Where To Eat: Charleston V01

Hi friends!

Those who know me know I am a self-proclaimed foodie and am always giving recommendations for my favorite restaurants, so I figured I would put together a guide of "Where to Eat" in my home town of Charleston, SC. Since I am always trying out new places and have so many favorites, there will definitely be a part two (and maybe even three) of "Where to Eat: Charleston" (hence this is only V01)! If you have any recommendations of your own, let me know, I'd love to try them out. Any-who, here are some of my personal favorites; whether you're a local or just passing through, you really can't go wrong eating at any of these incredible places.

XIAO BAO BISCUIT

224 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston

This is an excellent spot for locally prepared Asian food "inspired by kick-ass grandmothers everywhere," as described by the website. The menu changes seasonally, but my order stays the same. I recommend getting the Okonomiyaki* to start and the Som Tum with Chicken as an entree. Check out the full menu for yourself on their website here.

WOOD AND GRAIN

778 S Shelmore Blvd STE 102, Mt. Pleasant

Wood-fired pizza + raw local seafood all under one roof? Yes, Please! This is a go-to neighborhood spot for my family, and it never disappoints. I recommend getting a dozen oysters, the Opal Pizza, and the local wood-roasted mushrooms with baby kale salad. This is one of many great restaurants founded by Charleston native Chef Patrick Owens. Check out Wood & Grain's full menu and the other great restaurants from Chef Owens here.

FÉLIX COCKTAILS ET CUISINE

550 King Street, Charleston

Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, this French-inspired Cocktail bar is one of my and my boyfriend's favorite brunch spots. The interior is lovely and genuinely makes me feel as though I have just walked into a cafe in France. I recommend starting off with a Kir Royale and the Lobster Deviled Eggs, then you must try the Félix Benedict (as pictured). Check out the full menu here.

BASIC KITCHEN

82 Wentworth St. Charleston

I'm not sure what is better at Basic Kitchen, the food or the vibes, and as if it couldn't get any better, they just redid their back patio, which is dreamy, to say the least. I could eat at BK for every meal. The menu is just that good. I am always switching up my order here because there are so many healthy options, but my all-time favorites are the Cauli Wings, the Vegan Caesar ( I add grilled salmon), and the Good Burger. PS. If it brunch, order the Banana Bread! You won't regret it. Check out the BK full menu here + their other restaurant, The Post House, located in the Old Village, which I am eager to try out myself soon.

HOME TEAM BBQ

2209 Middle Street, Sullivans Island or 126 Williman Street, Charleston

While the first Home Team BBQ location is the West Ashley location, the downtown and SI locations have my heart. In all honestly, though, it does not matter which of the local joints you stop in to as long as you order the BBQ Nachos and Fiery Ron's Smoked Chicken Wings with extra Alabama white sauce, you will not be disappointed. If you aren't looking to completely pig-out, I recommend the Home Team Salad; it is equally as delicious. Check out the full menu of every location here.

OBSTINATE DAUGHTER

2063 Middle Street, Sullivans Island

OD truly has it all. One of my go-to spots for date night or celebrations. Not only is the food superb, but the restaurant also promotes sustainable practices when cultivating it's locally sourced dishes. My favorite dish here is the Farro with Chicken (pictured), but if I am in the mood for pizza, which I always am, I might also get The Old Danger Pizza. Check out the full menu here. If you save room for dessert, check out Beardcat's Gelato right underneath OD !

TRES PALMAS ACAI

700 South Shelmore Blvd Unit 101, Mt. Pleasant

The absolute SWEETEST people work here. The space feels like a little surf shack placed smack in the middle of Mount Pleasant. I order the Boujee Bowl, and it always cures my sweet tooth. Perfect spot for an Açaí bowl pick me up! Check out their menu here.

SANTI'S

1303 Meeting St, Charleston or 1471 Ben Sawyer Blvd, Mt. Pleasant

Arguably the most authentic Mexican food in the Charleston area, Santi's is THE spot. Not only is it the perfect place for drinks with friends (hellooo margarita pitchers,) but they also have the best free chips and salsa I have ever tasted. I can not stress enough how much I love this place. I order the steak Mexican Tacos (pictured). Check out the full menu here. Side note, I had Santi's cater to my brother's 21st birthday party, and it was amazing + super affordable.

