What to Do in Charleston
This list was compiled from Charleston City Paper's readers' and editors' top picks.
Restaurants
39 Rue De Jean
(French, Bar)
39 John St. Charleston SC
(843) 722-8881
(843) 722-8881
Only went in for the mussels, but they were out of this world good. Bacon and Blue cheese with lots of bread to sop up the love.
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Al di La
(Italian, Bar)
25 Magnolia Road Charleston SC
(843) 571-2321
(843) 571-2321
Al Di La - What a great time. My boyfriend and I went to Al Di La this New Years Eve and had dinner. We were greeted at the door by (what I later learned was) the owner of the
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Alluette's Café
(Cafés, Vegetarian + Organic, Restaurants + Bars)
80A Reid St Charleston SC
(843) 577-6926
(843) 577-6926
Carolina's
(New Southern, Bar)
10 Exchange St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 724-3800
(843) 724-3800
We loved the food. We had the spring tasting menu. Chef Jill's choices for our 5 course meal. A complete surprise until the food gets to your table. Such a delicious and fun way to taste the cuisine.
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Charleston Grill
(Modern American)
224 King St. Charleston SC
(843) 577-4522
(843) 577-4522
WoW, need I say more, Two apps and two entrees for around $50, we enjoyed the Amberjack which was AWESOME and the Halabat which lacked seasoning (compared to the Amberjack) but the buttery sauce was great on the potatoes, and
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Coast
(Seafood, Bar)
39-D John St. Charleston SC
(843) 722-8838
(843) 722-8838
Always a great meal at Coast, the interior and outside dining areas are fun and really well done. Its a great place to go with a small group, service is excellent. Its def. on the high side with prices, but
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Dunleavy's Pub
(Bar, Music Venue, English + Irish)
2213-A Middle St. Sullivans Island SC
(843) 883-9646
(843) 883-9646
EVO
(Pizza, Music Venue)
1075 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston SC
(843) 225-1796
(843) 225-1796
Fresh, local ingredients really do make the food taste better. Great for lunch and happy hour!
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Gene's Haufbrau
(Bar, Music Venue, Pubs + Taverns)
817 Savannah Hwy. Charleston SC
(843) 225-4363
(843) 225-4363
Nice bar with friendly people and a large beer selection, but there are too few pool tables and dart boards. I think that there should be a time limit on games.
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Henry's House
(Bar, Music Venue, Pubs + Taverns)
54 N. Market St. Charleston SC
(843) 723-4363
(843) 723-4363
(Actualy 3.5 stars, see below about the fish tacos.) We visited your fine Southern city from the frozen North last weekend, were turned away from Hank's on Saturday night (no tables until a quarter of 9pm) and rather than take
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Hyman's Seafood
(Seafood)
215 Meeting St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 723-6000
(843) 723-6000
went there for the first time. Excelent food, good portions, very fresh, good service and a very intersting atmosphere. definately recommend it.
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Madra Rua
(English + Irish, Bar, Music Venue, Sports Bar)
1034 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston SC
(843) 554-2522
(843) 554-2522
Great place for a pint o' beer... good atmosphere for hanging with friends (4+ stars). The food is good, but not wow, fairly typical (3 stars).
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Monza
(Pizza)
451 King St. Charleston SC
(843) 720-8787
(843) 720-8787
DELICIOUS and FRESH. If you can not be pickie for one night than it's perfect. No additions no substitutions on the menu. Very innovative style pizzas.
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Morgan Creek Grill
(Seafood, Bar, Music Venue)
80 41st Ave. Isle of Palms SC
(843) 886-8980
(843) 886-8980
Peninsula Grill
(New Southern)
112 N. Market St. Charleston SC
(843) 723-0700
(843) 723-0700
Consistently the Best. Best Food, Service and Wine. The desserts are fabulous-always. Have never had a bad meal or experience in over 10 years. Not once, wish I could say that about others here but I can't. I travel between
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Poe's Tavern
(Pubs + Taverns, Bar, Music Venue)
2210 Middle St. Sullivans Island SC
(843) 883-0083
(843) 883-0083
the best place at the beach.
