12 Unique Restaurants in Charleston, SC: BBQ Feasts, Vegan Treats, and Swing Seats

287

Charleston, SC, is a foodie’s paradise, blending historic charm with a dining scene that’s as diverse as it is delicious. Known for its Lowcountry cuisine, rich barbecue traditions, and modern twists on Southern classics, this city is full of surprises for anyone who loves to eat.

Imagine digging into smoky pulled pork at Lewis Barbecue, enjoying colorful vegan dishes at Neon Tiger, or sipping cocktails while swaying on a swing seat at The Vendue Rooftop. Whether you’re after classic shrimp and grits, waterfront seafood feasts, or quirky spots with unforgettable vibes, Charleston’s restaurants serve up flavor with a side of personality.

In this guide, I’m sharing 12 unique dining spots that make Charleston a must-visit for food lovers. Get ready to experience the tastiest side of the Holy City!

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re visiting Charleston for the food (and let’s be honest, you should be), the Downtown Charleston Food Tour is non-negotiable. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll taste your way through Lowcountry classics…think shrimp and grits, braised short ribs, biscuits, and famous coconut cake – all while exploring the French Quarter and Charleston’s historic streets.

Unusual places to eat in Charleston, South Carolina

Ready to explore Charleston’s best eateries? We’ve got everything from shrimp and grits with a twist to fresh catches eaten dockside. Join me on a tour of the quirkiest places to eat in Charleston.

Ever thought about savoring a lamb shank in a converted church or biting into a gourmet burger named after a famous poet on Sullivan’s Island? Charleston’s dining scene has it all, ready for you to discover after flying from Charleston. Let’s dive into the most unique restaurants in Charleston, SC.

1. Poe’s Tavern

• 📍 Location: Sullivan’s Island
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / Burgers / Pub Fare
• 🔥 Standout Features: Edgar Allan Poe-themed pub near the beach, gourmet burgers named after Poe’s works, and a lively, literary vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Burger fanatics, literature lovers, and a casual, beachy meal with a quirky twist.

Quoth the raven, “Eat here evermore!” Get ready for a literary libation and a burger that’s anything but dreary at Poe’s Tavern on Sullivan’s Island. This beachy pub is a full-on homage to Edgar Allan Poe, who was once stationed nearby. The walls are adorned with Poe memorabilia, and the air buzzes with a cool, laid-back energy.

A definite highlight is their selection of gourmet burgers, all cleverly named after Poe’s famous works – the “Tell-Tale Heart” burger with a fried egg is a masterpiece of messy deliciousness. Their fish tacos are also a local favorite. It’s the perfect spot to ponder the mysteries of life (or just your next beer).

2. Church and Union

• 📍 Location: Downtown
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: New American / Southern
• 🔥 Standout Features: Stunningly converted historic church setting, the entire text of Sun Tzu’s “Art of War” hand-painted on the ceiling, and sophisticated, modern cuisine.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Awe-inspiring architecture lovers, upscale dinners with a unique backdrop, and experiencing a truly “heavenly” meal.

Prepare for a dining experience of biblical proportions (almost!) at Church and Union in downtown Charleston! This restaurant is housed in a breathtakingly converted historic church, with soaring ceilings, magnificent stained glass, and, incredibly, the entire text of Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” hand-painted across the vast ceiling. The ambiance is dramatic and sophisticated.

The cuisine is equally impressive, offering modern New American fare with Southern influences. Consider indulging in their perfectly seared scallops or the flavorful lamb burger. It’s a place where history, art, and culinary excellence converge for a truly unforgettable meal.

👉 Personal Recommendation: The Sip History in the Sun Cocktail Class is the perfect mix of drinks and history! You’ll learn to make classic cocktails under a breezy cabana while hearing fun stories about Charleston’s past. A must-do in Charleston IMO!

3. Bowens Island Restaurant

• 📍 Location: Bowens Island, near Folly Beach
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Seafood / Lowcountry / Oyster Roast
• 🔥 Standout Features: Legendary, no-frills seafood shack on the marsh, famous for its steamed oysters by the shovelful, and rustic, waterfront Lowcountry charm.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Oyster fanatics seeking an authentic roast, lovers of rustic, old-school seafood joints, and a true taste of the Lowcountry.

Get ready to get your hands dirty and your belly full of briny goodness at Bowens Island Restaurant, a true Charleston legend! This no-frills seafood shack, perched on the edge of the marsh near Folly Beach, is famous for one thing: its incredible, all-you-can-eat steamed oysters, shoveled straight from the steamer onto your newspaper-covered table. The salty air and the rustic, graffiti-covered walls are all part of the authentic Lowcountry charm.

They also serve up fantastic fried shrimp and other fresh catches. It’s not fancy, but it’s an absolutely essential Charleston experience for any seafood lover.