KID CASHEW

1440 Ben Sawyer Suite 1400, Mt. Pleasant

So many awesome small plates for a tapas-style meal. This Mediterranean restaurant is located right before the Sullivans Island bridge in Mount Pleasant, making it the perfect spot before or after a beach day. My favorites on their menu are the Quinoa Stuffed Avocado, the Taziki and Hummus spreads, and the Meatball Au Poivre. Check out the full menu here.

FIVES LOAVES

1055 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mt. Pleasant

Voted best lunch in Charleston! Not only is this an excellent spot for lunch with their signature sandwiches, soups, and salads, but they also have an incredible dinner menu with affordable prices. My lunch order here is half of the Arugula salad and a cup of the Tomato Tarragon with Crab Meat soup. My dinner order is the Chicken Paillard, it is to die for omg. Usually, I try not to order sugary drinks when I eat out, but the sweet tea here is too good to pass up. Check out the full menu here.

MEX 1

2205 Middle Street, Sullivans Island

Three words. Banging' Shrimp Tacos. Order them, you will not regret it. Located on Sullivan's Island, this restaurant gives all the best surfer, beach-bum vibes while also providing the best tex-mex food in town. Check out the full menu and their other local locations here.

167 RAW

193 King Street, Charleston

My. Favorite. Restaurant. EVER. There is not one thing on this menu that I do not love. The Blueberry Basil Frozè is the best I've ever had, and I like to think of myself as a frozè connoisseur. The oysters, again, best I've ever had. However, the star of the show is the Lobster Roll. When it comes to 167, I recommend getting lots of different things and sharing. If you can, try to sit on the back patio, it's like a little tropical getaway in the heart of the city. Check out the full menu here.

COASTAL CRUST

219 Simmons Street, Mt. Pleasant

A very fun, local spot near the Old Village in Mount Pleasant, serving wood-fired pizzas, insalatas, and antipastos. The food is fantastic, and so is the unique outdoor atmosphere. Whether you're looking to pick up or eat there, I recommend ordering the Fig & Prosciutto Pizza and the Coastal Ceasar. I mean, who doesn't love a modern twist on the perfect pizza and Caesar salad duo? Check out the rest of their menu here.

LEON'S FINE POULTRY & OYSTERS

698 King Street, Charleston

Do yourself a favor and get the frozen gin and tonic. I've never had anything like it, and I am obsessed. Not only is the frozen G&T amazing, but Leon's has one of the, if not the best-fried chicken sandwich I have ever tasted. It comes with fresh cucumber salad, which accompanies it perfectly and doesn't leave you feeling too full after devouring the star of the show (the sandwich obvi). Being a poultry AND oyster shop, I can't disregard the fantastic seafood options on their menu as well; check them out here.

LOCALS

1150 Queensborough Blvd, Unit B, Mt. Pleasant

While being a casual "Sushi Sport's Pub," the food is anything but casual. Locals is home to some of the most unique and delicious sushi you can get in Charleston. They also have awesome happy hour deals and live music on the patio. My favorite roll from here is the Competition 2012 Roll. Check out the full menu and the West Ashley location here.

HURIYALI

401 Huger Street, Charleston

Huriyali is the perfect spot for a laid-back breakfast or lunch. I love the avocado toast and my boyfriend, Kyle, who was initially against all healthy options, *enter eye-roll here* says that the breakfast sandwich is actually one of his all-time favorites. The back patio feels so chill like you're just hanging out in one of your friend's perfectly casual backyards. Check out the full menu here.

I still have so many recommendations for Where To Eat in Charleston, so if you liked this guide, let me know, and I can make more! Something really great about all the options is that they are offering take-out orders, and most have created outdoor-seating for customers during the pandemic. It is important now more than ever to eat local and support your neighborhood restaurants. Let me know if you try out any of the places listed; I'd love to know what you think!

If you or your business are interested in collaborating with The Ecovi Edit, please email me at elizabethacovington3@gmail.com .

Don't forget to subscribe to my website on the About Page to keep up with posts! Thanks for reading.

XoXo

- Ecovi