Republic Reign Garden and Lounge
(Cocktail Bar)
462 King St. Charleston SC
(843) 724-7400
(843) 724-7400
Sesame Burgers & Beer
(Burgers)
2070 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. Charleston SC
(843) 766-7770
(843) 766-7770
Consistenly good burgers and every topping you could imagine using Meyers Farm fresh ground beef (had to ask my gf what the name of the farm was). Been going there for the better part of 2 years. Ask them about
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Snapper Jack's
(Bar, Music Venue, American)
14 Center St. Folly Beach SC
(843) 588-2362
(843) 588-2362
Love Snappers. I go every time I'm on Folly. The only place to be.
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Stars Restaurant Rooftop and Grill Room
(Modern American)
495 King St. Charleston SC
(843) 577-0100
(843) 577-0100
Great food, diverse menu. Really great prices as well - beautiful rooftop bar.
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Surf Bar
(Bar, Music Venue, Pubs + Taverns)
103 W. Cooper Ave. Charleston South Carolina
843-588-2009
843-588-2009
The Bar at Husk
(Cocktail Bar)
72 Queen St. Charleston SC
(843) 577-2500
(843) 577-2500
The Boathouse at Breach Inlet
(Seafood, Bar)
101 Palm Blvd. Isle of Palms SC
(843) 886-8000
(843) 886-8000
Excellent and consistant food
The Library Restaurant at Vendue Inn
(New Southern)
19 Vendue Range Charleston South Carolina
(843) 577-7970
(843) 577-7970
The Ordinary
(Seafood)
544 King St. Charleston SC
(843) 414-7060
(843) 414-7060
We went in March and everything was absolutely spectacular. The swordfish was the best preparation of fish I've ever had. Went with my parents and a friend, and the bill was totally appropriate for what we ordered (plenty of food
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Local Food
The Green Door
(Local Foods, Fusion + Eclectic)
251 East Bay St. Charleston SC
(843) 754-9914
(843) 754-9914
Unique place with excellent food!!!
Bars + Clubs
A.C.'s Bar and Grill
(Pubs + Taverns, Bar, Music Venue)
467 King St. Charleston SC
(843) 577-6742
(843) 577-6742
Sometimes overly crowded. Doesn't stop me from going. Can't beat the champaign list.
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Acme Lowcountry Kitchen
(Seafood, Bar, Music Venue)
31 J. C. Long Blvd. Isle of Palms SC
(843) 886-0024
(843) 886-0024
Once again I have got up and Said to My Lady lets go get some Good Eats. So I pack a small over night bag and place it in the car for a 13hr drive to get some of the
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Al di La
(Italian, Bar)
25 Magnolia Road Charleston SC
(843) 571-2321
(843) 571-2321
Absolutley wonderful service and food! Our waiter was knowledgable about the menu and very pleasant. The place is hopping!
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Art's Bar & Grill
(Pubs + Taverns, Bar, Karaoke, Music Venue, Open Mic, Sports Bar)
413 Coleman Blvd. Mt Pleasant SC
(843) 849-3040
(843) 849-3040
All you can eat local oysters on Sundays. $10. Yes.
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Blu Restaurant & Bar
(Seafood, Music Venue, Restaurants + Bars)
1 Center St. Folly Beach SC
(843) 588-6658
(843) 588-6658
I have eaten at Blu several times and it is always great! Personally, I love the pepper seared tuna and it is one of my favorites on the sharing menu so I guess that's a matter of taste. The artful
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Carolina's
(New Southern, Bar)
10 Exchange St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 724-3800
(843) 724-3800
I love this place for happy hour or dinner. For happy hour you really can't beat their french fries with parmesan & truffle oil...plus 1/2 price bar menu & drinks. LOVE it!!
