston and West Ashley, Los Reyes Mexican Restaurants have been part of the local landscape for over 35 years. Featuring a wide array of classic and modern Mexican dishes, come for the margaritas, stay for everything else.

Best Tavern/Pub

Blind Tiger Pub

blindtigerchs.com

With a history steeped in the illicit world of speakeasies and the early days of Prohibition, Blind Tiger Pub serves upscale pub fare with a wide selection of local spirits and specialty cocktails in the heart of Charleston’s French Quarter.

Best Thai

Basil

eatatbasil.com

Anyone in-the-know in Charleston will concur; for the best Thai, go to Basil Park Circle or Mount Pleasant. Its infectious atmosphere centers around great food, beautiful spices and the sounds of blade to board from their kitchen. Don’t miss the curries; they’re life-altering.

Best Boat Access Restaurant

Saltwater Cowboy

saltwater-cowboys.com

Saltwater Cowboys is a jewel on Shem Creek. Park your boat at the dock and grab a cocktail made with local spirits or a beer from local breweries. Stay for the fresh local seafood, delicious barbecue and stunning views.

Best Caterer

Hamby Catering

hambycatering.com

Whatever you’re celebrating, Hamby Catering has been by your side for the past 40 years. From their tiny tea sandwiches – packed with flavor – to catering for your black-tie wedding, the team at Hamby will help you create lasting, delicious memories.

Best Date Night Restaurant

82 Queen

82queen.com

Are you looking for romance, ambiance and an unforgettable date night? Look no further than 82 Queen. Set deep in the heart of Charleston’s French Quarter, 82 Queen is forever in the center of the radar of local couples and tourists alike.

Best Family Friendly Restaurant

Coastal Skillet

coastalskillet.com

When the kids are hungry and you need a mimosa, Coastal Skillet is your one-stop destination. They believe brunch is more a lifestyle than a meal, and their family-friendly dishes (pancakes, waffles, prime rib melt?) will thrill the entire family.

Best Fine Dining Restaurant

Halls Chophouse

hallschophouse.com

With their focus on the finest meats and most delectable accompaniments — including an extensive wine list — Halls Chophouse has long defined elegance in dining throughout the Carolinas. We dare you to peruse the menu and not find yourself drooling.

Best Happy Hour

Edmund’s Oast

edmundsoast.com

Seeking a happy hour that’s fun, delicious and has the best drinks around? You can find it at either of the Edmund’s Oast locations. With lively indoor spaces and extensive patios, they’re easily the best happy hour spots in town.

Best Late Night Dining

Madra Rua Irish Pub

madraruapub.com

Fish and chips? Check. Shepherd’s pie? Yup. A killer burger? Absolutely. Basically, all the late-night comfort food is right there at Madra Rua Irish Pub, along with all the best in the Premier League Soccer. What more could you ask for?

Best Lunch

Coastal Skillet

coastalskillet.com

Let’s discuss Coastal Skillet’s lunch. With a menu full of tantalizing sandwiches and something called a “Mac & Cheese Skillet,” there’s truly something for every palate. Don’t miss the homemade donuts and cinnamon rolls for dessert.

Best Pet Friendly Restaurant

DIG in the Park

diginthepark.com

Park Circle wouldn’t be the same without DIG in the Park, and DIG wouldn’t be the same without its dog-filled patio. Truly a place for beer — and dog-lovers — you and Spot are welcomed with open arms and a dog biscuit.

Best Rooftop Restaurant

The Vendue, Charleston’s Art Hotel

thevendue.com

The rooftop bar at The Vendue, Charleston’s Art Hotel, is the stuff of legend. With views of the harbor and city skyline that go for miles, delicious food and custom cocktails, this late-night and bachelorette staple is a not-to-be-missed Charleston experience.

Bests Sunset View Restaurant

Tavern & Table

tavernandtable.com

It’s hard to beat the sunsets over Shem Creek. So, when you combine those sunsets with the rustic yet refined patio, warm and welcoming atmosphere and the delectable fare at Tavern & Table, you’ve got a home run every time.

Best Waterfront Dining

Fleet Landing Restaurant

fleetlanding.net

From the outdoor dining area set out over Charleston Harbor, Fleet Landing offers some of the best waterside views in town. Watch ships sail and dolphins play while sipping on elegant cocktails and dining on fresh, local seafood.

Shem Creek Crab House

charlestoncrabhouse.com/shem-creek

Are you in the mood for fresh, casual seafood with never-ending views of sailboats and sea life on Shem Creek? Then head over to Shem Creek Crab House, a local favorite and tourist spot that is fun, comfortable and delicious.

