There are many well-known restaurants that come to mind when thinking about the culinary mecca that is Charleston, SC most of which are the award winning “destination restaurants” featured in the glossy food magazines every year. While Charleston is famous for its many fine dining establishments, what some fail to recognize are the cheap eats that are casual options for locals and visitors alike. To help you find these gems, we’ve put together a list of our favorite restaurants around Charleston that are both tasty and affordable – and often packed with local folks!
Located at 1068 Morrison Drive, this tiny pink eatery is your destination for some of the best fried chicken this side of the Mason Dixon. What do you have with fried chicken? Macaroni and cheese, collard greens, catfish with all the fixin’s… and Martha Lou’s has got it all. Don’t forget to wash all that “soul food” down with a tall glass of sweet tea for a complete Southern experience.
Located at 4 Rutledge Ave, Moe’s is conveniently located in downtown Charleston, near Hampton Park, Moe’s is a great spot to catch all of your favorite sporting events. Their vintage tavern feel sets the stage for their award-winning pub food (they even made our list of top 5 burgers in Charleston). Their menu ranges from your game day staples such as wings and onion rings to entrees including wraps, burgers, quesadillas and more. They also do a Sunday brunch, because Sunday isn’t Sunday in Charleston without brunch!
GAULART & MALICLET/FAST & FRENCH
The restaurant at 98 Broad Street earned its name, Fast & French, with its European atmosphere and classic French cuisine. With a variety of ever changing daily specials along with their daily menu, there’s always something tasty to order along with a glass of wine. It’s a local favorite of ours, seeing as it’s across the street from our 95 Broad Street office!
At Bertha’s, on 2332 Meeting Street Road, you’ll get your fill of true southern soul food, even better than your grandma’s home cooking! Don’t let its cafeteria style fool you – from the mac n’ cheese to the fried chicken and everything in between, it’s all delicious. Don’t forget the Okra soup, we hear it’s nothing short of mind-blowing.
Found on the east side of downtown Charleston’s peninsula at 16 Blake St, is Hannibal’s Kitchen. Serving Gullah staples such as crab rice, sautéed crab or shrimp over grits, chicken wings, sandwiches and more. Though it may not be fancy, the simple flavors are true to their soul food style. Their slogan, “where the locals hang out,” says it all.
When you visit Charleston and stay in a vacation rental, the best part is immersing yourself in the history, charm, and atmosphere that we experience everyday as locals. If you’re ready to taste your way through our our culinary mecca and explore our cobblestone streets, start planning your trip today.