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Circular Congregational Church
(Church, Music Venue)
150 Meeting St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 577-6400
(843) 577-6400
Family Circle Tennis Center
(Music Venue, Sports Venue)
161 Seven Farms Drive Charleston South Carolina
(843) 849-5300
(843) 849-5300
Fiery Ron's Home Team BBQ
(Bar, Barbecue, Music Venue)
2209 Middle St. Sullivan's Island SC
(843) 883-3131
(843) 883-3131
Fiery Ron's Home Team BBQ
(Barbecue, Bar, Music Venue)
1205 Ashley River Road Charleston SC
(843) 225-7427
(843) 225-7427
Great for catering also!! Catered our wedding at Folly, their catering director Hope is a true doll, very knowledgeable, and extremely nice!! Highly reccomend!!
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FIG
(Modern American, Music Venue)
232 Meeting St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 805-5900
(843) 805-5900
Shouldn't winning a James Beard Award get you to the top of the review list?
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Gaillard Municipal Auditorium
(General Location, Music Venue)
77 Calhoun St. Charleston SC
(843) 577-7400
(843) 577-7400
Gene's Haufbrau
(Bar, Music Venue, Pubs + Taverns)
817 Savannah Hwy. Charleston SC
(843) 225-4363
(843) 225-4363
Nice bar with friendly people and a large beer selection, but there are too few pool tables and dart boards. I think that there should be a time limit on games.
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Halls Chophouse
(Steakhouse, Music Venue)
434 King St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 727-0090
(843) 727-0090
Sorry, I don't see a problem with being treated warmly and graciously. We had a group dinner on Thanksgiving evening, the place was packed, and we all had one of best dinners we've ever had. My husband is a steak
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Joseph P. Riley Jr. Stadium
(General Location, Music Venue, Sports Venue)
360 Fishburne St. Charleston South Carolina
Madra Rua
(English + Irish, Bar, Music Venue, Sports Bar)
1034 E. Montague Ave. North Charleston SC
(843) 554-2522
(843) 554-2522
Great place for a pint o' beer... good atmosphere for hanging with friends (4+ stars). The food is good, but not wow, fairly typical (3 stars).
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Midtown Bar & Grill
(Bar, Music Venue, New Southern)
559 King St. Charleston SC
(843) 737-4284
(843) 737-4284
I could live off the boiled peanut hummus, what a fabulous idea! The chicken salad is a must; the BBQ amazing, and the brunch chimichanga is off the chain! Once you hit your mid-twenties it is hard to find a
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Monster Music & Movies
(Music Venue, Store)
946 Orleans Rd. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 571-4657
(843) 571-4657
Nice to find, friendly, accommodating, huge selections all types of music... and even used CD DVD and VCR sections. They'll order what you can't find.
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Morgan Creek Grill
(Seafood, Bar, Music Venue)
80 41st Ave. Isle of Palms SC
(843) 886-8980
(843) 886-8980
Snapper Jack's
(Bar, Music Venue, American)
14 Center St. Folly Beach SC
(843) 588-2362
(843) 588-2362
Love Snappers. I go every time I'm on Folly. The only place to be.
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Social
(Wine Bar, Bar, Restaurants + Bars)
188 East Bay St. Charleston SC
(843) 577-5665
(843) 577-5665
Very sophisticated and upscale without being snobby. The service is great with a great selection for drinks and food. I always have a good time here. Check out the info pages because they have themes (like little black dress night)
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Southend Brewery & Smokehouse
(Bar, Music Venue, American)
161 East Bay St. Charleston SC
(843) 853-4677
(843) 853-4677
The Pour House
(Bar, Music Venue, Dance Club)
1977 Maybank Hwy. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 571-4343
(843) 571-4343
Best atmosphere for a music venue in town and continues to bring in top notch acts for a very good price. The deck may be my favorite bar in town
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The Tin Roof
(Hot Dog Joints, Bar, Music Venue)
1117 Magnolia Road Charleston SC
(843) 571-0775
(843) 571-0775
These guys will rock your face!! Great music. Buy their CD!
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Theatre 99
(Music Venue, Theatre)
280 Meeting St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 853-6687
(843) 853-6687
Awesome, Love it , it's great.
Arts
American Theater
(Music Venue, Theatre)
446 King St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 722-3456
(843) 722-3456
Brilliant cast, funny performance.