Best Wine List

Peninsula Grill

peninsulagrill.com

When it’s time to celebrate that big promotion or rehearsal dinner, it’s time for Peninsula Grill. Not only will their fine-dining experience elevate any event, but their wine list stretches for miles and has options for every price-point and palate.

Accent on Wine Park Circle

www.accentonwine.com

The best place for a girls’ wine night just happens to be Accent on Wine Park Circle. Its wine experts know exactly what wine will suit your mood (Buttery and crisp? Velvety and smooth?) and offer you a charcuterie plate too!

Best Bar

Red’s Ice House

redsicehouse.com

If you’ve never been to Red’s Ice House on Shem Creek, you’re missing the best views, friendliest clientele and most laid-back atmosphere around. Add fresh seafood and great apps and you’ve got a fabulous night out. What are you waiting for?

Best Beer List

Bay Street Biergarten

baystreetbiergarten.com

They don’t call it the Bay Street Biergarten for nothing. With over 20 rotating beers and ciders on tap and more in cans and bottles, you’ll find something you love every time. And don’t forget the loaded tots. You’re welcome.

Best Bloody Mary

Page’s Okra Grill

pagesokragrill.com

Page’s Okra Grill sets an industry standard with its incredible brunch that includes it’s award-winning Bloody Mary. Why? Maybe it’s because you get to choose: bacon-infused vodka? Check. Jalapeno-infused? Of course. Need I go on? No. Just go try one.

Best Cocktails

Halls Chophouse

hallschophouse.com

We’ve already established Halls Chophouse’s fine dining excellence, but their cocktail list is also simply the chef’s kiss. Try the Ginger Hammer (Corazon Reposado Tequila, Agave Nectar, Domaine De Canton Ginger Liqueur, Lime Juice, Ginger Beer) first, then (responsibly) try everything else!

Best Craft Brewery

Holy City Brewing

holycitybrewing.com

If you love beer and haven’t been to Holy City Brewing, let us assure you: you’re missing out! With a rotating menu of their freshest suds, brewed on-site and with the best views in town, there’s something delicious for every beer-palate.

Best Dessert

Kaminsky’s Dessert Café

www.kaminskys.com

Tollhouse Pie. Chocolate mousse. Buttercream and dessert cocktails. Need we say more? With every cake, pie and pastry made fresh onsite and a rotating menu of delectables in their dessert case, Kaminsky’s Dessert Café should be tops on everyone’s after-dinner map.

Best Juice Bar

Three Little Birds Café

threelittlebirdscafe.com

Known as the home of peace, love and pancakes, Three Little Birds Café also serves a variety of juices, squeezed fresh daily. Full of fruits and veggies and all the nutrients, they’re as delicious as they are surprising (Cantaloupe juice? Really?).

Best Liquor Store

Bottles

shopbottles.com

With over 15,000 square feet of wine, beer, liquor and more, if you drink it with a tiny umbrella, you’ll find it at Bottles Beverage Superstore. With online ordering, too, hosting your next grown-up event is a breeze with Bottles.

Best Martini

The Gin Joint

theginjoint.com

Shaken or stirred? Doesn’t matter if you’re drinking it at The Gin Joint, home of the best martini in town. Offering curated cocktails with intentional, seasonal ingredients, the staff encourage you to try something new or enjoy your favorite classic.

Best Wine Shop

Bottles

shopbottles.com

Did we mention the 15,000 square feet of wine, beer and liquor at Bottles Beverage Superstore? You’ll find all your favorite grape varietals on the shelves of Bottles. Cabernet, Pinot, Malbec and Merlot. You’ll even find the best bubbly around!

Best Appetizers

The Ordinary

eattheordinary.com

The Ordinary is known as the most creative seafood joint in the city. From their Raw Bar and Fancy Seafood menu, their seafood towers are standout items. Also try the Creole Style Crab Gumbo and the Zucchini Carpaccio. You’ll thank us.

Best Bagels

Bagel Nation

bagelnationsc.com

From a wide variety of flavorful bagels by the dozen to a classic serving with cream cheese and lox, you’ll find it all at Bagel Nation. Their bagels are crisp on the outside and chewy in the middle. Exactly right.

Best Bakery

WildFlour Pastry

wildflourpastrycharleston.com

Be careful with the menu at WildFlour Pastry. You’ll want one of everything. From sweet breads to bundt cakes, to turnovers to croissants, there’s something for everyone. And with endless cake flavors to choose from, your next birthday will be delicious.

Best Breakfast

Big Bad Breakfast

bigbadbreakfast.com

The name Big Bad Breakfast says it all, if you say “bad” like Michael Jackson did. With fresh biscuits, custom-created meats and local coffee, their breakfasts are legendary. Try the Huevos Rancheros Grit Bowl or the Mother of All Biscuits. Trust us.

