Delicious Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day

Memorable Meals On the Town

By Elise DeVoe

It’s been a tough year, so it’s time to go all out and curate a special meal for mom & dad this year. Treat mom to a true Charleston brunch with mimosas and Bloody Mary’s galore, and then take dad out for a luxurious steak or seafood dinner to show how much you care.

After over a year of being apart, taking time to share a great meal together will keep both hearts and bellies full. 

Mother’s Day

The Obstinate Daughter

2063 Middle St.

Sullivan's Island

@theobstinatedaughter

Treat mom to a decadent brunch on Sullivan’s Island followed by a walk on the beach to make this Mother’s Day one to remember. If you’re in the mood for a savory brunch, try their quiche of the day or “eggs in purgatory.” For dessert, try out their sweet roll with caramel drizzle and toasted pecans or their sweet potato waffles with maple cream cheese, brown butter caramel and spiced candied pepitas. Toast to mom with a Bloody Mary, mimosa, or one of their cocktails on tap, like the The Kings Honey with Highwire vodka, St. Germain, Cannonborough Honey Basil soda and lemon—the perfect light sip before a relaxing walk on the beach. Reservations recommended. Brunch 10 a.m. -3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Gabrielle at Hotel Bennet

404 King St.

Charleston

@gabrielledining

A Stylishly Southern a la carte brunch at The Plaza at Hotel Bennett overlooking Marion Square is sure to make mom feel special. They will have live musical entertainment and your choice of indoor or outdoor seating on Mother’s Day. The beauty of the food will match the ambiance with their vibrant mixed berry tart or their burrata served alongside juicy heirloom tomatoes and crispy grilled bread. They have an extensive wine and cocktail list to make your lunch extra refreshing. Reservations are available from 11 a.m.-3 p.m on Mother’s Day. To book, call 843-990-5460 or visit www.GabrielleDining.com.

The Park Café

730 Rutledge Ave.

Charleston

@theparkcafechs

Take mom to the Park Cafe to try what many say is the best avocado toast in town. Other brunch favorites include their “Walk in the Park” breakfast sandwich and their creamy kale toast. Their brunch beverage selection is excellent, whether mom wants to get caffeinated or kick back with an “Aperol Something.” Their Charleston Fog featuring Earl Grey tea and a homemade lavender marshmallow is a warm and cozy way to start the day. When you’re done with brunch, you can take mom on a stroll through Hampton Park across the street to see the latest floral displays. Brunch served Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

NICO

201 Coleman Blvd.

Mt. Pleasant

@nicoshemcreek

Enjoy a decadent brunch on NICO’s sunny patio or cozy up to their indoor or outdoor bar. You’ll feel transported to a French café with their brunch features of crepes, waffles, tartines, croissants and omelets. You can enjoy their fresh seafood in their play on steak and eggs, “Salmon + Eggs,” or in their “Crepe de Fruit de Mer”, which is stuffed with crab and shrimp, potatoes, peppers and topped with gruyere bechamel. If you wanted to treat mom to a Saturday lunch instead of a Sunday brunch, they offer their happy hour on Saturdays from 12-4 p.m. with $5 craft beer or house wine, $3.50 house beer, $4 well drinks, and $12 “Proper Champagne.” Reservations recommended. Brunch starts at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. 

Basic Kitchen 

82 Wentworth St.

Charleston

@basic_kitchen

Explore downtown Charleston with mom and end the tour at Basic Kitchen for a seasonally and locally-driven menu that changes daily. They will have a special cocktail, main dish, and dessert especially for mom that will be announced on Mother’s Day. Although the daily special will be a surprise, you can expect vibrant spring and summer produce from the Lowcountry beautifully presented on the plate—anything but “basic.” They recommend booking a reservation ahead of time in their “little magical garden” out back to celebrate mom in the best way possible. Although Basic Kitchen is in the heart of downtown on Wentworth Street, their back patio is a sweet little escape that makes for a special dining experience. Brunch is from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 

Grace & Grit 

320 Wingo Way #100

Mt. Pleasant

@graceandgrit_mtpleasant

Turn brunch into a discussion of flavors at Grace & Grit where you can try a flight of grits and mimosas! Grace & Grit is known for their signature flavored grits and the flight comes with four different flavors: pimento cheese, brussels pesto, blueberry and sweet potato. In a similar fashion, their mimosa flight comes with four different juice flavors mixed in. You can discuss your favorite flavors from the flights on their spacious landscaped patio. Reserve your table through their website as it’s sure to be busy on Mother’s Day. Brunch Sundays from 9:30 a.m. -2:30 p.m.