Charleston Ballet Theatre
(Theatre)
617 Johnny Dodds Blvd. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 723-7334
(843) 723-7334
Charleston Museum
(Museum)
360 Meeting St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 722-2296
(843) 722-2296
City Gallery at Waterfront Park
(Gallery)
34 Prioleau St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 958-6484
(843) 958-6484
Corrigan Gallery
(Gallery)
62 Queen St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 722-9868
(843) 722-9868
Dock Street Theatre
(Theatre)
135 Church St. Charleston SC
(843) 720-3968
(843) 720-3968
54 St. Philip St. Charleston SC
843-953-5604
843-953-5604
Eye Level Art Warehouse Gallery
(Gallery)
2143 Heriot St. Suite F Charleston South Carolina
(843) 425-3576
(843) 425-3576
Eye Level Art: 103
(Gallery, Music Venue)
103 Spring St. Charleston SC
(843) 425-3576
(843) 425-3576
Superb in every way.
Fort Sumter
(Attraction, Museum)
Charleston Harbor Charleston SC
(843) 883-3123
(843) 883-3123
Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art
(Gallery)
161 Calhoun St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 953-4422
(843) 953-4422
Med Bistro
(American, Bar, Gallery, Music Venue)
90 Folly Road Blvd. Charleston SC
(843) 766-0323
(843) 766-0323
Good food. Cool atmosphere
Memminger Auditorium
(Theatre)
56 Beaufain Street Charleston SC
The Groundhog Day Benefit Concert for the Halsey Institute featuring The Opposite of a Train was my first performance at Memminger Auditorium. I feel the hall has a nice resonance and an intimate yet spacious feel. I'm looking forward to
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North Charleston Performing Arts Center
(Music Venue, Theatre)
5001 Coliseum Dr. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 529-5050
(843) 529-5050
Powder Magazine Museum
(Museum)
79 Cumberland St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 722-9350
(843) 722-9350
Sailing on the high seas takes a dedicated and seasoned sailor. Thank you to the crew and her captain for bringing her to Charleston.
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PURE Theatre
(Theatre)
477 King St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 723-4444
(843) 723-4444
LOVED PURE Theatre's Waffle Haus Christmas! Run, don't walk, and see it before the play closes!
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Robert Lange Studios
(Gallery)
2 Queen St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 805-8052
(843) 805-8052
Best art in town...
Sottile Theatre
(Theatre)
44 George St. Charleston SC
(843) 953-6340
(843) 953-6340
As good and as fun (and as offensive and as sexist -- as only Mel Brooks can get away with) as the Broadway show. The actors are all incredible (but 'Max', 'Bloom', 'Uma' and exceptionally funny 'Roger' deserve special note);
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Spark Studios and Gallery
(Gallery)
12 Hagood Ave. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 577-6906
(843) 577-6906
The Art Institute of Charleston
(Gallery)
24 N. Market St. Charleston South Carolina
Theatre 220, Simons Center for the Arts
(Theatre)
54 St. Philip St. Charleston South Carolina
Theatre 99
(Music Venue, Theatre)
280 Meeting St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 853-6687
(843) 853-6687
Awesome, Love it , it's great.