Best Brunch

Coastal Skillet

coastalskillet.com

Coastal Skillet truly believes that brunch isn’t just a meal; it’s a lifestyle. They serve mimosa (and beermosa) flights alongside brioche French toast, breakfast burritos and something called the Heart Attack with bacon, eggs, tortillas and all the other yummy things. Yum!

Best Burger

Melvin’s BBQ

melvinsbbq.com

South Carolina’s home of mustard-based barbecue is also home to a darn good burger. The good folks at Melvin’s BBQ serve no less than 12 kinds of burgers, including the ever-popular Breakfast Cheeseburger with a fried egg and bacon.

Best Chicken Wings

Home Team BBQ

hometeambbq.com

What makes the wings at Home Team BBQ so delicious? Maybe it’s the blend of white-table culinary skills with the slow-and-low smoking techniques that make barbecue spectacular. Try them dry rubbed or with any of the Home Team special sauces.

Best Crab Cakes

82 Queen

82queen.com

The crab cakes at 82 Queen are so good you’ll find them on all the menus: brunch, lunch and dinner. A fan favorite crab cake is served at lunch with okra, succotash, red rice, remoulade and roasted red pepper coulis.

Best Donuts

Coastal Skillet

coastalskillet.com

In a world full of donuts with all sorts of wild toppings, the donuts at Coastal Skillet are delicious yet remarkably simple. Freshly homemade, lightly glazed and served with a fresh fruit compote, their simplicity makes them a standout.

Best Ice Cream

Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream and Sandwich Café

yeolefashioned.com

Open since 1972, Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream and Sandwich Café is a Charleston institution. Their 30+ ice cream flavors can be served simply or included in sundaes and shakes, so no one leaves with an unsatisfied sweet tooth.

Best Oysters

Oyster House and Seafood Restaurant

oysterhouse.menu

Located in the heart of Charleston’s French Quarter with patio views of the market, Oyster House and Seafood Restaurant serves a wide array of fresh oysters on the half shell daily. Try the oyster shooters with house vodka and spicy shooter sauce.

Best Pizza

Paisano’s Pizza Grill

paisanoschas.com

The team at Paisano’s Pizza Grill knows that the best dough, the best sauce, the best toppings and the best cheese make the best pizza. They work to achieve that daily, serving you delicious pizza from their three local restaurants.

Best Raw Bar

Oyster House Seafood Restaurant

oysterhouse.menu

It’s not just the oysters that make Oyster House and Seafood Restaurant so great (although they’re a big part of it). It’s the full raw bar. For massive seafood towers including shrimp, mussels, snow crab, tuna and more, don’t walk. Run.

Best Salad

California Dreaming

californiadreaming.rest

Serving hearty American fare with killer views of the coast, California Dreaming is home to salads so big and tasty that, once you try one, you’ll return again and again. Try the California Dreaming or the Roasted Salmon salads. Trust us — better yet, trust the votes of our readers.

Best Sandwich

East Bay Deli

www.eastbaydeli.com

A Charleston classic, East Bay Deli has been serving up amazing soups, salads and sandwiches for decades. With deli favorites that’ll take you back to Broadway and flavor combos that are entirely southern, these sandwiches are winners every time.

Best Seafood

Charleston Crab House

charlestoncrabhouse.com

It’s a fact: when your city is surrounded by water, your options for fresh, wonderful seafood are unlimited, but don’t sleep on Charleston Crab House. Their extensive menu of classic and creative seafood dishes will keep you coming back for more.

Best Seafood Market

Crosby’s Fish & Shrimp Co.

crosbysfishshrimp.com

With a constant rotation of the freshest selections of fish and shellfish and a food truck to boot, Crosby’s Fish & Shrimp Co. has been a local favorite for decades. With local and imported seafood, it’s always fresh at Crosby’s.

Best Steak

Halls Chophouse

hallschophouse.com

Halls Chophouse will tell you that suppliers matter. And with Allen Brothers of Chicago supplying their USDA Prime beef, Halls promises exceptional flavor in every steak. With generous porterhouses, tender filets and more, these steaks set the standard for amazing.

Best Sushi

Locals Sushi and Sports Pub

localssushi.com

From its three restaurants, Locals Sushi and Sports Pub is serving some of the most creative sushi flavor combinations anywhere. Try the Sullivan’s Island Roll and the Ebi Ebi, then the Crazy Roll and the Mango. They will change your life.

Best Tacos

Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano

santisrestaurantemexicanosc.com

Some nights, you just need a taco. Chips. Queso. Enchiladas Verdes. And, preferably, more tacos. And on those nights, head to Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano for their fresh, filling and authentic Mexican cuisine. Did we mention the tacos? They’re incredible!