Best Places to Eat and Stay in Charleston, South Carolina

Thinking of Charleston might conjure up images of seersucker suits, cobblestone strolls, and candlelit prix fixe dinners — and yes, there’s plenty of that. But just beneath the city’s genteel surface lies a more relaxed rhythm and a come-as-you-are culinary scene, where counter service lives comfortably alongside white-tablecloth classics. It’s this version of Charleston I always seek out on a stay. 

These are the real neighborhood joints — the spots you walk into wearing flip-flops after the beach or in dusty sneakers to pick up a midday pastry as you explore downtown. They’re the kind of places that locals keep in their back pockets as little secrets, but where travelers are always welcome. Yes, Charleston has earned its place as one of America’s top dining cities, and it’s the excellence of its everyday eateries that makes it unforgettable.

From downtown pastry shops with cult followings to revamped motels with retro bars, these are the casual and quietly exceptional places that prove Charleston is as welcoming as it is world-class.

Where to eat and drink in Charleston for a low-key night

Hannibal’s Kitchen

Hannibal’s Kitchen has been feeding generations of Charlestonians long before the rest of the world discovered the city’s magic. The family-run soul-food spot, which opened in 1985, is renowned for its crab rice made with local blue crab, okra soup, fried chicken, and collard greens. But the best part, by far, is the welcoming atmosphere.

Weltons Tiny Bakeshop

A snug bakery that draws a line around the block, Weltons Tiny Bakeshop specializes in decadent creations and unique Southern variations, such as crackly kouign-amann dusted with cardamom sugar, Lowcountry yogurt parfaits packed with peaches, and golden sourdough loaves studded with benne seeds. 

Tutti

Charleston’s favorite wine guys, from Graft Wine Shop, launched Tutti this year with the same irreverent charm, translating Charleston’s flavors into shareable round and square pies. Think New York–style foldable slices with upgrades like sesame-seed crust. Do not skip the wine fridge. 

Da Toscano Porchetta Shop

Michael Toscano’s counter-service stop delivers one of Charleston’s simplest pleasures: a porchetta sandwich done right. The Tuscan street food at Da Toscano Porchetta Shop comes with Lowcountry swagger thanks to the slow-roasted pork sourced from Tank Jackson’s Holy City Hogs in Kingstree, South Carolina.

Jack of Cups Saloon

Folly Beach isn’t like other beaches, and Jack of Cups isn’t like other beach restaurants. Set among surf shops and dive bars, this funky favorite serves global comfort-food mashups. The menu changes seasonally, but if the creamy, spicy red curry mac and cheese is on it, definitely don’t hesitate.

Berkeley’s

Located in a converted service station, Berkeley’s hits that rare sweet spot between neighborhood hangout and destination-worthy dining. The menu leans sandwich-heavy, but salads, like the wedge with buttermilk blue cheese, are sleeper favorites, while mushroom cavatappi delivers hearty satisfaction. 

Where to stay in Charleston

The Starlight Motor Inn

The Starlight has been lovingly restored to its 1960s heyday, right down to its vintage signage. The retro pool deck looks like a postcard come to life, while its Burgundy Lounge serves as a time capsule, complete with jazz sets and karaoke nights. Rooms from $109

The Charlee on Cannon

Tucked into the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood, each of the eight vacation rentals that make up The Charlee on Cannon feels design-forward but unfussy, with curated art, modern finishes, and thoughtful amenities. As a bonus, staying here puts you steps from many of the city’s best bites, helping you live like a local. Rooms from $500