👉 Where to Stay in Charleston for Foodies: These hotels in Charleston’s Historic District are within walking distance of Savannah’s top restaurants on King Street and East Bay Street.

4. R. Kitchen

• 📍 Location: Downtown
• 💲 Price range: $60 – $100+ per person (Prix fixe/Chef’s choice)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: New American / Chef’s Tasting / Interactive
• 🔥 Standout Features: Intimate, open-kitchen counter dining, no set menu (chefs cook what’s fresh and interact with guests), and a unique, spontaneous culinary show.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous foodies seeking a personalized experience, watching culinary artistry up close, and a truly unique, ingredient-driven meal.

Forget menus and expectations; at R. Kitchen, you’re in for a spontaneous culinary adventure! This tiny, intimate spot in downtown Charleston features an open kitchen where the chefs are the stars, crafting a unique multi-course meal right before your eyes based on what’s fresh and inspiring that day. There’s no set menu – just a conversation with the chefs and a parade of delicious, creative dishes.

Imagine savoring perfectly prepared local fish or inventive vegetable preparations you never would have thought of. It’s like having a private dinner party with some incredibly talented chefs. Reservations are an absolute must!

• Read Next: 12 Enchanting Places in Southeast USA to Add to Your Bucket List

5. Poogan’s Porch

• 📍 Location: Downtown
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Southern / Lowcountry / Historic
• 🔥 Standout Features: Housed in a charming, historic Victorian house (reportedly haunted!), classic Lowcountry cuisine, and a quintessential Charleston dining experience.
• 🎯 Perfect For: A taste of traditional Charleston hospitality and flavors, lovers of Southern history (and ghost stories!), and a charming, elegant meal.

Step into a postcard of Southern charm (and maybe spot a friendly ghost!) at Poogan’s Porch, a beloved Charleston institution housed in a beautiful historic Victorian home. This place oozes old-world elegance and Lowcountry hospitality. The aroma of baking biscuits and simmering shrimp and grits is irresistible.

You absolutely have to try their famous biscuits with sausage gravy for brunch or their classic shrimp and grits for dinner. And yes, Poogan was a real dog, and some say his spirit still roams the porch! It’s a quintessential Charleston experience.

6. Rodney Scott’s BBQ

• 📍 Location: North Central
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Whole Hog Barbecue / Southern
• 🔥 Standout Features: James Beard Award-winning pitmaster, specializes in whole hog BBQ cooked over wood coals, and a true taste of South Carolina ‘que tradition.
• 🎯 Perfect For: BBQ purists (especially whole hog fanatics!), a finger-lickin’ good casual meal, and experiencing award-winning South Carolina barbecue.

Get ready to worship at the altar of smoked meat at Rodney Scott’s BBQ! This Charleston joint, helmed by James Beard Award-winning pitmaster Rodney Scott, is a mecca for whole hog barbecue. The air is thick with the heavenly aroma of slow-cooking pork over wood coals – it’s a smell that will make your knees weak.

You absolutely, positively must get the whole hog pulled pork plate or sandwich, served with their signature tangy, vinegary sauce. Their ribs and smoked chicken are also phenomenal. It’s a true taste of South Carolina barbecue tradition that will leave you wanting more.

7. Southbound

• 📍 Location: Charleston (North Morrison – NoMo)
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern American / Wood-Fired / Upscale Casual
• 🔥 Standout Features: Focus on wood-fired cooking, stylish and contemporary atmosphere, and creative, ingredient-driven dishes.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Foodies seeking refined yet rustic flavors, a chic neighborhood dining experience, and enjoying expertly wood-kissed cuisine.

Experience the allure of the open flame at Southbound in Charleston’s NoMo neighborhood. This stylish spot centers its menu around a magnificent wood-fired grill, infusing dishes with a delicious smoky char. The atmosphere is contemporary and cool, with a warm glow from the hearth.

A visit here is an invitation to savor their perfectly grilled hanger steak or any of their fantastic wood-fired vegetable dishes. Their hearth-baked sourdough is also a must. It’s a sophisticated yet approachable take on rustic, ingredient-driven cooking.

8. Stella’s

• 📍 Location: Downtown
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Greek / Mediterranean
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic, upscale Greek cuisine in a lively, stylish setting, fantastic meze and shareable plates, and a bustling neighborhood favorite.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Lovers of Greek food seeking an elevated experience, a vibrant group dinner, and sharing a feast of Mediterranean flavors.

Opa! Get ready for a Greek feast that’s both authentic and incredibly stylish at Stella’s in downtown Charleston. This bustling spot serves up amazing, upscale Greek cuisine that will transport you straight to the Aegean islands. The air is alive with the chatter of happy diners and the aroma of oregano, lemon, and grilling meats.

