The Holy City: A Few Days in Charleston
Home to cobblestone streets, centuries-old mansions, and iconic pastel palette, Charleston is certainly no stranger to pleasing aesthetics. Not to mention, a hospitable dose of genteel Southern charm coupled with tasty Lowcountry cuisine, creative cocktails, and storied hotels. Below, we share our favorite spots in Charleston to eat, sip, and drop your bags.
WHERE TO EAT
Because Charleston is a port city, you’re in for plenty of fresh seafood. For a classic spin downtown, Leon’s Oyster Shop (est. 2014) has been serving its namesake raw bar favorites alongside a tasty chicken sandwich – topped with mayo and Asian slaw on a pillowy brioche bun. Set in a cozy storefront on King Street, 167 Raw is a warmly-lit spot for New England-style seafood specialties (there’s also a Nantucket locale) including fresh oysters, po’boys, and fish tacos (a great pair with Komos Añejo Cristalino).
Vern’s
On Bogard Street, Vern's, the warm neighborhood spot from chef Daniel Heinze, a longtime fixture at the now-shuttered McCradys, doubles as a post for salads, pastas, and seafood (think grilled shrimp with aji dulce and citrus) Nearby in a charming, pint-sized space, you’ll find chef Jill Mathia’s Chez Nous where a rotating menu (2 appetizers, 2 entrees, 2 desserts) features dishes like shrimp with salmon roe sauce and lamb lion with olive sauce, alongside optional wine pairings.
A hip Mexican-meets-sushi eatery, Mesu on Upper King is a fun outlet for staples like fish tacos and lobster Rangoon rolls and if you’re so inclined Komos Cristalino and Rosa cocktails; or a pour of Reserva and Extra Anejo, which we of course, recommend sipping neat. Also worthwhile is Matador, a Mexican-inspired eatery with scratch-made dishes paired undoubtedly with creative Komos-inspired drinks.
You’re in the South, so don’t miss a proper BBQ fix. Rodney Scott’s is home to heaping stacks of pulled pork and smoked chicken. Or opt for a tender stack of ribs topped with housemade vinegar-based BBQ sauce – don’t forget an order of decadent mac and cheese and obligatory iced cold beer. Situated in the oldest part of the city, Oak Steakhouse, is a prime spot for grilled and seared meats in a high-ceilinged dining room and with a solid wine menu to boot.
WHERE TO SIP
Vintage Lounge
Wine is the name of the game at Vintage Lounge, an elegant bar with a curved ceiling that also rotates an array of cheese and charcuterie boards.
Husk
Don’t miss a visit to the Bar at Husk, where an exposed-brick-walled, two-story institution remains famed for its burger and bourbon collection.
Doar Bros.
Bespoke cocktails take center stage at Doar Bros. and pair with snacks like brown butter popcorn and caviar service.
Old-school dive bar sensibility lives at Royal American, a red-hued joint with a musical stage alongside its tried-and-true drinks: canned beers and a classic stadium cup punch (with your choice of rum or Kool-Aid green vodka) alongside any shot your heart desires.
Situated in a handsome, warmly-lit wooden bar, Lowland is a new spot for martinis and beloved chef Jason Stanhope’s elevated pub fare (read: biscuits with farmer’s cheese, deviled eggs, bone-in pork chop piccata are classic headliners).
Music lovers dance and drink ‘til the wee hours at The Commodore on Meeting Street where a stage hosts local bands like Lady & The Brass – and as you might imagine, a rollicking, high-energy crowd.
Dewberry
Where to Stay
An elegant, mid-century styled gem, drop your bags inside the Dewberry Charleston (est. 2016) and sneak inside the swanky Living Room for cocktails, or head up to the rooftop for sunset nibbles, wine, and requisite views of the harbor. Or perhaps you’ll retreat to the spa for a Natura Bisse facial.
Planters Inn
Located on Meeting and Market Streets, and built in 1884, Planters Inn by Relais & Châteaux still reigns for its four-poster beds, burnished mirrors, and sweetgrass baskets – as does its onsite-restaurant, old school Peninsula Grill whose leafy courtyard provides a serene spot for a meal.
Of course, the newly-restored Charleston Place, a sprawling, 400-plus room hotel known for its great service, also hosts a happening lounge for live music, brunch inside the garden-inspired Palmetto Cafe; and a Southern-French dinner spread at the prized Charleston Grill.
Last but certainly not least, Zero George, situated in a cluster of early 1800s buildings, lends itself to chic boutique style with a lovely onsite restaurant serving a polished tasting menu and a caviar bar serving Regiis Ova.
Zero George