Father’s Day

Bowen’s Island

1870 Bowens Island Rd.

Charleston

@bowensislandrestaurant

Take dad off the beaten path to Bowen’s Island Restaurant right at the entrance to Folly Beach with unmatched Lowcountry waterfront views and fresh seafood for a Saturday night dinner in advance of the big day. They have been in business for 60 years and are a no-frills counter service operation, known for their fried shrimp and piled-high seafood platters. Other must-try items include their Frogmore stew with sausage, shrimp, corn and potatoes. In addition to the delicious food, treat dad to a day on the water with Charleston Outdoor Adventures. If you book a kayaking tour with Charleston Outdoor Adventures on Friday or Saturday of Father’s Day weekend, you can enjoy 10% off your order at Bowen’s Island. No reservations. Open for dinner Tuesday-Saturday 5 – 9 p.m.

Stella’s

114 St Philip St. Suite A

Charleston

www.stellascharleston.com

Kick off Father’s Day weekend with Meze Ora on Friday from 4-6 p.m. at Stella’s, a beloved Greek restaurant downtown serving rustic and modern Greek dishes. Enjoy discounted drinks as well as shared small plates (meze) all weekend. They are known for their Saganaki, which is flaming cheese served with pita. Their perfectly tender and smoky grilled octopus is another must-try meze item. For the entree, any of their dishes in the “Comfort” section of the menu will make you feel right at home. You can reserve a seat at the bar or on their patio via Resy. Friday and Saturday hours 4-10 p.m. Closed Sunday.

167 Raw 

193 King St.

Charleston

@167_raw

Stroll along lower King Street with dad until you arrive at 167 Raw’s new location. They are not open on Sundays, but they are open on the Friday and Saturday before Father’s Day. When you walk in, you will see an expansive raw bar as well as a covered patio. The fresh and bright nautical theme of the decor speaks to vibrant flavors you will find on the plate. Start off with a light and fresh crudo that changes daily and move on to one of their signature seafood rolls for an entree. Their lobster and scallop rolls are the perfect treat on a sunny Charleston day. Their seating is first-come, first-served, so arrive right when they open for the best chance at getting a spot! Friday and Saturday hours are 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. 

Oak Steakhouse

17 Broad St.

Charleston

@oaksteakhouse

This classic American steakhouse is located on Charleston’s historic Broad Street, which can lead to a great walking tour before or after dinner. Treat dad to a wet or dry aged certified angus beef steak and accent it with a selection of fresh local seafood. They also have an expansive wine list and a great cocktail selection. The ambiance of this historic bank building will show dad that you have curated an evening especially for him.

Zero Restaurant + Bar

0 George Street

Charleston

@zerogeorgest

Treat dad to a delicious multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings at Zero Restaurant + Bar downtown. Choose between regular wine pairings and a multi-course tasting menu for $145 or rare wine pairings and a multi-course tasting menu for $200. Finish your meal with a curated and rare whiskey selection that's perfect for Father's Day. For a more hands-on experience, join Zero Restaurant + Bar around 'The Pass' in their historic demonstration kitchen from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. for a fun, informative, and immensely delicious Sunday cooking class with Executive Sous Chef Tyler Chavis. The class includes three courses with paired wine for $150 per person. All reservations for cooking classes and dinners release 30 days in advance on Resy.com. Sunday dining hours 5 – 10 p.m.

Paddock & Whisky

1962 Maybank Hwy.

Charleston

@paddockandwhisky

Head to James Island for pre or post-dinner drinks at Paddock & Whisky. They are offering 10 percent off their “Barrel Pick'' bourbons especially for Father’s Day. Their curated selection of four bourbons includes Eagle Rare, WhistlePig, Woodford Reserve and Russell's Reserve. The mission at Paddock & Whisky is to educate people about bourbon in a relaxed environment. You can enjoy your bourbon mixed in a cocktail or straight up. Either way, you will have a great time with the bourbon aficionados behind the bar. Open at 4 p.m. seven days a week.