You absolutely must share a selection of their incredible meze – the spanakopita is flaky perfection, and the grilled octopus is divine. Their classic lamb chops are also a standout. It’s a lively, flavorful, and utterly delightful taste of Greece.

9. The Glass Onion

• 📍 Location: West Ashley
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Southern / Soul Food / Comfort Food
• 🔥 Standout Features: Unpretentious neighborhood gem serving authentic, soulful Southern cooking, focus on local and seasonal ingredients, and a beloved local following.
• 🎯 Perfect For: A true taste of down-home Southern comfort, lovers of fried chicken and deviled eggs, and a casual, heartwarming meal.

Peel back the layers of flavor at The Glass Onion in West Ashley, a beloved neighborhood joint serving up some of the most authentic and soulful Southern cooking in Charleston. This unpretentious spot is all about fresh, local ingredients and classic comfort food made with love. The aroma of frying chicken and simmering greens will make you feel right at home.

A meal here requires you to try their incredible fried chicken (some say it’s the best in town!) or their legendary deviled eggs. Their daily specials, often featuring fresh local seafood, are always a treat. It’s pure, unadulterated Southern goodness.

10. Ma’am Saab

• 📍 Location: Downtown
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Pakistani / South Asian
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic and intensely flavorful Pakistani street food and home-style dishes, often found at The Workshop food hall or as a pop-up, and a passionate, family-run vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous eaters seeking unique South Asian flavors, lovers of aromatic spices and complex curries, and experiencing true Pakistani hospitality.

Get ready for a flavor explosion that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Pakistan at Ma’am Saab! This incredible spot, often found at The Workshop food hall or as a pop-up, serves up authentic and intensely flavorful Pakistani street food and home-style dishes that are simply out of this world. The air is fragrant with exotic spices like cardamom, turmeric, and garam masala.

You absolutely have to try their incredible butter chicken or the savory beef haleem. Their naan bread is the perfect vessel for soaking up all those amazing sauces. It’s a true taste of Pakistan, made with passion and a whole lot of soul. (Always check their current location/pop-up status!)

11. Basic Kitchen

• 📍 Location: Downtown
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Healthy American / Vegetable-Forward / Juices & Bowls
• 🔥 Standout Features: Fresh/local/seasonal, bright/airy “basic” chic, delicious healthy.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Health-conscious eaters, vibrant/flavorful meals, and stylish casual dining.

Nourish your body with vibrant, feel-good food at Basic Kitchen in downtown Charleston! This bright and airy spot is all about celebrating fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, crafting dishes that are as delicious as they are good for you.

You’ll certainly want to try their popular Rainbow Bowl, packed with colorful vegetables and grains. Their fantastic sweet potato fries are a crowd favorite. The Cauliflower “Wings” and the Basic Bowl also get rave reviews for their fresh flavors.

12. Brown Dog Deli

• 📍 Location: Downtown & Mount Pleasant
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Deli / Sandwiches / Salads
• 🔥 Standout Features: Creative and delicious gourmet sandwiches with unique names, focus on fresh and local ingredients, and a popular, casual lunch spot.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Sandwich aficionados seeking inventive options, a quick and flavorful lunch, and supporting a beloved local deli.

Unleash your appetite at Brown Dog Deli, a Charleston favorite for creative, gourmet sandwiches that are anything but ordinary! With locations downtown and in Mount Pleasant, this spot takes the humble sandwich to a whole new level with unique flavor combinations and fun, dog-themed names. The aroma of toasted bread and quality deli meats is irresistible.

You’ll be happy you ordered “The Pig N’ Fig” sandwich, a glorious combination of pulled pork and fig preserves, or the “Labrador” with turkey and avocado. Their fresh salads are also fantastic. It’s the perfect place for a quick, flavorful, and totally satisfying lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the quirkiest restaurants in Charleston, SC

Are you searching for more information about where to eat in Charleston? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Charleston’s unique restaurants.

What food is Charleston famous for?

Charleston is famous for its Lowcountry cuisine, especially shrimp and grits. It’s everywhere, and for good reason. When exploring things to do in Charleston, SC, sampling this iconic dish is a must.

Is Charleston a foodie city?

Yes, Charleston is a foodie city, making it one of the top places to live and visit in South Carolina. The city is brimming with innovative chefs, historic eateries, and a vibrant culinary scene that attracts food lovers from all over.

What is the most popular food in South Carolina?

Barbecue is big in South Carolina, especially the pulled pork with that unique mustard-based sauce. Places like Rodney Scott’s BBQ dish it out so well, that it’ll change your barbecue standards forever.

What dessert is Charleston known for?

The dessert you’ve got to try in Charleston is pecan pie. It’s sweet, nutty, and feels like the perfect end to any meal here. Trust me, it’s a slice of heaven during your stay in South Carolina!