Village Playhouse
(Theatre)
730 Coleman Blvd. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 856-1579
(843) 856-1579
Entertainment
Carolina Ice Palace
(Sports Venue)
7665 Northwoods Blvd Charleston South Carolina
(843) 572-2717
(843) 572-2717
Cinebarre
(Movie Theater)
963 Houston-Northcutt Boulevard Mount Pleasant SC
(843)884-7885
(843)884-7885
Citadel Mall Stadium 16 with IMAX
(Movie Theater)
2072 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. Charleston SC
(843) 556-4629
(843) 556-4629
I've been about 5-6 times and have always had a good experience. You aren't paying $2 "for the glasses", you are paying extra for the advanced technology and the fact that you are watching it in 3D is worth the
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Coastal Carolina Fair
(Attraction, Music Venue)
Exchange Park, Hwy. 78 Charleston South Carolina
(843) 572-3161
(843) 572-3161
Sooooo much fun
Family Circle Tennis Center
(Music Venue, Sports Venue)
161 Seven Farms Drive Charleston South Carolina
(843) 849-5300
(843) 849-5300
Fort Moultrie
(Attraction, General Location)
1214 Middle St. Charleston South Carolina
Fort Sumter
(Attraction, Museum)
Charleston Harbor Charleston SC
(843) 883-3123
(843) 883-3123
James Island County Park
(Attraction)
871 Riverland Dr. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 795-4FUN (4386)
(843) 795-4FUN (4386)
Joseph P. Riley Jr. Stadium
(General Location, Music Venue, Sports Venue)
360 Fishburne St. Charleston South Carolina
Old City Jail
(Attraction, General Location)
21 Magazine St. Charleston South Carolina
S.C. Aquarium
(Attraction)
100 Aquarium Wharf Charleston South Carolina
(843) 720-1990
(843) 720-1990
Terrace Theatre
(Movie Theater)
1956 Maybank Highway Charleston SC
(843)762-9494
(843)762-9494
The Battery
(Attraction)
East Battery Street & Murray Blvd. Charleston South Carolina
Best in Green
Alluette's Café
(Cafés, Vegetarian + Organic, Restaurants + Bars)
80A Reid St Charleston SC
(843) 577-6926
(843) 577-6926
Blu Restaurant & Bar
(Seafood, Music Venue, Restaurants + Bars)
1 Center St. Folly Beach SC
(843) 588-6658
(843) 588-6658
A group of us went to Blu last week to try it out for the first time. The rennovations at the Holiday Inn are great. The Blu dining room is huge, which was expected because it is in a hotel.
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Social
(Wine Bar, Bar, Restaurants + Bars)
188 East Bay St. Charleston SC
(843) 577-5665
(843) 577-5665
Very sophisticated and upscale without being snobby. The service is great with a great selection for drinks and food. I always have a good time here. Check out the info pages because they have themes (like little black dress night)
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General
Charleston Beer Exchange
(Store)
14 Exchange St. Charleston SC
(843) 577-5446
(843) 577-5446
My only problem with CBX is that it's not located closer to me, which is probably a good thing or I'd spend most of my paycheck there. I love that place and I don't understand the "jerks" comment - every
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Fort Moultrie
(Attraction, General Location)
1214 Middle St. Charleston South Carolina
Freshfields Village
(Store)
149 Village Green Lane Johns Island South Carolina
(843) 768-6491
(843) 768-6491
Gaillard Municipal Auditorium
(General Location, Music Venue)
77 Calhoun St. Charleston SC
(843) 577-7400
(843) 577-7400
Generation XXX
(Store)
7219-A Cross County Road Charleston SC
(843) 552-9700
(843) 552-9700
Joseph P. Riley Jr. Stadium
(General Location, Music Venue, Sports Venue)
360 Fishburne St. Charleston South Carolina
Monster Music & Movies
(Music Venue, Store)
946 Orleans Rd. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 571-4657
(843) 571-4657
Nice to find, friendly, accommodating, huge selections all types of music... and even used CD DVD and VCR sections. They'll order what you can't find.
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North Charleston Coliseum
(Music Venue, General Location)
5001 Coliseum Drive Charleston South Carolina
(843) 529-5050
(843) 529-5050
Saw this on opening night. Definitely as good as I remember Cirque being
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Old City Jail
(Attraction, General Location)
21 Magazine St. Charleston South Carolina
40 Patriots Point Road Charleston South Carolina
Tomato Shed Cafe
(Southern, Store)
842 Main Road Charleston South Carolina
(843) 559-9999
(843) 559-9999
Just "discovered" this place last weekend & had lunch, my wife is now teaching school in that area. Unreal. Best crab cake (sandwich) I've had in my life (I've had a lot), excellent cuke/tomato/onion salad, and water/tea/lemonade for $7. Ended
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Community
Circular Congregational Church
(Church, Music Venue)
150 Meeting St. Charleston South Carolina
(843) 577-6400
(843) 577-6400
St. Michael's Episcopal Church
(Church)
71 Broad St. Charleston South Carolina
St. Philip's Church
(Church)
142 Church Street Charleston SC
(843) 722-7734
(843) 722-7734
