Ben and I spend a lot of time in the Holy City. Like, a lot. We got married there seven years ago (God, has it really been that long?!) and have gone back several times a year since. It’s the perfect place to eat, drink, and be merry. I’ve had a lot of requests for recommendations in the Charleston area, so thought I’d put together a little travel guide for those of you heading down south—or for you armchair travelers who appreciate some really great food p*rn 😉 Either way, Chef Elijah Jackson is ready and willing to show you a good time, along with his BFF Luke. For the sake of simplicity, I kept my recs to the downtown area. If you’re looking for spots outside the peninsula, don’t hesitate to ask!

Enjoy!

To Eat (Most Importantly)

For Quintessential Charleston:

· Cru Cafe:Teeny tiny spot near the market that serves up some of the best food in town. Low-key atmosphere, great for lunch or dinner. A Luke Rodgers favorite. Reservations an absolute must.

· High Cotton: Serves up classics in a snazzy atmosphere. Excellent brunch (Bloody Marys come with bacon…needless to say, Eli LOVES it here) and some of the best shrimp and grits in town.

· Hominy Grill:It gets busy, but the home cooked classics are worth the wait. They serve grits bowls all day. Need I say more?

· Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit Upper King: This is a takeout spot only. Grab coffee and the breakfast biscuit sandwich of the day to go—there’s no better hangover cure than some cheesy, eggy carbs. Protip: order in advance using their online app to skip the line (it can get pretty long, especially on weekends).

For Sexy Date Night:

· Indaco:Top contender for our favorite restaurant in Charleston. Amazing Italian classics with a lowcountry twist. Great cocktail and wine list too.

· Chez Nous: Super romantic, super delicious restaurant located in a restored Charleston single. Spanish-Italian influenced fare. An Olivia favorite.

· The Ordinary: If you can get a reservation (they book up about a month or so in advance), you should definitely go. Chef Mike Latta serves up some of the best seafood in town. Amazing rum cocktail list too.

For Fun with the Girls:

· O-Ku:Buzzy sushi spot that features a DJ on weekends.

· The Darling Oyster: Great seafood and fun atmosphere. Be sure to get the poutine—french fries drenched in clam chowder. You’re welcome.

· Goat Sheep Cow North: girly, French-inspired spot that is perfect for lunch with wine.

For Lunch:

· Xiao Bao Biscuit: funky South-Asian-by-South-Carolina restaurant with a hipster atmosphere. Eli loves ordering the cabbage pancake with pork candy and a Thai beer to wash it all down with.

· Butcher & Bee:Lowcountry freshness with an Israeli twist. Delicious, healthyish breakfast, brunch, and lunch.

· Rodney Scott’s BBQ: There are a million ways to eat a pulled pork sandwich, but I like Luke’s way best: pork, sauce, slaw. All three are excellent at this bustling spot.

· Taco Boy:Great patio with Mexican classics done really right. Great for kids too.

*Reservations are always a safe bet. Most of the above restaurants book through the OpenTable or Resy apps.

To Drink

Beer/Casual:

· The Blind Tiger: I based the Spotted Wolf on this quintessential Charleston hangout. Amazing patio out back.

· Edmund’s Oast:Buzzy spot that serves local beers on tap.

Rooftops:

· Stars Bar:Great stop for a drink on Upper King Street.

· Vendue Inn:Go for the views of Charleston harbor.

Serious Cocktails:

· Cocktail Club: Gets buzzy late, but if you arrive on the earlier side, it’s a fun hangout with amazingly inventive cocktails.

· The Gin Joint: Some of the best craft cocktails I’ve ever had. Get there early, as it’s a small spot that fills up quickly.

· Husk Bar: Probably my current favorite bar in town. Back patio is awesome when the weather cooperates. I get the Charleston Light Dragoon’s Punch—brandy, rum, tea, and sugar. Yum!

Coffee:

· The Daily: Great smoothie, coffee, and breakfast spot on Upper King.

· Basic Kitchen:Airy interiors and baristas with serious espresso chops. Cute spot for a healthy breakfast. I based Gracie’s Holy City Roasters on this shop!

To Do

Bring comfortable shoes, as Charleston is a city best experienced by foot. Keep in mind that temperatures—and humidity—can soar during the summer months; my favorite times to visit are fall and spring, when it’s usually, though not always, pleasantly warm and sunny.

· King Street Shopping: It can get busy, but it’s always fun to take a walk down Charleston’s main shopping artery. Stop at Caviar & Bananas on your way for a delicious iced coffee or glass of wine.

· Second Sundays on King Street: The second Sunday of each month, King Street is closed to cars. Take a stroll, grab some food from pop up vendors, and do some shopping while you’re at it.

· Saturday Morning Farmer’s Market in Marion Square: Lots of great food and shopping right in the middle of town. Go for casual eats and people watching.

· Upper King Restaurant & Bar Hop: there are TONS of great new restaurants, bars, and shops in the Upper King area of the peninsula. It’s our favorite place to hang out.

· Rainbow Row/The Battery: No trip is complete without a self-guided walking tour of Rainbow Row and the Battery. Start out on East Bay street and head toward the water. Afterwards, get lost in the South of Broad neighborhood. The history—and the houses—are amazing.

· Beaches: If you’re in the mood for sun and sand, head twenty minutes out of town (more depending on traffic) to Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island. There are no public restrooms on the beaches, but there are plenty of bars and restaurants you can pop into.

· College of Charleston Campus: Check out where Olivia and Julia teach! The campus is open to the public and fun to walk around. You’ll see Antebellum buildings and Spanish moss galore.