Dining in Charleston is an event. There's a nice range of cuisines, atmospheres, and prices. The one thing you won't find is many fast food places. There are a few chain restaurants on Market St, but most restaurants are independent. Following are some of our local favorites.
$=8 and under
$$=9-15
$$$=16-25
$$$$=26 and over
Captain Stacks- 205 East Bay St. 843-853-8600. Specializing in Seafood, Charleson's original seafood grill and Steam Room. Fresh oysters, clams, shrimp, crab legs, and lobster. Lunch and dinner served seven days a week. $-$$
Port City Grille- 1901 Ashley River Rd. 843-763-4494. Specializing in unique preparations of lowcountry favorites including the freshest local seafood available. $$
Peninsula Grill- 112 N. Market St. 843-723-0700. Casual dress. Varied fresh menu with Southern influence. Acclaimed chef. $$$$
Robert's of Charleston- Unique, intimate gourmet dining. Robert Dickson entertains with Broadway show tunes. 182 East Bay Street. 843-577-7565.
Papillion- 32 N. Market St. 843-723-6510.Familiar and specialty pizzas, pastas and salads. Lunch Buffet, family restaurant. $
Sticky Fingers- 235 Meeting St. 843-853-7427. Ribs and barbecue cooked over a hickory fire. family restaurant. $-$$
Jestine's Kitchen- 251 Meeting St. 843-722-7224. Southern American low country soul food cooking. $-$$
Hyman's Seafood Company & Restaurant- 215 Meeting St. 843-723-6000. Casual dress. Sandwiches and Fresh fish dishes. Popular with tourist arrive early for seating. $-$$
McCready's- 2 Unity Alley (Off E Bay St.) 843-853-8484. Casual dress. Varied seafood and meats in historic tavern. French American. $-$$$
Slightly North of Broad- 192 East Bay St. 843-723-3424. Southern innovative low country cooking. $$-$$$
Magnolias- 185 E. Bay St. 843-577-7771. Low Country entrees in original Customs House, Old Southern dishes with a twist. $$-$$$
Blossom Cafe- 171 E Bay St. 843-722-9200. Mediterranean-style cuisine. $$-$$$
Fulton Five- 5 Fulton St. 843-853-5555. Northern Italian, casual dress. $$-$$$
Garibaldi's- 49 S. Market St. 843-723-7153. Casual dress. Italian & seafood. $$-$$$
Poogan's Porch- 72 Queen St. 843-577-2337. Fresh seafood & Low Country Creole cuisine in old house. $$-$$$
82 Queen Restaurant- 82 Queen St. 843-723-7591. casual dress, historic Charleston house. Fresh seafood specialties. American $$$
The Library At Vendue- 23 Vendue Range. 843-723-0485. Semi-formal. Varied southern American menu. $$$
Restaurant Million- 2 Unity Alley (Off E Bay St.) 843-577-7472. Reservations required. Fine dining. French. $$$$
Saracen Restaurant- 141 E. Bay St. 843-723-6242. Casual dress. Continental. $$$ Charleston Area
California Dreaming- 1 Ashley Point Dr. 843-766-1644. American $$
Charleston Crab House- 145 Wappoo Creek Dr. 843-795-1963. Casual, on the Waterway, dockside dining. $$
Cicso's- 1114 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. 843-571-6441. Mexican. Casual family. $
Gillli's Steak & Rib Shack- 160 Main Rd. 843-763-1213. Casual, cook-you-own steak if desired. $$